Early in the morning, on the small forest outside the capital, a sound of battle could be heard. There's a group of adventurers fighting two 10 meters tall rock golems, three 3 meters wide birds and a pack of wolves on there surrounding.

The girl with shoulder length chestnut colored hair, in the front was holding a large sword almost the same height as her. While behind her, was a girl with long black hair, tied in ponytail, holding on a black thin sword, and a girl wearing a priest coat with a white staff on her hand.

The three were eyeing the group of monsters approaching their direction. They had plenty of space to escape but, the two girls who was holding their swords, were wearing a confident smile. They ain't planing on escaping from the enemies in front of them.

[ I'll take the front and I'll try to stop those golems! Shizuku-chan try to stop those birds! ]

[ Leave it to me! Kaori, deploy some barrier around you! Yuka's wires was already scattered, but just incase some manage to pass through! ]

[ Okay! But be careful both of you okay! ]

The two girls who rushed on their target didn't even hear her warning.

Yuka, Shizuku and Kaori were here. It's been 1 week since Hajime left, and it's already their routine to practice morning until dawn outside the capital, by fighting monsters.

Yuka used Supersonic Step and approached one of the golems. It immediately noticed her presence and it brought down its huge arms made of rocks.

By using Body Strengthening, she managed to block its attack by supporting her sword with both hands, she gritted her teeth for enduring the weight of the blow. It really looks like her sword wouldn't break like he said, even after taking that attack.

[ Kogeki! ]

Once Yuka said that, 2 of her daggers from her sword launched, aiming for the leg joints of the golem.

Thanks to her Throwing Art derivatives, in exchanged of her mana, she can control the trajectory and speed of her daggers whenever she wants. That's why she can launch her daggers without touching them. Of course by throwing her daggers by hand, increased her accuracy.

The daggers pierced and stayed for a few seconds before...

[ Destroy Everything! - Oscillate! ]

... It vibrate at high speed, destroying the golems footing completely. Yuka calls out for her daggers to comback and immediately leap back to avoid the golem pitching to her direction.

Once landed, Yuka raised her sword with her right hand...

[ Modore! ]

... And the previous dagger she calls out earlier, attached itself on her sword.

(TN: Those words just means attack and come back, but I write in Japanese to make it cooler.)

After that, she place Teilt on her shoulder and took a stance. It was supposed to be a Yaegashi Style stance, but she modified it a little to fit for her equipment.

Yuka eyed the golem in front of her, took a deep breath and used Supersonic Step again to deliver the finishing blow. Using her sword swung with both hands, she sliced the head of the golem, down to its torso.

Yuka put Teilt on her shoulder again, huffed and smile in satisfaction. She looked up and saw Shizuku hovering in air, fighting the group of large birds by herself.

While the intense battle was happening on the ground.

Shizuku rushed the 3 large birds, flying 15 meters above the ground. She used the tree branches around her as foothold to get near them.

She already attacked with barrage of Gale Claws and Poison needles, but she was only manage to take down one of them.

They seems smart enough to know what was their enemy's capability. Once they saw one of their comrades hits with needles and lost its head, they immediately move unpredictably to avoid whatever it was that's attacking them.

That was the only reason for Shizuku to get close, and deliver the finishing blow herself.

She climbs on one of the branches of the highest tree available, and took her postion. She lower her form and took a drawing stance, before rushing the nearest bird that was moving randomly, with Supersonic step and Foresight to predict its position. She also adds in No tempo to make herself unpredictable.

She really lives up to her name as the fastest swordsman alive in Tortus, because of how fast she draw her sword, but maybe because of its instincts, it manage to sense the approaching danger and dodge at the last second before the blade graze its neck.

Once Shizuku saw that, she immediately made a decision by adjusting her hand on the hilt and extending her arm to the limit.

The blade sinks in on the bird's neck and blood spurted from its wound. The last bird remaining took that as an opportunity to attack Shizuku with its talon...

But, despite losing her balance and the approaching danger in front of her. Shizuku was surprisingly calm.

She blocked the claws of the bird with her scabbard and immediately used its power.

[ Roar! - Thunder blossom! ]

Bolts if lightning crackled down the length of Shizuku's sheath and electrified the bird, until it was burnt to crisp.

Shizuku free falls along the bird. Her arms and legs spread wide to control her descend. And before she hits the ground, she corrected her landing with beautiful backflip.

The satisfying *clink* sound, after sheathing her sword , she dubbed as Black Blade put a smile on her face.

She sighed in exhaustion and looked around to see if there's still enemies alive, while shaking off the dirt on her hand.

At the end of Shizuku's gaze, she caught sight of Yuka, who was holding Teilt on her shoulder while looking at her direction, wearing a warm smile.

Shizuku walks towards her, and the same goes for Yuka. They're planning for a high five, but someone suddenly interrupted...

[ Anoooooo... Shizuku-chan, Yuka-chan I'd like to congratulate both of you too, but... Could you help me already, my mana is almost depleted. ]

Yuka and Shizuku looked at where the voice came from and saw Kaori, who was covered in white light.

The moment the two approached their targets, Kaori simultaneously cast a barrier for herself and Light Chain to rendered the other golem, aiming for Yuka, from its movement.

Because of its large frame, she was having the hard time for holding it any longer, and she immediately called out to her friends, asking for help.

Shizuku and Yuka eyed the remaining golem. Its movement was completely sealed that they almost forgotten its existence because of how silent it was.

The two looked at each other, smiled and took their position. They simultaneously dash forward to finish it off, but at that timing, the light chain that was keeping it at its place dispersed and it move immediately to intercept their attack.

Shizuku adjusted her speed from Yuka, and approached the golem first...

[ Shadow Blade... ]

... Shizuku whispered, and a blade made of wind extended from the tip of her sword, the moment she draw it out.

She docks and dodge the golems fist that was coming at her direction and cut off its arm, from the shoulder down.

A shadow ran past aboved Shizuku and she saw Yuka in the air, approaching the golem's head.

She swing her sword with both hands and split its head in half.

Yuka and Shizuku immediately leap back and watch the golem going down like a large tree.

It kicked a large cloud of dust and it completely covered its body, after a mini earthquake that comes from its body hitting the ground, its motionless body was fully displayed for everyone.

Kaori falls to her knee in exhaustion and smiled at the two in front of her...

[ Kaori-chan! ]

Yuka shouted and threw a dagger on Kaori's direction. It was so fast that she didn't had the leeway to react, but the dagger went past her and hit something behind her.

Kaori turns around saw a wolf laying on the ground, dead. It seems it was about to attack her, before Yuka stops it. That was impressive on how the dagger hits the wolf accurately between its forehead.

[ Kaori-chan are you okay!? ]

[ Kaori! That's why I told you to deploy a barrier, right?! ]

Yuka and Shizuku said while running to Kaori's direction.

[ Eh- Ah-ahahha... Sorry, I don't have a mana left so I can't maintain the barrier anymore... ] Kaori said while laughing awkwardly.

She immediately took out a mana potion from her rucksack and drunk its content.

[ You know, Kaori-chan... I can lend you this if you want... It had plenty of mana and it also had built in mana regen... ]

Yuka said while touching the spider lily shaped earrings on her ear. Shizuku next to her raised an eyebrow and averted her gaze from them. It's been a week already and she can guess what means behind Kaori's gaze she often shoot at their accessories they're wearing.

[ It's fine really... That's a gift from Hajime-kun, right? You should just keep it for yourself... ] Kaori said while wiping her mouth with her sleeve.

[ N-no, it's not a gift, you know?... Maybe, Nagumo only lend it to us to help us train. ] Yuka's gaze swims around, trying to avoid Kaori's stare on her.

Kaori didn't anwer and let out a sigh in exhaustion.

It was silent for a few sconds until Shizuku talks and tried to softened the mood.

[ By the way... I-I didn't expect that our fight on that golems would attract the attention of some of the monsters around! ] She sounds desperate.

[ I know right!? But it's a good plan to lure it outside its lair. If we fought it inside the cave, we might get cave in if it went rampage. ]

[ But Yuka's plan too was pretty good. If you didn't secure our escape route here, those wolves might give us the hard time fighting the rest of those monsters. ]

Yuka and Shizuku exchange pleasantries to remove the solemn atmosphere created by Kaori.

[ ...Sodayo ne? You two really gone stronger. When we were just getting started, Yuka-chan got hurt more often. Good thing you two were getting used to your new Artifacts now... ]

Kaori replied. She could atleast read the mood, and she's aware that she was the cause of solemn atmosphere, whenever the topic involved Hajime.

Yuka and Shizuku already told Hajime's goal to Kaori. It's not a secret to keep really and it will eventually be known by her sooner or later, but they specifically avoid whenever she asked his reasons to fight the church. The two would answer it with the most obvious answer everyone knew, enough to satisfy Kaori's curiosity.

But Kaori was not an idiot. She knows that there's something deeper behind Hajime's intention. If the church holds their only way home, he wouldn't fight them, if It wouldn't benefit to his goal. That's why, she often asked question repeatedly in the past 1 week, acting like an idiot to get an answer. She knows Yuka and Shizuku had the answer for her question, but it was obvious they were keeping it a secret.

[ Now, let's collect all of the parts and materials for the quest before we head back to Adventurers guild. Yuka, use your wires to cut those golems. ]

[ Got it! ] Yuka said before running towards the two golems.

[ Kaori, can you handle the wolves?... It's not part of the quest but we could fetch a good sum with it. ] Shizuku said in apologetic tone.

[ ...Neh, Shizuku-chan. Why are you collecting money for? The Kingdom will provide for us, if we just ask. ] Kaori asked in confusion.

[ Ow... Nia said that, Lily was visiting every land under those Nobles who died at that night. Apparently, she's offering money as an apology, and... I don't want to burden her anymore. Even just a little, I'll try to earn money for everything we need atleast, right? ]

[ Oh... Nia survives, huh... ]

[ Yes. The moment she heard the first gunshot. She along with alot of maids under the Kingdom ran towards the exit for servants. Only a few of their co-workers and those maids that was under the church didn't manage to escape, and they all died. Lily already talked to them and said that, we shouldn't leak about what happened to anyone, because they might discover the death of the head priest and, some might try to fight Nagumo-kun as revenge. He'll destroy the Kingdom, if they interfere even indirectly. ]

[ ...So if we leaked this information. Hajime-kun might comeback immediately? ]

[ Hey Kaori, don't take that as a joke okay? He'll destroy this place and kill more people if that happens. ] Shizuku said in serious tone.

[ S-sorry... Then, why did Lily keep the death of Ishtar-san, secret? ]

[ Of course to avoid chaos. This Kingdom is under the Holy church and every citizens here are devoted to their faith. ]

[ Oh, It might cause a civil war huh. ] Kaori nodded in understanding. Her mind suddenly filled with worries while looking at the direction where the palace is.

[ ...Don't worry about that, we're here to prevent that, we just need to support Lily and the situation will get better soon... Come on now, I'm gonna harvest those birds too, so I'll be counting on you on those wolves. ] Shizuku said before running towards the group of birds she killed.

Yuka was almost done with her task when Shizuku get there. She's using her wires to cut and gathered the golems' cores. Judging from how fast and precise she was, it was obvious how much she trained in the past few days.

Yuka and Shizuku already reach to the level, where they could activate their Artifacts with a word. Especially for Yuka, she discovered that, each of her daggers had separate magic circles to detached and attached itself from the sword and since the spell that imbued on in it was simple Transmute, she can activate it with a single word, because. synergist don't really had to chant to activate their magic.

Once Yuka was done, she put the palm size amber colored core into her rucksack before approaching Shizuku, who was gathering the useful parts of the birds.

[ Where do you think they'll use this for? ]

[ ... I don't know the details but, it seems that it will be used for crafting. ] Shizuku said without removing her gaze from her task.

[ Hmm... ] Yuka nodded in understanding. Then, she falls in deep thought before talking again.

[ ... Neh, Shizuku-chan... Do you think... Kaori-chan hates me? ]

[ ...Of course not... she's just jealous. ] There's a hint of concern on Shizuku's voice when she said that.

[ Eh- uhmm...Sorry. ]

[ Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault Nagumo-kun gave that to you, right? Let's just keep up with Kaori. She's been like that even back in Japan. She would get jealous once she starts imagining Nagumo-kun getting along with other girls. ] Shizuku said with a warm smile from remembering.

[ Wait, Imagine!? ]

[ I know right. That's why you shouldn't be considerate to her, when it comes to everything you receive from Nagumo-kun. That's yours, and she'll definitely get mad if you keep acting like that to her. Just act normal, okay? ]

[ Okay... Oh! You're done already, as expected of Shizuku-chan! ]

[ Yeah. Let's go help Kaori. ]

[ Okay!... ]

Shizuku and Yuka approach the group of wolves that was trap inside Yuka's wires. Yuka was using disposable knife and wires to set this up, so it wasn't as tough as those she received from Hajime, but it was cheap and enough to hold against this type of monsters. She comes up with this idea to use this when they were fighting large number a few days back, and now she could utilize the full potential of her skills.

Once the three was done gathering all of the materials. They immediately head back to Adventurers guild.


Inside the Adventurers guild that was normally busy because of dozens of adventurers doing there job here. It's quiet for some reason and everyone's gaze was on the receptionist where another group of adventurers were doing doing there business.

[ Oh!... You completed the tasks again faster than we expected. You three really are amazing! ]

[ Thanks Jenny-san. Thank you for always taking care of us... ]

The receptionist's name was Jenny.

[ What are you saying Shizuku-sama. It's our job to guide every adventurers, you don't have to thank me for that. Also the three of you always complete our most hardest quest, so I should be thanking you instead. ]

Yuka, Kaori, and Shizuku smiled at Jenny's complement...

[ Also... Recently, the number of monsters terrorizing some places near here increases. I heard from the Guild Master, that the party a week ago was attacked by unknown monster. Good thing you guys, the God's Apostles were there to protect the Royal Family and the Head priest. I don't know what will happen if even of 1 of them died, especially for Ishtar-sama. ]

The three were wearing an indescribable expression after what Jenny said.

There's alot to be mentioned from everything she said. First was the unknown monster. They were obviously talking about Hajime by that. Shizuku concluded that it might because of Liliana, telling an alternative story to hide Hajime's identity. His revival wasn't publicly announced yet, so everyone might be thinking that he still dead. He's now an unknown person for everyone.

Next was the way Liliana changed the story. Shizuku understood that, it's for keeping the morale of their people high, but they can't help but to wore a bitter smile because of how powerless they were at that time. Contrary to Liliana's story.

Lastly was about the Head Priest. Shizuku and Yuka already expected this outcome. Now that the importance of the Head priest was mentioned, they can't help but be worried about the future of this Kingdom if they continue to worship that God

Probably because of the expression the three that, Jenny decided to change the topic.

[ Then let me see your Status Plates please... ]

The three hand over there status plate to Jenny and this was what showed.


Kaori Shirasaki Age: 17 Female Level:64

Job: Priest Occupation:Adventurer(Green)

Strength: 430

Vitality: 550

Defence: 440

Agility: 320

Magic: 950

Magic Defence: 800

Skill: Recovery Magic Affinity [-Improved Proficiency] [-Increase Casting Speed] [-Image Supplementation] [-Piercing Spells] [-AoE Proficiency] [-Remote Healing] [-Chain Casting] [-Multicasting] [-Spell Retention] [-Effect Multiplication] -- Light Magic Affinity [-Improved Proficiency] [-Increase Casting Speed] [-Image Supplementation] [-Increase Spell Duration] [-Chain Casting] [-Multicasting] [-Spell Retention] -- Language Comprehension


Shizuku Yaegashi Age:17 Female Level:62

Job: Swordmaster Occupation:Adventurer(Green)

Strength: 520

Vitality: 610

Defence: 480

Agility: 980

Magic: 340

Magic Defence: 400

Skill: Sword Proficiency [-Improved Slashing Speed] [-Improved Drawing Speed] -- Supersonic Step [-Continual Steps] [-Steel Legs] [-No Tempo] -- Foresight -- Sense Presence -- Invisibility -- Language Comprehension


Yuka Sonobe Age:17 Female Level:55

Job: Acrobat Occupation:Adventurer(Green)

Strength: 550

Vitality: 550

Defence: 550

Agility: 550

Magic: 550

Magic Defence: 550

Skill: Jack of All Trades [-Dagger Proficiency] [-Sword Proficiency] [-Magic Expert] [-Close Combat Proficiency] [-Marksman] -- Throwing Art [-Improved Control] [-Homing] [-Increase Accuracy] [-Increase Throwing Speed] -- Magic Proficiency [-Basic Elemental Affinity] [-Remote Mana Control] [-Reduced Mana Consumption] [-Improve Mana Efficiency] [-Increase Casting Speed] [-Multicasting] [-Spell Retention] -- Supersonic Step -- Foresight -- Language Comprehension


[ Sugoi! Your stats increased again. Especially for Yuka-sama. To think you improve like this in short amount of time. And this is also my first time seeing this kind of skills. It seems you can use multiple types of weapons, and you can cast magic too no matter what elements it was. ]

[ Well... Compared to these two, I've been slacking off. So my progress was far visible who started from the very bottom. I still need more training though, I can't even stand toe to toe against Shizuku-chan. ]

[ Hey that's not true! You've improved a lot, I can atleast say that. You just started 1 week ago, and you already surpassed most disciples of Yaegashi. ]

[ W-well, I can use magic so... ]

[ Don't be humble Yuka. Your techniques is what I was talking about. Our sword style focuses on skills and techniques. Body strength has nothing do with it. You just need to be strong enough to fight and the rest is how you utilize what you learned. ]

[ I-is that so, Shizuku-chan... Thank you. ] Yuka said shyly.

Shizuku smiles from seeing Yuka like that. She knows she's been working hard in the past few days.

Kaori too was looking at the two girls with warm smile. She too witnessed their resolve on their training . She remembered herself on Yuka when she was desperate on her own training in order to find Hajime. That's why she can't help but be happy and get jealous, from seeing both Yuka and Shizuku moving forward, while she was still stuck lamenting on her own problems.

[ It was also thanks to you two, that I managed to reach this level! I learned my sword from you Shizuku-chan, and magics from Kaori-chan! ] Yuka said in panic to remove her embarrassment.

Kaori and Shizuku's smiles grew deeper, seeing how desperate Yuka was.

[ I know, right? You're stats went to a different direction, unexpectedly. I thought, you'll be speed fighter, like Shizuku-chan. Your starter stats focuses on Agility and Magic afterall. ] Kaori said while recalling their previous days on training.

[ Your stats is equally distributed too, like Kouki's. Compared to him, your stats right now was the same as him when he was level 40. That's amazing, isn't it!? ]

[ Also, you have Basic Elemental Affinity. You can now cast basic spells in any kind. Just like Kouki-kun's. ]

[ ... A-am I the inferior version of the Hero or something? ]

Yuka said with an awkward smile.

[ Of course not. Compared to Kouki, you can use various of weapons as long as you train with it. ] Shizuku said in cheerful tone.

[ Oh, that's right! What's wrong with that anyway, Shizuku-chan? The very first skill I acquired becomes derivative. And also every time I tried something new, I'll get skills from it... ]

[ Is it fine if that happens. You're far versatile than the rest of us. ]

[ But... I can't master any of it. Which means I won't even reach on Shizuku-chan's level when it comes to sword. ]

Yuka said while looking at her hands. She knows she's gone stronger in the past few days already, but it was't even closing to his.

[ If you can't beat me in swords, you can just use all you have to do the trick, right? You'll be unstoppable once you acquire more experienced. ]

[ Shizuku-chan is right Yuka-chan. You need to believe on your potentials. We're still here along with Nana-chan and Taeko-chan to support you. You can rely on us to train you. ]

Yuka looked at the two in suprised. Then she suddenly remembered the state of her friends currently resting at the palace.

[ ...O-okay I'll keep that in mind...That's right! You just mentioned earlier before we left the palace, that everyone who's still unconscious just woke up this morning right? ]

[ Yes. I let them rest again, because they're still in shock. I already informed Ai-chan-sensei and she said that she'll invite everyone on Lunch. So we should head back as soon as we finished here. ]

[ Thanks you Kaori-chan for keeping an eye on them. For you to wake up early, every morning for a week now... just to maintain their body. I really can't thank you enough with this. ]

On the very first day Hajime left. Kaori has been visiting her still unconscious classmates to help them maintain their body. All of the boys except for Kouki was already awake, but some were too traumatized to leave their rooms, while others do their best as much as they can to move on from that. The most concerning was the girls on their class. Except for the three of them, only Suzu was awake. She helps Kaori to cheer up their other classmates, and somehow, most of them was doing their everyday tasks normally now. Aiko was thankful for everyone's effort. She's been helping Liliana and she herself can't monitor her own students, which makes her frustrated.

Yuka and Shizuku sometimes comes along with Kaori when she was visiting their classmates, so they could see their progress. Nothing really changed and it seems everyone was still themselves, but the fear inside them was growing at tremendous rate. If it wasn't for everyone's effort to improved their mental state, nobody knows what would happen now.

That's what happening a few days ago, and now they could finally get a chance to eat togother again and have a proper conversation with everyone.

[ No. It's nothing Yuka-chan. We're friends remember. This is the only thing I could do at the least. ]

Yuka, Shizuku, and Kaori smiles with each other.

After that, their conversation continues, talking with each other about their next plans, updating their progress, and every random things they could think about.

Until a girl in uniform comes out behind the door and walks to the counter in front of them.

[ I just finished reporting to the Guild master... Here's you reward for the quest... ]

Jenny said while handing a bag full of coins to Shizuku.

[ And~~ there you have it! You three are officially Black ranker. Congratulations! ]

Jenny congratulate them while smiling happily. The other adventurers too look at Yuka, Shizuku and Kaori with awe and admiration. There cheeks was flushed though, probably because of how beautiful the three girls are.

The three girls smiles shyly which boosted their charms even further.

[ As expected from the members of the God's Apostles, you three truly are remarkable! ]

The three awkwardly scratched their cheeks in embarrassment.

[ Jenny-san... I told you not to call us that right? ] Shizuku whispered.

[ Don't be ashamed of that, Shizuku-sama!... In fact, if you just registered yourself with that title, Our Guild Master would instantly promote you three to "Gold". ] Jenny puffed out her chest and talks proudly.

[ That's why we hide it. *sigh* We really don't need to get into higher rank, you know? We're here to train, that's all there is to it. It's easy to hunt monsters if you know their habitats, right. So rather than searching powerful monster to fight, we join the Guild to consume less time finding them. ]

[ I know, I know. I'm just joking... Fufufu. ] Jenny said while chuckling.

In the beginning, Yuka, Kaori, and Shizuku goes to the very first place they head to, when they were just getting started. But they're already too high level for that, that they start searching for a better opponents. They spend their very first day fighting small fries and seaching, and it was so inefficient that they start hunting monsters in bad mood, that the monsters there almost gone extinct

And Kaori suddenly got an idea. She played enough games to know how RPG works. They immediately goes along with her and head to the Adventurers Guild to find information for monsters. They were happy from seeing the quest board filled to the brim. From simple quest to the most dangerous one scattered everywhere, and they were having a hard from choosing. But one of the receptionist, Jenny, approached them and asked if they were planning on registering on the guild, which they immediately denied. And they were informed that only registered Adventurers were allowed to get on these quest, for safety precautions of course.

In the end they didn't had the choice and registered themselves as Adventurers. They start at the very bottom but they rise in no time for completing every quest in short amount of time which attracted tons of attention.

[ Dewa, Jenny-san... we're leaving now. ]

[ Okay, goodluck on your training! ] Jenny said while waving her hand.

Yuka, Shizuku, and Kaori prepared to leave, but before they could get to the door, someone blocked their way...

[ So the three of you are the rumoured adventurers I'd heard about. I must say I'm impressed. ]

A handsome blonde man, with 3 girls behind him talks to Kaori, Yuka and Shizuku. Judging from his tone, he's obviously a arrogant man.

The three only spare him glance and let out sigh. They already experienced this situation multiple times, since they start their job as an Adventurer, so they already know where this conversations' going.

They walked passed him, completely ignoring his approach.

But it seems he won't allow that. He again blocks their way and starts talking with a smug expression.

[ You don't have to be like that. As an Gold adventurer, I must evaluate strong fellows here in guild. My name is Abel by the way. ]

Once his name was mentioned, the other adventurers starts talking to each other.

Base on what Shizuku heard, this guy was a Gold adventurer, the highest rank an Adventurer can achieve. He's also a SwordMaster, and a pretty powerful one, but the one thing, that was most alarming was, this guy is a hard core womanizer.

[ I'm sure you already heard about "The Blade lord", who has an unparalleled speed on sword.. That is me, "Abel the Blade Lord". ]

Of course they already heard rumours about him.

[ Oh... that's you. ] Shizuku said before walking passed him again. Followed by Yuka and Kaori.

[ What's with that? You already know, but you're still acting like that. ]

Abel moves fast to intercept them again, displaying his ability. He's annoyed on how they keep ignoring his approach. He haven't experienced this kind of treatment since he'd become Gold ranker.

[ Enough with introduction... I'm here cause I would like to invite you three beautiful ladies on lunch, let's get something to eat and enjoy ourselves. I'll show you what a Gold ranker could do. I bet you'll get along with my companions. ]

Abel said in lustful tone, while pointing at the girls with him all this time.

[ How about we refuse? ]

Shizuku tried to walk passed him again, but he used his entire body to blocked them and closed the distance between them instantly... but before he could take even a step forward. Something passed above his head, and soon later, something falls off in front of his eyes... He looked around in confusion and touched the blonde hair that was falling in front of him. Next, he touched the top of his head and noticed something was missing.

There's a sound of sword being sheated *clink*. Which the cue to help Abel returned to his senses.

[ WHAT HAVE YOU DONE! ]

Abel shouted, while touching the top of his head, in teary eyes. He looks like an old man cause of how only the top of his head was shaved off.

[ Hmp... Don't get near me. Next time, that's not the only thing that will fall off from you. ] Shizuku said while looking at Abel with cold gaze.

[ NO! NO! WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!? ]

Abel looked at Shizuku in confusion. He didn't saw what happened, but he atleast know that, this girls was the culprit.

[ Soka... You didn't see that, huh? And you call yourself "The Blade Lord"?... *sigh* I cut your hair 3 times though. Just so you know.]

[ You bitch! I'll make you pay! You caught me off guard, but this will be the last time! ] Abel shouted while after drawing out his sword.

The other Adventurers was looking at Abel in pity. This already happened multiple times. Everytime someone tried to be forceful against this three, they all regret it in the end.

While the adventurers was like that. The atmosphere of Yuka and Kaori behind Shizuku gone cold. It seems they didn't like the way Abel called Shizuku. Yuka step forward and stand next to Shizuku, her hair was still hidden so it's pretty hard to know what kind of expression she's making, but the aura she's emitting was so intimidating that the Adventurers around them unconsciously took a step back.

[ Oh! You want to fight too, huh!? After beating you three, I'll definitely have my way with you all this night! So be prepared to- ]

Abel was interrupted by a knife that flew on his face. At that distance between them, it should be impossible to dodge any projectiles, but it seems his abilities were a real deal. He perfectly dodge it by slightly tilting his head and the knife stabs on the door frame.

[ Ha! Like I said, you only caught me of gua- !? ]

Abel starts talking again in smug tone, but he suddenly starts suffocating. He looked around in confusion, and after touching where the pain was coming from, he suddenly noticed a thin wire around her neck.

[ W-what is th- uhckk!? ]

[ You really think you dodge it? ] Yuka said while tightening the wires on his neck.

While that was happening, a chain of light pop up everywhere, and lifted up Abel in the air. It seems Kaori was the culprit. She was a good and gentle child, but recently, whenever something unsightly in front of her or her friends, she wouldn't hesitates to use force.

Kaori didn't planning on killing anyone, but it still bothers Shizuku on the unusual behavior her best friend had.

While Abel continues his struggle. More knives flew on his direction, but instead of hitting him, they all passed and get stuck on the ceiling.

Yuka who was looking at him coldly, pull something nonchalantly, and Abel was dragged until he was sticking himself in the ceiling.

Yuka and Kaori huffed and urged Shizuku to leave without saying anything.

Everyone inside the Adventurers guild could only watch everything in awe and fear. The atmosphere was cold and no one dared to say anything, even the girls that was with Abel this whole time, was watching everything in shock.

And the rumours about them, The 3 Ice Queens, starts circulating and they had no idea about that, but that story will be told for the next time.


Noon. In the palace that had lost it's lively atmosphere for several reasons. There's a group of girls walking down the corridor.

[ Good thing we made it in time somehow. We could atleast washed ourselves before lunch. ]

[ Sodayo ne... my clothes was covered in dirt and monsters blood, I'm little sweaty too... ]

[ I was hoping we could go there with Nana and Taeko with us, to talk to, but it seems they are already there in the Dinning area. ]

Shizuku, Kaori, and Yuka were just having normal conversation. They were currently heading for Dinning area after leaving there equipments on their rooms.

[ Now that you mention it. No one's in their room when I tried checking for them. Maybe Ai-chan-sensei already gathered everyone. ]

[ Then let's hurry now, I'm kinda hungry too. We haven't eaten yet since we left the Adventurers guild. ]

They fastened their pace and arrive in front of the Dinning area in no time.

They opened the door as saw all of their classmates inside, sitting silently.

Their gazes turns to them and it suddenly filled with joy once they saw the 3, especially for those who had just woke up today.

[ Yukacchi!... I wanted to see you fast, you know! ] Nana said while running towards Yuka.

[ We're worried for you three, Sakagami-kun said that you're in training. ] Taeko said while walking towards the 3 calmly.

[ You three should atleast brought someone else, to protect you incase. ] Kouki said while approaching Shizuku.

[ Yeah, Kouki is right! ] Ryutaro said in high spirit.

Seeing there childhood friend doing fine, filled Kaori with relief.

[ Oh, Kouki-kun... When did you wake up? ] Kaori asked in concern.

[ Just a few minutes ago. Ryutaro invited me here since everyone was gathered by Sensei. ]

[ Hm. That's good to hear. ]

The ruckus of everyone stops,when Aiko raises her voice to attract everyone's attention.

[ Okay everyone, that's enough! Take a seat already. ] She said as calmly as possible.

Everyone listened to Aiko and took their usual spot.

The maids around immediately prepared the table for everyone and settled in the side on stand by.

While everyone was eating, they were having light conversation to update each other about on what happened a few days ago.

[ Heee, so you three become adventurers to train, huh? That's good to hear. Neglecting your training is no good. ] Kouki said, impressed.

[ I do like to join you too, but I just remember why I didn't. Shizuku asked me to stay here to help Nagayama and Suzu keeping an eye on everyone. ] Ryutaro said, while awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

[ Good thing you come back safe. We're worried when we heard about your activity Yukacchi. ] Nana said while looking at Yuka in concern. Her gaze caught something fascinating, and she find herself dumbfounded from its beauty.

[ Well... we're still safe, so you don't have to worry about that. ] Kaori said while smiling warmly.

[ We should be worrying, you know? Almost all of you are in coma for week. I know Kaori-chan always said that you're fine, but it can't be helped... ] Yuka said while looking at Nana and Taeko on her side.

The solemn atmosphere previously before they enter seems vanished. Some were listening happily to Shizuku, Kaori and Yuka's adventure. While others were enjoying their meals, especially those who had just woke up.

Taeko looked at Yuka next to her and about to ask something. But her eyes widens in suprised on seeing the earrings on Yuka's ear.

[ Then, let me see you Status pl-... Wait!... Yuka! W-w-w-where did you get these!? ] Taeko shouted while touching Yuka's ear.

Everyone's attention was attracted on the sudden outburst. They all looked at Yuka interestingly.

[ Honto da!.. It's so pretty! Where did you get that Yukacchi!? ] Nana said after snapping out of her reverie.

[ Suzu also noticed it a few days ago, but Suzu forgot to asked, Shizushizu also had one, though! Look at her hair tie, it's cute isn't it!? ]

[ You're right Suzu! It's so pretty like a fully bloomed Sakura... ] Eri said in flushed cheeks.

[ And Yukacchi's earrings are like... Spider Lily!... Where did you get that? ]

The ruckus of all the girls continues for minutes, while the boys was looking at the two with a dumbfounded expression. Shizuku and Yuka's slightly flushed cheeks, probably from the compliments, and the accessories they're wearing, heightened their beauty.

But the two ignored everyone's barrage of questions, and avoid any kind of eye contacts while continuing their meal.

The answer on their questions would probably ruined this happy atmosphere for everyone. Even Kaori knows that, and she avoided making an eye contact while looking at her food sadly.

But it didn't take long for someone to get the answer themselves...

[ But still, Suzu don't believe that Shizushizu and Sonosono only picked that somewhere, right? Hahaha. It's obvious someone gave that to you. The designs resembles the flowers from our world though, is there really someone from this world... who could... create... th- ] Suzu's high spirit tone suddenly died down.

Everyone without exception, froze from realization. A man who could craft powerful weapons from their world flashes through their minds. The Monster of the Abyss...

The atmosphere returns from how it used before. Some starts shaking from remembering his deed, and there's also who starts tearing up on what happened that day.

Only Yuka, Shizuku and Kaori, who still holds on their sanity and continues eating their meal, seems unperturbed. They had expected this to happen eventually, so it bacame unspoken rule for everyone that no one would spoke about that man ever again. They tried their best, but they cannot avoid it forever.

Kouki's atmosphere too become shrouded. He had tasted shameful defeat from Hajime twice already. Also, he had displayed that he's obviously more powerful than him, and it frustrates him in no end.

That's why, his impression on him accidentally leaked out...

[ That, murderer... ]

The atmosphere gone cold. Everyone became silent, and they all unconsciously stop from eating, except for the three. Yuka, Shizuku and Kaori was the only who was aware behind on what Hajime did, so they're unperturbed by Kouki's impression.

Aiko calmly asked the maids to leave them alone for now, which they all did without delay.

This was one of the reasons she gather her students here. Aiko took a deep breath, and makes her expression flat before she starts talking...

[ Amanogawa-kun... I don't want you hear, call your own classmate like that... ]

Kouki looked at Aiko in shock.

Among everyone else who heard Hajime at that day, they can't really justify that Hajime was wrong at that time. But they can't turn blind eye too at his crime he committed.

[ Sensei! What are you saying!? You saw what he did right!? ] Hiyama shouted.

There still someone who opposed Hajime even now, mainly Hiyama and Kouki. Although they had the same opinion regarding Hajime, the reason they defy him was completely different.

[ He killed everyone without hesitation. That's not something we could just ignore! ]

[ Like Hiyama said, Sensei! Why are you still defending that bastard! ]

[ Amanogawa-kun, wording! I'm not defending him, but as your teacher... I'll always take the side of my students. ]

[ But Sensei! He just killed hundreds of people, are you just gonna ignore that!? ]

Kouki stands on his seat and start shouting. Ryutaro on his side grasp him on his shoulder and try to calm him down.

[ Kouki, calm down... Ai-chan-sensei is obviously isn't ignoring that factor. But you too have to consider on what Nagumo-kun said. ]

Shizuku who was silently eating next to Kaori decides to join in. She seems calm, but the grip on her utensils obviously conveyed her emotions. She can't bear to see her friends becoming God's pawns.

[ They make him angry to try make it look, that they're only protecting themselves. ]

Kouki's gaze turned to Shizuku. He knows she would always do what she think was right, so he can't understand why she's taking Hajime's side too.

[ Not you too, Shizuku... He's just saying whatever he wants! Even if he's angry, that doesn't mean he could just kill everyone whenever he wants! ]

Yuka, who was on opposite side of Kouki looked at him in disgust. Like Shizuku, she too can't take this guy's biased opinion.

[ Do you even know his... reason on killing... everyone at that day? ] Yuka said while chewing. She obviously had no interest on taking Kouki seriously.

[ It's Yue-san isn't it? With just that! He has no right to indiscriminately kill everyone at that day! ]

[ So... What do you want... him to do? ] Yuka was still eating.

Nobody had tried to argue with Kouki even now, except for Hajime. That's why everyone was looking at Yuka in surprise.

[ Isn't it obvious? He could just surrender at that time. We are the God's Apostles. If we manage to negotiate with this Kingdom, we could help him get Yue-san back. ]

[ Then?... What would happen to him after that? ]

[ He'll stay here in this Kingdom and help in the incoming war. If he could just cooperate, he don't have to do this, you know. ]

[ Which means... You trust the church more than your own classmate? ] Yuka said in cold tone.

[ Of course I do. Compared to that guy. The church did a lot for us! ]

[ He just saved your life once... ]

Kouki chokes on Yuka's statement.

[ ghk... But, the church helps us through everything from the start. ]

[ Helping, huh... Though, they are the one who summoned us here... ]

[ Ishtar-san said that the one who summoned us, was the God of this world! ] Kouki was now sounding desperate.

Taeko and Nana looked at Yuka in concern. She's obviously denying Kouki. They too somehow understand Hajime, but they can't really deny Kouki's opinion.

[ Is that so?... I think... I now understand why Nagumo doesn't care about us. ]

Yuka finishes her food and stands on her seat, planning to leave.

[ I'm gonna head back to Adventurers guild first, Shizuki-chan. See ya... ]

Yuka said before leaving the dining area. Nana and Taeko wanted to chase after her, but for some reason, they can't even move their body.

Yuka wasn't this cold to anyone before. For some reason, she's far intimidating, unlike the last time they saw her.

[ What's wrong with Yuka. Just because she receive that earrings from Nagumo... Masaka, that was for brainwashing! ]

Kouki said before reaching for Shizuku's hair tie at high speed, planning on taking it.

But before Kouki could even touched Shizuku's hair. It was slapped down with unbelievable speed.

[ There's no way Nagumo-kun would do that, you know? ] Shizuku said in cold tone.

[ We don't know that Shizuku! What are gonna do if he suddenly do something bad to you! ] Kouki shouted while caressing his hand. He can't believe Shizuku managed to react at his speed.

[ First of all. None of you even know what kind of person Nagumo-kun is. So stop spouting something stupid already. ]

[ T-then... Why are the two of you taking his side. ]

[ We manage to have a proper conversation with him at that night, and... I could somehow sympathize with him... ] Shizuku said nonchalantly.

[ ... That's it? And you're now taking that uncooperative otaku's side! ]

[ *sigh*... Instead of that, I'm surprised nobody noticed it, huh? No. Ai-chan-sensei obviously know something. ] Shizuku said in exasperation before standing.

Along with Kaori, they head for the door, planning to leave.

[ If we all just give Hajime-kun a chance to know him better. Maybe he wouldn't leave us behind. ] Kaori said coldly before leaving.

Everyone was confused from the three's unusual behaviour. They hadn't seen them act like that before, and it's quite scary.

But taking Kaori's last statement put them all in deep thought. If those three, somewhat taking his side even now, they might miss something on their own judgement.

Aiko who was looking at everyone in concern, explain what she knows behind Hajime's action. After revealing that he might be protecting everyone, they all looked at her in shock, and later fallen again on their thoughts.

Obviously Hiyama's gang and Kouki tried to opposed Aiko's statements, which clouded everyone's judgement.

Aiko put the stop to it for now, and ask everyone to eat their meal and take a rest. She too doubt her own judgement but she can't neglect her ideals to protect her students.

The solemn atmosphere lingered around, while everyone was eating silently. That day ends without any particular event happening and they all take a rest with their own notion.