One Punch Man belongs to One.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own neither of them.

| Beasts |

"Man… Yesterday was fun. If I just dropped bigger bet on those two masked maids, I would've filled my coin bag by now. Well, can't be helped…"

Wandering alone through a dingy part of the capital, The Spear Hero sank into his soliloquy. With carefree gait, he went deeper and his face slightly brightened when he found his destination. Surprisingly, it was an almost run-down bar, rather hidden from sight. Its signboard hung miserably by one chain. The plaster on its wall had peeled off while its creaky wooden doors flapped painfully from a mere draft. It truly had run far past its glory, but still working nonetheless.

As for what kind of reason that drew him into this unlikely parlor in the first place, it was simply because it offered him freedom. No one would bother if anybody puke on the floor, and none would pick a fight since they were too tired to do so. It basically was a safe heaven for drowning himself in bitterness without minding anything.

With hasty steps, he entered the establishment. The foul air of whatever booze that had been spilled stung his nose, but he didn't flinch. It was apparent that he had been used to it. Without minding so much of his surroundings where knocked-out drunk customers were around, he strode straight to the counter.

"You, barkeep. Have some mead?"

The messy-haired burly guy around his 40s sloppily tilted his head and tapped some ale into a tankard. "Oh, you again, whelp? Don't you have something better to do?"

"Nah. I'm free. I just got some pocket change after I made a dash to the arena, so what's wrong with taking some swigs?"

"Good grief! In my younger days, I would've hit the guild and take some goblin-slaying quest rather than doing pathetic thing like this." The barkeep frowned at him.

"Hahaha… Seriously? Then why you ended up in this dark pit?" Motoyasu's mocking smile got a sinister glint. "Don't tell me you're spending your retirement here?"

"Truth be told, this isn't my real job. I took over my friend's business."

"Really? So what were you before this?" Motoyasu asked in incredulous tone.

"I was a knight. A former adventurer then." The guy fished out a silver plate from beneath his rough linen shirt.

"Wow. You're a silver? That's pretty badass!" The Spear Hero blinked in awe, looking at the silver tag. "You sure have your fair share of fighting some strong monsters then."

"Pretty much." The barkeep slipped the tag back beneath his shirt and served Motoyasu's order.

Motoyasu took a gulp. "Aah~. Then why are you here?"

"Haven't I said before? I took over my old friend's business. He's gone." The man's face turned somber.

Motoyasu who noticed the grim shift gave a sympathizing look in exchange. "My condolences."

"He's a good subordinate. This place almost turn into ruin cause I wasn't quick to handle things. It's partly my fault." The barkeep sighed and recollected himself, taking a straight posture. "Anyway, what about on your side? Got an interesting story? You know, I also am a pal of Borgo. I heard from him you've made quite a ruckus. And he kicked you out, hahaha…!"

"Oh, shut it! Don't ruin my mood!"

"Haha… Come on, kid, don't be so stiff. That guy is nice enough to let a troublemaker like you off the hook. He's pain to deal with if you go wild in his home, but he's a kind person, so don't hold a grudge on him."

"Can we talk something else?" Motoyasu looked irritated, clutching his tankard hard.

"Okay, okay. Still, there's a thing I want to know about in his story. So, who's this graceful savior who carried you while you're out? Now I wonder. Borgo said the guy looked princely though he's in beggar's clothes. He's insanely generous that he covered your ass with one freaking gold! Now I'm jealous, really."

"Savior?"

Motoyasu's mind was hazy. He couldn't recall who the said savior was, but he vaguely remembered that on one night, he woke up by an abandoned fort's rampart with someone he knew.

'Was it really Suiryu-senpai? I can't remember anything.'

"Well, forget it. It's impossible to recall what you did in your drunkenness. Guess I asked you a foolish question." The barkeep shrugged and made a quick work on drying some tankards.

"Heh. Guess so." Motoyasu snorted, giving up on recalling that moment while glancing around the place. "Quiet, huh?"

"You came too early, you know?" The barkeep deadpanned. "It's still morning. Why don't you go out of town and make use of that fancy pike on your back?"

"Got any good recommendation where I can make quick cash?" Motoyasu grinned.

"Go find a dungeon. Aim for the deepest floor." The man gave a displeased look. "Or if you're confident enough with your manliness, just marry an aristocrat's daughter. I assure you, you'll get a hefty sum of fortune if you can produce heir. Hell! You can even buy this bar for yourself!"

"Oi, I didn't ask you some foolish joke! And I'm not a stud! I'm serious here!"

"Weren't you the one who asked? They're the quickest way to earn some large cash. I tell ya!" The barkeep countered.

Motoyasu huffed indignantly, his head then hung low in resignation. "Fine… Now give me some ale."

"Sure. That's my friend." The barkeep smiled and passed a tankard.

As he stared at the reflection of his face on his drink, Motoyasu fell into a pondering. Not even a month had passed after the second Wave, but his party had already been disbanded. He could still remember its cause vividly – of that day when magical bolts rained down at him, decimating the knights and nearly killing him. He didn't have any idea who the perpetrator was, but rather than a grudge, a dread washed over him every time he recalled it.

"Hey, what's with the long face? Got kicked out by your party members?" The barkeep pulled Motoyasu back to his senses.

"… Hmm, quite the contrary, I think." He brushed his chin and took a sip.

"You mean you booted them out?"

"How should I say…? It fell apart." Motoyasu replied with a twinge of discomfort.

The man blinked in perplexity, but nodded in sympathy as soon as he guessed the most probable cause, stopping from prying any further. "I'm sorry to hear that. Should be rough, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I wish I could help you, but nothing could I offer but some hints."

"That's helpful. I'm thankful for your suggestions, old man." A smile graced the Spear Hero's face.

"Think nothing of it." The barkeep waved his free hand.

"Pathetic, right? I still got the blues over my previous party." He gave a cynical tone, lamenting over his fate. "Call me a fool for not having a gut to move on."

"I won't say anything and I won't laugh." The barkeep rolled his eyes, knowing all too well where this conversation might lead. "And guess I won't fill your mug after this."

"Hey, I can still handle more than this, alright? Ten copper for two pints!"

"One gold for a sip." The barkeep smirked. "Remember, this is my nest. And last time you drank, you broke my old customer's nose and my table over there. I'm not a fan of violence, but if you make any trouble again, I ought to pull out what Borgo did."

"Guhh!" Motoyasu groaned.

"And I'll pray that your savior will come and threw me a compensation change."

"Ugh…" Motoyasu slumped onto the table.

"Anyway, why don't you take some small quests like hunting low level monsters in the forest? The pays are not that bad, you know? You can at least save up pretty much. Like say, you can earn a gold or two in a week, provided that you're diligent."

"Is that true?"

"Do I look like I'm lying?" The barkeep stared back at Motoyasu. "Now, it's up to you whether you want to help yourself or not. Or… Do you still need some party members? Don't tell me that spear is just for show?"

Motoyasu's jaw slackened, then closed slowly as he tried to answer. "… Well, I guess that's a sound idea."

"But…?" The barkeep quipped, raising a brow.

"I still need to form a new party, anyway."

"Oh, well. I suppose that's a matter you should handle on your own."

As if cutting their conversation, a new person went in. To their surprise, the stranger was a woman with long blonde hair. She possessed a seductively appealing figure, clad in a form-fitting gear for adventurer's standard. Her charm aside, her slanted eyes bore a gaze that flared out a strange air of dominance. Her lips curled into a sultry smile the moment she registered the men at the bar.

"O-oh… Welcome." The barkeep found trouble in keeping his composure as the lady approached in steady gait.

"Five Aja's Specials, please." She mentioned the item's brand, pointing her delicate index at some bottles with narrow necks on the rack.

"Right away!" The barkeep reached the bottles behind his back and served them to her. "Five Aja's apple ciders. Here you are. That would be–"

"Ufufufu… No need to be so nervous, Mister Rudolf. I am not in rush. There's no possible way that I might bite you, right?" She jested as she pushed a pair of silver coins, garnering the barkeep's nervous chuckle.

'Wow! In this dirty part of town, what's a pretty chick doing here? Seriously!? But, damn! She's so hot!'

Motoyasu hadn't realized that he had been staring at her for some moments. The sight truly had numbed him, petrifying him. She turned to him and he snapped back to his senses. Her smile stretched wider when they made eye contact.

"Oh, my. Who's this curious little one? Hmm… are you into older girl? You see, I might not be as flexible as my younger days." She opened the bottle, gesturing with her unoccupied hand to make an 'O' with her index and thumb while eyeing Motoyasu intently through it.

The Spear Hero was taken aback by her choice of words and gesture. Sure, he had a plenty of experience in wild adventures with girls, but this might be the first time a lady implied about herself bluntly, in an oddly obscene way.

When he focused his attention at her, indeed, she wasn't as young as he had supposed to be. Mid twenties was his best guest, considering how matured she looked. Still, he would be be lying to himself if he said that she didn't attract him.

"I, uh… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to leer at you." He timidly apologized.

"Worry not. I'm used to being ogled by men. Old and young alike." She replied with easy air, tremendously relaxing him. "Being attractive is a pain, sometimes. Don't you think so?"

"Uh, well…" He scratched the back of his head.

"And what an amazing piece of weapon you got there! Would you tell me where did you acquire it?" She asked as she leaned close to him.

"This is… a gift. Yeah. A gift from someone. Ehehehe…"

"Ow, really? What a lucky guy you are!" She slightly creased her brow. "By the way, are you on your day off?"

"Ah, kind of." His embarrassment swelled, seeping over his countenance.

"I see. If you have trouble in your job, I can provide you with some links for hiring some people. That, if you don't hold any prejudice on demi-humans." She took a gulp from her bottle. "I go by the name Dorica Strauss, but people often call me Do-S."

"Do-S?" His eyes inadvertently landed on a brown hilt of a leather whip that neatly coiled over her slender waist as he thought about the ghastly Japanese term.

"Yes. Do-S… cause I'm a sadist…" She said the last part in loud whisper. "Beast-tamer is my job. Of course you should also count men as beasts. Ufufu…"

The Spear Hero swallowed a phantom lump in his throat. She chuckled in return, regaling herself with his funny reaction.

"Just kidding, okay? Find me at Black Rose Avenue. I open up a shop called Slave of Love. However, make sure you come alone. Cause I will give brave customers pleeeenty of services."

After the misleadingly weird advertisement, she emerged from her seat and brought the bottles in a tray. She nodded courteously at the barkeep then winked teasingly at Motoyasu. The shift between her manner was so seamlessly natural that no one would disagree that she was a professional actress.

"Bye now!" She waved, leaving behind the sound of her clicking high-heeled boots and the waft of her enticing perfume as parting gifts.

The barkeep cast a reproachful gaze at Motoyasu. His eyes narrowed as he noticed how charmed his unstable customer was.

"Whelp, you're not going to chase after her, right? Sure, she's a frequenter, but I always got an awful feeling whenever she came."

"I don't know. But didn't she say about adventurer for hire? The offer is too good to be ignored." He looked at the old guy with a criticizing gaze. "Come on. What's the pain in checking?"

"Just don't. I'd reckoned you don't even know what lay beyond Black Rose Avenue." Rudolf's frown deepened.

"Black Rose Street? It's just a back-alley market like in ordinary city slums, right?"

"You're wrong. It's the capital's black market."

"Come again?" Motoyasu blinked in utter surprise.

"Melromarc's black market. All sorts of shady things are circulating there. From cursed relics to god-awful things like monster slaves, that place stores them." He elaborated with grim look.

Motoyasu took a breath to calm himself. He was aware that he wasn't in his best shape since his stress had been gnawing him, dulling his judgment. He didn't know whether Rudolf's sincere advice might affect him, but he was thankful of his care. With wary face, he turned to the good barkeep.

"Thanks for the info. I'll keep that in mind."

Deep down however, feeble that was, a speck of curiosity flickered. It was up to his tomorrow self whether he would follow his drive or ignore it.

After resolving the matter with the unwanted visitor from his world and taking a couple of days to replenish themselves, Suiryu and his company once again hit the road. Truthfully, it was a hard matter. He even still suffered from the remaining stress, but seeing how courageous the girls were, he pushed his problem to the back of his mind and acted as a good master they always knew.

On this certain occasion, they took a request from the good jeweler to deliver crates of pesticide to a village around two days travel from the capital. They didn't get much detail from the jeweler, but judging from the amount of their cargo, suffice to say that the plant infestation was quite bad.

"By the way, what do you think about our new carriage, Filo?" Suiryu said aloud, handling the reins while enjoying the scenery along the road.

"This isn't my old carriage, so I feel a little weird." The Filolial made a half-tilt of her neck to glance at her master.

"Then you'll get used to it, soon." Rifana, sitting beside her beloved master, chimed in.

"Really?" Filo's sapphire eyes beamed.

"For sure. It's just a matter of being accustomed. Is that right, Lord Suiryu?"

"Hmm, hmm, that's right." He nodded in accord. "Use it often, and you'll get accustomed to it. The same goes for drawing carriage."

"Yaay!" Filo cheered, overjoyed by her supportive master like she always be. "Thank you, Master!"

"Well, true. And I should be grateful that we got this carriage soon. That horrible return to the capital was the worst way of traveling." Rifana made a grimace, reminiscing about the aftermath of the ordeal with Choze. "Filo should carry four of us while you ran. That's… Awful."

"Hahaha… Can't be helped. Our wagon got blown into smithereens by that monster and Eclair's horse ran away. There's no choice. But looking at the good side, I can run far. It's been a while though."

"But that's just crazy, Lord Suiryu. How could you run that fast and far?" Rifana shook her head in disbelief.

"Right, Master. How could you do that? I like running so much, but why you could run faster than me?" Even Filo wondered, tilting her head while giving a curious look.

"I guess that's because I was used to running along mountain trails. My grandfather, well, he literally threw hell on us. Running, making stances, lifting weights, meditation, and finally spar. And repeat. Those were our daily menu."

"Ah…" Rifana's face paled. "S-so strict. I guess I have no say why you're so strong. Compared to yours, our hurdle is lighter than even a dust."

"Oh come on, Rifana, don't be so down. You've been doing great with your own pace. I'm sure one day when you have reached a certain level, you can learn [Void Fist]. Of course you must expect a new set of training. And Raphtalia as well." He consoled, patting the girl's shoulder.

"Uh, thank you, Lord Suiryu." Rifana bashfully nodded, her cheeks blushing.

"What about me, Master?"

"If Rifana and Raphtalia can do it, of course you can." A fatherly smile crossed Suiryu's face.

"Yaaay!"

Suiryu poked his head to the left side of the hooded-carriage, checking his party member. He saw Eclair was riding her new mount peacefully, taking the calm countryside view into her regard. She smiled brightly when she noticed him.

"Is something the matter, My Lord?" She called out.

"Oh, nothing. Just keep up the pace. We'll almost there, right?"

"Indeed. We would be there even before midday."

"Ohoh–!"

Raphtalia's voice bounced from inside the carriage. She sounded to be startled by something. Rifana inclined to her back into the wagon and found her friend was still absorbed in a certain black leather-covered storybook. Too absorbed that she didn't care for their earlier conversation. She sent a quizzical look, lifting her rear off of her seat.

"Excuse me, Lord Suiryu." Rifana slipped into the carriage.

"Oh." The master nodded.

"Do you still read that Midland Saga?" The weasel came over her friend.

Raphtalia turned to face her pal, creasing her brow at her pal's questioning look. "Yeah. Do you want to read together with me?"

"Sorry. The scenery for me is more interesting than that bleak story." The weasel gave an apologetic smile. "Actually what thing that captivates you so much from it?"

"At the moment, it's Nosferatu Zodd."

"Did someone say Nosferatu Zodd?" Eclair's voice echoed from beyond the canvas.

"Oh, here we have another geek…" Rifana said under her breath, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, Miss Eclair. I just reach the passage about Band of Hawk's encounter with the said brutal swordsman. It's… So epic! So gruesome, but so energizing! It makes me want to jump!" The raccoon exclaimed with fervor as her fluffy tail wagged around, her ears twitching in excitement.

"Then you really grasp the idea about how powerful Nosferatu Zodd is compared to the Black Swordsman!" Eclair spoke from outside, a trace of hype stained her voice. "I wonder if such a powerful swordsman exists on this land."

"And so do I. Of course coming to his bad side is the worst possible idea." Raphtalia said, casting a dreamy gaze at the book. "Wouldn't it be cool if we can learn his sword techniques?"

"That sounds weird, but his techniques indeed are a precious thing to study. And he is such a powerful ally should we have him on our side." Eclair added.

"That's a pipe dream. Besides, Isn't Lord Suiryu more than enough as an excellent mentor?" Rifana frowned sternly, looking at Raphtalia with displeased look.

"Hahaha… I'm really flattered, Rifana! However, I don't think Raphtalia is wrong. You see, I'm never a swordsmaster. What I taught you so far were hand-to-hand combat techniques, meant to fully exploit the use of our body in a fight. On the other side, a sword as an extension of our limbs is quite different. It worried me, somewhat, since you two should implement fist-fighting into the way you handle weapons, which is not right. Fortunately, Eclair joins our group. That's where she fills in the role as a teacher of swordplay to correct your sword-wielding technique."

He spoke out his thought so casually that it triggered some reactions from the girls. Rifana and Raphtalia fell silent in awe, their jaws slackened. Meanwhile, Eclair had a blazing blush on her face, holding the reins of her warhorse with shaking hands.

"Eh? Did I say something weird?" He tilted his head, looking at his disciples.

"N-no! That really is the truth, Lord Suiryu!" Rifana almost stammered, nodding her head.

"Yes. I don't find any fault in that." Raphtalia mimicked her friend in accord. "Um… but…"

"Hmm? But what?"

"Oh, uh… Nothing." She shook her head, smiling.

"Well, alright." He shrugged his shoulders, leaving whatever thoughts the girls conceived to themselves.

'… My Lord…' Eclair clenched her fist, placing it over her chest as she vowed a silent devotion with her burning cheeks as the seal.

They passed the rest of their journey in idle chatter. True to Eclair's estimation, in a couple of hours, they finally arrived at their destination. From outside, there didn't seem anything wrong with the village, but upon passing the gate, the suffocating gloom of its denizens clutched the group. They promptly parked their vehicle near the square and headed to see the men in charge of the village.

The elder met the group with his men in tow. Judging from their appearance, these people and the rest of the villagers they saw were under severe pressure, far from leading prosperous life. They were clearly struggling in tough times, dealing with famine at worst. It wasn't a pleasant sight.

"Oh, we are thankful that you managed to deliver the herbicide to us." The elder spoke gratefully. "However, we are afraid that we cannot provide you with a proper amount of payment to cover your journey."

Suiryu, as materialistic and selfish he might be at times, however couldn't accept payment from people in peril. His grandfather's noble teachings had rooted deep in him, and over time in this world, he had learned the meaning of the wisdom in Suicho's words.

"Please let us put aside the talk about my wage. What I am concerned about now is your village, Good Elder. Actually what's happening here?" Suiryu glanced at his surroundings, finding the villagers were staring at his band with troubled looks.

The elder exchanged wary look with his attendants and heaved a long sigh. "There are some monsters, Sir?"

"Monsters?"

"Yes. Monsters. They have occupied what is left of little patch of soil we can cultivate to sustain our village." One of the attendants explained.

"And… They are plant monsters?" Eclair guessed, glancing at the crates that contained purple bottles.

"Yes. They are a plant monsters. We had tried to burn them, but they could move their vines to free themselves from the tangle of fire. They…" The man's voice wavered. "They retreated as if they knew that flame might harm them, but after some time, they returned to exact an unimaginable retaliation."

"They ate some our people."

"What?" Suiryu made a deep frown.

Some cries and sad murmurs from people around confirmed the man's words. They truly were in a misery. To have their family members snatched away by monsters, he couldn't even imagine how dreadfully painful it was.

"H-how awful…!" Rifana covered her mouth.

"We also had summoned some adventurers to dispose of the threat, but they fell victim to the monster in the same manner as our family members."

"Plants that feast on humans? What might that cursed existence be!?" Eclair muttered as she averted her gaze towards the spot beyond the village wall. "Are those vines outside the wall the work of those abominations? And what is that purple smoke?"

"Yes. That is the vines of the red flower monster. And that smoke belongs to it as well. That fume smells rotten and it might render you fall sleep. The other one was the real savage that eats men. So far, they only drove us away from their nearest territory. No one gets harmed as long as we don't go near them. However, we don't know until how long this will go on."

'Man… they're at the end of their ropes. This can still turnfor the worse if left untreated.'

"Good Young Lord, we beg you, please… Please, help us…! In any way possible. Although we would be indebted to you to the day we expire, as long as we can escape this calamity, we will pay you with everything!"

The elder pleaded with such a pitiful desperation that even the most stubborn S-Class Hero might bend down to help them. Suiryu knew those looks so very well. Those were the eyes of those who desperately were trying to grasp a faint flickering light from the distance. People who wished to seize hope however tiny it was.

'Is this how I looked in front of Saitama, back then? How pathetic… But now I'm the one in his place, probably? But no! I'm doing this cause this is what I should do.'

"Very well. I'm no saint, but I will do everything in my power to help you. Then, allow me to proceed before it is too late."

Suiryu spoke with resolve. He turned to his companions and they nodded without any speck of hesitation. As the villagers broke into tears, they were headed to the nest of the monsters.

A pair of mysterious beings were engaged in a leisurely conversation. No, they weren't humans. They were plants in nature, but they possessed some degree of mankind's intelligence, hence they were called mysterious beings. One resembled a Venus Flytrap, the other resembled a nasty stinking-corpse lily. Their vines moved about over the ground like tentacles.

"Oi, Rafflesidon, what do you think about the soil?" The Venus Flytrap whizzed its vine into a hole in the ground.

"Hmm… The nitrogen is unbelievably poor. This isn't really suitable for cultivating crops, but somehow, I feel comfortable here. Unlike you who compensate the lack of nutrients by eating humans, I can go with even the hardest bedrock."

"Oi, oi, stop with that insult, won't you? I feel bad for them, but they attacked us. Nothing's personal, okay?"

"Now, Venus Mantrap, don't you think you grow senile after Centikohai's not around you anymore?" Rafflesidon sent a jab, puffing out purple smoke. "Urp… The soil starts affecting me."

"The hell are you talking about, you violet fart!? It's nothing to do with that wriggly bug!" Venus Mantrap snapped, lashing out its vine and flapped its leaves indignantly at its companion.

"See? You lost your cool far easier with just that little poke. You used to be a level-headed guy, you know? No wonder Nyan-sama entrusted you with the mission of catching high-profile target. But now…"

"Oh. Just shut-up!" Venus clapped its Mantrap jaws close, annoyed. "Anyway, is there any meal today?"

"Hmm… Gluttonous as ever, huh? Oh. It seems you'll feast today!" Rafflesidon's roots twitched. "Four people. One beast. Hoho! You'll get fat! Rejoice!"

"Again, can you shut that bucket mouth of yours. Aren't you also here cause you can consume their blood to substitute water?" Venus Mantrap glared at its compatriot.

"That can be true, but I don't consume flesh."

Before long, the said guests had arrived in front of them. A man, followed by three women and an overgrown chicken, running from inside the village wall, charging at them.

"Talk about luck, have you ever chowed down a chicken?" Rafflesidon nudged its comrade with its green root, summoning the rest of its herb limbs to slither out from the ground in ready for a skirmish.

"Not yet. This can be my first time." Venus Mantrap cocked its head, slapping its leaves in excitement upon catching sight of the incoming meal. "Wow! That one pretty huge."

"Lord Suiryu… They can talk!?" Raphtalia muttered aloud in exasperation as she heard the bit of their conversation, swords at ready.

"Last time was a centipede, then a demon. Now, grotesque plants?" Eclair couldn't hide her shock, her grip around her thin long sword however never loosened. "Just what in the world is happening?"

"It seems so. But don't let them fool you. Let's just focus on the job." Suiryu briefly turned to Raphtalia as he led the charge. "Everyone's ready?"

""" Ready! """

"Alright! Here we go!" Suiryu opened the attack, switching his shield into Junior Centipede Carapace Shield and lashed his shielded arm out.

The pair of antennas at the end of the shield magically extended, adjusting the lengths proper to the amount of force its wielder cast out. His attack rushed at a blinding speed, cleaving the wind and whipping the foes before they could react. Acting like blades, the row of jagged shells cut everything in its course with unimpeded momentum.

"Uuu… What the…!?" Rafflesidon got its tendrils severed.

"Uwegh… Damn, it hurts!" Venus Mantrap shrieked, losing one of its leaves, taking a gash to its abdominal stalk. "FREAKING FERTILIZER! RAFFLESIDON!"

"Take this! Hmph!" Rafflesidon squeezed its glands, pumping out a thick purple mist that covered the battleground.

"Lord Suiryu, the sleep smoke!" Rifana called out, instinctively covered her mouth and nose as the rest followed.

"Hold your breath! Filo, use your wind magic!"

"Aye, Master! [First Tornado]!" Filo flapped her wings, shooting a gale that dispersed the fog.

"Impossible!" Rafflesidon screamed in exasperation, its poisonous smoke cleared out so easily as the tempest slapped it. "Uwoooh…!"

Seizing their enemy's stupor, Rifana and Raphtalia bolted toward Rafflesidon while Eclair took on Venus Mantrap. They ran like old beasts hunting their preys, fast, without leaving any unneeded seams in their movements. Their eyes never slid away from their targets.

Rifana threw one of her woodcutter axes at Rafflesidon's eye, landing a hit with a squelch. She jammed the other one into its face at the same moment Raphtalia drove her cutlass into the monster's side. Rifana forcefully pushed her weapon, hacking a wound straight to its back. Raphtalia rowed out her blade, rending its innards out through the gaping gash.

The monster screamed in mortal agony, releasing its remaining violet pollen from its red crown while flailing its tendrils blindly. Nevertheless, it failed to cease the merciless onslaught of the duo. Its wounds grew even grislier from the punishment. By the time its consciousness faded, nothing were left save its utterly mangled stalk and shredded petals.

Noticing their enemy's incoming demise, the demi-human pair turned toward the swordswoman. She had made an impressively clean cut with her long sword, leaving Venus Mantrap as nothing but a stiff headless plant corpse. Its head rested near her boot. She flicked her sword to the side, ridding off the green blood on its shiny blade.

It was a relatively easy victory. No wounds, no damage taken, all thanks to their skills and decent teamwork.

Inspecting the vicinity to make a double check, they found nothing. The work was over and they gathered around their kills.

"All right. Good job, everyone." Suiryu came over with Filo tailing behind him.

"Ah, thinking about it, it's really messy. Ew…" Rifana complained, wiping some green goo from her cheek.

"Right. A thorough bath would be perfect after this." Raphtalia added, briefly checking her weapons that began to grow dull. "Giving proper maintenance to our weapons is our next agenda. But I guess Miss Eclair would be okay if she passes them."

"Oh, before a soldier, I am a lady, you see? Even if I can cut down my foe without landing any spill of blood over me and impose little to no strain to my blade, taking a bath is a basic need." The former knight elegantly retorted. "And the same goes to my weapon."

"Is it a soldier's standard of hygiene?" Suiryu probed, smiling curiously.

"Tending our body and maintaining our arms are more of a habit passed down in my family."

"So the knight of Saeotto has such kind of excellent tradition? I see." Raphtalia nodded thoughtfully.

Suiryu glanced over their kills. Through his appraisal by seeing their overall performance and severity of their attacks, the two plant monsters would be around low Tiger-level. Dismissing the thought, he walked over them and began ripping off their usable materials, starting from their roots.

When he was going to harvest the salvageable bits from Raflessidon, he found that it was still dying. The wounds pretty much would have killed beasts with ordinary flesh and blood by that point, but it probably could endure such dreadful injuries due to its plant nature. Its crevice that acted as its mouth quivered and with a foul breath, it muttered its death throe.

"…. L-long live… M-monster Asso–ciation…"

Suiryu froze. He didn't miss one bit of the monster's dying words. His face immediately darkened. A whirling grimness muddled his emotion.

"Master…?" Filo called out, noticing her master who suddenly halted his work.

"L-lord Suiryu…?" Concerned, Rifana croaked out, but she couldn't move her body as a petrifying chill struck her.

An ominous bloodlust emanated from him, wedging his companions in place. The air around him turned icy, yet scalding at the same moment. They sensed his wrath – a silent rage that switched every button of alarm in mortal beings on. It inspired fear, warding off any intent of those who wished to cast harm on him, but acted indifferent to fellows who possessed less mental strength. It was a double-edged natural defense mechanism.

A long sigh finally escaped his mouth, dramatically lifting off the tension. The girls' knees gave in and they plopped onto the ground, inhaling some breaths they were deprived of within the brief moment of his quiet outburst. He turned around to check them and finally realized what he had done. A moment of awkwardness ensued.

"Ah… Sorry, everyone! I didn't mean to scare you… in any way…" His voice hung as he stared at his companions in guilt.

"I-it's okay, Lord Suiryu. We're fine, really." Rifana nervously waved her hand, a hint of fright still lingered on her sweaty face.

"W-we… know that you have endured such a great burden from our journey, so we would suggest you to take a rest." Eclair threw a suggestion and followed it with a weak chuckle, clearly unnerved that he might still be mad.

'Okay, so there's Monster Association, but first thing to learn is self-restrain. Never forget it…' He mused in regret as he placed his palm over his face in embarrassment.

Suiryu was lying on the carriage floor, arms folded behind his head as a pillow. His eyes vacantly gazed at the cloth ceiling. His foot jerked slightly and bumped the cargo he placed at the corner. He perked his head up, glancing at the girls. He rested his head over his arms as soon as he caught sight of them, chatting idly over menial things.

'Okay, so one mission is complete. The plant monsters were slain and we left the village after a night stay. In the end, we took the pesticides in exchange of payment. Well, we earned some meager change when we resold them through the trader guild, but let's count it as a nice experience.' He mused, reminiscing the past events as his eyes trailed off. 'Now, where are we headed to? Hmm… Another remote town, huh? Cargo delivery service sure isn't so bad. We can go picnic almost every day.'

The clicking sound of the wheels clashing with the hard ground lulled him. He dozed off, snorting loudly several times, trying to stay awake. His struggle went futile since the boring travel pulled him back to sleep.

Thus he fell into a slumber.

By the time he woke up, the sky above the girls had turned orange. He rose to take a seat, shaking his head to clear the remaining ache. His neck made some cracks.

"Good evening, Lord Suiryu. We have arrived at our destination." Rifana softly informed, looking at him with a warm smile on her face as their carriage pulled over a wide paved yard.

"Oh, really? Geez… How lame of me to get knocked-out by sleepiness." He rubbed his eye, smiling in return at her. "Thanks, Rifana."

"Please, don't think too much of it. You deserve a good rest. Last night, I saw you studied hard on the matter of water magic. It should have been exhausting."

"Well, yeah. But to think that studying tires me a lot more than doing exercise is… not cool." He admitted, smiling sheepishly.

Raphtalia who heard the exchange joined in the chuckle. They quickly worked on the load and moved out from the carriage. They soon found the client and delivered the cargo to her. As the transaction finished, they gathered around the carriage.

"Okay, work's done. So, what are we going to do now?" Raphtalia wondered as she counted the payment and noted it into a slip of paper.

"Going back? It's gonna be a long way." Rifana said, eyeing some travelers who were checking in at a nearby inn. "That's a pain."

"Having delicious dinner!" Filo raised her hand cheerfully.

The former knight turned to the martial artist, leaving the idea for him to decide. The girls gave him expectant looks and he shrugged his shoulders, relenting to his recreational self. All along, he knew that it would be a waste to miss a stay at this resort town.

"Okay. The lady said that this town has hot springs. Let's stay a night here and enjoy a nice dip. Sounds good?"

"I couldn't agree more than that, Lord Suiryu." Raphtalia nodded, supported by Rifana who gave more vigorous nods.

"It would be a good worthwhile enjoyment, so I find no thoughts to refuse." Eclair agreed.

"So, we're going to stay here, Master? Yaaay! Thank you so much, Master!" Filo ran at him for a hug, stretching her arms wide to wring his thick waist.

"Hahaha… Alright. Let's check in!"

'Man… That's almost like forever. Guess onsen is the best, but I shouldn't get too excited.' Suiryu ambled awkwardly, massaging his head lightly from the slight dizziness. 'Or, did I just get carried away? My shield can grant me resistance against status ailments, but why I still get dizzy?'

He flopped onto his bed, opening the robe he wore wide and fanning his broad chest with his hand. He turned to the open window, looking at the pitch-black sky outside. His gaze wandered to the stars that sprinkled the sky.

'… They really reminds me to that supernatural phenomenon over Z-City. Amid the fight between the heroes and the monsters, we never know what really happened there.' He turned to his bed, then falling into it. 'Even that monster who suddenly jumped on the news team helicopter, we never know its truth. And there's Suiko, back then. Ah… What's she doing now?'

He turned over to his side, finding no tiredness that could drag him into sleep. Bored of doing nothing, he rose and went out from his room.

As he lost in thought, he passed some ladies along the inn's corridor. Without no doubt, the sight of his impressive bricks of abs under his dress stunned them, intoxicating them in elation.

'The girls said they wanted to go to bed early. So what am I going to do now?' He thought as he wandered obliviously around the inn complex. 'Hmm… Let's check the grand balcony. It seems it has a nice view of the ravine below.'

"Lord Ryuu?"

"Huh?"

He turned around, finding Eclair in a woman's dress for the inn's guest. They both briefly sported confused looks that soon changed into smiles.

"Are you not tired, Sir?" She began, walking closer without minding the state of his attire.

"No, I'm not. Cannot sleep either?"

"Well, it appears so."

They chuckled and took a walk side by side, heading for the stone bench on the yard that overlooked the vast rocky valley. They took a seat, regaling themselves with the serene night scenery under the pale half moon.

He furtively glanced at the former knight. Truth be told, she truly was an ideal woman. Beautiful, athletic, caring, supportive, and not to mention that they were in the same age – a type he quite liked. However, he held no romantic interest toward her.

Above all else, his base drive that often took the wheel whenever he saw women didn't react at all, as odd as it might seem.

It truly was off, but he was glad that he could maintain such a relationship, which could be called professional in nature. Still, he didn't know how far this kind of situation would last. Was all of this simply because she was a dutiful knight?

She turned to him and cast a questioning look. "Is something the matter, My Lord?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Though, may I ask you something?"

"Ah, please do ask." She nodded.

"Okay. Well, are you enjoying your time here with us?"

There was a long pause. She fell into a pondering, her face went somber. When a night upwind from the ravine blew past them, she lifted her head and turned at him.

"I… actually enjoy my time together with you. I am so glad and excited, even. I feel comfort and safety, and I am overjoyed that it is her majesty's will. Still, I am afraid that I might sound vilely ungrateful because…" She made a deep grimace. "I feel that this is not the place I should belong to. Forgive me, My Lord."

He could understand much from her answer. She always placed herself as an outsider. They had spent their time together, but she never got so close with them, acting with much reserve. Although he never saw any negative outcome from it, there always had been a barrier between them.

He realized that her behavior was the result of a arduous training as a knight. Such a life filled with dedication and complete servitude was the real opposite to his carefree view, but he could respect it since it reflected a pure seriousness. Live to serve and never to be indebted by anyone were the principles he could draw from her actions. He did understand it and found no problem.

"I see. And no, I am not offended, even one bit. I'm aware of your situation quite well and I respect it. Or at least, I don't see any problem with that." He gave his honest answer with easy air. "It's alright. Living in an place foreign to you is hard, without doubt. But at least, please take it easy."

"By taking it easy, what do you imply, Sir?"

"Well, I mean, please don't be bothered by the thoughts of how you should pay us back. The queen has rewarded us handsomely, so don't think too much about it and enjoy the ride. So, thanks for accompanying us, Eclair. You truly are the best companion we could ever wish for." He exclaimed, giving a big smile.

The former knight held her breath. She felt her heart skipped a beat. She couldn't keep her composure and turned her face away as heat overran her cheeks. She pursed her lips, stealing a covert glance at the man.

"… My Lord. Please do not make a lady's heart waver with such an honest compliment. Now I am afraid that you should take a more daunting responsibility should I fall for you." She spoke with clear embarrassment on her face, yet still bold enough to spill a joke.

Suiryu knitted his brow and smiled in defeat. "Heh. I never knew you have such a terrific taste for humor."

At that point, she felt her devil was goading her to try her luck further. She didn't know why, but there was a sensation that challenged her to prove that he really was a man worthy to be followed. And it appeared that he was in the mood to join her game.

"Oh, it is but a jest spoken among my men." She replied, her composure returned as soon as she spoke. "Though in reality, it is a common occurrence within the circle of nobles."

"So it's a common thing, huh? Then let's say, what if I am ready to take this great responsibility?" A mischievous smile played over his face.

"Hmm… Then so be it. However, I believe that you always put logical thinking above impulse despite your marvelous strength." She replied, her smile turned defiant. "You are a capable warrior who would never yield to your own selfish desire. I am certain of that."

"Oh, are you sure? Men are beasts and they have their own limits, regardless of how hard they impose restraints on themselves. And if the chance were ripe while their opposites give just the lightest push, what do you expect? Aren't you afraid of that?"

"Are you saying about our situation right at this moment?" She asked back, playfully rolling her eyes.

Which was true since there were be no people around. That spot was eerie, quiet and the circumstances couldn't go any better. It was… perfect.

"Yes! Then, what of it!?" He suddenly gripped her shoulders, making her yelp.

Her face tensed as her gaze landed on his blue orbs that seemingly glowed brighter. There was a glimpse of primal fire in his eyes, a blessing granted to men which emerged whenever they met their natural counterparts. She was already in his grasp and nothing could she do should he succumb to his drive. Her curiosity might have led her to doom afterwards, but she found a peculiar tranquility the longer his gaze bored at her. She remained calm despite the imminent danger.

"Alright, forget about it." He sighed dismissively and released her.

"Huh?"

"Well, you see. Even if it's under your consent, I've no courage to do it." He shrugged. "Or rather, I'm not reckless enough to do it."

She darted her gaze around, flustered, trying to set her thoughts. True to her prediction, he was not a man who would just allow temptation slip in and overcome his nerves. Nevertheless, the daring test left her in a state of confusion. Her play instead left her stunned, speechless.

"I know you're also curious about me, so I went along with your game. I should admit, you're really bold. I'm surprised that a knight like you could pull me into this fun exchange." He rose from his seat, turning away from her with a content smile on his face.

A moment of pause followed. She swiftly recomposed herself and turned at him, studying his gesture for any faintest sign of his thoughts she could pick. She was still curious whether his action was a mere bluff or he really upheld his dignity.

"Not all knights are as stiff as their armor, My Lord. Some indeed are as hard as rocks, but few are sly."

"Then, which one are you?"

"It is up to you to decide."

"That makes you look like a different person, Eclair. Where's that boldness you showed me just now?"

"Hmm… Let us say that I store it for the right moment." She flippantly replied.

"I see. Are doubting me that I am your enemy all this time?"

"Never. But I learned that the way you behave yourself around women is… intriguingly calm. Surrounded by ladies, most men would bend down to their lust. Like what you said, they are beasts."

"I am also one, but my shackle is stronger. That's why, should one day I go wild and try to ravage you or my companions, just whack me in the face."

"That is impossible, right? You had just shown a splendid control over your base drive." She chuckled.

"No, I'm serious. And if it doesn't work, stab me before I stab you."

"Eh?"

"Good night, Eclair. That was fun and I expect this kind of talk anytime soon."

Her face ran red as he coolly trotted away from the balcony. No matter how she regarded him, he was an elusive beast she failed to wrap her mind around.

"Did you see it, Filo? Raphtalia conks out like a sleeping goblin!" Rifana grinned, walking proudly as she led Filo through the inn's gate. "Saying she could take a dip longer than me only to bail out before us? She sure is too cocky!"

"Big sis Raphtalia is weaker than you, maybe? Do you hate her, big sis Rifana?"

The sudden question almost choked Rifana. "Uh… Where did you get that idea from, Filo!? She sometimes is annoying, sure, but there's no way I hate her, okay?"

"Then why did you look so happy when she was in trouble?"

"It's… It's not like what you think. I was just… bothered because she keeps on teasing me, so when she got trouble, it's like I don't need to pay her annoying deed back."

"Hmm… I don't quite get it, but sure, I think you two never fight."

"See? We're friends, after all." Rifana grinned.

"Then, am I also your friend?" The little bird innocently asked, giving the meekest face the weasel had ever beheld in her entire life.

"… Rather than a friend, you're our family, Filo. To us, you're more than friend." Rifana pulled Filo in, letting the little one bury her face into her generous bosom. "You're our precious little sister."

"Then, does big sis Raphtalia think so, too?" The little girl comfortably nuzzled in Rifana's hug.

"Of course she does. She maybe often makes fun of us, but she also cares for us. She's just… Playful."

"Hmm… I see. Then let's get some Gagocco bird eggs! She must be happy if she can eat the eggs with us." Filo exclaimed gleefully.

"Hmm, hmm. Let's go!"

The pair ventured off into the dark of the night, treading the rugged mountain trail with pace full of spirit. The night was racing as the moon reached its zenith, and their joyful hunt for some exotic bird eggs had just begun.

Unbeknownst to them, a single figure in a filthy tattered robe was observing them atop a higher cliff. As the wind blew, its black messy long hair fluttered, each end of the grimy bandages it was dressed in swaying wildly. It grinned maliciously as the a pair of blades it carried glinted under the moonlight.

"Hee~… As I thought, there are some naughty kids here. I'll chop them tonight. Heeheeheehee…"

And together with it, the danger that lurked in the shadow also went out to play.

Author's Note

Alright, first thing I wish to address is this story I cross-post on AO3 suddenly appears here in an overwhelming log of one chapter.

Am I mad?
No, I'm not mad. Not so mad, at least. Just disappointed. Whoever you are who re-post my work here, PM me. Whether you want to make a name by ripping off people's works or doing so with other intention, my answer is: just stop. Make your own story. Either way, ask permission to the authors whose story you yanked off. Adding "repost" to the title doesn't make it legal. :-(

Okay. That's all I wanna say here. Thanks for your visit and see you in the next story. ;-)