'Our journey after the encounter with the banditsin general was rather forgettable, nothing special. The case probably was different for Lord Suiryu since he partnered-up with the jeweler. They began to engage in joint trades of monster materials, especially the cores, granting us a bigger income. He also learned how to craft jewelry and even acquiring some links with merchants.
At that time, I busied myself with learning magic from the good witch lady. Rifana joined me as well, and we honed our skills. Since I have strong affinity to Light and Dark types of magic, I learned skills which focused on concealment and perception manipulation. They worked splendidly with martial arts.
Rifana on the other hand has inclination to Earth and Lighting types. Needless to say, she learned some of the most destructive spells. I should admit that it really suited her as a master of demolition.
Beside learning magic, Lord Suiryu had Miss Eclair teach us swordsmanship. She really was a strict instructor, but she was a nice, caring woman. No wonder that Filo was quite fond of her.
Of course we never neglected our routine in martial art training. Lord Suiryu for that moment attended our sparring less often, but we knew that it was because he wished to give us freedom in developing our style. Once we gripped our own pattern, he said that he would teach us the intermediate level where we would tamper with the flow of qi.
We were pretty excited to know about it so we trained harder, repeating the basics, sparring, and testing our technique in the wild. It was fun. We couldn't be more delighted to see our progress and impatiently waited to proceed to the next level.
However, there was one day when we finally realized that Lord Suiryu all this time was going easy on us. Not that we hated it, but we finally knew that to follow his steps in order to uphold the way of a hero, our current training was nothing. To reach his level, an enormous mountain loomed before us.
Yes. That time, we met a terrible opponent. It was the day when we finally beheld what Lord Suiryu was fearing for.'
– Raphtalia, Catching The Dragon's Tail
One Punch Man belongs to One.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own neither of them.
| Demon's Bane |
The Shield Hero's group were headed to a remote part in Melromarc. The area was a semi-arid land with rock canyons, forming an old trading route. Now abandoned, rumors flew about spoke that it was once a hiding for a coven of evil alchemists. The old witch lady said so as the group was enjoying the rest of their journey.
"I see. So that's how it is, huh?" Suiryu nodded as he leered at a looming rock formation that came into sight.
"Indeed. And I never thought that you might find the source this fast." The witch lady glanced at the front seat where Rifana and Raphtalia took Filo's rein. "I'm surprised."
"Well, we got some unexpected aids. Everything's went well after we secured a connection."
"Hmm, true. You really are a successful businessman. Now I can see it in your eyes."
"Ah, you're flattering me." He chuckled bashfully, scratching his head.
Their idle chat ceased as the carriage pulled over a large stone structure. It was carved out from a rock face. Etched on it was the shape of a house's front with a single door that led to the inside. They dismounted and entered the structure immediately.
"Wow. I never know that there is this kind of place in this country." Rifana exclaimed as she brushed her hand against the crudely chiseled wall.
"Come to think about it, the good head miner we met yesterday told us that people fled this place cause there are monsters. Actually, what kind of monsters are they?" Raphtalia asked as her eyes vigilantly scanned the vicinity.
"Since this place is like a cavern, we might assume that they are cave dwellers." The witch lady answered.
"Do you mean something like bats, spiders and the likes?" Rifana quipped as a cringe crept onto her face.
"Precisely."
"Eww…"
"Their screeching might be the real problem since they disrupt our perception. If it is possible, we should slay them before they attack us." Eclair suggested.
"I see. Bats, huh? Are they also the type that suck blood?" Suiryu curiously asked.
"Is bat delicious, Master?" Filo chimed in gleefully.
"Filo, bat isn't a proper food. And I don't think you might like it." He ruffled her head. "Besides, I heard that in the past, people for once got a lethal contagious disease due to consuming bats."
The other girls didn't seem to be interested in the talk. They probably had their own things in mind. He turned to the witch lady, giving her turn to speak.
"Sucking blood? Do you mean vampire?" The witch lady got a nod from the monk fighter. "No, these ones usually eat smaller monsters. They don't drink blood, as far as I know."
"Then what about vampire?" He glanced at the walls that turned smoother the deeper they traversed.
"They are demi-humans. They look like us, humans, but few of them retain a mystical ability to shift their form into bat."
"What? So that kind of vampire also exists here?" He furrowed his brow in disbelief.
"My Lord, don't you know about it?" Eclair cocked her head in confusion.
"Hey, I'm not from here, originally. There are still tons of things I haven't learned about." He said in defense.
"Lord Suiryu, do you mean that there was also vampire in your old world?" Raphtalia, now interested, stared perplexedly at him who ceased his pace.
"Yeah. But they were only in legends and fictional tales. Though… I heard that some monsters also acted in so manner."
"Really?" Rifana blinked.
"Yes. Vampires. Often depicted as a group of aloof race that drew power from blood. There were countless stories about them from time immemorial." He recounted with a look of nostalgia.
"That is in many ways similar to this world's vampire. How very interesting." The witch lady put on an amused smile.
"Then what about those monsters who acted in same manner as vampires?" Eclair followed as she tapped her index to an indentation on the wall.
"You ask? Obviously, the heroes disposed of them in a flash. Simply because they are dangerous." He shrugged.
"Hmm, so even vampires and those which are similar in traits could only live in tales because the heroes' exploit slew their existence." Raphtalia skipped into a conclusion.
"Simply put, that's what happened." He made a finger gun.
"I see. What a refreshing subject! Now that I think about monsters, I wonder which ones are stronger. The ones in this world or those from yours." The witch lady wore an intrigued smile as if she wanted to make a bet. "And those heroes, what about them?"
Suiryu hummed as he caressed his chin. "Maybe the girls have heard my stories. I cannot say for sure, but as for comparison, the one who nearly killed me could blow Melromarc's castle wall with the mere draft from his punch."
"And the hero who killed it smashed its body with a single punch that flung its head back to the very place where Lord Suiryu was laying wounded." Raphtalia added without an ounce of shock on her face, supported by Rifana's nod.
The witch lady hung her jaw while Eclair gulped. That mere account was enough to slap them with a figure of how sickeningly peaceful their world was compared to his. The story was far beyond the reach of their reckoning. He awfully, truly walked on a different plane of reality.
"Not to mention that they were intelligent like us." Rifana spoke casually.
"And there was no magic." Raphtalia threw more tidbit.
"Uh, Rifana, Raphtalia, that is enough. I think you scared them." Suiryu looked over guiltily at the witch lady and the former knight who stood stock-still like a pair of logs, their faces were pale. "And… I guess we have reached the spot, no?"
"Master, is that a treasure chest?"
Filo pointed her wing at a curious rectangular object above a stone altar. Common adventurers might think the same as her, but the rest of the group noticed something different. The aura reverberated from it told about its ritualistic nature in the past.
'Though I think that looks like a display in a museum.' Suiryu thought as he looked over the old witch who had regained her composure, fortunately.
"Well, I don't think so." He turned to the girls who shrugged their shoulders. "Shall we check?"
"Dear Witch Lady, is it safe if we approach it?" Eclair drew her sword in caution, a sweat bead rolled down her cheek.
"It's alright. I don't sense any magical trap." She gave a reassuring smile as she led the group.
"Is magical trap that common?" Rifana asked as her gaze bounced around the place in wary. "Saying about traps… It sends me goosebumps, you know?"
"Naturally, places that belonged to some secretive groups like alchemists, mages, and cults would lay such kind of trap. Although here, I don't sense any. Probably it went off long time ago. Whoever robber had braved this place, I'm thankful of them." She followed with an easy chuckle that unnerved the bunch.
"Ugh… My stomach churns." Raphtalia said under her breath, glancing uncomfortably at the wooden box.
"Anyway, let us see what we have here." The old witch strode towards the altar.
"The lid is still intact. No one had broken it." Eclair exclaimed.
"True." Rifana nodded.
"Is this a message?" Suiryu gazed at a slab with inscriptions. "The letters seem very old."
"Indeed. This is written in an ancient language." She focused her gaze at the letters inscribed on the slab. "It says that it contains a seed. Whoever opens this might nurture calamity in place of prosperity."
"That sounds very horrible." Eclair said as she eyed the chest suspiciously.
Suiryu raised his hands into the air. "Okay. Whatever seed it is, I don't think some fools had time just to pull out a prank on this, so let's not touch it."
"Wise choice. Even if it contains nothing malicious, I would still leave it as is." The witch lady concurred as she stepped back from the pedestal.
"Lord Suiryu, this is the first time I see you put up so much reserve." Raphtalia commented as she appraised his look of resignation.
"Um, you are not being superstitious, right, Lord Suiryu?" Rifana knitted her brows.
"I cannot deny that I have become one. These magic stuffs that never exists in my world is terrifying, should I say. Like how you suddenly cast a illusion magic to vanish from my eyes. Not that I'm scared, but it has blown away my normal way of thinking. That's what unnerves me."
"Ehehe…" The raccoon weakly chuckled.
"Now I cannot recognize my action. Whether I'm being overly cautious or pathetically superstitious, I'm not sure." He briefly lamented as he gazed at the dark tunnel at the side of the room. "However, I think it's better to leave it be than sorry."
"You have a good point." Raphtalia nodded. "And that makes you a perfect master."
"Well, thanks." Suiryu rolled his eyes at her praise. "Anyway, that place looks like a path to a mine."
"That might lead us to the magical crystal deposit, I suppose." Eclair narrowed her eyes, trying to pierce the darkness. "Shall we proceed?"
"Sure." "Yeah." "Okay."
"Halt!" Raphtalia raised her hand, stopping everyone in their tracks.
"What's wrong, Raphtalia?" Rifana frowned.
"Don't you notice this smell? Something is off."
The weasel sniffed and her eyes widened. "You're right. Something's not right. This rancid smell like dead rat… Ow, what on earth is this!?"
"Girls, I know you're serious, but don't give us those looks." Suiryu complained at the girls whose face scrunched up in utter disgust.
"Are there monsters ahead?" Filo suddenly looked hyped.
"We are not sure, but we might find… A gruesome sight." Raphtalia told as she took the vanguard into the tunnel.
True to her words, the smell got worse as they walked further. Rifana waved her torch around and found stains of blood spattered across the wall, now black. The pungent aroma soon went unbearable, forcing the group to close their mouths and noses with cloths. No farther than twenty steps, they finally found the source.
"This…" The witch lady muttered in muffled voice.
"What the…" Rifana stared blankly at the thing before her eyes.
"Yuck…" Filo blanched at the sight.
A pile of bat carcasses. They were torn apart into pieces as if multiple blades had rushed at them. They littered the spot, oozing pungent tar-black goo. They stuck on their boots. Everybody wasn't sure whether they should continue their journey or not after seeing this.
"How despicably horrendous!" Eclair scowled in repulse.
"But they are bats, right? Maybe a pretty strong adventurer came to this place and exterminated them." Rifana tried to reason, fearing anyone had the idea to bail out before they tried.
"Sword wounds aren't like these." Eclair argued as she took a closer look to examine the dead bodies. "This kind of cut is from something blunter but swung at a debilitating speed."
"Is it ax?" Raphtalia guessed.
"I don't think so. This is too crude." Eclair shook her head. "The fashion it rends the flesh is too grotesque."
"Or, is there any wind element magic that can do this?"
"The possibility is not zero, but I am still uncertain. Even if this is magic, this is too violent." The witch lady gave her thought as she grimaced. "These wounds… They almost like being focused on each body simultaneously."
"Attacking many bodies at the same time? One person would still be impossible. A group was even harder." Eclair cupped her chin in thought. "Tough to figure out."
"So, what might it be?" Rifana raised her shoulders.
"Monster." Suiryu answered nonchalantly as he pinched a corpse, feeding it into his shield. "Am I wrong?"
A moment of stillness claimed the spot. His answer brushed a sense of nagging dread over them. They fell into a contemplative silence, thinking about the probable consequence if they were to find the abomination. They had a fair share of experience in dealing with monsters, but this place was new and an eerie evidence had emerged in their way. Acting with less caution might doom them.
"No, you are not. We should also think the worst possibilities whenever we find these signs." The witch lady was first to speak up, replying in grave tone.
Taking their anxiety into notice, Suiryu stood and returned his shield onto his back. "I think it's not like we are late to fall back. I'm not against the idea, and if you want so, let's find the magical crystal somewhere else. Like… Procuring them from Black Rose Avenue, maybe?"
The rest of the group shared a glance at each other, thinking about the offer. Rifana and Raphtalia however put on determined looks, as Suiryu had expected. Filo, was Filo. On the other hand, the witch lady and Eclair had given neither reassuring faces, nor convincing answer. Suffice to say, they were in a tad of disagreement should they word it.
"We're not in rush and I'm open to any ideas. Besides, it's my personal request in the first place. I shouldn't trouble you far more than this." Suiryu tried to ease them, loosening the knot in the atmosphere.
"No. I am still indebted to you. This is the least I can do to repay your generosity, thus I should see this until the end." The old witch finally gave her answer albeit with palpable discomfort.
"And it would be an unbearable shame to hold to not follow the man who has been kindly sheltering me. I will follow you, even though I should expire my very soul in doing so." The former knight declared, casting a steeled gaze.
Suiryu was speechless while the girls hung their jaws in awe. Much like the witch lady, her resolve was serious, banishing away the lingering uneasiness. He smiled and regarded their destination. They directed their gaze at the remaining straight passage in front of them. Whatever they might find, they were sure that walking behind him was the right choice.
"Alright, if you say so." Suiryu cracked his fists. "I also want to find out who's the culprit, so stick with me."
They shared nods of accord and ventured along the torch-lit path. A grand room with brilliant crystal chunks soon came into sight. The magical minerals sprouted out from the floor and walls, adding new source of illumination. They almost couldn't believe it, but their amazement should wait for later since they finally spotted the culprit of all the terror.
It was dark red, big, composed of hard shells and it possessed pairs of legs they didn't bother to count. It coiled its body in its peaceful slumber, probably resting after feasting on its prey. Much to their horror, they found the remain nearby, rotting already. The girls immediately covered their mouths in shock to hold back their scream. As horror chewed on their composure, Suiryu pulled out his shield in ready.
"D-dear Lord…!" The witch lady stammered.
"… A centipede!?" Raphtalia silently squeaked as her eyes couldn't move from the sleeping monster.
The monster rustled up, revealing its face which shockingly… was like human's. Dark clay in color, it twitched with creaks as it sent a hollow stare through its black eyes. Its legs began to wiggle, its shells clacked and creaked at each other with every move.
"… Hoh? Some snacks? Just perfect. I don't need to go out for a hunt." It spoke in a flat tone as it leered at the visitors.
"Hu-human face…?" Eclair muttered as her legs buckled from the sheer terror.
"I-it can talk…?" Rifana muttered as her breath stuck in her throat.
"You seem to be having a good appetite, Mister Centipede? Wanna try to eat me first?" Suiryu gave a calm smile as he stepped closer to the monster, leaving the women.
"Sounds good to me, but you smell like hero." It flicked its whips around, gazing at the martial artist.
"Wow. Quite perceptive, but well, if I am, do you have an allergy with that?" Suiryu smirked. "Then eat my fist!"
He launched forward and jumped as he reared his right arm. The centipede didn't have a moment to react and his fist landed square on its face, shattering its front. The blow went deep into its head, bursting its inside out. Blue gore and brain matter blasted through the back of its head. The monster fell with a thud, crumpling into a heap of shell as it got a gaping hole in its cranium.
The rest of the bunch had jumped from one shock to another. The event was gruesomely anticlimactic. Seeing how nonchalant and easy he dealt with the monster was even more painfully confounding. They stared at him with dumbfounded looks, dropping their jaws.
"As a source of power, I command thee, bend the law of nature and grant this hero a small cascade of water, [Water Fountain]!" Suiryu cast a water element magic, letting a floating magic circle pour out fresh water for washing his arm. "Sorry. I didn't mean to kill the fun, but dealing with this kind of monster will take too long."
And he dared to call that fun? Just what was he!? Even his disciples were at a loss.
"L-lord Suiryu…" Rifana started, gulping to recompose herself. "I still don't quite get it, but… Actually what was that?"
Suiryu slightly furrowed his brow. "What was this? This is a monster, obviously. What do you mean, Rifana?"
"No. We mean, is this thing really a monster in the first place?" Raphtalia filled in as she joined the master to examine the fresh kill. "It did talk! This is nothing we have ever seen before!"
"Well, perhaps. But even if you ask me, I cannot answer you satisfyingly enough since I'm also uncertain. So, let's not think too much about it." He clasped his hands, dismissing any more arguments about the monster. "Anyway, since we find what we need, let's wrap things up."
"Aye aye, Lord Suiryu." Rifana stole a glance at the dead centipede, unconvinced, and she began to harvest some crystals that jutted out from the ground.
"Right away, Master!" Filo cheered as she turned to her human form to help the older girls picking the mineral.
Before he joined the girls, he paused for a certain activity he was accustomed already every time he slew an enemy. He ripped an antenna off the monster and fed it to his aegis.
Junior Centipede Carapace Shield
Stats:
Attack: +40 | Magic: -27 | Phy. Resistance: +198 | Mag. Resistance: 5 | Speed: +35
Elemental Resistances:
Poison: +184 | Earth: +139
Skill:
- Antennae Whip (+20 Attack)
'Sacrificing magic to gain an immense offensive capability? This is new. I guess I'll stick with this.' Suiryu rolled his shoulders as he switched the new crimson carapace shield with the original form. 'Let's see what's more I can get.But somehow, why I get this weird goosebumps…'
"That monster just now would easily surpass level 25, I believe. However, Lord Shield Hero, how did you dispose of it so effortlessly?" The witch lady asked in wonder as she tapped the centipede's shell. "As you can see, the shells are extremely sturdy. An enhanced steel blade couldn't even pierce this."
"Remember, before a Shield Hero, I always have been a martial artist. I trained my body so that this thickness is nothing my fists couldn't crack." He replied, easily chipping a shell's rim with a pinch.
"That's Lord Suiryu for you!"
"As expected from Lord Suiryu!"
The girls cheered as they broke some crystals with their bare hands, casually. Eclair witnessed the spectacle with queasy look. True, she had been with them for a while and she even had been training with them, but it was the first time she had ever seen the fruit of their training.
Last time she got this shocked, it was the time when she witnessed the bunch finished off those unfortunate highwaymen, some days prior.
"Hmm… Indeed. Truly, you really are the real deal, Lord Shield Hero!"
The witch lady and Suiryu chuckled.
"Then, can I help you to harvest the leftover? I actually am interested in studying about this unknown monster." The witch lady proposed.
"Sure. Take as much material as you need. Think of this as my thanks." Suiryu nodded and yanked a shell, handing it to the old witch.
"Thank you so much."
'… And I would always wish that I didn't choose wrong people to party up with!' Eclair inwardly screamed as she had realized the growing absurdity of the gang while leering at Filo. 'I should never forget that this journey is merely for acquiring a material for her clothes.'
"Eclair, are you okay?" Suiryu called, noticing her unhealthily queasy look.
"Huh? Oh… right. I am fine. Please, pay no heed to this one who zoned out." She followed with a nervous chuckle.
Honestly, the convenience of being protected by the group and the mental burden she should take in the end didn't balance. Still, it was better than waiting behind the dungeon's cell, rotting for the uncertain day of liberation.
By the time the group exited the former alchemist hideout, the sun was shining above their heads. Added with the dry terrain, the heat stung their skins. They hurried their pace to the parked carriage.
"Midday, huh…?" Raphtalia glanced at the shade under a canyon, fanning her face. "If only we can get cold drinks like ginger ale right away."
"You really have classy taste, huh?" Rifana shot a ridiculing look at her pal. "Why don't you apply to a tavern?"
"As a professional food taster? I must be dreaming. This place isn't that welcoming for us, never forget that."
"Unfortunately, that is the grim reality of this country." Eclair made a grimace. "Her majesty actually has passed a policy to erase the practice of old custom. Still, people kept antagonizing demi-humans."
"Ah please, do not be troubled by it." Raphtalia cast an apologetic smile.
"Can't be helped. Everywhere you go, it's always be like that. As far as they don't try anything funny on us, I'll let it go." Rifana exclaimed with a shrug.
"Well, you two are too kind to forgive us. As a citizen, that makes me ashamed." Eclair turned her face away, her grimace deepened.
Suiryu only smiled, refraining himself from giving his opinion. He had grown attached to this world, but he viewed that people around him that he held dear also had their own free way of thinking. As an outsider, he knew his place and wished to never poke into their problems more than necessary.
Raphtalia tugged Filo's rein, striding towards the carriage. "The capital is still a long way. We'll probably arrive there by nightfall. Alright, everyone, let's boa–!"
Their carriage all of sudden exploded into splinters of wood, leaving almost nothing. The manner it burst was so violent that Raphtalia and Filo were flung away. The group covered their faces in reflex as bits of wood blasted at them.
"W-what's that!?" Rifana lashed her gaze around frantically and found her companions were laying on the ground. "Uh-oh!"
"Raphtalia! Filo!" Suiryu ran over them as they were writhing, recovering from the shock.
"L-lord Suiryu…? Ow!" Raphtalia winced, pushing a small cut on her arm. "Just a small scratch."
"Master…" Filo shook her head, her stubby bird form weirdly could allow her to stand quickly. "What was that!?"
"I don't know. Are you two alright?" He asked in panic.
"I'm okay. But what was that?" Raphtalia swung her gaze around.
"I'm okay as always. What about you, Master?" Filo narrowed her eyes, looking the rest of the group in alert."
"I–"
"Hehehe… It's been a while, Champion!"
An evil chuckle of a man resounded throughout that silent canyon. Everybody turned their eyes toward him. The intruder who came out of nowhere tossed away his tattered cloak, revealing his form. Their blood immediately ran cold.
He was a demon. A red demon. A pair of horns jutted out from his forehead, accentuating his intimidating dominance. He was hairless. His body had a lean but muscular built, diagonal net pattern with black lines adorned its surface. His pale azure eyes fixed a maliciously arrogant stare at them. With a sedate pace, he waltzed towards the group. His grin that revealed his jagged teeth stretched wider as if he could savor their fear.
"Lord Suiryu…"
Amid her shiver, Raphtalia could see the sheer shock that suddenly crossed her master's look. He was completely mortified. The healthy color on his face lost while his eyes were shot wide open.
"Look at you now! You horde women for yourself? Do you think you are an alpha? Just how low have you stooped?" The abominable continued his condescending remark as he approached the group fearlessly. "Today, I will honor you with my visit. And rejoice, for I will grant you a salvation."
His grin stretched more evilly insidious. "… A salvation upon death!"
A dozen of yellow thunder balls appeared around his head as his horns glowed bright yellow. The balls launched at the group at blinding speed, wheezing through the air with screeching crackles. As the world seemed to slow down, Suiryu stepped forward, pulling out his shield.
"[Change Shield]! [Meteor Shield]! [Shield Prison]!" A huge ball of shields swallowed the group, leaving the Shield Hero in front of it in guard.
Muffled screams erupted from inside the protective sphere when the attack hit their marks, shaking them. Suiryu safely retained the barrier for the party while exposing himself to the strike, but none of the electric projectiles harmed him. They bounced off of his shield, flying across the canyon and hit the cliffs.
"Hmm… Now you even wield a weapon? And a shield? Don't make me laugh! Aren't you growing imposingly weak?"
The monster's derisive words slipped like a stream, but the martial artist remained composed. Suiryu tilted his head back and undid the [Shield Prison].
"Everyone, get back to the cave! I'll handle this one!" He shouted without looking back.
"B-but Lord Suiryu!?" Rifana had drawn her axes.
"You can't do this! Get inside, quick!" He said sternly, almost like scolding.
"Rifana, let's go!" Raphtalia told, giving one last glance at the unfolding clash with sorrowful look.
Rifana bit her lip bitterly. A myriad of hard feelings throbbed in her heart. She was of no use to her master, unable to help him in the direst moment. She knew that he was strong, but at the very least, she wished that he would allow her to fight, just like the time when she fought Salvatore Argento. Bearing that hard feeling, she hauled Raphtalia and pulled Filo, dragging the group to take shelter in the cave.
As the group fled into the alchemist's den, the showdown between the two fighters was about to begin. The rocks and dusty ground would be their spectators as the blowing wind replaced the clamors.
Yes. It was a zero viewer fight, unfortunately.
However, the building tension was unnatural. Their killing intents lashed out at each other, burning the already hot midday air. The show was not meant for those with weak heart.
The red demon whistled. "Talk about chivalry, is that how you treated your seedbeds? Don't worry, I come here not to rob them. When it comes to matter of passing my superior gene, I take a noble way, unlike you."
"Cut the crap out, Choze. Aren't you coming here to get killed once again?" Suiryu spat, frowning at his foe.
"Hey, hey! Don't be so worked up. Where's your cool? Is a taunt like this enough to burn you?"
The champion huffed. "You're not wrong. Now that I also fight for others, I often lose my control. I also get angry for their sake."
"A selfish womanizer playing hero? Heh? Since when?"
"Since when? Of course after I talked with that baldy who'd beaten your ass, oh so badly." Suiryu cast a cold smirk.
His smirk twitched wider when Choze's face suddenly made a scowl. It did hit the mark. The pressure surged higher when the red demon was mad. As odd as it might seem, the monster clearly held a deep grudge on Saitama rather than Suiryu. As a self-proclaimed superior gene-carrier, the humiliation from his loss against such a forgettable being was awfully maddening that he brought his grudge to his grave, only to ignite it once he was resurrected.
"Hoh? Now look at who lost his cool. Isn't it nice to get knocked-out with a single blow? Seems that you really got your pride crushed by that guy, huh? Don't worry, we're same here."
Choze's reply came as a flying kick. Suiryu moved his body ever so slightly, dodging it while entering his battle mode, analyzing his foe's movements. The manner Choze carried out his strike was still the same as the last time he fought. No change of pattern, so far.
The red demon rotated his body around as soon as he landed, shifting from the kick to send a jab. The monster engaged the Shield Hero into a slug fest, dishing out barrages of punches. Suiryu responded the aggressiveness with looseness, either dodging or bending the strikes. It infuriated the monster so much that his moves grew more bestial and duller as the battle dragged on.
"DAMN YOU! FIGHT ME SERIOUSLY!" Choze screamed as he made a wrathful roundhouse kick.
"As you wish."
Suiryu planted his feet into the ground and delivered a palm strike as Choze was making his full body rotation. This passive method he lately developed based on Bang's martial art proved to be more effective and consumed little energy, which was suitable for fending off against monsters who possessed great raw strength.
"HHMPH!" His palm hit Choze's chest, throwing the demon flying.
The combined forces of the rotation and the counter spelled out an immense force that could even launch a truck into the air. The impact was strong, and Suiryu could see his opponent's chest should have received a damage, rib cage fractures or lung concussion at the very least.
"GUAGH!"
Before Choze lost his control to the pushing force and the nerve-rending pain in his thorax, he flipped mid-air to stop the momentum. He jerked his body to his side and used the move to propel him back to the ground. He outstretched his leg, aiming his foot at Suiryu with a stomping kick.
Suryu who retained his firm stance greeted the kick with a swing of his right arm, hitting Choze's ankle. The monster nearly went off balance from the redirection attack, but his excellent dynamic sense allowed him to cover his miss with a new one by sending a left uppercut while descending.
The attack didn't land since Suiryu cocked his head back, the blow missed his chin only a hair's breadth. As Choze's fist passed upwards, Suiryu caught his wrist and loosed a punch with his free hand. It hit the demon's stomach, producing a shock wave that pierced through his back.
"UGHOOAK!" A spittle of dark blue blood spilled from Choze's mouth, result of the accumulated wounds.
He sailed in the air for a moment before skidded on the ground, kneeling, but as soon as he regained his bearing, Suiryu's knee was flying at his head. The strike landed on his cheek, slamming him and burying his face into the hard ground. As the dark brown soil coated his vision, a boot pressed his head in place.
"Last time, you could hit me several times over, but now, can you even touch me? Now I'm certain that choosing to become a monster is the worst choice. See how pathetic you've become. You've wasted your potential as a human on an unwarranted cheap strength."
The champion solemnly preached as he trampled his enemy's head. Neither hatred, nor disgust was present on his face. Instead, it was a look of deep concern that he cast on the monster. Not of pity, but for a demand to unravel the cause of the monster's arrival at this world. He was unnerved at the fact that his foe seemed to chase after him out of his grave.
"Just give up, Choze. You're a failure."
"BASTARD! AS IF I WILL YIELD! HRGHHHHH!"
The ground exploded, filling the spot with a sphere of yellow lightning. Suiryu managed to jump back before Choze's signature electric attack caught him. As soon as he landed and made a stance, a blinking red flare with yellow lightning trail burst from the shattered ground, soaring into the sky.
"RRROOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH! SUUIRRYUUUUUUU…!"
"I see… So you want to take it the hard way, huh? Then so be it."
Suiryu dashed and took off to the sky, claiming the cliff as a platform to clash with the monster. Booms filled the air as they brought the bout into the next level, turning the desolated field into their arena.
The group had run deep enough into the tunnel where any sound of the fight from outside couldn't reach. They settled down in a hall, sitting anxiously while Filo stood on guard near the entrance.
Rifana and Raphtalia glanced at Eclair and the witch lady. They were panting heavily. Were they to face that monster, they stood no chance. However, there was one person who kept a sulky look as if her desire was ruthlessly denied.
"… Rifana, you want to fight that monster, right?"
"Huh?"
Reading her thoughts, Raphtalia threw the question, sporting a dubious look. There was a sense of resignation that crossed her face, telling the weasel girl that what she might attempt would cause a disaster – something their master would grieve upon. Raphtalia shook her head, letting a pained smile grace her face.
"I know, right? But you should understand, it's not the time."
Rifana averted her gaze away dejectedly. "… Do you think that we are useless, tell me, Raphtalia?"
Raphtalia's eyes shortly widened. She sighed as her face reflected her worry.
"You see, Rifana, Lord Suiryu would never deem us useless. There is no way he would do something as cruel as that. If he does, why does he still keep us around? And why is he fighting outside alone? Isn't he protecting us because he regards us dearly?"
Rifana exhaled a long, tired sigh as she tried to came to realize her impulse and naivety. "You're right. I guess I just got ahead of myself. Just because I could beat some bandits and monsters, I felt like I was on the wind. Yet, you see, I can't do a single thing. Again, it's Lord Suiryu who end the troubles. It's…"
"Enough, Rifana." Raphtalia chastised with a stern look, earning her a gasp. "Get a hold of yourself. Believe in him. Lord Suiryu knows what he is doing and what's best for us. This is so unlike you, you know? So just stop it!"
"Ah…"
The weasel's gloomy look changed into one of embarrassment. She diverted her gaze down to the floor, unable to look at her friend's eyes. A gentle pat to her shoulder was all she took to pull her back to her senses. She looked up and saw everyone was smiling at her. Her cheeks ran red, realizing that those people had been listening at her all the time.
"I… Uh, please, I wish you would never tell Lord Suiryu about this!" Her demand was hardly audible. "It's so… shameful!"
Raphtalia grinned while the older ladies gave knowing smiles. They knew that such a vulnerable moment for a young lady was an unquestionably embarrassing matter. They would keep Rifana's moment as a secret, probably.
Among the group members however, Filo for some time had been mute. Her mind was clearly somewhere else. She never left her spot and her eyes slightly narrowed like she was concentrating on something.
The cave lightly shook. The tremor rattled the hall they were in, some ground dust fell from the ceiling. A faint boom echoed, bouncing from the walls down to their spot. Filo's eyes widened and without any reason the group knew, she bolted off, leaving them.
"Master…!" The echo of her high-pitched scream lingered in the passage, forcing the others to run after her.
"W-wait, Filo!" Raphtalia called, running after the Filolial without second thought.
Rifana clicked her tongue and she also gave chase, leaving behind the older ladies. Dashing through the straight stone corridor, she could catch sight of Raphtalia's back who made an abrupt stop upon reaching the entrance. There, she also saw Filo who was standing motionlessly, gazing at the outside through the open rock door.
"What hap–"
Her question even failed to slip her lips as she noticed what nailed her companions in place. Her eyes ran to the sight outside and she soon joined them, paralyzed in daze. The spectacle absorbed all her focus. It was so enamoring that her perked up ears couldn't even register the explosions.
Under that midday sun, they witnessed countless straight lines that weaved around the canyons like a messy spider web. The thin threads that crisscrossed from cliff to cliff left dust trails in the air. Momentarily followed by booms, they trained their eyes at the sight in wonder, trying to scour for the phenomenon's cause.
The answer finally came in the form of a falling object, plummeting down and crashed the ground. It squirmed, then rose up slowly and unsteadily, revealing an outline of a man. With wobbly legs, the person gained his bearing as blue liquids which appeared to be his blood dripped from all over his body.
Not even a couple of seconds later, a figure of a man descended before the first one, standing still. He was waiting the other party to recover. They immediately recognized him. As if breaking free from a binding spell, they ran toward him.
""Lord Suiryuuu!"" "Master!"
The champion briefly turned his head towards them, but instead of his usual warm smile, he gave them a murky face. The flash of unexpected coldness discouraged them from approaching him, stopping their steps. With abject fear, they instinctively turned their gazes toward the man before their beloved master and their blood froze.
The battle at that point might be won by their master, but it didn't end yet. His look was a harsh warning that the danger was still close. It was luck that put them in a considerable distance from the arena. As their legs rooted to their place in fright, their stare fixed on the fighters.
"You're gonna kick your bucket, Choze. You still wanna fight?" Suiryu flicked his hand to the side, ridding off the blue blood that stuck on it.
"Damn you…! Actually what are you?" The battered monster glared at Suiryu with one eye, the other was broken.
"Just the one who'd beaten you up and trained harder after that." The champion answered as he shrugged. "Now, why don't you save your precious breath? And since you lose, why don't you tell me how you could come here?"
As the tiredness from the fight and pain from his grave wounds bit him, Choze didn't answer. Still, his burning gaze that desired nothing but revenge didn't waver. He steadied his breathing and with a stomp, he lunged forward, attempting a final attack with the remaining power he could muster.
"Can't be helped, huh?" Suiryu spoke under his breath sourly as he braced himself to meet the strike. "Let me pass through…"
冥圧迫面殺拳
"[Void Pressure Point Killing-Fist]!"
Suiryu gathered his index and middle fingers, channeling his inner energy through them as he burst forth. He jammed them at Choze's solar plexus as the monster was rushing at him.
In the spectators' eyes, their master blinked into blur. He passed by his enemy at a speed their eyes could never be able to register. The moment he stopped, his right arm was outstretched like a poised blade, his back faced the monster's.
"Huh?" Choze's remaining eye widened as he staggered.
"You're already dead." Suiryu coldly told, trotting away with calm pace.
"What…!?"
The monster's body bloated, contorting gruesomely as his limbs twisting uncontrollably. Copious amount of blue gore sprayed out from his body through the tears. The inflation finally reached its threshold and he exploded, sending his innards and life liquid everywhere.
The girls were watching from the sideline, sinking in their thoughts about the inexplicably brutal show before them. They had experienced some of the coldest bloodshed, felling monsters and cutting down hoodlums, but the sight still inspired them with dreadful repulse. As they gazed at the event with disbelief and horror, the last party members arrived.
"M-y Lord…"
Eclair's call hung in the air as she came over the group. She covered her mouth in fearful disgust when she noticed the completely annihilated body of the crimson demon.
"What in God's name had happened…?" The good witch lady's face grew pallid. "Di-did you…?"
"My deepest apology, everyone. I had grievances with that monster just now. I'll tell you later. For now, let's think about how we can return to the capital."
Suiryu ordered with a troubled look, turning into the most pressing matter. He glanced at his party members and his grimace deepened. There was no way they were not traumatized. A spine-twisting work was coming.
Sitting in a wooden chair, Suiryu tried his best to relax himself while waiting for Filo and the tailor lady. He leaned his back against the backrest, but the usual calmness he desperately desired didn't come. The unrest of his mind gnawed him, result of the encounter with the red demon.
'Explaining about Choze and my past doesn't spare me with this nagging feeling. I cannot shrug this it. Like… I'm finding a bad premonition. Why? This is so miserable.' He mused, heaving a hard sigh as he leaned his head backwards, stretching his neck.
He glanced at the room and the tiny gallery in place. The colorful dresses and fancy suits on display that usually would at least garner his interest this time could do nothing. His anxiety had dulled his senses, the color of the world around him seemed to blend into monochrome, gloomy.
'Damn this stress…' He inwardly cursed as he rose from his seat, taking a look at the flower in the pot near the window sill.
As he moved towards the window, he just remembered that he was the only one who accompanied Filo. Since he wanted his companions to take their free time to entertain themselves, they grabbed the opportunity to wander around the town. This bit of remembrance somehow brought him a little sense of relief.
A moment later, the little birdie came out from the changing room, now dressed in a splendidly crafted loose dress. White in color, frills and blue ribbons ornamented the long-sleeved clothes, accentuating a theme of a young maiden's purity. The sight of the little angel brought a smile to his face, at long last.
"Wow! You look pretty in that dress, Filo!" He praised, his eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? Thank you, Master!" She gave a very bright smile and hugged him tightly. "I love you so much, Master!"
The warm sight garnered the tailor's light chuckle. Suiryu turned to her with smile of gratitude.
"Are you sure this is free? Your work is as impressive as ever. I'd never regret to trust you in this matter. My thanks truly wouldn't be enough." He spoke as he gently patted Filo's head.
"Oh, you helped me so many times already. It would be a shame if I still charge my awesome benefactor. And I really am honored to hear such a praise from a venerable patron, a hero at that." She replied in refined speech, bashfully bowing while hiding her blush.
"Well, if you say so. But again, is this alright? What about some materials in exchange?" He offered, sporting an uncomfortable smile. "No offense, but I don't feel right to just accept this right away."
"Please. Your help is tremendous enough to make my shop run well– No, better than I expected even. Did you see those dresses over there? I made them from the caterpillar yarns you gave me. Speaking vulgarly, they brings me a wad of cash."
"Oh, wow! Really? I guess our businesses run pretty well, huh? Nothing beats benefiting each other."
They broke into chuckle, basking themselves in a small glory. Filo who didn't understand their conversation could only stare at them in puzzlement.
"Anyway, Sir, I don't see your companions. Where are they?"
"Oh, they're going out to town, having fun."
"I see. It's strange seeing you alone."
"Is that so?" He raised a brow.
"Yeah."
At that point, he was surprised that he had forgotten the worry he felt earlier. Nonetheless, that awful feeling struck again as soon as he remembered it. The brewing ill-emotion even seeped onto his countenance, prompting the people around him to look at him in concern.
"Master…?"
"Is something the matter, Sir? You suddenly fell quiet."
"Ah, sorry. Just some stray thoughts. Nothing's big."
"Really? You don't look well. Why don't you take a rest." The tailor suggested as she pushed the rim of her glasses. "Or, did you find a tough business rival, maybe?"
'Tough business rival is an understatement. This is something worse.' He sighed inwardly. 'But well, she sure is sharp. Guess people who said that woman is scary aren't wrong.'
"Well, something along that line. You're right. I'm tired, so I'll consider to take a day off." He masked his listless look with a smile. "Thanks. I appreciate the advice."
"Please, think nothing of it. Our health is the most precious asset. And as far as we can run our business together, I'm more than glad with it."
"Yeah, certainly." He nodded, letting his gaze wander off to the blue sky outside the window.
Lightly pressing the white porcelain mask that covered her face, Raphtalia stared at the opponent in front of her. Behind her mask, her eyes were squinting, looking incredulously at the bizarre creature that was her foe.
It wasn't like any demi-human she had ever see before. Simply put, it was a man with green iguana features who stretched his tongue at an impossible length, curling it in the process like a coil. With such an absurd length, she doubted that his small mouth could store that pink, sticky apparatus.
"Bwuhehehe…" He obscenely chuckled. "This really is my lucky day! Look at this chick in front of me! Hey, Missy in maid outfit, think you can beat me? Ahh… Don't worry. I'll be gentle."
Surprisingly, his speech was quite clear and comprehensible. That fact angered Raphtalia so much that she gripped her nunchuck until her hand turned white. She eyed the degenerate with fury and contempt, yet her scalding gaze didn't faze him, for he was to dense.
"… NOW, FOLKS, IS IT THE BRAWLER MAID LIA OR LORD TONGUE STRETCHER WHO'LL BE THE WINNER? LET'S SEE AND FIND OUT!"
The spectators' chorus rattled the air, following the announcer. That morning sun over the arena couldn't shine any brighter to illuminate the show as people were shouting the names of the fighters and placing bets. The fight was about to begin.
"READY…. FIGHT!" A roar of a trumpet marked the beginning of the fight.
Without any warning, the raccoon bolted forward, closing in on her foe in less than five seconds. She ducked as she stepped within her opponent's arm reach. Stomping her legs into the ground, she sprung upwards and sent an uppercut to his jaw. The serious blow snapped his lower jaw to bite off his tongue, severing it, then smacked the owner flying.
"UGUOAAAAAAAHHHH…!" The Tongue Stretcher flew in a tailspin, his mouth left behind a trail of spiraling crimson in the air.
His spectacular flight brought him into an unceremonious crash landing. He convulsed for a moment and his eyes rolled back in their sockets. He succumbed to the unbearable pain in his mouth from losing his tongue. Now, there was nothing to stretch anymore, his title went void.
"UNBELIEVABLE! SHE DEFEATED OUR FIGHTER WITH A SINGLE BLOW! THUS THE WINNER IS… LIAAAAAAAA!"
Raphtalia sighed as she lightly tugged the chain of her nunchuck in her black skirt's pocket. She planned to use it, but the fight was already over.
The fight couldn't even be called a fight. It reminded her so much to how her master disposed of the giant centipede with a single punch. It was so one-sided. She returned to the door's arena and put off her mask as soon as she entered the shade, leaving behind the spectators with awe. A fellow demi-human maid came into her sight.
"You've done well, Raphtalia. Lord Suiryu must be proud of you." Rifana was smiling as she leaned her back against the wall, crossing her arms under her extravagant bust.
"That was a huge letdown, I dare say. You surely know that his strength is nothing but a bluff, right?" Raphtalia huffed in disappointment, swaying her braided hair to her back.
"How could I know? I didn't fight him."
"Did you really see my fight?"
"I did, but I don't think I'd be able to judge if I didn't face him. What about if he hid his true ace? You beat him before you see it, didn't you?"
"Ow, really? Well, forget it. Guess a fair fight isn't my forte." Raphtalia waved her hand dismissively, tired of her friend's logic.
"Neither do I."
"Anyway, good luck on your turn, Rifana. Think you can beat your opponent like how I did?"
"Hmm… Let's see. Since this is random, I haven't even know my enemy yet, but I'll try my best." She pumped her arm, casting a beaming smile like she usually did.
Raphtalia returned the smile. "Then see you again. I expect an overwhelming victory from you."
"You bet." Rifana put on a black iron mask and headed into the arena.
As the spectators' roar slightly dampened her hearing, the reinforced door from across her entrance path slid upwards. From the darkness, a hulking figure emerged with nonchalant gait. Her jaw instantly dropped at upon seeing the incoming fighter.
'The hell…!? Just now Raphtalia fought an iguana guy and now, what's this? A lobster demi-human? No! A crab!' She thought, noticing the shining red shell that armored the man's body and the rough surface on his pincers as well as his spiky shoulders.
"Kukukuku… Greetings! I'm Crablante. Living in humiliation is awful! But when I can enjoy tearing people apart, I guess I'm okay with that!" He declared, pointing his pincer at her as his eye stalks twitched intimidatingly.
"O-oh. Then you look like you're having fun, Mister Crab. I'm also glad to know that. Ehehehe…" The weasel gave an awkward chuckle, suddenly struck by nervousness.
"Of course I am. Then what about you? Why did you come here, kuku?"
"… Kuku?" She cocked her head, flustered. "Uh, I came here cause I need some money."
"Is that so? But I got a feeling that you want to get stronger. Come on, don't lie to me."
'Cursed! He can see through me?' She was shocked by how perceptive the monster was.
The encounter with the red demon the other day had taught her a lesson about the great disparity in strength between them and their master. She and Raphtalia had realized it and took an initiative to visit the arena in hope to gain more experience. Nevertheless, luck played a role greater than they expected. While her pal got a fight she didn't deserve, she was likely getting one that wouldn't leave her unscathed, black and blue at worst.
"Well, that's also a part of it." She meekly replied.
"Kuku… I see. Then don't die!" Crablante clasped his pincers twice, flexing his armored arms.
"ALL FIGHTERS READY….?! FIGHT!"
Rifana sprinted along the edge of the arena, circling the crustacean man to find any wide opening she could exploit. Her eyes squinted as she found some chances, but she felt doubt since her opponent possessed a great advantage in body size. Plunging in recklessly for dealing a hit might be fatal. Worse, she hadn't even got a glimpse on his proficiency in wielding those nifty pincers.
"Kukuku… What are you chickening for, little rat? Are you going to run?" The crab man taunted.
Rifana gritted her teeth. She mustered her courage and chose a straight path to her foe. Bending her back to run close to the ground, she trained her eyes on him, observing every slight move he was going to exert.
"Kuku… Take this!" He slammed his pincer downwards.
Rifana jerked her head, stopping as the dirt from the blow brushed past her. As she raised her guard, the second swing descended, but she managed to dodge it easily.
A new doubt washed over her as the crab drew his pincers slowly. The blows were strong, but they never landed.
'Is it just me or his aims are kinda off?' She mused as she backed off into a safe distance.
"Kukuku… You successfully evaded my attacks. Not bad. Now how about this!" He lunged forward and rushed for a pincer attack.
'… Weird. Fast butpredictable.' Rifana sidestepped and turned around, kicking the pincer to ruin his momentum.
"What?" The crab man muttered as he pulled out his weapon that clammed nothing but a chunk of dirt after the failed thrust.
She snatched the chance in his stupor to climb his arm and slammed her heel to his face. It wasn't strong, but her strike stunned him, nearly pushing his body backwards entirely. He fell on his rear and looked around in confusion. His eyes ran red in fury the moment they caught sight of Rifana who assumed a middle stance.
"You… You! You went for my face! I'm gonna KILL YOUUU! WHOAH….! ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA…!"
He madly shoved his pincers into a barrage of strikes, either closing them like spears or opening them like scissors. Rifana knew that each blow packed a punch, but she didn't find any trouble in evading them since they came at loose intervals. She kept on dodging until her foe ran out of breath.
"You… How can you be this good, rat?" Crablante asked between his ragged breaths.
"I don't know whether you're praising me or mocking me, but what good in telling a brute like you?"
"Shut up!" The crab man huffed and drew a lungful breath. "I'll make sure to quarter you after this, you, cheeky rat!"
She didn't answer and went for offensive. She dashed at him despite the imminent blow that rained down at her. By skidding and bending her body backwards, she slipped past the attack. However, luck didn't side with her at that exact moment. A bump on the ground nearly tripped her, delaying her strike.
"Ugh, damn!"
Crablante grinned broadly as he finally seized the chance to smash the annoying weasel. His left pincer at last found its way toward Rifana.
"Gotcha!"
"Guuhh…!" Rifana crossed arms, bracing herself against the wide swipe.
The brutal bash sent her flying, throwing her to a considerable distance. She managed to land safely with a slide, but her outer forearms went numb. She didn't need to roll her sleeves to see the bad bruises that made her wince.
"Ow, ow. This isn't pretty." She tapped the inflicted parts, taking a note that using them later might be too straining.
"Kukukuku… Did you feel it, Madam Masquerade? Things might get interesting after this! Kukukuku…!" Crablante laughed in victory as he clicked his pincers.
"Ugh…"
"OOOHH, AT LONG LAST, OUR CRAB WARRIOR MANAGED TO LAND A BLOW! WHAT WILL ANA DO AFTER THIS!? WILL SHE JUST GIVE IN AFTER SUCH A FIERCE FIGHT, OR WILL SHE CONTINUE!?" The announcer's voice rang shrilly, hyping up the spectators.
She trained her eyes warily at the armored fighter before her. When she examined him to discern some weaknesses she could take on, she found a unique feature of her foe's body. Although his torso up to his head and arms were in hard shell, his abdomen down to his feet looked like those of humans – flesh, skin, even hairs. She focused her gaze at that portion and earned a revelation.
'Man would undoubtedly yield if one were to cast all his ill-intent upon that sacred sanctuary. It is man's matter of life, death, and his honor.' She sagely concluded while staring at a particular spot on Crablante's body. 'Why didn't it cross my mind, man…!?'
"Kuku…?" The crab man cocked his head in confusion at Rifana's muteness.
She smirked, lowering her center of gravity. She took a deep breath and ran, clearing the distance between her and Crablante in mere six seconds. Using the inertia of her rush, she released a kick at his unguarded spot between his legs at full force. For a moment, she heard a strange crunching sound as the sole made contact with whatever lump of meat that hid beyond the fabric of his pants.
Crablante's wail blared throughout the entire arena. It was short, but dramatically could convey all the agonies as of his past, present and future selves who suffered from the punishment. His body rocked violently as his mouth foamed. He finally collapsed on his back, limbs sprawled out.
"AND THE WINNER IS… ANAAAAAA!"
'Sure, I won, but seems that the arena is a place for making money rather than for training. I guess we're wrong. Good grief…' Rifana came into conclusion as she gave one side glance at Crablante before she turned her heel. 'To chase Lord Suiryu and get stronger, we need to find suitable opponents. But where?'
As the conference of that day fell into its conclusion, Melty was free from her duty. She went out from the guest residence for an evening stroll, walking without any escort in sight. Any sane royals might consider it as reckless, but she knew that her mother had had Shadows patrolled in disguise. She could be carefree, for there was nothing to worry about.
With small strides, she entered the downtown. Although the sun had been slipping into the horizon, the city was like waking from its slumber. It was as lively as its morning. People were moving about, jamming the streets, doing whatever business they were absorbed in. Vendors of various foods and souvenirs were opening their stalls, welcoming their early customers. Adventurers and knights alike were flocking into taverns, emptying their pouches to celebrate their work for that day.
'So lively, almost like there is a festival…' Melty made a mental note as her curious gaze jumped about the packed avenue.
She spotted a curious stall by the mouth of the plaza. A mild greasy aroma wafted from it. When she took a closer look, people were already standing in line, taking their turn to procure the delicacy. What manner of food could attract buyer that many? She succumbed to her curiosity and soon stood in line.
After waiting for some moments, she finally got the food, wrapped neatly in a large dry leave pack. For 20 copper, she got three, each with sugar and sesame dressing. She walked to a less crowded spot near a town hall and took a seat on a staircase. The moment she opened the pack, a sweet aroma tickled her nostrils.
"I see… So this is what people call 'donuts.' A ring-shaped, fried bread in essence." She took a bite and chewed it, her eyes soon widening. "H-how exquisite! This simple, yet bold texture…! And this modest sweetness! Oily but tasty! I would never find this in my country! I… I need to tell mother about this!"
She vigorously chomped down the rest in the pack. She wiped her lips with a handkerchief, revealing a satisfied smile. She left her seat and sauntered to a spot at the corner of the plaza where people dumped garbage and leaves.
As she threw the empty pack, a faint melody akin to a harp played in the air. She darted her gaze around and saw people were crowding in front of a building next to the town hall. Driven by her curiosity once again, she came over the commotion.
Weaving through the crowd, she finally earned an empty spot which provided a good view of the mysterious performer. Around her, people of almost all ages were standing in silence.
The player was a woman in a black robe-like clothes with flower ornaments. From her appearance, she looked like people from the eastern country. Her jet-black hair was done into a big bun. She was likely in her early 30s, but nobody would disagree that she was beautiful.
To top off her beauty, her delicate fingers skillfully pulled her zither strings to deliver a mysteriously sweet tune to accompany her foreign song. Although it was spoken in an unknown tongue, she sang it in such a rich cadence that some spectators shed tears. The song carried a boldness, but it also conveyed a sorrow that hit the audiences like the gentle breeze at summer's end.
A farewell ballad and requiem to a dear, dear old fellow.
"Ah… A-amazing…" Melty shuddered in awe, rubbing the edges of her eyes. "Even though I don't know one bit of the words in her song, it wrenched my heart! Never once did I see this dazzling performance, even from a famous bard."
The song soon reached its ending as her fingers moved slower, her voice shifting to a higher tone instead. As she nudged the last strings, she regarded her audiences with her sultry gaze. She smiled then bowed, allowing the audience to give their warm applause and cheers while throwing coins into the bowl in front of her, spilling over it.
"Thank you, my dear listeners. Just now is a song from LiSA, titled Homura. I knew it is a pretty sad song, so let me cheer you up with…"
"L-lady Maiko! P-please, allow us to make a request!" A man in a nobleman's fine attire burst out from the crowd, politely placing four silver coins into the bowl, sparking murmurs.
"Oh dear~, what kind of song that you wish me to play, Good Sir?" The lady placed her hand over her cheek, never losing her tempting smile.
"Ensemble for Polaris, please!"
"Seriously?"
"That's a lullaby, you know!"
"What about Lacrimosa?"
"Come on, that one sounds gloomy. We need something cheerful!"
Murmurs of disapproval erupted from the crowd. It appeared that this performer named Maiko had frequented the place since some of the audiences began mentioning some foreign song titles.
"Fufufu… Ah, I see, I see. Then in that case, I will give you what you really wish for. Something that energizes you after this day worth of hard work."
"""OOOH!"""
She began to tickle her zither strings to open a swift, fluid intro. "I present to you, Wagakki Band, Aria of Life!"
Maiko started her song straight with a high pitch. The clamoring went down as her voice flowed through the air, enlivening the darkening corner. As her fingers danced swiftly from string to string, some flute players among the crowds began to join her, quickly following her tune, filling the seams with more heartrending airs.
Calling the show spectacular was an understatement. Her performance was so enthralling that it wouldn't be too much to call her a goddess. With her song, she stirred people's hearts, indulging them in the play of high and low airs. The stream of melody petrified the listeners into stupor.
Nearing the middle of the song, the bards took over while she kept on playing her zither in a slow tempo. Her voice solemnly fluttered in the evening air, drawing more listeners.
With a slap to a wooden box instrument near her, she raised her tempo. Her play suddenly shifted into faster beats. The audiences for a moment were stunned, but seeing how she poured of her all into the song, they cheered. Just like what she said, her song lifted up their spirits.
"Thief! Thief…! Give my money back! HEY!"
Loud footsteps and shouts echoed from the middle of the plaza. Some listeners turned their heads to see what happened. The interruption disturbed their enjoyment on Maiko's show. However, most of them didn't care, still bewitched by her performance.
"Ah, it's almost finish."
"This is the end."
"Too bad…"
Some people near Melty muttered so as Maiko played her zither in a blinding speed. Her display of mesmerizing skill dazed them even more. Just how had long she been playing that she could acquire such level of mastery? No one probably wished to find out. As far as they could enjoy her performance, it was an enough appreciation for her effort, so they thought.
Maiko's fingers suddenly cast out sparks of blue lightning. The bouncing electricity grew bigger, whipping around her zither and hands as her playing tempo went even faster towards the end of the song. Some audiences were taken aback, but few others stood calm in place.
"ROBBER! DON'T LET THE ROBBER ESCAPE!"
The sparks enveloped her arms in a brilliant blue light. With a graceful stroke, she released the lightning into the air. Sooner than a second later, a sound of explosion echoed throughout the square, garnering screams. A deafening silence followed. It was so silent that a thud of a falling body and clinks of coins which came after filled the air entirely.
Those who stood at the back rows turned around, stunned, finding a scorched body on the ground with a bag of coins near him. Others in front of the zither player stared at her with wide eyes, their jaws slacked in total astonishment.
No chant. No magic circle. No trace of mana. It was as if her strike was a natural phenomenon.
"Utahime no Raikou… I heard it's her alias."
"I-I see… So that's why she's also called Songstress of Lightning."
"How should I say… That was… Professional?"
Melty flicked her confused gaze between people around and the mystical performer. She was at an utter loss, unable to find even a single word to say about how absurd the situation was. Not only Maiko was a divine musician and singer, but she was also a pro when dealing with petty criminal in an excessive way at that.
Later, when people confirmed that the thief had died of shock, her mind clogged. As the crowd cheered Maiko for her unexpectedly ruthless yet heroic act, the princess clutched her head in utter confusion.
The next song played. Melty was still standing on her spot, casting a vacant gaze at the performer. She couldn't hear the soothing melody as her mind was still raging upon the lunacy she had witnessed. Even up to the moment she took a retreat as the show ended, her mind still couldn't find peace.
Author's Note
So, yeah. Chapter 14. What do we expect? Fight with old enemy of course.
When I wanted to add more scenes, I just realized how bulky this had become. So, I'll save that for the next chapter.
Nothing much I can say. Thanks for your visit and see you in the next story. ;-)
Oh, right! Currently I'm working on a new crossover with our cool friend, the author of Demonic Dragon Incarnate, Digu. Please do come a visit and check our work on his profile. We expect your splendid thoughts for the betterment of our story, Dear Readers. So, again, thank you very much. :-)