Rosemary pov
"Are you sure about this Kumoko?" I asked as both of us stood silently in the pit. "After this, I'm not asking again."
Kumoko nodded, her face a mask of solemnity and her Detection skill was tuned up to the maximum. Her brows were furrowed in concentration and her whole body was tense, patiently waiting for Araba.
Just a couple of hours ago, Kumoko had me track him down and tell him to come here. After some time searching, I eventually found his scent and requested that he come here. The blue earth dragon had, surprisingly, agreed to my demands and should be arriving any minute now.
And a few seconds later, his thundering footsteps echoed throughout the cavern, announcing his presence to Kumoko and me. I swiveled my head and met Araba's gaze. His lime-green eyes appeared to shine even in the complete darkness of the Elroe Labyrinth.
"So, you've come." I commented as Kumoko slowly turned around.
"And you thought I wouldn't little one?" Araba inquired, his head tilting and his soft yet gruff voice seemed to rumble all throughout the chamber.
"I didn't know what to expect, so forgive me for not being optimistic." I replied, fully turning my body around. "I suppose my misgivings are unfounded now that you're here."
"Your message was greatly appreciated, little one." Arabra said. "The both of you have come a long way from our first meeting. The true breadth of the two of you eludes me, but I can sense great power and refinement present in you two."
"The both of you are truly magnificent." Araba continued, a smile slowly etching into his blue, scaly face. "For the first time in an age, I have encountered not one, but two opponents I feel no confidence in defeating."
"Then I apologize," I said, tuning around to face him. "I will not be fighting you."
"Any reasons why young one?" Araba said, his eyebrows crinkling in slight disappointment.
"She decided that this will be her battle to fight." I explained, vaguely gesturing to Kumoko. "Who am I to interfere? From the moment she laid eyes on you, she decided that you're something she will give her everything to overcome. To defeat."
Araba nodded his head in understanding.
Ede Saine: Nameless Lvl 26 Skill points: 0
Hp: 3592+1700/3592
Mp: 12110 +1700/12110
Sp (Yellow): 2413/2413
Sp (Red): 2413+1700/2413
Offense: 2392
Defense: 2363
Magic: 11158
Resistance: 11004
Speed: 7440
Ede Saine: Nameless Lvl 26 Skill points: 0
Hp: 3592+1700/3592
Mp: 12110 +1700/12110
Sp (Yellow): 2413/2413
Sp (Red): 2413+1700/2413
Offense: 2392
Defense: 2363
Magic: 11158
Resistance: 11004
Speed: 7440
HP Rapid Recovery: Lvl 7 | SP Rapid Recovery: Lvl 1 | SP Minimized Consumption: Lvl 1 | Celestial Power | Ultimate Life: Lvl 3 | Instant Body: Lvl 7 | Endurance: Lvl 7 | Fortitude: Lvl 2 | Stronghold: Lvl 2 | Skanda: Lvl 7 | Height of Occultism | Deadly Poison Attack: Lvl 6 | Rot Attack: Lvl 4 | Heretic Attack: Lvl 6 | Destruction Enhancement: Lvl 6 | Cutting Enhancement: Lvl 8 | Status Condition Super-Enhancement: Lvl 1 | Mental Warfare: Lvl 9 | Magic Power Conferment: Lvl 7 | Energy Conferment: Lvl 5 | Dragon Power: Lvl 7 | Poison Synthesis: Lvl 10 | Medicine Synthesis: Lvl 7 | Utility Thread: Lvl 6 | Thread Control: Lvl 10 | Telekinesis: Lvl 1 | Dimensional Maneuvering: Lvl 8 | Camouflage: Lvl 1 | Magic Divinity: Lvl 2 | Clairvoyance: Lvl 8 | Tyrant: Lvl 1 | Conviction | Concentration: Lvl 10 | Thought Acceleration: Lvl 9 | Foresight: Lvl 9 | High-Speed Processing: Lvl 6 | Probability Correction: Lvl 7 | Hit: Lvl 10 | Evasion: Lvl 10 | Parallel Minds: Lvl 7 | Wind Magic: Lvl 4 | Earth Magic: Lvl 10 | Terrain Magic: Lvl 1 | Heretic Magic: Lvl 10 | Shadow Magic: Lvl 10 | Dark Magic: Lvl 10 | Black Magic: Lvl 2 | Poison Magic: Lvl 10 | Healing Magic: Lvl 10 | Spatial Magic: Lvl 10 | Dimensional Magic: Lvl 4 | Abyss Magic: Lvl 10 | Jinx Evil Eye: Lvl 6 | Inert Evil Eye: Lvl 5 | Repellent Evil Eye: Lvl 1 | Annihilating Evil Eye: Lvl 3 | Destruction Resistance: Lvl 5 | Impact Resistance: Lvl 5 | Cutting Resistance: Lvl 5 | Flame Resistance: Lvl 2 | Wind Resistance: Lvl 2 | Earth Resistance: Lvl 8 | Heavy Super-Resistance: Lvl 1 | Deadly Poison Resistance: Lvl 3 | Paralysis Resistance: Lvl 6 | Petrification Resistance: Lvl 5 | Exhaustion Nullification | Acid Resistance: Lvl 6 | Rot Resistance: Lvl 7 | Faint Resistance: Lvl 5 | Fear Resistance: Lvl 9 | Heresy Nullification | Pain Nullification | Pain Super-Mitigation: Lvl 2 | Throw: Lvl 10 | Expel: Lvl 2 | Stealth: Lvl 2 | Silence: Lvl 8 | Five Senses Super-Enhancement: Lvl 1 | Perception Expansion: Lvl 5 | Night Vision: Lvl 10 | Threadsmanship: Lvl 8 | Demon Lord: Lvl 3 | Perseverance | Pride | Anger: Lvl 2 | Satiation: Lvl 7 | Sloth | Wisdom | Hades | Corruption | Taboo: Lvl 10 | Divinity Expansion: Lvl 6 | n% I = W
[Foul Feeder] [Kin Eater] [Assassin] [Monster Slayer] [Poison Technique User] [Thread User] [Merciless] [Monster Slaughterer] [Ruler of Pride] [Ruler of Perseverance] [Ruler of Wisdom] [Wyrm Slayer] [Fearbringer] [Dragon Slayer] [Ruler of Sloth] [Monster Calamity]
Earth Dragon: Araba Lvl 32 Skill points: 41100
Hp: 4663/4663
Mp: 4076/4076
Sp (Yellow): 4570/4570
Sp (Red): 4569/4569
Offense: 4610
Defense: 4597
Magic: 4022
Resistance: 4138
Speed: 4555
HP Rapid Recovery: Lvl 8 | MP Rapid Recovery: Lvl 5 | MP Minimized Consumption: Lvl 5 | SP Rapid Recovery: Lvl 7 | SP Minimized Consumption: Lvl 7 | Ultimate Life: Lvl 3 | Ultimate Magic: Lvl 1 | Ultimate Movement: Lvl 3 | Fortune: Lvl 3 | Fortitude: Lvl 3 | Stronghold: Lvl 3 | Deva: Lvl 1 | Sanctum: Lvl 2 | Skanda: Lvl 3 | Magic Power Super-Attack: Lvl 1 | Energy Super-Attack: Lvl 3 | Terrain Attack: Lvl 10 | Terrain Enhancement: Lvl 10 | Destruction Super-Enhancement: Lvl 3 | Cutting Super-Enhancement: Lvl 10 | Piercing Super-Enhancement: Lvl 8 | Impact Super-Enhancement: Lvl 10 | Magic Warfare: Lvl 9 | Dimensional Maneuvering: Lvl 8 | Camouflage: Lvl 3 | Telescopic Sight: Lvl 8 | Magic Power Perception: Lvl 10 | Hit: Lvl 10 | Evasion: Lvl 10 | Probability Super-Correction: Lvl 4 | Danger Perception: Lvl 10 | Presence Perception: Lvl 10 | Heat Perception: Lvl 10 | Motion Perception: Lvl 10 | Precise Magic Power Operation: Lvl 1 | Earth Magic: Lvl 10 | Terrain Magic: Lvl 10 | Seismic Magic: Lvl 2 | Shadow Magic: Lvl 10 | Dark Magic: Lvl 7 | Destruction Super-Resistance: Lvl 1 | Cutting Super-Resistance: Lvl 4 | Piercing Super-Resistance: Lvl 3 | Impact Super-Resistance: Lvl 5 | Shock Super-Resistance: Lvl 1 | Terrain Nullification | Fire Resistance: Lvl 6 | Lightning Resistance: Lvl 8 | Water Resistance: Lvl 5 | Wind Resistance: Lvl 6 | Dark Resistance: Lvl 4 | Status Condition Super-Resistance: Lvl 7 | Rot Resistance: Lvl 5 | Stealth: Lvl 10 | Pain Nullification | Divine Scales: Lvl 2 | Heavy Armor: Lvl 1 | Ultra Steel Body: Lvl 1 | Pain Super-Mitigation: Lvl 7 | Vision Enhancement: Lvl 10 | Night Vision: Lvl 10 | Vision Expansion: Lvl 7 | Auditory Enhancement: Lvl 10 | Auditory Expansion: Lvl 3 | Olfactory Enhancement: Lvl 7 | Tactile Enhancement: Lvl 7 | Earth Dragon: Lvl 3
[Monster Slayer] [Monster Slaughterer] [Dragon] [Assassin] [Champion] [Monster Calamity]
With a bit of a running start, I leaped out of the pit after appraising both of them. The crunch of my boots crushing the loose dust and small bits of gravel as I landed sounded deafening. Whether that is because of my super-enhanced hearing or the knowledge that there's a possibility I won't see Kumoko ever again, I do not know.
"Kumoko, good luck." I wished, not daring to look back. "Please come out of this alive."
"And also, fight well Araba." I added in the language of monsters.
After that, I wandered off to kill whatever I could find to keep my mind off of Kumoko's battle with Arabra. Call me a coward all you want, but I can't bring myself to watch the fight.
Shun's pov
It has been a few days since we had rescued Leston and the others. They've since woken up without issue but we made them rest just to be safe. I may have revived them, but they were absolutely dead for a short while. There's no telling what kind of side effects might develop from that; so far, no signs of anything bad has arisen.
In the meantime, I had removed Anna's brainwashing. It was slow at first, but after everyone was rescued, the removal process had accelerated. Now if I were to appraise her, I won't see any status conditions ailing her. However, a new problem arose after she was freed from the shackles of brainwashing.
Anna had become deeply depressed. In the same vein as Katia, Anna has retained the memories of what happened during her brainwashing. However, even with the knowledge that none of what happened was her fault- because at the time, her body was not under her own control- she still harbors feelings of guilt and regret over what happened. I've tried my best to assuage her, but doing so only worsened her feelings of guilt. The only thing I can do is watch over her as she spirals deeper and deeper into her depression.
On a lighter note, Miss Oka has woken up; but at the same time, we've also received some intelligence on Hugo and his army. From what we've received, Hugo is marching his army to the forest where the elves live. Due to this new development, we've called a meeting to discuss our plans on how to move forward.
"Now, let's discuss our plans from here on out." Katia's father, the duke, started. "Firstly, regarding the current state of the kingdom, the queen seems to have taken control of the administration. Cylis is officially stated to be bedridden with illness, which is why he hasn't made an appearance. Most likely, he has yet to recover from the state you all witnessed him in."
It was possible that Cylis would return to normal if his brainwashing were to be removed. But considering it took almost half a month to remove Anna's brainwashing, removing his would take even longer. But even if his brainwashing were to be removed, I don't know if he would ever recover from the broken state he's in.
"The queen's future plans are unknown," The Duke continued, "But it has apparently been decided that Sue will be marrying Prince Hugo of the empire. I am certain the empire will use this as a foothold to essentially rule our kingdom."
Yeah, Hugo had brainwashed Sue and had taken her to the empire, as his fiancee no less. My right fist tightened in frustration.
"Starting with Leston, just about everyone here is a fugitive of the law. However, not all the nobles in the kingdom have fallen into the hands of Hugo or the queen. We must begin to secretly gather allies and take action toward eventually restoring the kingdom."
Hugo has only brainwashed wealthy and influential nobles in his endeavor of consolidation. But in his arrogance, he has deemed many lesser nobles not important enough to brainwash. We can use his oversight against him and regain control of the kingdom.
"But that doesn't address the root of the problem." Leston proclaimed while his emerald-green eyes shifted to me. "Now that Hugo has taken control of even the Church, it's safe to say his aim is to conquer the entire world.
However, we cannot overlook that even as he attempts to throw humanity into chaos, we are in the midst of a war against the demons. Our own kingdom is important, of course, but if we leave humanity unattended, it could easily create an opening for the demons to take over."
That's right, humanity is currently fighting a massive war against the demons. My older brother Julius, who was the previous hero, had died in that conflict. If Hugo throws the whole world into chaos, Julius's sacrifice would be in vain.
That's one thing I refuse to let pass. I had once thought Hugo to be redeemable, but not anymore. His actions are inexcusable and I cannot forgive him for all the damage he's done.
"Shun," Leston pleaded as his back arched into a bow. " As the true hero, will you step forward to defeat Prince Hugo, enemy of our kingdom and all humanity?"
As the newly appointed hero, I saw no reason to refuse. I have an obligation to protect humanity, and I will do so until my last breath.
"Of course." I answered immediately.
Timeskip
After the meeting: Katia, Hyrince, Miss Oka, Anna, and I all gathered in a different room. The five of us, including Fei, are preparing to head to the elf village to stop Hugo.
Hugo is spearheading the invasion himself and with the help of Miss Oka's connections, we'll meet with the elves and stop him. Since there are few soldiers in the kingdom who can currently be deployed, and we don't know who might be in the hands of Hugo or the queen, we decided to go in the form of a small, elite unit instead.
Fei, Hyrince, and I were all a given, as well as Ms. Oka who's our intermediary with the elves, but there was a disagreement with Katia and Anna coming along.
Katia's father was opposed to sending her into danger, and -surprisingly- Hyrince agreed with him. However, Katia refused to stay and a tense argument broke out. Katia's parents eventually agreed to let her go after she threatened to use force.
Unfortunately for Katia, that didn't work on Hyrince.
"Miss Anabald, I'd strongly recommend that you don't come with us." Hyrince said, his eyebrows furrowed and his arms crossed. "You don't understand the potential danger you're putting yourself in."
"But I can help!" Katia refuted. "I'm strong!"
"Yes, you are." Hyrince agreed in a somber voice. "But so was Julius."
Katia blinked at Hyrince's words and a moment of silence followed his statement. But before long, an expression of raw anger slowly developed.
"Why…" She quietly said, her lack of volume frames what's to come; the calm before the storm. "Why are you bringing him up? His loss is still fresh in Shun's mind!"
"BECAUSE I KNOW BETTER THAN ANYONE THAT BEING STRONG DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE INVINCIBLE!" Hyrince roared, slamming his fist onto the table.
Cracks appeared in the wood and the duke and duchess flinched at the loud sound. Katia was shocked into silence as Hyrince almost glared at the spot his fist impacted.
Hyrince took a shaky breath to calm himself and unclenched his fist and teeth.
"What I'm trying to say…" Hyrince began as he stood up and pushed his chair into the table. "Is that you don't realize that there is a good chance that you will die."
"Remember Rosemary?" he asked rhetorically, taking in a deep breath. "If she wanted us dead, we wouldn't have gotten close enough to see the castle; I should know better than anyone."
When Katia didn't say anything, Hyrince continued.
"I was already hesitant on letting Shun come with us, but I can't allow any more to come and get killed. So please- I beg of you Miss Anabald, please reconsider Miss Anabald."
"I'm still going." Katia softly said, shaking her head. "You can't stop me."
"Alright." Hyrince relented, throwing his arms up in surrender. "But, if you're going, we have to pick up someone else on the way."
"And who would that be?" The duke asked, his defeated tone obvious to anyone who could hear him.
"Julius's saint, Yanna." Hyrince replied. "If we're going to do this, we might as well bring in another veteran."
The previous hero's party's shielder walked out of the room and a shrill whistle was sounded soon after.
However after that, another problem came up. Anna was also resolute about coming along with us. Surprisingly, Hyrince didn't try to stop her. When I asked him about it, he said:
"I had a chance to convince Miss Anabald to stay behind." the shielder said as he dipped the feather in the ink. "But with Anna, there wasn't a chance in hell she could be made to see reason. Her guilt is blinding her and if she wants to go back to the hellhole she crawled away from, then more power to her."
"I've seen many people in her current state in my years of being Julius's shielder." He continued as he continued to write, the soft light from the candle made his somber expression visible. "... And none of them could be convinced with just words. And unfortunately, words are all we can give to Anna right now."
Now with our members decided, we're left with the question of how we'll travel to the elf village. While our kingdom is located in the continent of Daztrudia, the forest housing the elf village is located on the continent of Kasanagara.
The two continents are separated by a massive ocean and while one would think that we could travel by boat, it's unviable because the ocean is the domain of a dragon who would sink any boat that attempts to cross. We could fly over the ocean, but I'm not sure if Fei would be able to complete such a long journey. Without the ocean, we're left with only two options.
The first would be to use a teleport point, but it's unfeasible. Teleport points are typically located in the royal castles of various kingdoms but with our 'wanted' status, we have no way of getting to one safely.
The second, and our only option, would be to traverse the Great Elroe Labyrinth. Because most people are left with no other options, people use the Great Elroe Labyrinth to travel across continents quite frequently.
During our discussion, the question of whether Fei's large body would fit in the labyrinth came up. Fei assured, quite strongly might I add, us (me) that it won't be a problem. Hyrince only playfully laughed at my predicament.
"The real issue is whether or not we'll make it in time once we get through the labyrinth." I brought up.
Even if we're able to pass through the labyrinth unharmed, Hugo's army still had a several day head start.
"Not to worry." Miss Oka assured us with a smile. "Once we reach the other continent, the elves have a hidden teleport point we can use. By my calculations, we should be able to get to the elves' village before the imperial army attacks."
With that, Miss Oka had solved the last of our problems. Now, we just make sure we travel safely through the labyrinth.
"Before we leave, there's something I must talk to all of you about." Miss Oka said with a grave expression. "Before I tell you everything, let me say this. This world is created as a game among gods."
The silence following her statement was deafening. Everyone's face is overcome with shock, except for Hyrince. Did he already know all about this?
"And I'm afraid that Rosemary has already allied herself with the gods." Miss Oka continued, dropping another bomb onto us.
Rosemary, allying herself with the cruel gods who put us in this world? That's…
I shook my head at the possibility. There was no way that she would, right? The strange, yet compassionate girl I befriended would never do something like that.
"It has something to do with her sword, the Yamato, correct Miss Harrifenas?" Hyrince speaks up.
The shielder's eyes were laser-focused on the messenger falcon he sent with the letter to my brother's saint. Though his eyes were focused onto the bird, his body language indicated that he may know something. Something he refused to tell us.
"That would be right." Miss Oka affirmed, the small blond elf started pacing around the room. "The Yamato is an evil katana created by the villainous god of fate. It binds its victim's soul to it and makes him/her subservient to the god of fate. In other words, the sword turns its wielder into a plaything for the wicked god."
"'Nothing is as black and white as it may appear at first glance,'" Hyrince proclaimed after Miss Oka finished with her explanation. "'It's a dangerous thing to see a world made up of many shades of gray as just black and white.' A wise old man once told me that."
"But, Hyrince, you know her." Katia interjected, her brows furrowed in worry. "We may not know the relationship you had, but you should know how… evil she is. After all, didn't she side with the Demon Lord, the enemy of all of humanity?"
"I wouldn't necessarily call her evil." Hyrince rebutted, shaking his head. "She's just morally gray. She allied herself with the Demon Lord because they have mutually aligned goals."
"What could she hope to gain from humanity's extinction?" I growled out.
My hand was clenched into a tight fist and I could feel my arm shaking from the pressure. Like Hugo, Rosemary's actions were inexcusable. Even if we were friends in the past, I cannot forgive her siding with the gods.
"She has only said this when Julius asked," Hyrince answers, taking a deep breath. "'How far would you go for your family? For me, nothing is off the table. I will throw away my honor, my pride, and my life for her.' Even after knowing her for more than a decade now, there are still some things she kept under wraps.
But one thing she- and her sensei- did divulge, is the nature of her sword. According to them, the god of fate is, ironically, a firm believer in free will. Now, before you say anything, if the god of fate is truly as malevolent as you say, wouldn't he have made us think he wasn't evil?"
"The tales of the god of fate's evil deeds have been passed down in the elf village for generations." Miss Oka rebutted, staring Hyrince straight in the eye. "Frankly, I would trust them more than I would trust Rosemary.
"But that goes against what you said prior." Hyrince answers. "If the god of fate is as controlling as you implied, then he would have stopped the flow of information as well. He is, after all, a god; killing people in secret wouldn't be a problem for someone as powerful as him."
"Hyrince." I cooly said, just barely keeping my anger under wraps. "Are you with, or against us?"
"With." He replied. "But I call out other people's bullshit even if we're on the same side. I failed Julius by not stopping him when he does stupid shit, and I'm not going to fail you."
Rosemary pov
I glided down the destroyed ravine as the sounds of fighting ceased. Despite not being able to bring myself to watch the fight, I couldn't help but stay close to it.
The chasm is littered with large craters and scorch marks. A section of the hole had collapsed and beyond that, resided Araba and Kumoko. From what I could make out, Kumoko was furious at Araba.
"Kumoko, what's wrong?" I asked as I landed next to her. "You've won, haven't you? Shouldn't you be celebrating your victory?"
"What's there to celebrate Rosemary?" Kumoko replied. "LOOK AT HIM! HE TURNED OFF ALL HIS SKILLS AND ACCEPTED HIS DEFEAT, HIS DEATH, JUST LIKE THAT!
WHY ISN'T HE STRUGGLING? WHY ISN'T HE DOING ALL HE CAN TO SURVIVE, TO LIVE? HOW CAN HE ACCEPT HIS END WITH SUCH… SUCH DIGNITY?"
I stayed quiet during Kumoko's rant, because I kind of understand where she's coming from. After braving the trials of the labyrinth, she firmly believes in the "struggling until one's last breath" philosophy. Then here's Araba, spitting in the face of everything Kumoko believed in.
She had worked so hard, and suffered through so much to be strong enough to defeat him. She had expected him to continue struggling even when it's clear he's going to lose; but instead, he turned off all his skills and is waiting for his death, his execution.
"Little one," Araba called out to me in his thoughts; the earth dragon refrained from talking lest he exhaust his last sliver of SP (Red). "Could you pass along a message for me? While I may not be able to communicate with her, you're clearly able to."
I nodded at Araba's request. Who am I to deny a dying dragon's last wish?
"Tell her that I am dying with no regrets." Araba started, his green eyes softening with fulfillment. "She has earned her victory, and I wish to thank her for the joy and satisfaction she had brought me in our battle. I regret not being able to communicate with her in my final moments, but I stand by the skills I bought."
"Do you not wish for the reason why she's so angry?" I asked him, my eyes shifting towards Kumoko.
Araba didn't answer, and his silence is enough of an answer for me.
"Farewell Araba." I said, walking away from him.
"Thank you, princess."
I stopped walking and turned around in shock, but before I could interrogate Araba on what he said, Kumoko activated all of her Evil Eyes and Araba disintegrated into dust.
With my inquiries unanswered, I turned to Kumoko and passed along Araba's message. As she listened, Kumoko only became more furious and stormed off, leaving me by my lonesome. I looked to the spot where Araba once stood and silently walked towards my friend. I can't quell her anger, that is something she has to sort out for herself.
Balto pov
"Balto," The Demon Lord said, her high-pitched childish voice commanding my attention. "Have you ever encountered a dragon?"
"I have not." I answered, the Demon Lord's sudden question made me tilt my head quizzically. "A wyrm yes, but not a dragon."
"Right, of course." The Demon Lord remarked, content with my answer.
With her body slouched in her chair and her feet propped up on the table, the Demon Lord was nowhere near the picture of class. Although, I highly doubt anyone would be able to tell her off so I pretend to not notice her blatant disregard for etiquette.
The tenth commander White and her 'vice commander' Rosemary sat in the corner of the room. Unlike the Demon Lord, White's posture is perfect. Her back is completely straight and her legs are as close together as they can be. Her hands rested on her knees and both of her eyes were closed.
Although, her silence and eerie aura only makes her perfect posture seem that much more cryptic.
Her vice commander Rosemary's posture is in between the two extremes. While not exactly completely disregarding etiquette, she isn't the exact picture of class either. Her legs are open and her hands rest on her upper thighs, her left hand close to where her two swords reside on her person. Her left leg hung from the chair yet her back is as straight as a board.
Her posture was that of an experienced swordsman, one that allows her to draw either one of her swords in an instant. Her eyes speak volumes of her experience, and I can personally attest to her skill.
Rosemary is the more talkative and open one out of the two of them, engaging in conversation with servants, soldiers, and commanders alike. From what I could glean from gossip, White and her have been friends since childhood. I presume her ability to seemingly read other people's minds had brought them close.
"Did something happen to prompt such a question my lord?" I asked.
I internally kicked myself for my impulsiveness as soon as I finished my statement. It wasn't the first time the Demon Lord had asked something out of the blue. Why had I asked a question when I had wanted this conversation to be over as soon as possible?
"Hmm?" The Demon Lord hummed at my inquiry. "Oh, I was just doing a little thinking about the past, heh. I've actually fought an earth dragon and stuff, y'know."
Dragons are special, even among other strong monsters. Normally seeing one is rare enough, but the Demon Lord causally admitting that she's fought one is cause for concern. For anyone else, such a notion would be ludicrous; but for her, it's shockingly probable.
"Earth dragons are a pretty proud bunch," the Demon Lord remarks, putting her feet down from the table. "Those guys definitely have the blood of samurai in their veins"
That's all well and good for you, but what exactly is a samurai? I'm curious, but if I ask about it, this little chat will only get longer. As far as I'm concerned, talking to the Demon Lord can shorten your lifespan. I must restrain myself from asking questions that would prolong the conversation.
"I've seen lots of different dragons," the Demon lord continued while she stood up and stretched. "But thinking back, earth dragons were probably the most decent ones."
The Demon Lord offhandedly drops another bombshell statement. Lots of different dragons, is that true? What's scarier is that, because it is the Demon Lord who said it, it might really be true.
"As one yourself, what do you think, Rosemary?" The Demon Lord asked the tenth vice commander.
Rosemary hummed at the Demon Lord's query, her left leg ceased swaying.
"While my sensei and I aren't exactly traditional," She began, her expression softening while thinking of him. "I can certainly see the similarities."
"Whoops, sorry." the Demon Lord apologized. "Listen to me rambling on."
"Not at all." I replied politely, careful to not incur her wrath.
"So, can I count on you to prepare for the attack on the elf village?"
"As you wish, O Demon Lord."
Rosemary pov
A few days after Araba
So, this is it. The exit to the Great Elore labyrinth. From where I stand, I can see the clear blue sky and a river in the distance. It's a beautiful day outside, the sun is shining, and the birds are singing. The lack of the labyrinth's musk and the harsh brightness of the sun hit me like a pickup truck after spending so much time in the dark and damp labyrinth.
It felt almost surreal leaving this place; after all, Kumoko and I had been here ever since we've been isekaied. A lot has happened here, and I don't think I will ever forget about this place. Seems almost like a graduation, doesn't it?
"Hey, Rosemary, are you coming or not?" Kumoko called out to me, waving her scythe-like arms in excitement. "I can't wait to see what delicious stuff is out there!"
I shook my head, smiled, and started running, running towards Kumoko and into the outside.
Arc One: The Great Elroe Labyrinth Fin.
It's kinda hard to think that this version of Dark Mist: A Samurai's path will be a year old in Janurary. While it may not seem so here, the very first chapter of Dark Mist was written a day before my birthday on the 26th of September 2021. It originally belonged to my sister and I was the beta reader/editor. Eventually, she began to write less and less and just gave the fic to me in the middle of November. After writing several more chapters for it, I've decided to re-write the entire thing from the ground up.
Thank you, even if I'm not the best of writers, I really appreciate all of your support and patience for me. There will be more things to come and even more divergences (*Cough cough* Ripping off of Metal Gear *cough cough*) and I can only hope that all of you will stick with me through all of it.
