Argentum: Kind of on a role here… just wanting to finish off this next little bit.
Judan: Understandable. I was the same way when writing the void emperor story. Still want to finish that sometime but first comes the edits for the Redux chapters.
Argentum: Which is also why you're currently helping me I take it?
Judan: Yeah… kind of bored and wanted to help with another project.
Shadow: Well it shows… you've added yourself.
Judan: Well no story can't be improved without my own avatar! HAHAHA!
Eris: Right…
Shadow: Ignore the disciple of chaos… we got a few things to say about this chapter as a heads up.
Grel'Slyfer: That is correct… Now before anyone goes and says anything in the comments… we know that what we say about how the stats work in KonoSuba probably isn't actually how they work. It's just after looking and failing to find anything about them we had decided to do our own thing. Using the bits of what we did know as a basis. If someone actually knows feel free to leave a review and explain.
Argentum: Secondly… What happens in this chapter is something I've been planning since the very beginning of the story. I won't spoil anything, but just know that I do have a plan. Just understand that a lot of this is fairly AUish.
Grel'Slyfer: That is all we have to say about the chapter and we hope you do enjoy the story we are concocting.
Judan: Whelp with nothing else to say so might as well finish this off.
Argentum: True… hey Chris turned Eris… mind sending us off again?
Eris: Weird way to put that… but okay. We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but OC's and reality building concepts. Everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further delay…
Everyone: Here's the story!
Hello= Regular talk
Hello= Thoughts
[Hello]= Radio
(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading
Chapter Thirteen: How I realized just how much my goddess hates demons or… How I gained a new training regimen …
So tired were we that once Judan teleported us home we only had the strength to wash up, get changed, and then collapse onto our now shared bed. We didn't say anything to one another for a few minutes, but when one of us did speak… that's when the day's events finally seemed to consume us.
"I really did lose them…" As me and my princess looked at my goddess we hugged her as she started crying. "I was so stupid… I… my sacrifice meant nothing… wh-what do I do now? I'm no longer a goddess and I can no longer return to divine realms… I've lost my purpose." I couldn't help but kiss the top of her head before doing my best to comfort her.
"No… you haven't lost your purpose." Thinking for a moment I decided to on something right then and there. "For the moment it has just been changed… changed to defeating Grel'Slyfer and Nel'Ren." She looked up at my eyes, her silver ones tearing up but now a little hopeful. "And I promise to do everything I can to make Grel'Slyfer give you back your divinity. Even if it takes me a hundred years… I'll give you back what you've lost." I would be lying if I said I expected the kiss that came after those words. No instead without the adrenaline and distraction of the fight from the last time she kissed me… I was once again red faced and unable to properly respond. Much like every time Cassandra kisses me.
Speaking of whom… "Hehe… do you not agree that his reactions are adorable?" Pulling away Eris giggled herself before agreeing with my princess.
"They sure are~! Guess our ranger does have a weak spot doesn't he?" I could only grow redder as the two laughed at my embarrassment.
"This is going to be a thing now isn't it?" Their continued laughter did my confidence and self-esteem no favors. On the other hand I was glad to see both were doing well. Especially my goddess who was so distraught earlier, even if I knew she was simply distracted and it would take a long while before she was truly fine again. Shaking my head I decided to ask a few questions seeing how awake we were. "Hey Eris… can I ask you a few things?" Turning to she tilted her head cutely but nodded nonetheless. "I was thinking… but who exactly is this God of Chaos? Can he be trusted? And more importantly what do you think Judan meant when he said we now worked for him?"
At my question Eris sighed heavily. "Ugh… those are loaded questions but I'll try my best to explain." Eris quickly cleared her throat before continuing. "Modaga is… as he call's himself… the youthful god of controlled and righteous chaos. Whatever that means…" Looking at each other I could tell Cassandra was just as wary as I was now. "Anyways… despite his less than ideal methods. Modaga has always been a force for good, and is one of the strongest and oldest gods that we currently have contact with. What may seem insane and idiotic to us could actually end up being a brilliant long term plan to him. So while I am wary of working with even one of his so called "disciples" I do trust them not to harm us. Throw us maybe into the belly of a whale or warzone yes… but will I believe it might help us? Also yes… just be prepared for insanity."
That… that kind of didn't fill me up with confidence… I was now more wary than ever. Though I understood that this god of chaos wasn't about to simply kill us off. I had no idea what he might be planning, and that wasn't a good thing in this scenario. Especially considering the proxy he sent to help us managed to scare away two Darkwraiths at the same time. Made me wonder just how powerful these guys really were. I mean I managed to kill one in a berserk rage. But Grel'Slyfer was apparently underestimating me the entire time, and he had at least another fifteen lives to burn.
Shaking my head I hugged both of my girls closer to me. "Well… whatever happens I promise to protect the both of you." Eris and Cassandra smiled before hugging me back, although Eris was a bit squished between myself and my princess.
"Uh guys… I'm a little squished here…" Cassandra laughed as I loosened up a bit sheepish now. "That's better… you know I kind of like being in the middle." Everyone was smiling now. "Well… I suppose we can find out what the so called youthful god of chaos wants with us tomorrow. For right now I'm tired! And rightfully so!" Cassandra nodded sagely at her words.
"Same here! I believe it is time for a well-deserved long night's rest~." After agreeing I couldn't help but kiss both of my girls's foreheads.
"Won't get any arguments from me… goodnight ladies."
""Goodnight!"" With that we all closed our eyes and let sleep take us. It came quickly and that night despite all of the day's trials, no one suffered any nightmares. No instead I had a… well let's just say an interesting dream involving a marriage with two beautiful silver eyes women. Yeah I had it bad for the two of them… It's funny to think about now… but before meeting either of them I was never interested in girls. I mean sure I liked them and even wanted a girlfriend. But I never quite actively pursued any sort of relationship. Guess I was simply trying to live out my second life the best that I could.
That meant getting a girlfriend or in this case girlfriends I suppose. But hey! They were both fine with it and Cassandra in particular simply wants tons of kids to spoil. Whether or not they were hers was inconsequential. So was my dream of settling down with the both of them strange? No not really… though that morning's wakeup call was!
"AND GOOD MORNING MY NEW MINIONS!" Now while we all jumped out of bed. Cassandra and I pulled the knives we kept hidden at the top of the bed out. Yeah our training with our teachers has made us a bit paranoid. Sweating nervously at the knives was Judan who was still dressed in his long suit coat and top hat. "Heh heh… I… um… good morning?" We couldn't help but scowl at disciple of chaos while putting our knives away. "Sheesh… what happened to make you two so trigger happy? I mean the only person I've seen this bad was Kuros back during the war." That got me and my elf to scowl, now thinking we were as bad as war veterans.
Seeing how distressed we were Eris took charge. "Well… be that as it may… you did startle us awake." With a sheepish laugh Judan apologized.
"Yeah… sorry about that but I was talking to those twos teachers and they wanted me to wake you all up. Oh it's one in the afternoon by the way, and we still have a lot to discuss. In particular those two and their teachers." That got us out of our funk real quickly. "Well I did my job, so come to the dining hall when you're all dressed." With his piece said the disciple of chaos left. Turning to one another we decided that we shouldn't keep them waiting. So as my girls went to the large closest to dress I quickly put on my clothes. Though I scowled when I looked at my coat.
Great… it's completely ruined now. That last fight did quite a number on us… Shaking my head I decided to forgo the coat before walking over to the door. Deciding to be a gentleman and wait for my ladies to finish up. Five minutes later they were done and I saw that Eris was wearing a copy of the outfit she wore yesterday. Only this time she had on gloves and her boots. Cassandra was also wearing the blue dress she had on while we went on our date. They both looked rather gorgeous and I couldn't help but think Eris looked better like this. To me she simply looked better in the non-revealing clothes.
Shaking my head I held the door open for them. "Care to accompany me to the meeting madams?" That got a laugh from both of them before they grabbed my arms and started leading the way to the dining hall. Once there we saw our teachers laughing along with Judan as he seemed to finish a story.
"So after the knight was sent running the dragoness turned to the princess and said… whelp… that's another potential disaster averted!" We had no idea what the context to the story was but it got our teachers to laugh.
After the laughter had died down Marus noticed us. "Ah there you three are! Come and sit down, we have much to talk about." We did as he said although after Cassandra whispered something to Eris. Both of them sat down on my lap. This made me both embarrassed, and glad that I was still a few inches taller than Cassandra, who was taller than Eris. Everyone else simply shook their heads in amusement. But seeing how we were now comfortable Garus spoke up with a serious look.
"We heard what happened to the three of you yesterday…" At our forlorn looks he sighed. "Don't give us those looks… it's not any of your faults. At this point you're as physically fit as we can get either of you. And as a former goddess we know that Eris has already maxed her stats. And before you say anything Judan was the one who told us." As we glared at Judan who was now whistling innocently Darius spoke up.
"In some ways we have failed you both… because though we can still increase your skill level we can no longer quickly increase your physical strength. That and we even misidentified Michael's Dandao as a tachi." That actually got me surprised, for while I hadn't known what a tachi was until they had told me. I did know what a Dandao was, had actually liked the Chinese long saber more than the katana. So I was a little pleased that I had been using one this whole time. "So after discussed it we have decided to entrust continued training to Judan."
That surprised us greatly as Marus continued. "Just know that this mansion will always be your home, and when you get back you'll be welcomed back with open arms." I had to speak up at that point.
"Wait… what do you mean by "when you get back"?" Judan was the one to answer my question this time.
"That's simple! You three will be coming with me on a trip!" As we turned to the chaos disciple he elaborated. "You see for the last thousand years I've been hunting down both Grel'Slyfer and Nel'Ren. Foiling their plans and both succeeding and failing at saving those they've targeted. And until now I've been doing this all on my lonesome. But now with you three holding some fairly sizable grudges against them... and how… well… let's just say I want to use you three to help me out. I'll take care of the bigger issues while you three handle the smaller ones. In return I'll make sure you all get the training needed to eventually take them on."
The situation now made more sense to me. Though I was weary at how he seemed to cut himself off for a moment. Just what isn't he telling us? Call it paranoia but I knew he was hiding something from us. However I also knew that if we wanted to take back my goddess' divinity we needed to work with him. Let's just hope this doesn't come back to bite us. So with a sigh I spoke to the two on my lap. "Well… I believe we need to do this. But I won't make a decision without you two." They seemed to mull it over before they nodded at one another.
""We'll/We will go!" Smiling I turned to Judan who was grinning as if he won the lottery.
"Well… you heard the ladies! Guess we're in!" Around us I saw that our teachers while looking a bit sad also wore proud looks.
Judan simply clapped his hands a few times. "Awesome! I promise that while you may regret this that you will require a huge boost of strength!" That got the three of us to quickly frown making him laugh. "HAHA! You should see your faces!" As our teachers laughed with him we simply scowled. "Ha… seriously though… while it will be hard, and you will get hurt and injured… I promise that you'll be so much stronger for this." He then got up stretching. "Alright! You three go and say goodbye to whomever you want! I got to go and check in with a few things. Oh yeah… pack lightly for you will be provided for. Now see you all in a few hours." With a flick of a finger a portal opened up and he stepped through it. Using my eyes I tried to copy as much as I could from it. But equations were unlike anything I had seen up to that point.
Shaking my head I set my two girls to my sides before standing myself. "Well… guess we should go and so goodbye to our friends. Seems as if we'll be gone for quite some time." As my girls nodded Cassandra and I turned to our teachers and bowed.
""Thank you for everything!"" For the first time since we've all met, we had actually managed to embarrass our now former masters.
Garus in particular was the most affected though he tried to hide it. "Yeah yeah! Just pack your stuff and so goodbye to everyone else you brats!" As everyone laughed at their reactions we left to do just that. Though Eris decided to shop for a few things as we packed.
"Seeing how I can no longer return to the divine realm I got to go and grab some stuff… I just hope I can do so without seeing Aqua sempai. She'd recognize me in a heartbeat as I am now." We nodded in understanding at her logic. It made sense, for while her "Chris" form was similar to her "goddess" form. There was enough differences to act as a good disguise. Now she was stuck in as her goddess self. Though I personally thought she looked much better with long hair, than the short hair she had as Chris.
As we parted ways Cassandra and I quickly packed before making our way over to the guild hall. We happened to be in luck as we saw Darkness and her party lazing about. I couldn't help but smile sadly at them, knowing that I was going to miss them. Sure they were a bunch of misfits, but despite all their quirks and faults. They were fun to be around.
Walking up to them I spoke up. "Hey there." Looking up at us Darkness jumped up checking us over.
"Are all of you alright?! Did things work out yesterday?! Where's Chris?! Is she okay?!" Grabbing her shoulders to make her calm down Cassandra spoke up with a sad smile.
"All of us are alright… just something has come up and we thought all of you should at least have an idea about what is going on." Calming herself down Darkness nodded before sitting back down. As we sat on the opposite side of our friends I took a breath before beginning my explanation. I had kept it short and to the point, deciding to only hide how Chris was actually the goddess Eris. And how I was a reincarnee like Kazuma. At the end of our explanation they were quiet for a moment before Aqua spoke with sympathy.
"Man… I actually feel bad about happened to the lot of you. Glad that you're okay now." We smiled at her as Darkness spoke up sadly.
"I concur… but… do you really have to leave on this training trip? I'd miss having the three of you around." Before either of us could answer we heard Eris speak up from behind us.
"As much as I wish that we could stay… we feel quite obligated to hunt these two Darkwraith down." Looking behind us we saw Eris with her fur lined hood up. Covering her hair and some of her face as to not let Aqua get a good look at her. "Speaking of which… I'm done shopping. So we should say our final goodbyes and get going now." My princess and I nodded as we stood up.
Smiling at our friends I gave a final goodbye. "It's not too bad! This isn't a full goodbye, just a see you later." Thinking of something I got out my money bag as Darkness hugged Eris goodbye. Taking out a hundred thousand from it I looked over to Kazuma. "Here catch!" Tossing the bag to Kazuma he fumbled with it a bit before looking at me in tears. "Here… over two point three million Eris… you'll need it more than I will." With as he called them "manly" tears he hugged me while continuously thanking me. Simply patting him on the back as he got out his gratitude's, when he was done I looked around and spotted Luna. "Hey!" Looking at me she smiled.
"Oh is there something you need?" I shook my head before taking her hand and putting the hundred thousand I took from my bag into it. "Wha… what is this for?"
Smiling I explained. "Well… me and my party will be going on a long trip here. And I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of us." She was smiling sadly but nodded her head gratefully.
"I don't think I deserve this… but thank you. And please come back safely. The guild still needs adventurers like yourselves." I simply nodded before turning to the others.
"Well… time to get going everyone!" My girls nodded in agreement as we said our last goodbyes. It was time to get a move on. As we walked out the doors of the guild for the last time in what will be a long time. We turned around and raised our fists high.
"""WE WILL RETURN!""" Everyone who happened to be eavesdropping on us raised their own fists.
""YOU WILL RETURN!"" With that we left for the next part of our adventure. Vowing to come back and… despite my misgivings… have a drink with everyone once more.
This line break is going on a trip!
By the time we had returned we Judan had as well. "Ah! Nice to see you all back… I assume you are all ready to go?" The three of us nodded as he smiled. "Good… now before I forget take these." Handing us each a letter he continued. "These are very important… make sure to keep them on yourselves." We nodded as we turned all took one last look at the mansion and the rest of Axel. "Heh… I promise to do everything I can to get you all back here. For now… it's time to get moving." Nodding at him with determination we saw him open up a portal. "It's time… follow me." As he walked through Eris took my left hand, and Cassandra took my right.
As one we walked through the portal. For a moment we saw an enormous tunnel of swirling grey, black, and white. But just as my eyes saw a glimpse of the equations powering it all… we were on the other side. It was noticeably colder now, and there was snow both on the ground and falling from the cloudy skies. My eyes took a moment to adjust and I even had to close them. Both the light from the snow and the sporadic equations in the air had hurt my eyes. It was strange… it was as if the very foundations of the world had changed in some way. Shaking my head and rubbing my eyes I opened them up again to see that I was correct.
Everything was different and I couldn't help but look around in confusion. "Something up there kid?" I was shook out of my thoughts by Judan who along with my girls were looking at me in worry. Deciding to alieve them of said worries I waved them off.
"I'm fine… just my eyes trying to catch up with my brain… where are we anyways?" He gave me a strange look before gesturing forward. Looking in said direction I saw the gates to a large mansion. Though I couldn't help but be confused as to why it was made in old Japanese fashion. "Okay… doesn't quite explain my question. I mean Japan was blown off the face of the earth. So seeing a Japanese style home is a little strange. But what does that have to do with anything?" Though Cassandra looked merely intrigued by my words, Eris' jaw had practically dropped.
She seemed to want to question me when Judan spoke up. "Well… this is where we'll send you to your new trainers. Trust me they'll be able to provide you with the training you need to start to become truly powerful. As for why it's a Japanese home… well I've just teleported us to a whole other dimension. By my reckoning… it is currently nineteen twenty." Eris' jaw dropped look was now directed towards Judan. I myself upon hearing how this was another dimension simply accepted his explanation. "Whelp! Better get going, best not to keep the young master waiting." That's when he pushed the gates opened and started leading the way inside. Seeing this I grabbed a still shell shocked Eris and followed in after him with Cassandra right beside me.
As we walked I decided to question Judan on a couple of things. "A couple of questions if you will." Judan waved for me to keep ask away without turning. "First what is it that we'll be learning here? Secondly something Grel'Slyfer said has been bothering me. He said that I was dragon blooded and I was wondering if you knew anything about that?" I heard him hum for a moment before answering my questions.
"Well… the first question will be best answered by the experts. As for your second… well even I can feel some dragon blood in your veins. How that even happened… I couldn't even begin to tell you. Could be that you had a dragon blooded ancestor at some point. But that blood had remained dormant until you were reincarnated. Don't quote me on that though, that's just a guess of mine. My suggestion is to not worry about that for now and simply focus on getting stronger." I was little disappointed at his answer, but I could understand what he was getting at. After a bit more walking Judan finally stopped in front of a sliding door and he knocked on it.
I could hear a young female voice from the other side speak. "Yes? Who is it?" There was something off about how she spoke but I couldn't pinpoint it. Judan however simply spoke up respectfully.
"Judan here with those I promised to bring. Is your father still able to speak Hinaki Chan?" After a moment I heard an older yet soothing voice speak up.
"It's alright… you may let them in Hinaki." After a moment the sliding door was opened but a young white haired girl. She was wearing a kimono but the most striking thing about her were her eyes. They were large and purple in color. Stepping to the side she bowed respectfully before heading inside the room. Following Judan inside we saw a few figures sitting in seiza on a few pillows. One was a woman with white hair, and the other was a man with black hair, wearing a white haori and black kimono. But I couldn't help but grimace as I saw that the top half of his face looked to be rotting. Just by looking at him I could tell that he was blind. Using my Lyb'Craeft told me more… he was cursed, and very heavily at that. I was unsure whether with my current strength that I could undo the curse.
In front of them were a few pillows that the woman gestured to. "Come and sit down… we have much to talk about." Next to them the girl from before sat on another pillow. Walking in Judan took off his boots and went to sit down on one of the pillows. As I followed his lead along with my girls Judan spoke again.
"I thank you for allowing us to meet with you. And yes there is much for us to talk about… specifically about the enemies I have been hunting." I was a bit surprised that Judan had mentioned the Darkwraith, even if he didn't do so directly. Made me wonder just who these people were.
Knocking me out of my thoughts was the cursed man who smiled lightly. "Yes your enemies are our enemies. If only indirectly. But seeing you come and bring us aid… even untrained aid is a boon Judan Dono." His voice was polite and very calming. The man also seemed to give off an air that made me want to respect him. It was a strange sensation… one I was very unfamiliar with. But even a being as powerful as Judan seemed to respect him, and what he said next proved his respect.
"Yes… and I hope that you have sent out word to those I've chosen to teach these three. But seeing who I'm talking to I have no doubt that you have Oyakata Sama." That got them both laughing as I thought on his words. Now while Japan was literally dead where I'm from, I could understand that Sama was a title of respect. After a moment of levity Judan spoke seriously. "Though I expect he wasn't too pleased… Shinjuro say? Guessing he either refused or wanted to foist the responsibility onto his son?" I was now getting confused, but I stayed quiet for some reason.
Oyakata chuckled at the question before shaking his head. "No actually… he has agreed to train the boy. Something about wanting to make a point to Kyojuro San. What that point might be… I cannot be too… Though I have spoken with the flame Hashira himself. And Kyojuro has agreed to help train your ward if the need arises. He was however hopeful that his father would train him correctly. A sentiment I can't help but hope for as well." It was at this point that Eris couldn't keep quiet anymore.
"I'm sorry to interrupt… but just who and what are you two talking about? I'm afraid that I'm a little lost here, and I doubt I'm the only one." After a moment of everyone looking at her Oyakata smiled and spoke kindly to my goddess.
"Forgive me… the two of us have gotten carried away. But please allow me to explain what you three will be doing for as long as you are needed here." We nodded attentively as he began his explanation. "Though I am called Oyakata Sama. Mostly out a term of respect and endearment from those within my organization. My real name is Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Next to me are is my wife Amane and one of my twin daughters Hinaki. I have a few more children but they are currently doing other things." We gave polite nods to the two before he continued. "What our organization is… well the story would leave us here all night, and for two of you I am sure that your teachers would like to tell you themselves. Suffice to say that we are an organization of demon slayers."
That got a reaction from the three of us. Myself and Cassandra were simply surprised about what these people do. Eris on the other hand was now sporting a vicious grin. It was actually a bit scary to see… and though they tried to hide it Amane and Hinaki seemed a bit put off by the grin.
Kagaya however was blind and so continued without noticing. "For many… many generations we have been fighting a battle against this world's progenitor of all demons. A monster of a man known as Kibutsuji Muzan. For generations he has turned normal humans into flesh hungry demons. And though there has a been few who have regained parts of their humanity, and have rejected him. Muzan has devoured and killed thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands over the years. And most of his demons are nothing but vicious creatures wishing to only devour."
With a nod Judan turned to us continuing where Kagaya left off. "That's where I come in. You see for years we have suspected that Muzan was somehow tied to Grel'Slyfer and Nel'Ren. For you see before he was a demon, Muzan himself was a normal human. It is my suspicion that one or both of those Darkwraith's, may have given him the means of becoming a demon. Only recently have I had any proof towards this. Yet with trying to deal with even stronger and more dangerous threats, I haven't been able to do much here… until now that is." Kagaya nodded before speaking once more.
"Though I wish it wasn't so. What Judan Dono said is true. Compared to the threats I've heard him tell about Muzan isn't nearly so terrible. But now it has been decided that you three will be his eyes and ears in this world. You three will also help fight off the demons, and in return we shall teach you our ancient breathing techniques. The power that allows those who use them, to become strong enough to match and even surpass the demons of this world. We have already decided on which breathing styles each of you will learn."
Judan smirked at us before pointing at Eris. "You will be going to the former thunder Hashira Kuwajima Jigoro. He will teach you along with his current student thunder breathing." She was about to ask more questions when he held his hand up to stop her. "Your teachers will explain breathing better than I can. I for one can't seem to grasp how to do it thanks to my previous training. But I know that you three should have no problem." He then pointed at Cassandra. "You will be going to the former water Hashira Urokodaki Sakonji. And with your sword broken you will be provided a new one that I believe will suit you belter."
Cassandra simply nodded in understanding as he pointed at me. "You… I'll be honest you were tricky to choose a style for. But thinking it over we decided you will learn from the former flame Hashira Rengoku Shinjurō. Be warned… at the moment he is a bit of an alcoholic." That didn't fill me with too much confidence. "Thankfully his eldest Kyojuro is the current flame Hashira and is more than willing to fill in the blanks. At least when he has the time." I nodded before asking a question.
"Not to throw shade onto your methods... and not to say we won't want to help out. Especially considering how Eris looks already ready to tear out a demon's throat…" All of us gave her a weary look as she scratched the scar on her cheek sheepishly. "But are you sure this will help us get stronger? I mean back where we just came from we could get stronger by simply leveling up." Though those from this world looked a bit confused Judan sighed.
Turning to our hosts he apologized. "Sorry… just ignore us for a moment as we talk about other world logic." Kagaya nodded and gestured for him to continue as Judan turned back to me. "Okay… back where we came from in order to make sure another demon lord didn't pop up. The gods of that world put a level limit on mortal races. That limit was level one hundred. They also put a cap on a persons stats… that limit is five hundred with me so far?" We nodded as he continued. "The Darkwraiths… if I would to put a level on them… they would be level one hundred thousand or even higher. With stats over the millions."
Our jaws dropped as he finished his explanation. "Now that you're no longer in that world these caps no longer apply to you. In fact a lot of the current Hashira easily surpass those stat limits. And they got that strong by training and using these breathing techniques to their fullest. You may still refer to your stat cards, but you will no longer get points to distribute into your stats. No from this point on you'll only get stronger by hard work. The cards will simply now be a way to track your progress. Understand the situation now?" We all nodded in understanding, now finally comprehending what kind of enemies we were facing.
Clenching my fists I spoke up. "I… I knew the gap between us and them was large… but I had no idea it was so vast." Shaking my head I spoke up in determination. "If learning this flame breathing and maybe even killing this Kibutsuji Muzan gets us closer to defeating the Darkwraith… then I'm in! I won't back down from this! I made promises that I intend to keep!" Everyone smiled at my words and both Eris and Cassandra took my left and right hands respectively. Holding them tightly while smiling.
Kagaya was the first to speak after my declaration. "I am happy to hear that… but for now it's late. Tomorrow you three will begin your journeys to your new trainers. Though Michael San's Hashira is much closer than Eris San's and Cassandra San's." After hearing that we would be training far apart from each other me and my girls deflated a bit. Seeing our expressions made Judan and even Amane laugh as the former spoke up.
"Don't worry you three. We got a good system for letters here, so the three of you will be able to write each other." He then seemed to think on something. "Speaking of which… you three will also be learning to read and write in Japanese. There's only so much my translation spell can do for you three." Sighing I nodded my head now understanding why our hosts sounded so strange to me.
That's when Kagaya clapped his hands. "Well I suppose that is enough for one night. I'll have someone show you where you will staying for the night." He then turned to Judan. "Are you staying for the night as well?" Judan shook his head before answering.
"Wish I could Oyakata Sama… but I still have a lot of work to do. I'll make sure to pop in and check up on my wards from time to time though." Kagaya nodded as Judan stood up and turned to us. "Remember to train as hard as you can. I can feel that things may be coming to a head here in this world. And I have no doubt that our enemies will be aiding Muzan in some way. It is important that you do everything you can to disrupt them. But for now… take care." Judan snapped his fingers and seemed to just disappear within some kind of distortion.
Shaking her head Amane spoke up. "That man has always had a flair for the dramatics…" We couldn't help but chuckle at that as Kagaya spoke once more.
"Be that as it may… he is a good man who has been providing aid and funds to us for many years." He then clapped his hands as someone in a black uniform and mask opened a door. "Can you show these three to where they'll be staying? Oh and provide them with a meal as well if you would." The masked man nodded while turning to us.
"If you would follow me." Getting up we gave our thanks to Kagaya before following the black clad man.
This line break is going on a trip!
Now dressed in white yukatas as I think they were called, the three of us were laying down on some futons as we stared at the ceiling. We had eaten a rather scrumptious Japanese style meal and then had taken some baths. It was a unique experience but the wooden baths were actually pretty nice. Shaking my head I turned towards my girls.
"So… this is a rather new experience huh?" They both gave me bemused looks and I couldn't help but laugh.
Cassandra smiled and shook her head as Eris sighed and asked me a question. "Hey… what did you mean by when you said Japan was destroyed in your world?" Blinking I gave her a strange look.
"That I meant that Japan was destroyed? What else would I mean?" Shaking her head Eris decided to elaborate.
"No… that's not what I meant." Thinking for a bit she continued. "Okay look… our friend Kazuma was from Japan. And as far as I know it is still fine and in one piece. Now Aqua Sempai is in charge of the young souls that die there. Now what I'm getting at is if you say that Japan was destroyed… even if you happen to be from another dimension like this place is… than I'm wondering how you even made it in front of Aqua Sempai in the first place." I was now confused myself…
How… how did I end up in front of Aqua? At my look of contemplation Eris sighed.
"Yeah… that's what I thought… someone must've messed up on your afterlife cycle somewhere. Not that I'm complaining about it! I'm both happy and grateful you're here after all. I'm just worried about what may have happened for it to have happened in the first place." She had brought up a good point… in fact it was probably worse than how she was putting it. I mean I went to a goddess who was in charge of a japan that wasn't even my own japan. It would've made some sense if I was in my Japan when I died. But I wasn't…
Shaking my head I decided that since there wasn't anything I could do about it now. I'd just have to wait for when we got Eris' divinity back before trying to figure that out. Sighing I sat up and nudged my way over before sliding into bed next to my goddess before speaking again.
"Well… nothing much we can do now. Just another mystery we'll have to solve later." As I hugged her I looked over to my princess. "You know… it'll be a while before we can cuddle again. So why are you over there?" Giggling Cassandra did as I did and hugged Eris so that once more she was our teddy bear.
At our actions Eris sighed before voicing a question. "Not that I mind… but just why is it that I'm always in the middle? I feel like a body pillow at times." Cassandra couldn't keep in a small giggle before answering.
"To answer you bluntly… out of us three you are the smallest. That and you are just too huggable for your own good~!" Eris grumbled and blushed before turning to hug me, her back towards Cassandra. That just made me hug both a bit more, and Cassandra hug the two of us more.
As we laid there I turned my attention to Cassandra. "You know… you've been taking all of this fairly well. Though I can't help but ask how you're holding up after all of this?" Though she didn't turn to my elf princess, I could tell that my goddess thief was paying attention to Cassandra. My princess herself merely sighed and seemed to mull things over for a minute. When she found her words my princess answered my question.
"I will be straight forward. Though I have not outwardly shown my turmoil… I am feeling quite out of my depth here. And now knowing that we shalt be separated for a time… My heart if worried that without you two that I will fall and not get back up." I couldn't help but lean over Eris and bit and kiss her forehead before reassuring my lovely elf.
"You will do fine… that I have no doubt of. You're so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. We believe in you and know that you will succeed."
As Cassandra smiled Eris decided to give her own words. "What our boyfriend said… besides… though we've lost both times. The three of us have fought against Darkwraiths! And we've gotten right back up each time! I'm sure that this will be nothing more than a bump in the road for you!" Smiling brightly Cassandra hugged Eris tighter much to her protests. "HEY! You are crushing me!" Cassandra only laughed and thanked her while saying a few other things.
"You may be older than both of us but doesn't mean you aren't the most adorable of our trio~!" Eris only blushed more and protested harder. My princess simply giggled while I couldn't help but laugh. It was times like these that I would remember fondly. Moments of levity that still to this day put a smile on my face… if only that had lasted longer. For the next day after breakfast we were to be separated, for how long? That I did not know, but after a night of hugs and kisses much to my embarrassment, and the laughter of my girls. It was time to go our own ways for a time.
Packed and ready to go, with Cassandra wearing a new kimono skirt and top we said our farewells. "Well… I'll miss you two ladies…" For a moment they didn't answer, and I was worried as to what they were thinking. But just as quickly did that moment pass and they hugged me. I could tell that they were a bit tearful. I myself was a bit teary eyed, but those quickly dried as they both kissed me. Much to the laughter of those who would be guiding to us destinations.
After a moment more of hugging my princess finally spoke. "I love you Michael… don't forget that okay?" Before I could answer my goddess interjected with her own words.
"And don't forget about me! I love you just the same!" I couldn't help but chuckle before kissing both of their foreheads.
"I love you both as well… don't forget that either." We stayed hugging for a few more minutes before we let each other go. As we waved goodbye and started out on our separate ways, I could only pray that they'd be alright. Seeing them off brought a melancholy smile to my face. But I still followed my guide, a Kukushi named Maru Kyuko. When I asked her what a Kukushi was in relation to the others of the demon slayer organization. She told me that Kukushi are those who wish to help in the Corps call to defeat the demons. But are unfortunately unable to fight themselves for one reason or another. All of them wear the same clothes and masks in order to make it harder to target a specific individual.
I couldn't help but find that rather smart. "Guess over the generations the Demon Slayer Corps really have thought a lot of things through. Still the fact that you're even helping like you are is commendable." Kyuko laughed in embarrassment, before we started talking about more mundane things. I had learned a lot about the current time period this version of Japan was in. Along with a few tidbits about the Corps and their enemies the demons. One bit of information had me looking at my sword in with a question in my head.
These nichirin blades the slayers use… I hope my sword can kill the demons of this world without being made from this Scarlet Crimson Ore. Or if it can't… that we can incorporate the ore into the blade. Evidently one of the only ways to kill a demon was with a blade made from a special metal. Apparently scarlet crimson ore can absorb sunlight. One of the few weaknesses a demon has. Even then one would have to decapitate the demon to truly kill it. That or lead it out into the sun where it would turn to ash. That last one in particular doesn't sound all too pleasant… At that point I made a promise to do everything I can to kill a demon through a swift decapitation. Since they were all once human the least I could do was make sure they didn't suffer.
Shaking my head I learned a little bit more from the Kyuko. I was intrigued by this thing called the final selection. A test to see if someone could become a true demon slayer. It made sense to have such a test, if only to make sure their resources weren't wasted. But simply throwing people into a demon infested mountain didn't sit too well with me. Shaking my head I decided that those participating should've known what they were getting into. It was harsh but that was the reality of the situation.
Not too much longer after learning about the final selection we arrived to the flame Hashira estate. There standing at the entrance was a rather gruff looking man. His hair and eye colors were very notable. What were their flame like appearance and red and orange hues. Now I've seen a few interesting hair and eye colors since being reincarnated. But this kimono wearing man's colors were blew all else out of the water. As we approached Kyuko kneeled down on one knee in front of the man.
"Rengoku Sama I have brought the potential student as asked." He said nothing just glaring at me; I couldn't help but feel like an insect looking up at a mountain. I didn't know what else to do but I stood my ground. Eventually he huffed before turning to Kyuko.
"Your job is done here now leave." Understandably wanting to get away from the man she simply nodded. But whispered a good luck to me as she passed me by. Glaring at me again he spoke up, anger seemingly brimming inside of his body. "Let me tell you something straight Gaki!" I had no idea what gaki meant but kept quiet as to not make him angrier. "There is only one reason I've decided to teach you and one reason only! Simply put during my own Hashira days Judan had saved my life. That and his aid over the years has left us all in a large debt to him. So don't you dare go thinking that you're anything else but a way for me to repay him! Got that?!" I nodded furiously as he snorted. "You better… now… follow me." He turned and started walking briskly away as I hurried to catch up.
As we walked through the estate he continued to speak. "Now the way I understand it you're already above average for a person without proper training. As such we can skip a long conditioning process and get into more solid training. First thing I'll be teaching you is how to use is the Honō no kokyū. To do that you must learn the basics of Zen Shūchū no Kokyū. And also as an added measure so I never have to interact with you again… you will also learn Zen Shūchū Jōchū. You will learn everything within the next year and four months. If you fail to learn master everything within that time frame I will kick you out and wash my hands from you. I hope we understand one another now?"
Though I hid it I couldn't help but start to feel anger bubbling inside me, but I squashed it down and remained respectful. "I understand perfectly sir." He huffed but seemed pleased by my answer nonetheless. With that he began to explain a number of things to me. Specifically the layout of the estate and what my future schedule would be like. I understood both but inwardly groaned about my schedule.
This is going to be even harder than my old training schedule… Shaking my head I refocused on his words. His anger still brimming beneath the surface of his skin. It made me wonder… just what had happened to anger him to such a degree? My thoughts were interrupted as he opened a large set of doors. Inside was a dojo of some sort. Following him inside I saw Shinjurō pick up a wooden sword before gesturing to my sword with it.
"Time to test you out Gaki! Unsheathe your sword and show me what you got! Let me know that I'm not completely wasting my time!" I couldn't help but grit my teeth, this man had continually insulted me during the entire tour.
"Alright… if you want to see me my blade work that's fine." My feelings still compromised by whatever was happening to my blood, I didn't even question if it was a good idea to use a wooden sword against a real one. Instead I unsheathed my sword and charged in. "I'll show you just how much time I am actually worth to you!" And so the spar had begun… a fight between an angry teenager who thought he was strong, and an angry man who happened to be slightly hung over… who just happened to be a former master swordsman… yeah… two guesses to what the outcome was.
This line break is going on a trip!
Argentum: Yes! Finally! Been waiting to get to this point for so long!
Judan: It is interesting… also a good idea on how to advance the skills and abilities of the characters.
Grel'Slyfer: And I can't wait to try and steal one of these breathing styles!
Kagaya: I wouldn't be so sure about that.
Grel'Slyfer: Maybe… but I'm not the one in charge of the story.
Argentum: Nope~! Anyways I hope all of you enjoyed this chapter. I will note that my knowledge of Kimestu no Yaiba isn't quite complete yet. So if anyone has any suggestions or tidbits to tell me then go ahead. I freely admit to needing help and I'm sure some of you probably know more than I do.
Judan: Yeah… still a lot of this will enter AU territory eventually. Hopefully you all enjoy the changes, for we only add those in for story and lore purposes.
Argentum: What the chaos disciple said. Now seeing how that's all we have for the day… Kagaya mind ending this for us?
Kagaya: I would be honored… Once more this chapter was a Dark Guard production. Now without further delay…
Everyone: Goodbye!