Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 8: Konosuba Inferno (chapters 37-?)

37. A8: Prologo, Canto 1-7

AN: Here we are finally at the arc I came up with back in June that led me to alter how I had originally planned on ending Arc 7, giving it the ending it currently has. This is also the first arc of this story that isn't based on anything that happened either in the anima or from the Light Novels.

You may notice when reading this that it seems to be written just like any other chapter before, which will be strange seeing as I said last chapter that I may be trying something different with this arc. Originally, I was going to do something different in that I was going to write this arc in a manner similar to that on how Dante Alighieri had written his Divine Comedy, which included Inferno.

In other words, I was going to write it in the form of an epic poem, to a degree. I actually had the first two parts written in that form and I felt I was doing pretty good too. But then I got cold feet on that idea which ultimately led me to scrap those plans and revert to writing it in the usual style you are all familiar with. Basically, I was worried that sudden style shift would turn people off from reading the arc.

That said, what I did write in the epic poem like style does still exist. If there's enough interest in reading the first chapter in that form, if not the entire arc in that form, then maybe one day when time permits, I'll go back and continue working on/finishing that version of arc 8 to see if it would have not only worked but been popular.

Finally, don't be surprised if this arc ends up only being four chapters long. Based on what I covered and what else I planned on doing/revealing in this arc, it looks like it may only need four chapters total though that could change. I'll know soon enough as will you all. Anyways, time to walk through a dark forest...

{|} Arc 8: Konosuba Inferno {|}

{|} Prologo: Exile's Sickness {|}

The boy opened his eyes and gazed up at the sky above him. Instead, it wasn't a sky he was looking at. Not really as he was instead looking up at a stone ceiling, with a rather sizable hole in it that showed a most strange sight indeed.

A swirling of clouds and energy which would make one think it was a barrier of some kind. He couldn't be sure exactly but that was the description his mind came up with as an explanation, so he decided to just shrug and go with it. Now, his thoughts moved on to the next topic at hand.

Just where the heck was he anyways?

He looked to his left then to his right. He even tilted his head upwards just enough to spy around his feet before shifting his position to look at what lay just past his head. From what he could make out, it appeared to be a stone coffin of some kind he was currently in He settles back to gazing up at the sky for a moment before saying quietly to himself-

"Where am I? And why am I laying inside some stone coffin?"

"I was wondering that as well, stranger."

The voice that had followed his was high pitched and screechy in its sound. Before the boy could take action to sit up and see what could have made such a voice, a rather large and freakish looking head popped into view.

The creature was a odd one, to be sure. Having a big head with thin, almost stretched out to the limit skin. A small mouth lined with pointed teeth, no nose, large pupil-less eyes, and pointed ears that seemed as big as its head that stuck out a good ways too.

"What are you doing inside Glorchoks bed? He'll be most upset should he find you in there when he gets back."

it asked the boy, little beads of spit shooting out of its mouth onto the boy as it talks.

"I don't know. I don't know where it is I am. How it is I came here. All I can remember is waking up in here and seeing the hole in the ceiling."

"Hole in the...?"

The creature turns its gaze upwards, seeing the nice sized hole above us which makes it whistle out an impressed sounding sound. At least, it sounded like a whistle. The boy finally decides to sit up, even getting out of the stone coffin. As he was doing this, he finally takes notice of an important detail.

He was naked, sort of. While there was no sign of any physical clothing on his person, there was this strange blueish colored light in place of clothing. In particular, the light around his crotch area was especially bright, hiding any type of physical detail from being seen by anyone, even himself it seemed.

"Wow, now that's one nice looking skylight you made there, buddy. Between you and me, I think it's a great improvement to this dreary place. Doubt Glorchoks will feel the same. Unless you're wanting a serious beating, I suggest you get yourself as far away from here as possible."

"I guess I should but... where do you think I should go? Just where am I anyways?"

The creature gives me a confused look, tilting its head to one side as it studies me for a second.

"Where are you? Surely, you must already know the answer to that by now. I mean, even if you were confused upon arriving, I would think a meeting with old man Midas would have clued you in before he... wait?"

The creature moves closer to me, making me a little nervous here. Its eyes stay locked onto me for a few moments, studying my chest before a look of realization comes over him.

"Oh, I get it now. You aren't even supposed to be here, are you. It looks like you were the unfortunate victim of some dark ritual or something. If I had to guess, someone with an especially evil soul must have done a forced body swap with you with your soul likely being cast down here as a form of payment or something."

"Huh, really? What makes you say that?"

The creature's response is to point at my chest using a long ragged looking finger.

"If you look carefully, you can just make out an hexagonal shape right here. And within that, the symbol of a chain. That means your soul is still somehow connected to your living body. Perhaps the method used on you was faulty or something happened to interfere with it being a full success."

I look down at my chest, putting all my focus into searching for what I was told was there. It took a few moments, but it finally started to become visible to me within the light that was covering me. I then say absentmindedly to myself.

"I see. But then how did this happen to me? I don't remember anything before waking up here."

"Probably because you're suffering from Exile's Sickness."

"Exile's Sickness?"

"Oh, nothing too big or serious really. When someone is sent down here against their will, when they aren't actually supposed to be sent down here, the trauma brought on by the event can cause short term memory loss within the poor unfortunate soul. Don't worry though. Just give it a few hours here, a day or two at the most, and those pesky yet cherished memories will come racing back to you... I think."

"Really, that's good to know."

'I hope it doesn't take to long here as I can't help in my memory loss, there was something of particular importance I was forgetting. Something that I needed to do and do quickly at that.'

"So, are you sure you can't remember anything? Not even a name I can call you by."

'A name? Did I have a name? Yes, I did have one... I think it was...'

"Kazuma, I think my name is Kazuma. At least that's the word that comes into my mind when I ask myself that question."

The creature smiles a smile that looked rather intimidating to look at.

"That's good to know. Means your memory could already be working its way back into being here. Now, what do you say we get out of here."

Kazuma nods his head in agreement before exiting the stone coffin. Once he was out, he looks at the creature and asks-

"So, what happens now? If I'm not even supposed to be here in this place, then how do I get back home? And also, what is your name?"

"My name? Oh, you can call me Creezach. As for what happens now. Why, let's see if we can get you back home, of course. If you'll come with me, I'll take you to see this guy I know that might be able to help you out here."

"Really, he can get me back into my body?"

Creezach shakes his head then says-

"Well, he can't do it himself; for reasons that pertain to limitations in what actions beings like ourselves have access too. But what he CAN do here is get in contact with those stuck-up Primadona's up there in Heaven and alert them to your plight. Assuming there was no clerical error made with you and that you actually aren't meant to be down here with us, they'll send someone to come fetch you and see you back to where you belong quicker than you can say 'boiling lake of blood' here."

'Really, that's good to hear if true.'

Creezach leads Kazuma out of the structure they were both in, out into a large, distorted world beyond. Kazuma could only stare on as he asks-

"By the way, just where are we, anyways?"

"Where are... oh yeah, your head isn't all here right now, is it. This here is the bottom of the food chain, my friend. Welcome to Perdition, specifically the sixth realm; the Heresy City territory to be more exact. Anyways, lets hurry along now. I'll give you the scenic tour as we head to meet that guy I was telling you about."

Kazuma nods as he begins to follow Creezach. As he goes, a sudden pulse passes through, making him wince just a little. It was because of this that he first took notice of a little detail he hadn't noticed before.

His hands and lower arms had this strange crack like marks upon the surface, with an occasional pulse of light shining through the cracks. He didn't know why but seeing this made his feel very nervous.

{|} Canto 1: Before the Descent {|}

In order to save Kazuma, the girls would need to take a little trip down into Hell, or so Ego claimed.

[C] "Are you sure about that; about us needing to go down into Hell of all places? I mean, why would Kazuma's soul be down there."

[L] "Sure, he isn't some paragon of virtue or something but he's also not so bad as to deserve a fate such as that."

[D] "How do you know he's down there, Ego?"

[E] "It's because of the manner in which his soul was taken from his body."

"What do you mean (x3)?"

The three asked, getting Chris to answer in Ego's place.

"The Divine Relic Aldarp used to switch bodies with Kazuma... when I place my hand on it, I can detect the faint touch of a devil's power within the relic. Aldarp would likely need to do this in order to keep his actions secret."

Cielo reaches out and touches the relic, tracing a finger over it while saying-

"I think I can feel it as well. There's definitely trace amounts of arcana present within this item."

[D] "I don't understand though. What purpose would Aldarp have to add some arcana to the relic."

[Chr] "Simple, if the body that houses the soul that rightfully belongs to the body you just stole is killed, that soul would naturally pass into the afterlife. That, of course, means it would find itself appearing before the goddess Eris who would become aware of the situation immediately. To avoid that unwanted outcome, the soul would need to be forcible redirected to another place and that would naturally be down into Hell. If it was sent to Purgatory, the heavenly host would end up finding out what was happening eventually, even if it takes a fair bit of time."

"That makes sense. (x2)"

said Darkness and Cielo together. Lynn then asks-

"You just made mentioned of someplace about a 'Purgatory.' What's the deal with that place?"

"Who cares about all that. We can talk about that pointless stuff another time. Hurry up and tell us how to get down into Hell and how we're going to find Kazuma already."

yelled Megumin, the anger and impatience in her voice making the others jump in surprise before they scratch the back of their heads as they actually had forgotten that they were on a time limit here. They all then turn their attention back to Ego, who was quietly waiting on them to ask that very question.

"Very well. As I said before, you will need to take a little trip down into Hell in order to rescue Kazuma's soul and see it returned to his body personally. In truth, with that man's invading soul currently being absent, his soul should have naturally been summoned back already, but..."

[L] "But?"

[E] "I believe both Kazuma and Aldarp, who's soul is also currently down in Hell due to the Lich curse lashing out in retaliation to his unwanted invasion, both still maintain a connection to this vessel. Because of this conflict, this... property dispute if you will, neither can naturally return and claim ownership over this body until the connection the other has to it has been shattered."

[L] "So, does that mean we'll also need to find Aldarp's soul as well and break his forced connection to Kazuma's body in addition to finding Kazuma's soul."

Surprisingly, it was Chris who answers that question by saying-

"Luckily no. Kazuma is the rightful owner of this body, seeing as it was HIS soul that was present at birth. All that will be needed done here is to find Kazuma's soul and bring it back. The moment his soul has been returned, Aldarp's false connection will automatically be severed, and he will become a permanent resident of Hell, seeing as his sinful life has pretty much insured that Hell was always his destined fate."

[M] "Good to know. Now, how are WE getting down there and how do we go about finding Kazuma's soul?"

To answer the question, Ego snaps her fingers which makes a floating image of a series of rings appear in the air over Kazuma's body. Nine rings in total. Ego then says-

"Here in a few minutes, I will be opening a 'special' gate for you all to step through that will allow you to enter the outer edges of Hell. In addition to that, you will find your physical bodies being turned into new temporary spirit bodies which will make it easier for you all to get around Hell as if you maintained your normal mortal bodies, the sheer amount of arcana exposure would kill you before you could even make it through the first ring of Hell."

[L] "Why are we being sent to the outer most ring? Is that where Kazuma's soul is at?"

[E] "That would be nice if that ends up being the case, wouldn't it. Truth told; I have no idea where in Hell Kazuma's soul is currently located at. But I do know who it is you can ask to find out."

[Chr] "You're speaking of Judge Midas, aren't you?"

Ego nods which makes the others look at Chris. Darkness then asks-

"How do you know something like that, Chris? In fact, how do you know so much about any of this already? Seriously, just who are you?"

"I..."

Ego clears her throat, making everyone look back at her.

"There is a time and place for such questions and now isn't that time. Now, listen closely all of you for what I'm about to say is very important here. First, upon arriving, you will find that you've undergone a bit of a transformation, in line with the conversion of your bodies into a spirit form."

[C] "What kind of a transformation?"

"I can't be sure exactly myself. All I can say is that you'll be turned into a form that will be the most effective at fulfilling your individual roles while down there. Lynn, you will be a warning alarm of a sort. Your job will be to sense the incoming threats of the locals and keep everyone safe. While the denizens of Hell are surprisingly friendly... sort of, you'll still want to play it safe as many can be pranksters or simply following their base natures without meaning to be problem children."

"Darkness, you'll be the shield that protects the others from the more aggressive locals, obviously. Cielo's job will be to occasionally purify all of you of the arcana build up you'll naturally experience while down there, thanks to a special power the portal will give her for your time down there."

[L] "I though you said the reason for us being converted into spirit form was so that the arcana exposure wouldn't be an issue."

"That's correct. If you went in as you are, you would all be either dead or transformed into demons within an hour or two after arriving. But being turned into spirit beings won't make you immune to that danger, just slow it down considerably. You'll still need to be purified every few hours to avoid any health issues. Also, the purification power works well with scaring off the locals so there's that too."

[M] "And me? What's MY specific role for when we're down there?"

"Yours... is the most important one, Megumin. I'm unsure if you know this or not but you and Kazuma have a very special connection to one another, have always been connected to each other. The red thread of fate links your soul and his together; has always since the beginning. Because of this, you are the compass that will lead the others straight to him. Follow your instincts and follow that crimson thread of fate to where he is."

Megumin places a hand over her heart at hearing those words. Yes, she had always thought that; that her meeting with Kazuma that day had been more than chance. That there had been something greater at work there. To think it could have been something like that though. Perhaps that was why she found it so easy to trust him, to want to stay by his side, to... love him as much as she does.

[E] "Now, after you pass through the entry gate, you will find yourself entering the first ring, also known as the Limbo Woods; the domain of the archduke devil, Maxwell."

[D] "Wait, you mean the devil that has been aiding Aldarp is the ruler of the first area we have to pass though?"

[C] "Then that has to mean both Kazuma and Aldarp's souls are there, right?"

[E] "That I cannot say for any certainty. I also can't say if Maxwell will attempt to impede your trip through those woods in order to reach Judge Midas. What I do know is that you should be careful as the Limbo Woods are home to Maxwell's loyal minions. For the most part, his demon followers won't be an issue but there are a few that might be troublesome if you encounter them."

Ego then snaps her fingers again, making a rather cute looking gooey blob creature appear in the air. Looking no bigger than a puppy or kitten, the creature looked like it had been born from jelly.

"This is a minor demon called a Memory Eater. They like to hang out in the trees within the Limbo Wood. You'll want to avoid having these things get onto your head because, as their name implies, they will 'eat' the memories of all they touch and the only way to get those memories back is to kill them. Luckily, they are slow moving so that shouldn't be too big an issue. Still, wouldn't want them to touch me to begin with if only because they can really ruin a good hair day for a person."

"Next we have these; creatures called Form Shapers. They have the ability to imitate the voice and appearance of someone within your memories and will use that as a means to lure you in close to trees that hold Memory Eaters on them. They themselves aren't dangerous. Think of them being more akin to acting like pranksters than anything truly threatening. All the same, be mindful of them as they can lead easily lead one astray, to say nothing of wasting one's time."

"Now, the last thing to be aware of here in Limbo Woods is this, the Faceless. These are actually human souls who have had their memories taken from them, showcased with them lacking faces as the name implies. This is what will happen to any of you should a Memory Eater succeed in taking all your memories from you and makes an escape before it can be killed, thus forcing it to be hunted down and killed to reverse the process."

[C] "Question, are any of these Faceless likely to be the poor souls that have been sent down there by Aldarp?"

[E] "Most likely, yes. Now, the Faceless wander the area of the wood seeking to restore their faces and regain themselves. If you cross them and they become aware of you, they will try to take your faces from you in order to regain their identities. They can't actually take your faces, of course, but the attempt will really-really hurt like hell, especially if you don't like having your cheeks pulled."

Ego then waves away the image of the Memory Eater and the Faceless before making a series of motions with her hands, making a portal of light appear. She then turns back to everyone and says-

"OK, this portal will see you taken to Hell. Once there, make for the Limbo Woods and pass through it quickly to reach Judge Midas. Be careful about the direction you head though as taking the wrong way will only send you down an unending loop. Once you reach Judge Midas, ask him about Kazuma and he should tell you were exactly his soul is. Also, head his warnings about the other rings of Hell should you find yourselves needing to head in deeper. And one more thing..."

"Don't forget that you are all on a time limit here. Once through, you will only be able to stay down there for a total of seventy-two hours. At the seventy-two-hour mark, you will be forcibly kicked out of Hell back here as that's how long your bodies can be kept within their spirit forms. I wish though that Kazuma had as much time as you all do."

"What do you mean by that?"

asked Megumin, her tone filled with concern.

"The Lich curse within him wasn't just a physical thing that was only affecting his body. His soul was also connected to that curse as well. I doubt you all know this, seeing as I doubt he would have said anything about it before, especially given the situation that was going on, but it was through an action Kazuma himself performed that saw your friend Yunyun saved from her mana degradation curse."

"What did he do?"

asked Cielo while Chris clenched her teeth, clearly already having an idea and not looking too pleased, either from his choice or maybe it was because...

"Kazuma unlocked a new undead skill, one called Hex that has some curious functions to it, aspects that few among those who actually know of the spells existence are aware it can be used in such a way. Long story short, Kazuma used Hex to move the mana degradation curse from Yunyun into himself and, by extension, into his Lich curse. That act has finally reawakened that curse and is now slowly spreading across his body once again."

"Dammit!"

growled Darkness as she slams a fist into the wall.

"That idiot, why would he... it was my fault. All because I was too weak that all this had to happen to everyone. I really am a joke when it comes to protecting anyone and everyone, huh."

"That's not true, Darkness. What happened to you could have happened to any one of us. But we can talk about all that later. How long does Kazuma have before his transformation is complete?"

asked Lynn. Ego was quite for a moment, probably to figure out the numbers within her head.

"Had things gone differently and he was still here, I would say a few weeks at best. But because he is down there, in Hell, where he's being exposed to unimaginable levels of arcana which the curse will feed on to accelerate its spread... I will say less than a day, especially if he ended up in one of the lower circles."

"No, it can't... this isn't happening."

shouted Megumin as Lynn goes to try to calm her down. Cielo meanwhile ask-

"If Kazuma becomes a full Lich before we can get him out, will it be too late then? Will we... lose him?"

Ego shakes her head then says-

"It will be tough, but there may still be a chance to save him even after that. Megumin, the thread of fate that connects you and him together... it also does so much more than that. One of the things it allows will be a chance for YOU and you alone to dive deep into his soul and bring him back out again. If you succeed, he can be restored. But if you fail, then you too will be lost..."

"I don't care about any risk. And I won't fail him again either. Never again!"

Ego nods before turning to one side and begins making motions with her now glowing hands. As she does this, she spouts out several more instructions to the girls regrading several more bits of important information, such as crossing something called the Acheron and some guy in a boat and such, before turning to the side and creating a glowing portal, the very portal they would be using to head down into Hell with.

"OK, you all know what to do here. Step into the portal and upon arriving, take a few moments to get use to your new temporarily forms. Note that your normal skills you possess may either be unavailable to you or may function in a different way from what you're use to using them. From there, proceed through the woods and be wary to avoid the Memory Eaters and not going in the direction that would be an endless loop. Find Judge Midas and he will hopefully lead you to where you need to go."

Megumin, Cielo, Lynn, and Darkness nod as they step towards the portal though they stop as they hear Darkness say-

"Chris, what are you doing? Hurry up and get over here so we can all go together."

"You four go ahead. I'm going to hang back for a few minutes more so I can ask our 'friend' here a few more questions."

"Chris, is this... is this really the right time to be doing something like that?"

asked Cielo.

"I know-I know. I promise I'll be right behind you. But there's something I need to know here. Also, I want to get in contact with lady Eris so that she can also join us. After all, having a goddess at our sides will make things go quicker. For one thing, we'll be able to skip over having to take the long route to Kazuma's side."

The four girls look at each other then back at Chris before giving her a nod. Darkness then tells her to not take too much time here. They then step through the portal which closes right behind them. Once they were alone, Ego turns back to face Chris and says-

"So, what was it you want to talk to me about, Chris... or should I say, Eris."

"I want to know who YOU are beneath that mask, and your allies as well. I want to know everything about intentions and goals here and what Kazuma has to do with them."

"Is this really the right time for us to be having such a talk, consider the current situation and all?"

"Which is why you better not waste my time here and tell me everything quickly. You may be helping us right now, but that doesn't mean I trust you so hurry up and start talking unless I have to start getting rough here."

"(sigh) Why can't you be like some of the other versions of you I've met over this long road me and the others have been walking. Why did you have to be one of the more aggressive Eris' who isn't one for... never mind. You want to know the truth, then I will tell you. Let's start with this truth."

Ego then reaches up and pulls her mask off followed by her pulling the hood she was wearing away. Chris, upon seeing the face beneath, lets out a surprised gasp as Ego now says with her regular voice-

"Let me guess, you want to say that I look older than what I should, huh?"

"Actually, I was going to say you look really tired there... Lady Aqua."

{|} Canto 2: At the Gates of Inferno {|}

"GGGGAAAAHHHH!"

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!"

"WWWAAAHHHHH!"

"WWWWEEEEEEEE!"

The four girls had their own individual reactions as they found themselves being shot out of the portal, finding themselves being much-much higher in the air than what they had anticipated. Even worse, they were sent shooting towards the ground at a very accelerated speed with an uncomfortable impact waiting at them at the end.

The first to emerge from her personal impact crater was Lynn. She let out a displeases groan as she slowly picks herself up off the ground before dusting herself off. She then takes notice of the sudden change of clothing, finding herself wearing a one-piece dress of shimmering silver that shifted to an emerald green along the ends. Her arms were exposed as were her legs, having no sign of shoes of any kind and glowing golden bracelets on her wrist.

"Ow, did our landing have to be so rough? If I didn't know better, I'd say that Ego person was trying to kill us. Well, I guess any landing you can walk away from is a good one. So, are you guys still alive?"

"Yeah, I think so... though I'm kind of wish I wasn't here."

came the voice of Cielo as she slowly pulled herself out of her hole. As she fully came into view, Lynn took notice of several striking details about Cielo that separated her spirit form to her original mortal body.

First was her hair, having a bit of a glow to it as well as a golden ring hovering right over her head. She was now wearing a pure white dress with golden lines etched into the silk like fabric. And then there were the wings, those beautiful lavender colored feather wings. And last was the fact the Cielo was a giant now which become even more evident as she stands tall, easily towering over Lynn.

Cielo then looks around as her wings spread wide, flapping a little, as she says-

"Hey Lynn, where are you? I heard your voice, but I can't see you anywhere."

"Look down, Cielo. I'm standing right in front of you. You're not going to believe this, but you've turned into a giant."

"Eh?"

says Cielo as she panics while looking around, both down at herself and towards the ground. Her eyes then finally spot Lynn, making her kneel down while saying-

"Either that or you shrunk, Lynn. No offense but you look like those magical creatures from those old fairy tales. What were they called again... Pixies?"

"What?"

Lynn immediately begins looking herself over. While she couldn't see anything pixie like about herself at first, she then looks to her back and that's when she saw it: the rounded transparent wings that had flakes of dust raining down from them from even the subtlest of movements. Lynn then flaps her wings, taking to the air and flies up to Cielo and says-

"I think you're right. I've actually been turned into a pixie. And from the looks of it, you've been turned into an angel."

"What, seriously?"

Cielo turns her head, finally seeing her wings which she then begins to flap. Seeing them move makes her laugh happily as she lifts off the ground and tries moving around for a bit.

"You know, Lynn. Despite the obvious need to get us to these new forms we've been given, I'm actually looking forward to playing the role of an angel for the duration of this little adventure. What about you?"

"I don't know. I guess doing a bit of role-playing does sound cool and all, but why did I have to become a pixie of all things? Surely there has to have been better options for me to be given than this?"

"Maybe it has to do with the individual roles we have here. Ego said my role was using purification spells on us and any troublemakers and an angel would be a good fit for that, I guess. Maybe pixies are the best when it comes to locating and keeping track of dangerous creatures."

"I guess so. Heh, I wonder what Megumin and Darkness were turned into."

"AAAAHHHH, what happened to my body?"

Darkness's sudden yell gets both Cielo and Lynn to start looking around before moving over to the crater her voice had come from. As soon as they looked down into the crater, their eyes go wide from shock at what they were seeing.

Down inside the crater was indeed Darkness... having been turned into a golden shield with an image of Darkness's body etched into the metal. Shield Darkness was currently hopping up and down; hopping mad one would say before the eyes of the image of Darkness, which were glowing, turns towards the two winged girls and immediately starts hopping towards them.

"You guys, I can't believe what happened to me... in fact, just what happened to you both as well? Was this what Ego meant by us being transformed into forms that would be better suited to our personal roles here?"

Both girls nod as Shield Darkness reaches them. Cielo then says-

"Ego did say your role would be centered around defending us. Who could have even guessed that meant you would have been turned into an actual shield here."

"How does it feel by the way, Darkness. I mean, having no arms or legs and such?"

Darkness was quite for a moment before saying-

"Well, weird... it feels really weird, obviously. But it's strange also because it doesn't feel like I'm missing my limps. What about you two? What's with those wings you two are sporting. And Lynn being so small as well. Don't you know that'll make getting intimate with anyone an interesting experience to say the least. Actually, I'm kind of jealous."

"You would, Darkness. Knowing you, you're probably thinking what it would be like to be the size of a pixie having been captured by an extremely horny male orc who has no issues with breeding with such a small creature... you're thinking about that right now, aren't you?"

"No... no I'm not."

Clearly, Darkness was based on the level of blush her cheeks had turned when Lynn had been talking. Cielo sighs before lifting Darkness up, placing her on her left wrist. Darkness yelps at her action and demands to be put back down at once.

"Sorry Darkness, but this will make getting around faster over us having to wait for you to hop around in an attempt at keeping up with us. Also, do you think you have any special defensive skills while you're like that? You know, like energy shield projections or something?"

"Hm? Good question. Let's see... I don't feel like I can do anything special here, apart from being a sentient shield. I guess if we find ourselves being attacked by any of the locals, we'll find out then won't we. Now, how about we see to Megumin so we can get on our way here."

"Good idea... MEGUMIN, can you hear us? Are you still alive."

Cielo and Lynn begin to move towards the last crater to see what Megumin's current state was when...

"Stay back... don't come any closer..."

Cielo and Lynn look at each other, clearly confused while Darkness turns her gaze up at them before looking back at the crater then saying-

"Megumin, what's wrong? Why are you sounding so freaked out?"

"I'm not freaked out. I just... don't want anyone to see me right now. Don't you dare try to look at me if you know what's good for you."

Lynn ignores Megumin's words, flying over to the crater and peeking inside. A moment later, Lynn burst out laughing, holding her sides as her pixie body begins to spin around which makes Cielo move forward and look into the crater as well while angling Shield Darkness so that she could also see what had become of Megumin.

Megumin was crouched down, hugging her body tightly as best she could to hide herself, but what she had become was obvious. She was practically naked, save for a very short skirt that covered her lower region in the same manner that Clemea's skirt did, and her other personal parts were barely being covered by straps. Furthermore, she had small horns coming out of her head, big yet thin bat like wings growing out her back, and a cute and long tail that ended in a heart. In other words, Megumin had been turned into a...

"Succubus, Megumin was actually turned into a Succubus. There's something about that that's just so perfect!"

{Insert Image 1}

Darkness then joins Lynn with laughing at Megumin's situation, making the newly minted Crimson Succubus to turn her gaze up at the others, sending them a deathly glare. Cielo, wanting to diffuse this situation, quickly says-

"I can understand why you wouldn't be happy about this... unexpected development, Megumin. But it could be worse."

"How? How could it be worse, Cielo?"

"Well, there could be a ton of guys around to see you as you are now. The fact that it's just the three of us should soften the embarrassment you're feeling."

Megumin thinks about it before sighing and finally leaving her attempt at hiding her body from everyone. She then tries out her wings, taking to the air and landing beside the others before saying-

"I guess you're right. It could be a lot worse. I mean, if everyone back in Axel or back home in the Crimson Demon village saw me like this, I would die of embarrassment on the spot. Well, either that or I would never be able to show my face to the outside world ever again."

After a quick pause, Megumin adds-

"You all better keep this a secret otherwise not even the gods will be able to save you from my wrath."

Lynn and Cielo nod.

"Good, now let's hurry up and find that Judge Midas person so we can get him to tell us where Kazuma's at."

Megumin then begins to lead them in the direction of the wooded area they could see in the not to far distance. As they go, they hear Megumin mumbling to herself; probably wondering why Cielo and Lynn got forms that included way more clothing and Darkness at least wasn't so showy with her new form.

Shield Darkness then smirks as she says-

"By the way, does anyone want to take bets on Kazuma's reaction once he sees Megumin's new look here?"

"Eh?"

"Good idea, Darkness. We should also take a vote on what Succubus Megumin will do when she sees Kazuma. I mean, she is a succubus now and their natural instinct is said to revolve around taking in the 'vital essence' of others and given how Megumin is secretly lusting for Kazuma's di..."

"AH!"

"Darkness... Lynn... that's enough of that. There's no need to make things even worse for Megumin than it already is for her right now. ...Besides, don't forget that Megumin isn't the only one. Yunyun is also mad thirsty for a taste of Kazuma's..."

Cielo's words are drowned out by Megumin's scream; the poor mage turned succubus having finally reached her tolerance limit.

{|} Canto 3: 1st Realm; Limbo Wood {|}

After calming the raging Megumin down, who had tried to nuke the whole area with an Explosion only to find her favorite spell seemingly no longer worked, which only added to her rage for a bit, the girls had continued onwards till they had reached a river.

A rather large river at that. If memory serves, Ego had said that it was called the Acheron or something like that.

They could see sitting just beyond the distant shore the outline of the Limbo Woods they were told they would have to pass through in order to reach this Judge Midas person who would help them not only determine which realm Kazuma was in but alert them to what trials and dangers they would need to face and be aware of on the road from then on until they reached their goal.

"So, any ideas about how we can cross this river? Don't know about you all, but there's something rather... unnerving about the way it looks to make me want to try swimming across it."

"Not that you actually could, Darkness. The three of us would be doing the swimming. You would simply be floating across it, probably needing one of us to push or pull you over to the other side."

said Megumin in response to Darkness's words. Cielo then reminds them by saying-

"According to Ego, traversing over to the other side will require us to summon the ferryman Charon and pay him to see us safely across the waters here."

"And how do we do that?"

asked Megumin with Darkness adding an additional important question.

"And what exactly do we pay him with, anyways? I don't know about you three, but I don't have any money on me. One of the many negative that comes from being a sentient shield and all."

Megumin and Cielo go quiet as they give that detail some thought. Did they even have anything they could offer as payment? Cielo pads herself over, seeing if she could feel any coins within her clothes while Megumin simply examines the ground to see if there was any loose change laying around that had been dropped by someone prior to them.

After all, seeing as she was a succubus at the moment with barely any clothing covering her body, she didn't exactly have any pockets available to store things within. Just as they were starting to worry, Lynn comes flying in and points out something rather obvious to them.

"Hey, why are you three idiots just standing around here like a pair of zombies? Have you forgotten already. We have wings... WINGS that allow us to fly so we don't need to be waiting on some guy to come along and help us across this water. I've already checked and there's nothing stopping us from just taking to the air and flying over to the other side so let's hurry up and go already."

Megumin and Cielo became sheepish, having actually forgotten that detail. After taking a few moments to try out their wings, they follow Lynn across the Acheron and soon found themselves standing at the entrance into the Limbo Woods.

"Hey, are you all seeing what I'm seeing here?"

asked Lynn, making the others take a moment to stare hard at the space around the closest of the trees.

"There's some sort of bubble-like energy... I think that's the best way to describe it here. What do you think, is it dangerous?"

asked Megumin. Darkness tells Cielo to push her into the strange distortion in the air which she does with some reluctance. After a moment, Cielo pulls Shield Darkness back out who says-

"Wow, that was a weird experience."

"What do you mean? Does passing through this distortion do something strange to you?"

In response to Cielo's question, the image of Darkness on the shield shakes her head before saying-

"Not really. The distortion itself made me feel a little tingly but nothing I didn't find alarming. The detail that makes it all a weird experience is... well, how about you go ahead and step inside and see for yourselves. You'll understand quickly enough."

Cielo looks at Megumin and Lynn, the three girls nodding before tempering their resolve and walking past the distortion into the wood. Almost immediately, they understood what it was Darkness had meant when she said it was a weird experience.

Everything, including themselves, had turned all monotone, black and white and gray colored.

"You were right about the 'see' part, Darkness."

"It's strange, but this makes me think about those things Kazuma has said in the past about 'old timey movies', whatever that's even supposed to mean. So, will this make spotting those Memory Eaters easier or harder for us here?"

To answer Megumin's question, Lynn begins to look around before her eyes finally catch sight of something. She then points to one of the trees and says-

"There-there, look a little up on that third branch. See that little blob of greenish goo. That has to be one of those Memory Eaters."

Looking, they did indeed see the palm sized creature resting comfortably upon the branch. But when they looked at it, the ME was just as much black and white in color as they were, which leads Darkness to ask-

"It looks the same as everything else around here. How can you see it in color here, Lynn?"

"It must be because of my special function here. Ego did say my job was to be able to sense danger before it could reach us. To be able to track it as well. Guess my being able to see them in color is part of that function."

"Well, it'll make avoiding them easier so we can't complain about that. Anyways, lead the way here for us, Lynn."

Lynn nods as she takes the lead, keeping her eyes glued to all the trees they would be passing under as they went along, making sure to go around any trees that had the ME present upon them. Luckily, not ever tree had them present, at least as far as they could see.

As they moved deeper, Darkness made a suggestion to the others-

"Say, the next tree that has one of those ME on it, Cielo should move in closer to it."

"What? Are you out of your mind here, Darkness. I'm not getting closer just so you can try to live out one of your fetishes through me."

"No, that's not what I mean. What I'm wanting to do is see just how close we need to get to one of those things before they make try to make their move. It will make it easier for us to know how much space we need to keep between them and us as we proceed further. Plus... it would be nice to see if I can even be affected by them to begin with, seeing as I'm a shield and all with no actually head to latch onto."

Darkness suggestion did make sense, though her motive was still debatable. Nevertheless, the next tree Lynn spotted with an ME on it, Cielo carefully approached with Shield Darkness at the ready. She drew closer and closer and closer...

And then, without warning, the ME came to life, shooting down from the tree with amazing speed, barely allowing Cielo the time to guard. The ME hits against Shield Darkness, stays there for a second before sliding off onto the ground where Cielo quickly stomps on it, seemingly killing it as it turns into liquid and is absorbed into the ground.

"Hm, I just thought of something. Does anyone think those ME may actually be a form of fruit that is grown by the trees? Considering the fact they hang from those branches like apples, that's what's making me think that though?"

"An interesting idea, Megumin. If we weren't on a tight schedule here, I wouldn't mind trying to research that subject."

said Lynn while Cielo asks Darkness if she felt any memories being sucked out of her.

"Hm? No, not that I took notice of. Guess that means being in this form protects me from such dangers and risk. Sigh Why am I being left out of the fun here."

The others give Shield Darkness a deadpan look before they decide to keep moving forward. Soon after, Lynn comes to a stop and says-

"Everyone, stop. I'm detecting new dangers nearby."

Those words make everyone go on high alert as they start looking around; their eyes darting from here to there as they scan the environment. They then hear the rustling of the foliage which makes them take up battle stances. The rustling grows louder and louder and then emerges from behind one of the trees.

"Big sister... is that you?"

"Komekko? Is that... no, it can't be...?"

Indeed it was it seemed. Megumin's own little sister, Komekko appeared to be down here as well. She had a couple of scratch marks present on her cheeks and hands, possibly from being scraped by low hanging branches and had teary eyes. Almost immediately, Megumin goes to run to her sister but is stopped by Cielo, making Megumin look back at her and say angrily-

"Cielo, what are you doing? Let me go so I can check on..."

"Why are you here, Komekko? How did you even get down here to begin with?"

"Big sister... (sniff) I'm scared. Why aren't you... (hic) helping me?"

Once again, Megumin tries to pull away which forces Cielo to grab onto her with both hands, holding her back as tightly as she could which gets Megumin to start yelling. Lynn looks up above Komekko before saying-

"There's an ME above her."

"What? If so, then let me go Cielo before it can..."

"If it was going to go for your sister, it would have done so already. Think about it, Megumin. Remember how quickly it reacted when I got close to it. That... whatever it is that's pretending to be Komekko is even closer than I had been, yet it isn't doing anything. That has to mean that what we're seeing isn't really your sister but something else. But what exactly?"

"It has to be one of those Form Shapers Ego warned us about. Remember, they are distorted versions of fairies that live down here. They can read our minds and take the form of people we know or things we like; all for the sole purpose of leading us astray and into traps and other dangers here."

Darkness's words make Megumin finally stop her struggling though she still looked skeptical.

"Is there any way to make sure that really isn't my sister though. I mean, it's not unheard of for someone from my clan to accidentally send themselves down here by accident."

"Wait, what did you just say? You're going to have to explain that one to us later."

yelled both Cielo and Darkness which makes Megumin avert her gaze. Lynn, meanwhile, says-

"I have an idea. Say Komekko, who is your favorite person in all the world?"

"Huh? Well, it would be my big sister, of course."

"Komekko..."

said Megumin, getting all teary eyed as she once again tries to run to her sister, in order to hug her, and is once again restrained by Cielo. Lynn then says-

"Fair enough, but who's your favorite after being given a cooked meal from your big brother?"

"It would still be my big sister, of course."

"... (x3)"

"Yeah, that's definitely a fake."

"Unquestionably a fake."

"Yeah, everyone knows Kazuma becomes her favorite after he feeds her."

"Hey, I dare you all to say that in my presence again."

As Megumin goes into a rant about that little detail, Lynn flies down, picks up a pebble, and chucks it at the fake Komekko, who doesn't even try to dodge it. The moment it conks her on her head, the illusion fades to reveal a small creature that was around Lynn's current size that did indeed resemble a distorted, more demon like, fairy which then flies over to Lynn and yells out some choice obscenities at her before flying off in a huff.

"OK everyone. Just remember, if we see anyone we recognize while in these woods, assume they're just Form Shapers trying to trick us and ignore them."

After a bit more walking into the woods, which included a few more attempts by the Form Shapers to either draw them closer to some ME's or to lead them astray into the unending loop, they finally come across their next challenge.

"Everyone, there's something ahead of us... just beyond that row of bushes."

The girls go low, moving slowly and carefully over to the bushes then carefully peek over them, seeing a troupe of Faceless walking single file along the path. Just as they had been told, they truly were lacking any facial features; no eyes or nose or mouths that could be seen.

"Man, to have been rendered into a state such as that. Makes me feel bad for them."

"I know what you mean, especially seeing as they weren't even supposed to be down here to begin with. Each and every one of them a victim to the whims of those that should be down here instead."

"Cielo, a question. Seeing as you've been temporarily gifted with angelic powers here, is there anything you can do that will save those poor souls?"

Cielo thinks about the question, then shakes her head.

"I honestly don't know. I mean, I guess I can try. But to my knowledge, all I have available to me right now is the purification power that can cleanse us of being over-saturated with arcana... side note, once we pass these guys, I should probably use it on us just to be safe. I can also use standard healing magic and I have something Angel Striker which is some sort of divine battle technique. To be honest, I think only a god or goddess can help these poor souls."

"Understood. So, what do we do then? Just wait for them to pass or something?"

"Guess we'll have too."

Just then, Megumin feels something touch her shoulder, making her look back to see that a Faceless having found them. Before she could say or do anything, the Faceless quickly reaches out and starts pinching her cheeks hard, pulling her face which makes her start to yelp out loudly.

"Oh no you don't!"

shouts Cielo as she sends a fist into the Faceless, causing it to release its hold on Megumin's cheeks as it goes flying back. Lynn then races over to hover above it, releasing sparkles from her wings which rains down onto the Faceless, causing its body to go freeze up. Lynn then looks back at the others and says-

"I just used some of my paralysis dust on it. It should remain immobile for a... few...guys, behind you."

The others turn back, seeing that all the other Faceless they had been watching were now right behind them, their arms slowly reaching out to grab the girls faces, making them cry out.

A few minutes later...

"... (huff-huff) Did we... did we lose them?"

"I... (pant) thinks so. And I hate to say this, but I think we lost ourselves here too with all that running."

"Maybe not... look."

Cielo and Lynn look to where Megumin was pointing. It was barely visible through the many rows of trees, but they could just barely see it, the outline of a large building sticking out from beyond the tallest of the trees. Despite their little misadventures, they had seemingly reached the place they would find this Judge Midas at.

"Thank Eris we're finally out of the woods here."

"Um... guys, I don't think we should be celebrating yet."

Lynn's worried tone make them look at her, seeing her eyes locked onto the trees. They then look at the trees as well, seeing tons of ME's hanging from the branches all around them. Darkness then says with a mixture of both amusement and annoyance-

"Aw, you guys are getting to have all the fun here. Make sure to enjoy this a little for me too..."

Megumin, Cielo, and Lynn all shriek as the many ME's begin to rain down upon them.

And to think, this was only the first, and least dangerous, of the realms they had to pass through too...

{|} Canto 4: Judge Midas {|}

"Please tell me we're finally out of the woods now."

complained Megumin as she, along with the others lay collapsed upon the ground. Following their little encounter with those Memory Eaters, they had just thrown caution to the wind and had run... well, flown as fast as their wings would let them go till they had emerged from the sea of trees into an open area where they had proceeded to collapse and were now trying to catch their breathes.

"Judging from the lack of monotone colors all around us, I would say so. Thank Eris for that."

said Cielo in agreement, quickly followed by Shield Darkness who asked-

"Out of curiosity, how did the three of you avoid having any of your memories sucked out by those things back there? I know why nothing happened with me, seeing as I'm currently a shield and all and thus those things didn't have a head to latch onto in order to start sucking away at, but you three...?"

After a quick pause where the three exhausted girls started thinking about it, it was Lynn who spoke first, saying her thoughts over why she thinks she was spared.

"I think I was spared because of my current size, being that of a pixie one can hold in their hands. Those ME's are as big, if not a little bit bigger, than I currently am. If my understanding on how they work is correct, they need to fully latch onto one's head with their WHOLE body in order to steal away any memories. Seeing as my size makes that impossible, as they take up my whole-body space... which was disgusting by the way, they weren't able to work their thieving magic effectively with me there."

"As for me, it may have been my current magical alignment here. As I currently am, I'm not using mana at the moment but anima, the power of the divine which has to be like poison to those things, given how they were turning a sickly lime green color within moments of touching me and falling off into the ground where they quickly dissolved."

So it wasn't just memories they stole, but some degree of a person's mana as well. Darkness then says-

"OK, that explains us three. But what about Megumin? What do you think her excuse is?"

Megumin, who had finally picked herself up off the ground could only shrug while saying-

"You're guess is as good as mine. Perhaps they simply can't handle the way the minds of Crimson Demons work or something?"

"Either that or maybe it's because you're playing the succubus role at the moment. Maybe the perverted mindset of the succubus is way too spicy for them to handle. Come on Megumin, you can tell us girls here. Since arriving, has your mind been filled with nothing but lewd thoughts involving you and Kazuma? Perhaps imagining what you'll do with him once we get in back?"

Lynn's teasing makes Megumin go red in the face followed by a series of quick denials and threats of punishments by Explosion when this was all over if she didn't stop. Darkness, not surprisingly, was egging Lynn to continue on while insisting that Megumin not act all shy with them now.

"OK, I think that's enough of that. Don't forget that we're on a strict time limit here, and not just us too. Who knows how long it was we were inside those woods but at least we reached our destination. At least I hope this is the place."

With everyone back on their feet now, they all look to the road ahead of them, seeing the outline of a black stone bridge that passed into a fog filled area. There was nothing else apart from that which could be seen so after giving each other a quick nod, they proceeded forth and soon found themselves crossing the bridge, hoping that they were right about where it was leading them.

It wasn't a long walk either for no sooner had any traces of the Limbo Wood having faded into the fog behind them that a new sight appeared before them within the fog, that being a giant citadel like structure. Surely that had to be the place where Judge Midas resided.

"Does anyone beside me think this a bit strange."

"Strange? How do you mean, Lynn."

"Well, we have to consider the spot where we first entered the Limbo Wood and then we have to ask ourselves if our point of entry was even the right one to begin with. Then, with all the walking... and running around we did while in there, isn't it strange how upon emerging that we found ourselves exactly right where it was we needed to be with seeing this bridge and all that."

Megumin nods in agreement, saying-

"That does make this feel like a coincidence that we're here now. According to Ego, Limbo Wood is the biggest of the realms we would have to pass through as it wraps around the rest of them. Maybe this place could be a trap of some kind?"

After thinking about it, Cielo offers up her own theory.

"Maybe the point of entry and exit aren't important. Perhaps this place is naturally always where someone emerges from, or someone is magically placed before the bridge upon leaving the wood. Let's just be glad that we're here now and not wandering around in an endless loop within the wood like we could easily be doing right now."

Soon, they reached the end of the bridge and stepped into the large citadel. It was only a single large room with no walls but a series of columns that held up a domed ceiling that itself had a hole in the center of it to show the gray ringed cloudy sky above. They then look around and see nothing or no on within, making them question their luck after all. Megumin finally says-

"So, any ideas now? Should we yell out for this Midas guy or something?"

["No need for that, little crimson eyed succubus child!"]

They all jump before quickly looking down at the floor, finally noticing the strange face like carving beneath them; a face that gives them a kind smile which freaked them out as they step back and watch as the face begins to glow before growing out of the floor and hovering before them while still maintaining a two-dimensional look to it.

"Wait, don't tell me... you're Judge Midas?"

asked Lynn, getting a chuckle from the head.

["Among other things. I must say this is quite a curious sight I have before me. An angel, a succubus and pixie, and even a talking shield. Yes, a most curious combination indeed. And even more curious is the fact that you are all mortal's, not even dead yet. Would you tell me your story please?"]

Seeing as they would probably need to tell him in order to get his help, the girls quickly explained the situation to Judge Midas who was a surprisingly patient listener; never once interrupting them almost like he had a full understanding of the situation the moment he heard things explained.

["I understand. You wish to travel deeper into Perdition in order to find the soul of your friend who was cast down here unfairly due to a soul swap. I find it strange though that you all made it here to me with as little issues as you actually had along the way."]

[C] "What makes you say that sir?"

["Limbo Wood; the first realm of Perdition, is also the dominion of lord Maxwell who is not only an Archduke as you know but also the master of memories. Hence, his domain would focus on either giving or taking away one's memories."]

"WHAT?"

they all shouted at once. The four girls then begin to debate amongst themselves for a bit but are quickly brought out of their debate when Midas suddenly suggest-

["While on the surface, it would seem to be strange. But perhaps there is purpose behind his lack of action against you. Maybe he wasn't aware of your arrival? Or perhaps maybe it's because..."]

The girls wait to hear what the other possibility is, but Midas makes a raspberry sound before adding-

["Ah, no matter that right now. You have an important mission here, am I right. One that had an unforgiving time limit working against you. Now, about this Satou Kazuma you search for."]

Hearing that makes the girls adopt a serious face with Megumin saying-

"You can find him, right? Please, tell us where he is."

Midas didn't answer right away, needing to take a few moments to scan the other realms or so they all assumed. Finally, his attention turned back onto them as he says-

["Currently, I see him nearing the edge of the 6th realm of Perdition, also known as Heretic City. I'm afraid he's being led into the 7th realm by a vengeance demon which isn't a good sign for him. I can also sense that the Lich curse within him has already passed the 40% mark. At this rate, he'll turn into a full Lich within a few hours because of all the arcana he's being exposed too."]

"Then please, can you send us right to his location, either into this Heretic City place or whatever the name for the seventh realm even is?"

Midas shakes his head at Cielo's question followed by-

["I'm sorry, but seeing as you all aren't technically dead here, I'm afraid the only way for you all to proceed forward is by passing through each realm and overcoming the trials within; that being actually passing through successfully and making it into the next. Were any of you an actual angelic being or a god or goddess, then it would be a different story."]

"Understood. So, where is it we have to go too next, lord Midas?"

asked Lynn.

["The next trial that awaits you lies within the 2nd Realm; also known as the Lusting Plains. Basically, it is a massive open field you'll have to cross. There are no demons you have to worry about, luckily, as the sole inhabitants of the second realm are succubi and most of them are currently out in the mortal world doing what they LOVE to do best. The ones that are still here are too young to indulge in such things and the likely hood of you meeting them is slim as child succubi are very shy with interacting with strangers."]

["There is one problem though, two actually. One is the sheer size of the plains. If you were to travel on foot from your arrival point to the entrance of the third realm, it would take you almost a month and making use of your wings will still require nearly three days of continuous flight to reach the next realm, a period of time you don't have available especially seeing as your time in the Limbo Wood was over twelve hours."]

"EH? (x4)"

they all shouted. Had it really taken them THAT long just to pass through the woods alone? Does that mean the flow of time and their perception of it differ than what it does back in the mortal realm? Darkness then asks-

"OK, we understand. So, is there any way we can accelerate our trip through the Plains then? Like you said and like we know here, time isn't exactly something we have available to waste right now."

["Upon arriving, as you move through the Plains, be on the lookout for a structure sticking out of the earth. There are many of them, dotted all across the area and within is a horn you can blow that will summon the archduke who rules over the 2nd Realm and the only member of the archdukes to have an actual gender, the queen of the Succubi, Lilith. Explain to her your situation and I'm sure she'll aid you with reaching the entrance to the third realm quickly."]

The girls nod, followed by Cielo asking-

"And the other realms along the way? Any advice we should have here about them?"

["Well, with the third... actually, how about I give you all this instead. This scroll will tell you everything you need to know and be aware of once you enter each additional realm here. Make sure to open it up and study what it says as you arrive at each."]

Judge Midas then opens his mouth, and a scroll comes flying out, landing in Cielo's hands. She nods as Midas before securing it to the belt wrapped around her waist.

["Now then, is there anything else you wish to know before I send you all into the second realm?"]

"Yeah, does the name Vanir mean anything to you? We have met a Vanir up in the mortal realm who says he's an archduke of Hell... or Perdition or whatever this place is really called."

["Archduke Vanir? Oh yes, he's in charge of the 8th Realm of Perdition which is called the Chambers of Fraud. And yes, I can see the hypocrisy in that. Lord Vanir is one who sees the future and never lies yet his domain in the home to all the big-time liars and deceivers out there. That's usually how that works down here for many of the archdukes. Take the archduke of the 3rd Realm, which is all about gluttony, yet he's been fasting for a few centuries I believe."]

["Now then, if there is nothing else, I shall send you over into the Lusting Plains."]

With that, Judge Midas' eyes begin to glow while the girls find themselves being enveloped by light. At this time, Megumin recalled-

"Oh yeah, you didn't tell us what the second things about the 2nd Realm we should be aware of."

["Hm? Oh, that's right. Across the Plains are these large cyclones that race around the area. Do yourselves a favor and DON'T let yourselves be pulled inside them. Not only is escape difficult to achieve, but you may not want to escape from them either."]

"And what do you mean by that?"

asked Lynn but before Midas could respond, the four girls found themselves fully embraced by the light and on their way to the next challenge.

{|} Canto 5: Restraint and Confinement {|}

Yunyun was deep inside a dream, that much she was confident about, not that she really minds it seeing as she was currently with Kazuma. She was sitting on his lap sitting on a swing hanging from a branch of her favorite tree here in the village.

He had one hand resting against the small of her back, the other resting against her thigh, slowly moving it up and down as it inched closer and closer towards a specific spot. Yunyun's arms were wrapped around his neck, keeping him close as their lips assaulted one another with a perverse degree of lust behind it.

Yeah, why would she want such a dream to end, not when it was going so good for her and was drawing closer and closer to getting to the best part. The kiss comes to an end, leaving a string of saliva connecting the two of them.

"... Kazuma, please..."

she heard herself beg, not wanting to wait any longer for what came next. Kazuma gave her a warm smile before saying-

"If that's what you wish, but there is something you should know first."

"What is it?"

Was he going to say that he had done this before? Had he been with a girl prior to his arrival in Axel and thus wasn't a stranger to the lovers' ways? Had he and Megumin already...? What about Darkness or Cielo or even Chris and Lynn? No matter, she didn't care about his past. Only the future was important, and she hoped she was part of that future.

"There isn't any time for dreams now, Yunyun. I need your help. They will need your help!"

"Eh?"

Kazuma's sudden and unexpected words caught her off guard, something this Kazuma clearly knew would happen as he leans in and presses his forehead against Yunyun's which quickly sends many images flowing into her mind.

One image was of Megumin, Cielo, Lynn, and Darkness arriving within a strange place, dressed in strange costumes. Another was them panicking as weird blob like enemies came raining down upon them. Another of them interacting with a giant floating head and one of them being sucked into a twister and yet another of them running from a giant three headed dog and so on.

And then, the images changed to Kazuma himself, being led around by some small and strange looking creature, another of many of these creatures chasing after him, and another of his eyes glowing brightly as they try to pile on top of him. And then she saw the entity...

A being draped in a dark and ragged cloak, a creature of glowing bone; a Lich resting on the ground. Another being, a man with a dark aura around him and the Lich facing each other in battle, and then...

Yunyun's eyes shot open, her gaze looking up at a ceiling. It takes her a few moments to realize she was where she was supposed to be, inside her bedroom in her parents' home. No, this wasn't where she was supposed to be, not anymore. She had a new home right now and it was high time she went back there.

"Yunyun, you must be hungry, so I've brought you some of my famous... Yunyun?"

Hiropon came to a stop, seeing his daughter frantically dressing like her life depended on it. He braced himself to hear her scream at him, telling him to get out as she wasn't exactly decent. She doesn't though which was surprising. Hiropon does avert his gaze all the same. Finally...

"So, why are you so frantic about getting dressed? Wanting to go out and get some fresh air?"

"I'm leaving dad. I need to get back to Axel and to the others as quick as possible."

"Say what...?"

Hiropon almost yelled out when hearing that and almost dropped the plate of food he had brought as well. He asked Yunyun what was going on to make her say something so crazy.

"I just had a... weird dream. I'm not sure how or why, but I just know that everyone is in danger, and I need to get back and be there to help them."

"But... I mean I understand but what about getting the doctors OK first? And the curse breakers as well? You still have three days left before you be free from their examinations."

"I don't care about any of that now. I've already had to go through plenty of test and giving blood and such for them to have enough to work with. I'm tired of being treated like a lab rat. I need to get back and rejoin my friends; the quicker the better."

"It's really all about that boy, isn't it. Look, I'm grateful to him for all he's done for you and for the village as a whole, but that doesn't mean I approve of him as a potential partner for you either. I mean, for one thing, he doesn't even have crimson eyes..."

"You say another word and you'll be the one who needs a doctor, dad. Who I choose to spend MY life with is my choice, not yours. If anything, you should be happy my choice is my fellow hero in the eyes of the village. Sorry, but I've made my decision here, so I'll be going now. Tell mom I'll be back around here in a few weeks for the trials. Teleport..."

Yunyun activated her teleport spell, wanting to act before her father could try to do anything here to physically stop her. A moment later, Yunyun realized that something was wrong as she was still inside her room. What's more, she finally took notice of something else about her.

She couldn't feel any magic within her body at all. She looked to her dad for an explanation.

Hiropon sighs before telling Yunyun to examine her right ankle which she does, finding a glowing ring that represented a magical seal present there. Yunyun then looks back at her dad, her features shifting to one of anger as she says-

"Dad, what's the meaning of this? I want this mana sealing mark taken off me right now."

"I'm sorry, Yunyun. I'm afraid I can't do that. You need to remember that you are still being looked at in order to determine how that mana degradation curse just suddenly disappeared from your system. Until they can find an answer, or until the next three days have passed, you'll have to put up with it."

"Get it off me, right now. If you have any love for your daughter, then I demand that..."

"I wish I could, but I'm not the one who placed it on you to begin with. And I honestly don't know who it was that did it either. I would ask your mother but she's the one away on business right now. Also, I'm afraid asking someone to teleport you to Axel is also out of the question as I've already alerted them to not do so without my consent."

Hearing that makes Yunyun fall to her knees, her fist weakly hammering the floor.

"Yunyun, I'm sorry. I really am. At least it's only for three more days. I'm sure your friends will be..."

"Get out."

"Yunyun?"

"Get out (x5)."

yelled Yunyun, each round being louder and more forceful than before. Hiropon hesitated for a moment before placing the plate of food down before quickly leaving the room, mumbling about teenage girls and their wild mood swings as he goes.

Yunyun was angry, furious even. To think they would treat her, the future chief of the village, like this now. It was almost enough to make her not only NOT want to become the next chief but to even cut ties with the village altogether. She could run away with Kazuma and start a new village.

With Megumin and the others coming along as well, of course.

Question now was what she should do. Odds are that her father was right about no one will help her get to Axel with a teleport. She could try to run away and walk all the way over to Arcanretia and then take a carriage from there to Axel.

But that would be a waste of time as by the time she reached Axel, it would around the same time that she would be getting this seal taken off her. Also, without her magic, she doubted she would be able to help them out with whatever is happening right now.

As much as she hated it, she had no choice but to stay here and wait those three days or hope that maybe she could find out who placed the seal on her to begin with and somehow talk them into removing it early.

In the meantime, Yunyun began to pray, sending her prayer to Eris; asking her to keep everyone safe until she could finally leave this village of embarrassment and join up with her friends and be where it was she knew she truly belonged in this world.

{|} Canto 6: 2nd Realm; Lusting Plains {|}

"So, these are the Lusting Plains, huh. Not a lot going on here if you ask me."

"Well, that kind of the deal with plains. Don't expect to see all that much beyond flats and hills and the occasional wild Buffalo... does a place like this even have wild animals roaming around the place?"

"Hold on a second. I'll see what the scroll has to say."

Cielo pulls the scroll out and ask it to display all information it can provide on this realm while Darkness was quick to point out-

"Didn't that Midas guy already tell us about this place though. Feels like a waste to get the same information presented to us we only just got a few moments ago."

"True, but this is a good chance to see just how that scroll works. So, Cielo, what does it say?"

"Hm, pretty much like Darkness said. Everything Midas told us before; homeland of the succubi, beware the cyclones, also be wary of... Cupids?"

"What are Cupids?"

"And what about those cyclones too? Midas didn't exactly finish telling us why we should avoid them."

asked Darkness and Lynn respectively.

"Let me see. OK, it says that Cupids are little pink colored demons similar to those Shapers we saw back in Limbo Woods though they can't change their appearance. Huh, says they kind of look like tiny chubby cheeked babies with wings and an arrow like tail... oh crap."

"What's wrong? (x2)"

"It says to be very careful and avoid getting stung by their arrow tails. While they don't mean any harm, being stung by their tails can cause anyone to suffer a temporary explosion of raw lust which will be directed towards the first person you see following being stung. In order to be freed from the influence of raw lust, you'll need to either have someone purify you, keep you restrained until it wears off which will take around two hours, or be allowed to act out your lust in order to get it out of your system."

"Geez, that sounds very scary... wait, didn't that Midas guy say we didn't have to worry about any demon encounters in this area?"

"Maybe he forgot about them or doesn't believe that they'll be an issue for us. Either way, while that does sound scary, if the first person you see is the person you love, then maybe it can also spice up your romance with them. Maybe even help someone with confessing... right Megumin?"

"Megumin? (x2)"

The three girls realized that since arriving in this realm, Megumin hadn't said anything. Instead, her attention was elsewhere, gazing out towards the horizon. Lynn says her name once more before flying over and pinching her cheek which finally snaps Megumin back to reality.

"Ow, what was that for. That really hurt, Lynn."

"Sorry, but you were spacing out on us. Is everything OK with you?"

"Oh... um, I was just following the crimson thread of fate out into the plains."

"Come again? (x3)"

Megumin then explained that since coming to this place, she had started to become aware of a thread that was emerging from her chest that seemed to float in the air, guiding her to someplace beyond her line of sight allowed her to see.

"That must be what Ego was talking about. How you're the one who can lead us right to Kazuma here."

Hearing Cielo words makes Megumin place her hand on her chest, a smile forming as she looks down to gaze at the thread.

"I'm glad you can see it as I'm sure as heck can't see it here."

"Not surprising, Darkness. After all, it's a Kazuma-Megumin thing here. I have to admit that I am jealous of that though."

"You're not the only one, Lynn. Anyways, care to take the lead here for us, Megumin. We'll follow the thread until we spot one of those structures Midas said to keep an eye out for. Once we see one, we'll change course to visit it so we can see about getting that quick ride."

Megumin nods to Cielo's words before the three girls take to the sky and begin following Megumin as she glides along the ground. As they go, Darkness, who was still attached to Cielo's left arm, says-

"What about those cyclones? Did that scroll say what the warning about them was?"

"Oh yeah, that. It said anyone sucked into the cyclones will find their minds assaulted with images and scenes of them and their most beloved engaging in all manner of lewd and perverted actions. More than that, they will also feel like it's all happening too. It's all mental and emotional though, nothing physical will actually happen. Basically, it can be seen as either a sneak preview of what awaits you with your special someone or a reminder of what it felt like."

"Guess that's why Midas warned us about them. Also, why he said once inside, we may not want to leave one."

"Sounds pretty fun if you ask me. My kind of experience."

"You would say that! (x3)"

After a little bit, they finally saw it taking shape upon the horizon, the structure of pillars in a circle with a dome at the top. They touch down and step inside, see the horn Midas had spoken of. After a moment, Cielo steps forward and blows into the horn, releasing a powerful sound from it.

After that, they took a seat and waited for this Lilith person to arrive. They waited and waited and waited, until...

"How long have we been here?"

"At least an hour, I think. Maybe even two..."

"(sigh) So, how much longer should we wait for this archduke person to show up before we just keep going?"

"Hm, how long do you all have here?"

The new voice chiming in makes the girls jump to their feet, quickly looking around to find the owner but see nothing but columns and the scenery beyond.

"Bit of advice, girls... LOOK UP!"

They turn their gazes skyward, see a cute and almost childlike face peeking down at them from the opening at the domes top. The figure then giggles before sliding through the hole and gliding down to the ground to join them.

She was clearly a succubus, judging her choice in attire which was very lacking. She also had the signature horns, wings, and tail that all succubi had. But what they hadn't expected was just how young she looked in their eyes. In truth, she looked like she was the same age as Komekko.

"Um... excuse me, but you are a succubus, right?"

In response to Cielo's question, the child does a little spin before leaning forward and saying in a cheeky tone-

"Last time I checked. So, what can I do for you my... quite mismatched group of friends."

"Is she really a succubus? She looks like she's my sisters age."

"She must be a young succubus, still not considered old enough to leave to do what her kind do."

As Megumin and Lynn had their little talk, Cielo addresses the child succubus and ask-

"We were hoping to meet with the queen of your people, the Archduke that oversees this realm. Can you go fetch Lilith for us. We're in need of her help."

"Ah, then you're in luck then for there is no reason for me to get Lilith... seeing as I'm Lilith. Nice to meet-cha."

"EH! (x4)"

"You're all shocked. Not surprising, I guess seeing what my current appearance is. Perhaps this will help make it easier for you all."

Lilith's body then begins to glow, and the foursome watch as she began to grow taller until she was the size of an adult woman. Furthermore, her chest expanded into breast that were even bigger than even Wiz's impressive melons. She then says in a deeper and more sultry voice-

"So, does this look make you feel better?"

"How did you do that?"

"And how long have you been here?"

Lilith laughs happily as she begins to float in the air, taking a sitting pose.

"How can I change my appearance like that? Simple, the ability to alter our physical size, the size of our breast, and even our appearance in age is all something a succubus who has mastered her powers can do with minimal effort. Case you're also wondering, the reason why I was looking all childlike just a few moments ago was simply one of preference for me. For one thing, having big breast seriously makes my back hurt like hell sometimes."

"As for how long I've been here. Well, I'd say within minutes of you blowing that horn. I just decided to see how long it took before you all took notice of me but got bored after a bit."

Lilith then had to cover her ears as the girls started yelling at her for wasting time.

"I'm sorry-I'm sorry, I thought it was funny but... never mind that. So, you all wanted to see me about something."

After hearing the explanation, with Lilith nodding as they spoke, she sighs before rubbing her temples.

"Geez, that Maxwell. How is it he always makes contracts with the worst kind of mortals. It's because of guys like this Aldarp that have made me decide that playing with your kind is more trouble than it's worth. Besides, MY man isn't hanging out in the mortal realm no more hence I don't have a reason to visit."

"Sorry to rush you, miss Lilith but we are on a time limit here. Is there anything you can do to help us get across your realm quickly so we can pass on to the third realm."

"Huh... oh, right. You need to get to the 7th Realm quickly. Sure, I can help you four out with that. Just to give a fair warning, though. The quickest way, while it will get you to the borders with the 3rd Realm within an hour's time, isn't exactly a method you'd want to use."

"That doesn't matter. Whatever it is, we'll take it."

Megumin's words get Cielo and Lynn to nod. Darkness too though it was harder to see her do so given she was an image on a shield now.

"Well, if you're sure. Just step outside with me and I'll send you on your way."

Once they had stepped back out into the open, Lilith instructed them to stand at a certain spot. She then makes some space, looks back at them with a kind smile, then snaps her fingers. Immediately, the clouds above them begins to swirl above them, making them realize what was about to happen.

"Wait, is that..."

"Yup, in order to get you to were you want to go, as quickly as possible, you''ll need to travel by way of Air-Cyclone. Sit back, relax, and please enjoy the inflight entertainment... in the form of a sneak preview of what love making with that special someone you hold near and dear in your heart will feel like when those days come for you both. And also... you're welcome!"

"Hold on, isn't there some other way...?"

They didn't get an answer as the cyclone slams down upon them, easily sucking up the shrieking girl. Lilith then instructs it to see them safely to the entrance of Glutton's Path before waving it off. The cyclone does a sort of nod before zipping off, disappearing from sight within seconds.

{Insert Image 2}

After a few moments more, Lilith sighs before sighing-

"I don't recall saying you could watch... or even be here in MY realm, Maxwell."

"Forgive me, I just wanted to make sure they make it to their destination without issue."

Lilith looks back, seeing a figure sitting at the top of the dome whose face was hidden behind a cloak. Lilith sends him a confused look before asking-

"That's awfully kind of you. Mind telling me why you're wanting to see them safely to that boy when it's partly because of you that these girls even have to be down here to begin with."

"And I feel simply awful about that too. I didn't have much of a choice considering my still existing contract with Dracula and all that."

"This is why we always tell that you need to change the format of those contracts you make with mortals. You have far too many loopholes present that can be exploited."

"I know-I know. But that's what makes it all so much fun for me."

"(sighs) So, what is your game here with them, anyways? And about that boy too, the one they came here to rescue."

Maxwell didn't respond immediately, instead taking a moment to consider her question before saying-

"They are a means to an end for me. To help me bring a certain something to a long overdue ending here..."

{|} Canto 7: Ambush of the Ravager Imps {|}

"gah... aahhhh... gurk..."

Kazuma found himself falling onto his knees, his arms going to his head as the sudden and most intense and longest lasting round of pain came tearing through his being. His vision began to blur for a moment and the sounds of the world around him were drowned out.

"Hey, you doing alright there? You're not looking to hot, you know."

"... I... I don't... know, my body is suddenly starting to feel really weird, like something is trying to..."

'Tear its way out from within me, or something like that anyways.'

Creezach takes a moment to study Kazuma. He had not failed to notice the strange crack like marks upon him when they had first met one another and since then, they had been spreading more and more, faster and faster as they had traveled further along the path. And as of right now...

They were visible almost everywhere over Kazuma's body with only the center of his chest, where the hexagonal mark still looking normal. And what's more, there was a constant glow coming from beneath the cracks now. It was almost like a countdown to something that would be happening here soon.

"Do you think you can keep going? We're almost at the place I was telling you about. The place where you can get some help."

If he was being honest with himself, Kazuma wanted to say not. He really-really wanted to say no about trying to move. But if there was any chance of getting out of here, being cured of... whatever it was he was currently suffering, and accelerate getting his memories back, then he would push through and continue onwards. He forces himself back onto his feet and says-

"Just keep leading the way. I'll manage, one way or another."

"You're a stronger looking guy than your appearance would lead one to believe. That's good, very good. It means it'll make the game all the more fun."

"Game?"

Kazuma asked but Creezach didn't respond, instead leading him further into... wherever it was they were currently at. Kazuma was sure they were no longer inside that massive city like place. Were they still within the 6th Realm or had they passed into another?

After a bit more walking, they finally entered a rather snug tunnel, one Kazuma had to turn onto his side in order to slide through till he finally emerged in a large circular room. There was something about the design that felt familiar to him as he took a moment to observe the layout.

Kazuma noticed a small door like opening off to the side, making him curious as to where that led too. He was about to ask when the sound of stone was heard, making him look back to see the way he had come was closing up. He begins to sweat and looks back as Creezach leaves his side then shouts out loudly.

"OK my brothers, it looks like we have a new friend we get to play with today."

After a moment of silence, the sound of movement is heard as more creatures like Creezach begin to appear all around him. A LOT more of them, perhaps numbering in the hundreds.

"What's going on? I thought you said you were taking me to see someone who was going to help me."

Creezach slowly turns to look back at Kazuma, a dark and devious smile on his face. For a second, Kazuma had expected him to laugh in a maniacal and evil manner, but he instead shifts his features to being one of genuine sincerity before saying-

"Uh... oh right, I did say that. Don't worry, I'll still do that for you, once me and the boys are done here."

"Really?"

"Of course I will, but please understand something important about us. My and my brethren are what you call Ravager Imps, one of many demons that live here within the 7th Realm of Perdition though you can call it the Valley of Violence. Each and every demon that lives in this realm like making others suffer. That's how we feed... and how we get our kicks. Deplorable yes, but that's simply how we are."

Creezach then begins to walk slowly towards Kazuma while the others begin to move to join them on the ground. Kazuma, for his part, begins to back away while trying to move towards the door like opening off on the far side. He wasn't sure if it was a means of escape for him, he actually doubted it would be, but at least it was an option at the moment, the other being to stay and let whatever is about to happen happen and that was something he couldn't do if he could avoid it.

"So, what happens now?"

"Hm? Oh, it's rather simply. You see, we're going to attack you and rip you into tiny pieces. Don't worry though as the soul isn't something that can be destroyed. It can be maimed and hurt but it will always repair and restore itself after a time. We'll play for a while, then wait for your soul to regenerate itself then will repeat the cycle until we get bored of playing with you... here in about twenty to thirty years. When that happens, I'll take you to see the archduke of this realm so he can help you get out of here. Don't worry about having to suffer any of this with him as you will with us though. After all, he's always been quite the pacifist. And now..."

"IT'S TIME TO PLAY, BOYS!"

All the Ravager Imps then let out an excited blood curdling screech as they all started charging at Kazuma who did the only thing he could do, run. And he did run, faster than he felt he ever had run before. Somehow, he was able to reach the door and was glade to find it led into a hallway with another door on the opposite side.

But something told him this was intentional; that this was all part of some big game in their eyes. Still, he ran though, not having any other option but to run. Once again, a sudden blast of pain shot through him though he was just barely able to keep himself moving.

Kazuma didn't know what was going to happen, but he did know this; either those imps were going to have their way with him or whatever it was that was going on within him was about to finally make itself known and he wished he knew just what exactly it was here.

{to be continued...}

Image 1: A shot of angel Cielo, pixie Lynn, shield Darkness, and succubus Megumin (trying to cover herself with an angry glare on her face)

Image 2: A shot of the girls looking terrified as they get sucked into the cyclone Lilith summoned.

Next chapter should be out between November 6-10. Till then...