It is Wrong to be the Warrior Captain in the Dungeon?
by oblivon2991
Thank you for reading my fanfic!
My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.
I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.
I don't own Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka novel, and anime series, written by Fujino Ōmori.
Thank you!
Please enjoy the story!
Chapter 5: Wolfin Showdown
"Hah! Finally, here!" Gazef sighed, looking around in the lively bar with a somber expression.
As usual, the Hostess of Fertility was full of life. Only rarely he spotted empty places; the empties place being a big round table in the other side of the pub — that, he suspected was already booked by someone famous, judging from the small name table neatly placed on it.
"Hmm, I wonder if this place is always this full…" yesterday night, the place was almost all the same, barely any seat free as usual.
But it was usually like this… The maid uniformed girls welcomed the patrons, led them into their seatings, and took the order. Just as they supposed to do, working fast, neat and precise, bringing out the hot food and the cold drinks from the kitchen.
Spotting the slight cold vapor on the side of each mug a girl just carried to a table, Gazef was sure they used some kind of magic to cool the drinks, or brought them up directly from the cellar. Tapped freshly, just as intended in the case of every drink those intended to be consumed cold.
Back in the Kingdom, using magic just to cool the drinks was not an everyday thing in cheap bars, but it was quite common practice in luxurious institutes like for example the Golden Pavilion, and similar highly esteemed restaurants were all around the world.
Though Gazef himself preferred solitude when drinking — usually avoiding crowded, luxurious places — he found this little bit of variety somewhat calming, making him remember the times when he shared drinks with his men.
"It was just before we departed to E-Rantel. One last drink to raise the spirit! Eh? It is quite similar, yet different…"
He allowed himself a solemn chuckle, remembering the heavy drinking his survivor men organized after returning a year ago. Compared to that, their last drink before departure was nothing. Their last drink…
"…"
Remembering this made him recall the accident around a year ago, the event that changed everything, his battle against the Slane Theocracy black OPS unit, and his first meeting with the being called Ainz Ooal Gown.
Slowly, things started to connect…
"Damn Gown-dono and those Slane bastards…" yes, he still remembered how miserably he and his soldiers were outclassed back then — still guessing if Ainz, the Empire, and the Slane Theocracy were working together from the beginning — just to deceive him and the king.
They wanted him! Only him! Burning villages, scheming with the nobles to draw him out, forcing him to act in his most vulnerable state, just to end the king's greatest asset, just to weaken the kingdom!
And he would be willing to sacrifice himself, to stand against them face to face, offering his life to make it over, to protect the kingdom and its people, to protect the villagers and let his men escape — riding out alone to draw them away!
Doing so against a foe, he knew well he would not have lasted a minute against; yet he did so, he bravely — or more like foolishly — offered his life in exchange for others.
A single life for many, back then, it sounded like a fair deal for Gazef — at first. After all, he never thought himself anything impressive or special, considering his skill as the end result of hard, persistent work and endless training.
Maybe anyone who put their head into it can reach his level, perhaps even more. The world was extensive, and he heard about many people and beings who were stronger than him. If seeing it that way, he was not even that impressive, just a hard working man… yes, that's all he was.
"Yet, I couldn't stay idle back then; and nor could my men either… coming after me despite my strict orders to remain and protect the villagers." he chuckled once more, looking around in the bar. "Those fools! I was so proud of them!"
His men foolishly riding after him, foolishly, yet bravely. Though they didn't last a minute — almost all of them were nearly killed by the overwhelming might of the Slane Theocracy's elite unit.
He smiled, a somewhat warm expression sneaking on his face as he remembered that event. But at the same time, a solemn sadness ruled over his soul. The guilt and feelings he had welled up— that it should of only been him saving all those people!
"All those brave men… almost all of them died! Just because of me!"
They had no chance! Simple soldiers against the cream of the Slane Theocracy. Against angels summoned by at least tier three magic.
They had no chance even to scratch them! Not without magic, or at least enchanted weapons and martial arts! Even he, the kingdom's warrior captain was barely able to deal with them, their number was endless, their armor was hard… the commander of that elite unit and his men continuously summoning the reinforcements, giving Gazef and his men no breathing room, killing everyone they can.
"I remember that… the day when I met Gown-dono. If I would've just known…" he clenched his fist. "I would have still approached him otherwise. He saved us that day… but, maybe, it was my fault he joined the empire later, instead of the kingdom. My insistence on helping us, my threat of mustering him into the King's army if he was not willing to act…" His expression softened for a moment. "But maybe, he worked with the Empire from the beginning… I will never figure it out…"
"Dammit!" he muttered, turning his head away, angry being so cluelessness about the state of things.
But maybe, it was not necessary to know everything, as he got to know in his last moment, Ainz was undead, a scheming being who most likely planned all of this from the beginning.
But this doesn't matter now, what happened, happened, as a simple human being, he can't change the past, the former warrior captain can only strive to better the future and hope nothing similar will happen for others.
"…" sighing, all of this ran through his mind under a mere moment, for others, he may just looked like a man who stopped for a few seconds, looking around.
But he knew the truth, for Gazef, it was more than that… it was the recollection of his memories leading up to this moment.
"Oi! So you are back! I hope you brought money with yourself this time. We like those who spend…" Mia winked at Gazef, rubbing her fingers expecting.
"Of course…" Gazef smiled, taking a seat near the L shaped counter with great comfort.
"So, what I can bring you, "Zeff"-san? I hope you are hungry. I expect much from you…"
"Of course, this day was long. I wouldn't mind some ale and some meat with side dish…"
"Oh, just that? Don't say a big man like yourself is satisfied with that much? Come on! Don't make me sad! How will the girls earn if you don't spend? Hmmm?" Mia leaned closer, raising her brow inviting, insisting as she nodded towards the kitchen. "Don't forget, a favor for favor… my girls need to eat too."
"Huh! Fine then! Then add some pasta and soup to my order…"
"That's what I like to hear!" Gazef sighed defeated, and the woman grinned satisfied. "A menu two and five in order! Hurry up with it!"
"Yes, Mama!" came the answer from the direction of the kitchen right away, and Mia tapped some cold ale for the man.
"By the way… you look dashing in that armor. Did you visited the guild just as I suggested?"
Looking him from tip to toe, compared to their yesterday encounter, now, Gazef looked like a proper adventurer. With two swords seated on his back — one heavily wrapped in a cloth — several daggers on his side and chest, sporting a plated chest piece, shin and forearm protectors. His hand and feet covered by leather boots and gloves.
"Hmm, clever, right away choosing equipment which allows him to carve out the stones from monsters. Going without support, he most likely needs it. I just wonder how he did that without it until now…" Remembering "Zeff" from yesterday, Mia still wondered how he managed to collect so many stones alone — most likely without a blessing — only with a sword on his side — reaching so deep on his first day!
For most, it seemed an impossible accomplishment as mining the stones out from monsters took considerable practice and time. Even with an experienced supporter, the process was somewhat slow, surrounded by monsters constantly, it was even more dangerous doing so.
"Yes." Gazef hummed sipping his drink.
It was quite refreshing, after all, he drank almost nothing since the morning, spending most of his day in the guild. Using the remaining time until nightfall to practice a little bit on the walls, getting use to this armor and his new equipment.
It was essential to always go in battle with a well suited and fitted gear, those who did so in a completely new, unfit armor, with weapons they haven't gotten used to, often died in the first minute.
Skill was an important factor, but the equipment just as much mattered. Fighting with weapons and armor one felt comfortable wearing and using increased the combat potency of the fighter with more than 50%.
Tomorrow delving in that monster-infested place Gazef felt an urge to prepare himself as much as possible — leaving no chance of failing.
Though his armor was not perfectly fit; it will do for now, lacking the funds to buy anything better he had to suffice with it — He can always fix that later when he gathered up some money.
Ordering an armor directly made and fitted for him, or even buying magic equipment that automatically fit size cost a hefty sum — A coin he lacked now.
"Maybe I will visit the blacksmith tomorrow, asking if they can fit the armor for me. According to Misha, the Goibniu or the Hephaistus familia is the way to go if I want quality armor and weapons. They are on the upper floors of that tower. Just the way I happen to be heading towards tomorrow."
No matter the strength of the enemy, Gazef had an instinctual feeling that Dungeon was more than it looked, and he had to expect trouble! Indeed, not only just because of the monsters but because people had the awful habit of betraying each other, often doing so for money or a purpose, even they themselves not understand.
In a dark place like that, where monsters can easily make all the traces disappear, this cannot be truer and easier. Gazef chased no illusions about human nature, he knows too well, there are many good people, like Climb, Brain and his King, but just as many existed with malicious intent. People were two-faced entities, cannot be categorized just good and bad, but grey characters with all their flaws and virtues.
Just like the woman before him, just like everyone around, they all had their own secrets, the memories of good and the bad times.
"Hmm, good one…" he quipped smiling, tasting the weak alcohol.
"I am glad you like it. The harvest of the last year. It is not the best, though, but many like it." Mia chuckled, handing out an order to the girl with bluish-gray hair. "So, what's the plan tomorrow? Will you try your luck? Delving in that dangerous place?"
As said, alcohol not often solved problems, but it helped soothe the soul, open up to people, and gained some relief from the hardships of life, and just now, Gazef was glad he had this much relief after all that happened since his arrival.
"After I finished my business tomorrow, I will delve in that dungeon. Yes. I need to earn some cash before…" for a moment, the man remained silent, and Mia right after knew something was wrong.
"Before?"
"Nothing important. A personal matter, sorry, I didn't intend to disturb you with it…" he shut his mouth right away, drinking his ale as turned his head away, suffocating his big mouth before he could betray any important aspect of his self-assumed mission.
"I see…"
Mia saw something was wrong, watching the man suspiciously, but she was never a person who intruded other's private matters if it not directly affect her — and her girls — thus, she just let it go. Continuing her work.
"Don't worry about it…" chuckled the burly woman light-hearted. "If you want to tell, you will, I am sure of it. Until then, survive, and bring your cash. That's all that matters…"
"Well… thanks." Gazef just sighed; he should have expected the treatment of this woman. After all, she possessed a business mindset. Still, Gazef felt he needed to look out for her, that look she gave him made him feel uneasy. Like when someone daggered his back.
…
Soon, his food arrived, and Gazef started to eat with great gusto. Just, as usual, he felt all those stares on his back, coming from the adventurers around.
Whispering, trying to figure out who he was. As usual, no one dared to approach him, like he excluded some kind of aura of danger, keeping others away.
"Now, seating one!" like usual, the girls announced when they seated someone, slowly leading the patron to his/her seat.
Gazef had no idea if this was some kind of custom here, or the girls only did so because one started it, and the rest followed. But he felt it somewhat unnecessary.
"Please, have a seat here." the girl with gray hair — as he got to know from Mia, called Syr — Led a boy to the seat on the corner of the L shaped counter.
"Ah… thanks…" and the boy shuttered, it was evident he was nervous, not good with girls.
With his red eyes and white hair, the kid almost looked like a rabbit.
Quite a young lad, if Gazef had to guess, barely reaching the age of 15 or 16, wearing only simple clothes, with sturdy leather gloves, and a simple chestplate protecting his chest. His gear quite poor compared to other adventurers around.
Glancing at him subtly, his gut telling him, they met before, somewhere in a dark, unfriendly place… drawing memory of the boy colored red from tip to toe instead of his current color. It was an exact match. Yet, he couldn't be sure. His instinct told him that this was the case.
"So, you are Syr's guest, eh?" Mia grinned, eying the boy. "Haha! You got a charming face for an adventurer!"
"Fufufu…"
It was evident, the boy started to sulk right away when the woman pointed this out, and the girl named Syr can't help but laugh small, covering her mouth with her feminine hand.
"Just give us a holler if you need somethin'! I hear you're going all out tonight! I'll keep the food comin', all you got to do is keep orderin'!"
For this, the boy went all red, starting to shutter, breath deep. He did not expect such a welcome, not speaking of Mia using the same tactic with him, trying to persuade him to order as much as he can, spend his money here! "…Hee-hee-heee!" it didn't reach the intended result, as the "rabbit" started to hyperventilate more and more! Mia leaned closer and closer to make things worse, looking quite insisting.
"Who said I was going all out!? That's all so new to em!" desperate; he watched Syr, who in return just charming.
"Wha-What's so funny! Sry-san…"
"Hmm… Youngsters…" Gazef chuckled, drinking his drink, listening to the chatter of the two youths.
He as well was young once, courted many… fortunately, or unfortunately, his days of conquest were over — or he thought so.
Many women he conquered in his younger days, yet he never found the one who he would share his life the fullest. Not because he never wanted, but because in the time he reached that point duty called.
Being the warrior captain of the kingdom, he had no time for such pleasantries like marriage or a relationship. He was a busy man, protecting the king from harm, protecting him from the scheming of the nobles took all his time.
Forcing others to bear with him would be unfair towards the other party too. He would neither have time to spare — worrying he may neglect his partner in the end — as well it would be too dangerous to the other party. Forcing him to choose between love and duty… a hard choice, something most people couldn't make.
Yet, every time his men spoke about their familes, their wives, and children, he felt he missed out something great. But it cannot be helped; someone has to make this sacrifice! For the kingdom, the king, and the people, he needed to endure solitude. And after all, he was the Kingdom's warrior captain, who else if not him?
"What about your job?" the boy asked the girl, seemingly not even recognizing his savior who sat on the other end of the L shaped counter, too busy to converse with the girl. Though, Gazef did not blame him. The lass was pretty, even according to his standards.
Every sane man with a little bit of sanity would care about her, and not him. It was pretty standard for young boys if they ignore others in the presence of the weaker sex.
In a way, this made him remember a few of his younger recruits who acted the same way under their drinking sessions, telling absurd, exaggerated tales to the nearby waitresses serving their drinks. Of course, in return, the girls flattered their ego, saying how heroic, how brave they were — in the hope of more tip. But, this is how it worked, how it supposed to work between the people.
"Hmm…"
Gazef hummed satisfied as he stuffed down the last chunk of meat, finally finishing his meal.
Good, now as he recognized the boy somehow — even if it was harder than he expected, being the kid looked like a person instead of a human-shaped tomato — Gazef was relieved the boy was safe, having survived that hellish place.
Intruding his "date" with that pretty lass would be too much. And he was never a person who ruined the fun of others — at least, not doing so intentionally.
Seeing him and his nervous ticking in the presence of that girl was a reward enough for Gazef to leave.
Youngsters had to experience this, their first awkward steps in life; he was the same back then, experiencing the same when a girl approached him. A young mercenary, not having even completed his first assignment, ahh… good times.
Deciding it is time to go, Gazef waved to Mia.
"I would like to pay…"
"Ok, it will be two thousand Valis. Hopefully, you will pay with "real money" today, not stones." shooting out her sarcastic remark the dwarf barkeep, earned a scoff and a smile from the man.
"Don't worry…" Gazef chuckled, placing 2500 on the table. "Keep the change, for the trouble…"
"Oh, thank you!" the woman nodded vigorously, while the warrior captain couldn't help but smile bitterly, seeing that greedy gaze of the person.
This woman really had a business mindset. First him, then the boy, before them, who knows how many were pulled the same, if he is not careful, he will be ripped off completely.
"Oiii! We are here!" in the next moment; abruptly, the door slammed open, a strange group of people, led by a woman — or he/she was a boy? At first, Gazef couldn't decide, that person with almost completely closed eyes and red hair lacked the front part every woman had — completely he might say. Only his/her high pitched voice and hair — made to be a ponytail — referred that "she" might be a woman, and of course, her ridiculous, revealing clothes…
All in all, Gazef can't place him/her from this much; he saw a few strange figures under his life — A few dressing as a woman despite being a man — many of them posed as nobles in the kingdom and around.
The pub became lively once more. Many whispers filled the whole tavern, whispering about the newcomers.
"So that's them." "…They're the "giant-killer Familia, eh?" "Aren't they first-class all-stars?" this, and many similar whispers can be heard all around, filling the rowdy tavern with noise once more.
"The Loki familia…" Mia muttered, making the man turn to her once more. In that time, a maid already led the group to their table on the other side of the main floor, taking their orders.
"Loki familia?" Gazef asked, raising his brow confused.
"Umu! Quite famous Familia in Orario, and everywhere else, I might add. Specialized at dungeon delving. You really didn't hear about them? Man! You really came from far…" Mia raised her brow, and Gazef can't help but chuckle, drinking the last remains of his drink.
"Well, that's true…"
Glancing at them once more, it was a strange group constituting people of all kind.
Two elves, a burly dwarf with a big beard, two dark-skinned woman — wearing ridiculously revealing clothes — a blond kid, and the two adventurers Gazef met yesterday — the teen with wolf ears, and the girl with golden hair and eyes.
Thought, in the kingdom, it was not often people from different races formed an adventurer party; in other countries, it was a common practice.
Looking at them for a moment, it seemed the golden-eyed girl recognized him, catching his glimpse, and Gazef nodded in her direction with a steady look, in return, she nodded back, saying nothing, turning back to her companions, speaking not, just sipping her drink and listening to the merry band in silence.
"Bell?" Syr yanked the young boy's sleeve, but the "rabbit" fell in a trance, unable to come back staring directly at the people of Loki familia, more specifically, Aiz.
Mesmerized by sight, the boy shut out all but one outside input, and now, the two stared at each other, between them forming a separate space.
"Yes-sa! A great day out there in the Dungeon today, people! Time to cut loose! Drink up!"
At the moment the tomboyish redhead raised her cup, her party cheered, and intense clanking exchanged between owners in the air, the space around them filling with the fierce sounds of cutlery hitting the plates and gnawing.
"Loki Familia members are regulars here. Their goddess, Loki seems to like it here…" thought, as Syr only whispered this to Bell. Gazef overheard her somehow, humming. "Hmm, so their god likes it there. I wonder if it came with them…"
He chuckled to himself, imagining how a god looked in this world. "Well, certainly I have a weird imagination…"
It was quite funny actually. He believed them as mountain-sized beings, their eyes and mouth vomiting lighting and fire, their steps destroying whole cities, shaping the environment. Not a chance he imagined them like human looking individuals. Even now, he can't tell the goddess of trickery sitting amidst the members. Less which one was that! For his eyes, it was a group of adventurers, a noisy boy/girl, and a blonde boy sitting with them.
"What a disappointment…" he chuckled low. Their legends spoke about mighty beings ruling over the skies, the ground, and underworld, destroying whole countries in their wake. Compared to those tales, if Gazef gets to know how a god or goddess looks in this world, he might get disappointed.
"What did you said?"
"Nothing… just mumbled…" Gazef said so to Mia's question, and the woman "hmph"-ed with a frown.
"Yeah, Aiz! Tell us that one story!"
"That one story?" the girl questioned, looking at the demi-human adventurer confused.
It was evident, with the exception of the golden-haired girl, they did not recognize Gazef — or didn't bother with him. Either way, it was better like this, he had no mood to deal with them, and strangely, an awful feeling started to get him. Feeling that wolf boy in some way will only bring him trouble — considering his behavior previous. Thus, Gazef decided it was time to leave before anything happens.
"You know the one! About those Minotaurs that got away! Remember, that guy, that jerk who finished off the last one on the lower fifth! That moron! Not even introducing himself, chasing after the "tomato boy"!"
Gazef right away recognized, it was him who they spoke about, and the boy sitting not far from him referred to as "Tomato Boy."
It was evident; it was time to leave. He wanted no trouble, and no matter how he tried to see it, this conversation will only lead that way.
"Are you speaking about the group of Minotaurs that attacked us on the lower seventeenth floor, the ones that ran away when we fought back?"
"Yeah! Yeah! That one!" the adventurer of the Loki familia confirmed Gazef's suspicion. "By some miracle, they ran up! We tore after them! Already damn tired, too!" he added in the end.
"That means, it was basically their fault…" thinking about it, he can only sigh.
Considering the monsters he found on that level — with the exception of the black ones that appeared from time to time while he headed upward — that Minotaur was grossly out of that floor's difficulty scale. It was no surprise it was stronger than the rest.
"Thank you for the meal…" he stood up, bowing his head.
"Umu! Come at any time." Mia nodded understanding, somehow suspecting who the demi-human adventurer spoke about previous, nodding towards the door. "Go…" she doesn't want trouble in her bar, and this definitely headed that way.
"That boy got himself cornered like a Lil' bunny! Shaking like one, too! Poor thing was about to explode!" Bete laughed full-hearted, chugging down his drink at once.
"Oh? What happened to the boy? Was he okay?" asked the young elf female, wearing some kind of pinkish dress.
"A guy — that jerk —saved him before the Minotaur could eat him. A guy…" instinctually, he looked around, spotting Gazef as he was about turn away from the bar. "You there! Yes! You were the one!"
Everyone looked in the former warrior's captain direction, ogling him, awaiting his response.
"Yes, what do you want?" and when he hoped he could get away before anything happens, they recognized him. But, I suppose, Gazef always lacked the favor of Lady Fortune. He could only answer in a calm manner.
"Now that's not really nice! First, you don't even introduce yourself, and now being so crass! Aren't you a jerk?" Bete frown with scorn. "But I can forgive you. Just tell them how helpless and miserable that weakling was. And you can earn the great Bete Loga's favor!" his scorn turned into a reproachful smile, puffing his chest proud. The dwarf and the blonde boy sitting in their table looked somewhat shameful, sighed seeing their companion's behavior.
"…"
Looking to the side, Gazef glimpsed at Bell, on his face a gaping expression, watching him with disbelief, still unable to believe he was here all along — only now recognizing his presence.
Syr slowly shaking her head, her oculars filled with plea — don't do it — yes, Gazef knew that look.
"I will not say such a thing…" indifferent to what others thought; he said this.
'Pfuuu!' Bete spat his drink, glaring at the man aggressive. "What did you just say?!"
"I overheard your conversation. Basically, it was you, and your group's fault that the creature escaped. It is you, who should apologize to your victim — drawing a stronger enemy to that floor. You not only endangered him but countless lives in that level! As a high ranked adventurer, you should be ashamed of yourself!"
"You have the nerve…!?"
"Mi-Mister…" Bell muttered, seeing Gazef's scoff, turning away from Bete. If looks could kill, Gazef would be dead several times already.
"Next time, consider this, before acting. The strong are meant to help the weak to get stronger, not scorn, and bully them. What you do is simply pitiful… if you excuse Me." he headed towards the door, refusing to look at Bete once more. "Have a nice night…"
"You!?" Bete trembled, his every nerve was just about to blow up, his anger urged him to rush forward and pulverize the man.
"Bete…" the blonde Pallum watched the demi-human adventurer worried, worried he will do something rash, and he was not that far from the truth.
In the next moment, however… "Oh, right, let me apologize… hehe…" grabbing his tankard, Bete raised it. "For the hero of pitiful, and weaklings! May it serve you well… jerk!" he threw his drink, throwing the iron tankard towards the departing Gazef.
"Mister!" Bell shouted, but it was too late, the bottle already accelerated towards the man.
Immediately, Gazef's instinct screamed, dodging the incoming projectile by simply leaning away. But instead of what Bete expected, the man did not attack, nor did he not fall for his provocation, only glancing him back one last time, shaking his head and muttering; "Pitiful…" before continuing his way.
"What did ya just said?!" hearing him loud and clear, seeing his pitying look, being completely ignored, humiliated, the werewolf adventurer couldn't keep himself anymore. Bete Loga was known to be short-tempered, and being looked down this much his rage ignited once more, his bestial nature flaring up ever intense.
"Bete… no." Finn wanted to stop his companion, but it was already too late, the beast was out from its cage, and hardly anyone can stop it now.
"Bastard!" In the next moment, the werewolf acted, doing the worst act an adventurer ever could! Unable to keep his rage in check anymore, he charged — for most, blurring, jumping in motion towards his opposition.
But of course, how an impulsive werewolf like him could leave such a disgrace without proper punishment, it was completely against his nature!
"Mister!" Bell shouted once more, and everyone watched in horror.
"I will gut you!" Bete was on him, raising his leg to pulverize the man with a precise strike! A kick, he utilized so many times against monsters. But as such, while it may work against simple monstrosities he encountered in the dungeon, his current prey was a different kind of hunt.
Surprisingly, in the next moment, prepared, faster than the wind! Using a trained turn to take a stance and position himself, not even really moving his leg — but slipping his feet to face the already accelerating opposition — Gazef raised his arm, blocking the sharp kick aimed against his head.
"What!?" Amazed on the man's fast reaction, Bete gaped, everyone looked wide-eyed.
Few can block his kicks, and it was unheard anyone doing so while showing their back to him. All in all, never in his wildest dreams Bete expected this man blocking his kick. So fast, even for him, it was only a blur when Gazef turned, raising his arm under a moment.
"Truly disgraceful…" Gazef glared at him, still holding his forearm up, the fire in his black eyes igniting Bete's rage even more. "Stand down, I don't want to fight…" he lowered his arm, and Bete jumped back, his leg slightly numb.
"Tch! You damn cretin!"
Gazef simply ignored him, shrugged and shook his head disapproving, once again heading towards the entrance, and when he reached the doorframe.
"You think you can simply ignore me!?"
"I don't intend to fight with you." he stopped for a moment, slightly looking back at him, a pitying glare that even more enraged the werewolf. "An insecure child, using his power to prove what? His own superiority or it is fear? Insecurity? I have seen people like you. I warn you! The path you follow is a lonely one; you will lose everything if you do not change your ways."
"Damn bastard!? What do you know of me!? You know nothing…" Bete's mouth trembled, remembering his childhood, his own powerlessness, all coming back to him, hearing the man's words.
Once again, Gazef remained silent, stepping out from the door. "Think of your actions, and reflect…" he only said that much, and it hit the point, finally breaking
"Damn bastard! Answer me!" and Bete charged, once again, raising his leg, but for now, Gazef was prepared, turning once more, jumping back outside of the tavern and crossing his arms, and Bete followed him.
"Huh! He's doing it again…" Finn and Gareth can only sigh, shaking their heads.
"H-He will he be all right?" the young elf in a dress looked around insecure, and her fellow elf with green hair just glanced towards the door, having an awful feeling.
"Oi! Let's watch them!" in the next moment, Loki urged her team with an excited smirk, heading outside, and the rest followed, soon, a smaller crowd gathered around the people, betting on who will win the fight.
Mia just sighed, knowing well, she should stop them. She wanted to stop the fight conducted outside of her bar! Yet, for some reason, she was curious about how it will end.
"Mi-Miss Mia, shouldn't we stop them?" Bell asked insecurely, Syr sharing his opinion, judging the noises outside, Mia should do something.
"Hah! And what I supposed to do? Stop them?" she scoffed. "Even if I do, their opposition will remain. It is better to settle this now, or their enmity will never cease."
"Bu-But…"
"No but…" Mia dismissed Bell's concern simply, who lowered his head humbly. "Until it is not in my bar, I don't care…"
"Come Bell, let's watch them." Syr grabbed his arm, pulling the boy.
"Ri-Right…"
…
'Boom! Boom! Boom!' Outside, the air boomed around the two men, and on the street several smaller craters already present.
Bete forced to do his best to disable his enemy, like a beast, attacking fiercely and using both his leg and fist to pummel Gazef, urging himself to tear him apart.
Of course, in difference of Bete, the warrior captain mostly defended himself, taking a stance, raised his arms, hopping away from the strikes of his opponent, dodging, not even hitting back even once.
"Stop it! Damn you! Don't run!"
Bete turned more and more annoyed as the man did not even attack, just danced away from his strikes, only occasionally raising his arm to block them. Meanwhile, all around the people roared, cheered, making their bets, going wild. Only a few of them standing calm, inspecting the battle with great calm.
"Fast…"
"Eh, really?" asked Tiona, looking between the sword princess — who watched the match with great attention — and the fighting sides.
For ordinary people, the two was like a blur, only stopping several times to regain their balance, or charge once more. With each more their momentum leaving a mark on the cobbled road, messing it up completely.
"What do you think, Gareth?" Finn, the blonde Pallum looked at the veteran dwarf, who only fondled his beard, listening to the match attentively.
"He is fast, unnaturally so sometimes. Like one moment to the other, he just accelerates in and out for no reason!"
"Skill?" asked Finn with a raised brow.
"Hmm, maybe… Riveria?" Gareth passed the question to the elf royalty, and she closed her eyes, reaching out.
"I feel strange energy around him, like a skill… but different, I can't place it."
"Whatever it is… he's waiting for something." Gareth hummed, squinting his eyes.
"Eh, you say he's just playing with Bete?" Tiona asked, and everyone blinked surprised.
"What?!" Loki just asked dumbfounded, unable to imagine something like that happening.
"No… I think…"
"He's just testing him…" Riveria finished Finn's sentence. "Assessing his skill before counterattacking."
"Really?" now, both amazons and the young elf blinked, looking at the sides and whistling. "He takes his time!"
"Ah, I can't see anything! What's happening guys!" meanwhile Loki yawned indignant, only seeing the blurring sides as the two clashed again and again.
"So fast…" Bell muttered, similar to Loki, he as well was unable to see anything.
First, the members of the Loki Familia thought Gazef was only lucky when managed to block a kick from Bete. After this, newer and newer attacks followed, the famous Fenris visibly struggled to get a hold on the man, yet, using Martial Arts, Gazef's speed surpassed the limit Bete was able to follow up with his skills. Thus, dominating him under the whole battle.
Now, as he gets to know his moves, time and time the man started to counterattack, offering precise strikes of those meant to imbalance the werewolf, enraging him even more.
"Damn you, stop! Let me hit you!" more and more, the rage started to rule Bete's mind, his first skillful moves turning into the thrashings of a beast. His moves are becoming more and more wilder and uncontrolled.
"Fufufu… this is so funny!"
"Tiona-san, it's not nice saying such things, Bete is our companion…" said the timid elf in the dress, looking at the Amazon somewhat scolding.
"Nah! Don't be like that Lefiya! Don't say you don't want to see Bete's ass handed to him once in a while. It will finally shut that big mouth of his!"
"St-Still…" the shy blond elf grasped her staff, looking before her concerned. It was true, Bete's big mouth often brought trouble. Still, he was their companion. Lefiya knew well, deep down inside he was a kind, caring guy.
"Why can't you just fall!?" Bete roared, increasing the magnitude and speed of his attacks.
More and more reckless, his body full of ugly bruises! The werewolf long ago left behind the skillful movement of his, concentrating only on pulverizing his opponent completely. And Gazef kept up with him, using Martial Arts to increase his defense and speed, only his forearm bruised a little bit. He was certainly in better shape than his opponent.
Not many recognized it, but the few high-level adventurers around… squinting their eyes, Gareth and Finn looked at each other, then back to the fight. "That light again… Did you see it, Finn?"
"Yes, most likely the activation of a skill… though, I never felt a similar thing."
Gazef's body glowed up ever slightly after each strike, nullifying each attack that accidentally, or intentionally connected, dancing away most of the times.
"You persistent bastard!" Bete raised his leg for the last kick, giving all his rage, all his power, intending to end this with one final strike, aiming a downward kick with his heel, everyone's eyes widened.
Gareth and the rest of above level 5 right away recognized what he was up to!
"Don't do it, brat! If that connects that will surely kill him!" Gareth shouted, and Aiz was ready to use her skill to intercept the man. Everyone was concerned how the hell Gazef will survive this — if he can at all.
Bete prepared, giving his all for his most destructive technique. "Die!"
Yet, it was too late to act! Can't be reasoned anymore, Bete's world was completely red, raising his heel high. "Die!" his leg started to accelerate with otherworldly strength and speed, causing a sonic boom in the surrounding, pushing back many adventurers.
'Boom!'
It was one of his special moves, pulverizing many of his opponents before. No monster escaped from this attack and lived, even bosses felt the wrath of his feet after this assault.
"I see…" Gazef muttered, preparing himself. "It will be dangerous if that connects…" immediately, he changed posture, taking a more defensive position, prepared to finish the battle.
Using several Martial Arts at once, he was prepared, testing the enemy thoroughly, the man already knew how to deal with him.
'Suu…' breathing out, his opponent was sturdy fellow, and fast compared to others, yet, compared the speed and the increased perception that Martial Arts gained him, Bete still moved like every other enemy he faced in the past — slow, and predictable.
Gazef couldn't keep up this accelerated state all day, but he was trained enough to keep up with an enemy like Bete several times over, long enough to deal with his opposition.
"Huh!?" in the next moment, for Bete and Gazef it was like time dilated, the werewolf watched helplessly as Gazef changing posture, unable to change his direction, ever intensely accelerated his legs against him.
"[Capacity Building]! [Instant Counter]! [Fortress]! [Kinetic Drain]!"
The warrior captain's body glowed ever intense in the next moment, activating multiple martial arts at once! His muscles stiffened, his posture became steadier and balanced, and like it was nothing he basically slipped a few centimeters away, with a side punch hitting Bete's falling leg.
"W-h-a-t t-h-e…" the werewolf's words sounded slow like he was stuck in glue, able to perceive his surrounding, but hardly able to act, only recognizing too late the accelerating fist of the man.
'Boom!'
With a fast motion that looked like a flash, Gazef hit the downward accelerating feet once more, and Bete immediately lost his balance, flipping in the air trashing, failing.
He right away lost a great amount of momentum he intended to use for his attack. Like the kinetic energy, he intended to use against the enemy absorbed, drained away. It was an impossible phenomenon the usually apt fighter was unable to understand. And in the next moment… his eyes widened in horror, only now recognizing the dread that speed towards his face entailed.
'Punch! Crack!'
The impossible happened in the next moment!
Still spinning in the air, helpless, faster than Bete could really perceive, a fist connected with his nose, breaking it to a bloody pulp and throwing the werewolf back towards the wall, flipping backward all along. 'Boom!' Then in the end… 'Crash!' denting the wall, the werewolf gasped out of the air, the wall collapsing it on him.
"Tha-That's…"
"Fenrir, defeated?!"
"Ehhhh!?"
Everyone gaped, watching between Gazef and the now unconscious Bete in disbelief. Witnessing as in fast succession the famous Vanargand flipped in the air like a ragdoll and collapsed into a wall. It was not an everyday sight. For most, it was an impossible accomplishment.
'Fhuw!' Gazef straightened his posture, slightly sweating from the battle. His enemy was strong, but he was faster and stronger. The warrior captain felt he can still go a few rounds, only starting to warm up.
"Oh, come on! Bete!" the first one who regained her composure was the flat-chested amazon, roaring angry, glaring at the half-conscious werewolf, glancing with some curiosity at the newcomer who beat Bete that way.
"Truly shameful, attacking others from behind!" Gazef glared at Bete, who strangely started to slowly get up, with shaking legs trying to regain his composure, just to right away fall back to his bottom. "If you try something similar, next time I will not go easy on you…"
"Easy… heh…" Bell and a few around only chuckled nervous, sweating somewhat afraid.
If now the man went easy on Bete — the famous member of Loki familia — they don't want to know how it looks when he goes serious.
Bete's head bled, his whole body shook from the concussions he suffered when he collided with the wall. A few of his ribs and bones already broken, and he was sure he even had internal bleeding.
Normally, of course, destroying a wall wouldn't even bother the sturdy werewolf, but all the kinetic force was summed up in one exact moment when his body met with Gazef's fist and collided with the hard surface of the wall… it all summed up! Just like a wave that washed over him, part of the energy coming from his own downward kick was also sent back to his face, the vibrations causing heavy bruises and internal bleeding all over his body, causing concussions in his brain.
It was no surprise though… if Gazef would use all the absorbed energy, Bete would have lost his head. That dangerous that attack was.
"Damn…What the heck was that…?" 'Bluergh!' He right away vomited. Dizzy, nauseous, the werewolf could barely stay in a sitting position, on his face an angry expression. His eyes still watered from the throbbing, stinging pain, originating not only from his destroyed nose but from all over his body. His mouth is carrying the stench of his own barf, his ears ringing, vision blurry.
"Yo-You!?"
…
To explain what happened under the fight, first, let's specific better what Martial Arts are.
The use of martial arts allowed the user to access a wide variety of tactic and toolkit. Used in the right moment in the proper manner, it can even turn the direst of situations — keep the enemy at bay or even help in the assault or counterattack, support your teammates.
Basically, it was a collection of mental techniques those helped the user to momentarily ignore their limits, using their sheer "will" make the impossible possible — it is not accidentally called warrior's magic after all.
Such techniques mostly utilized by monks, fighters, and thief archetype characters, thou, pure magic caster rarely learned them.
Developed and refined through the centuries, this collection of techniques directly created to give a fighting chance against magic users, monsters, or opponents those usually would be impossible to beat, superior to simple people, or even invulnerable against normal, physical attacks.
Such techniques not only helped strengthen the body, but increased the user's speed into inhuman levels, pushed nerve functions and perception to a level, where the enemy might seem sluggish, or completely stopped for the user. Moreover, Martial Arts even made it possible to assess the opponent from far, only by glancing at them.
Such arts brought the possibility with themselves to block, dodge, or parry strikes, else would be impossible, even could increase resistances to endure a harsh environment, raise magic resistance and imbue simple attacks — even weapons — with magical properties.
All of this gave a fighting chance to the warrior, to do the impossible, beat inhuman beast if utilized right!
Not once under history, opponents, monstrous monsters faced humans, demi-humans, and all kind of people. These brave users fought a battle they should lose from the very beginning… yet, in the end, strangely it was the weaker looking opponent who won.
The difference in strength and speed was obvious from the very beginning, gaining the monster the upper hand. Yet, often, it was the one who could use Magic or Martial Art who won the battle. The difference that made them win was in finesse, technique and of course… Martial Arts.
Between two roughly equal sides, usually the ones capable to use magic or Martial Arts those who won!
Of course, Martial Arts were not a solution for everything, as they were useless against opponents those were way over the user itself — both considering strength, speed, reaction time, resistances, level, etc..
Like everything, of course, this technique also had a drawback… Used recklessly only ended up with the user's death! Martial Arts greatly strained the mind, similar to magic; it has limited use before the user completely exhausts themselves and collapse.
With the training of body and mind — and of course, with proper items — the number of techniques that can be used at once, and their duration can be increased, pushed out to the absolute limit.
Unfortunately, in itself, Martial Arts can't win a battle; it was only a tool meant to combine with other things. Used smart, it was effective and could turn even the direst of the situation! But used without thinking, it was the waste of energy, only led to exhaustion and death.
Weapons, tools, even with your own training, combined with Martial Arts this helped the user to turn the tide of battle with minimal energy consumption and effort.
Let's take for example the current situation, combining Martial Arts with CQC — also called close quarter combat — proved effective, and came handy for Gazef, gained him the upper hand under the battle, helped him assess his opponent moves and counter them.
Unfortunately for Bete, most adventurers, — overly reliant on their weapons and tactic mostly used to fight against monsters — usually not bothered to learn such thing which helped them fight simple humanoid opponents.
But why should they do that — one might ask. After all, they used to fight with monsters — those move differently, possess different reflexes and strength, even their behavior different!
Most adventurers simply ignored such basic things, concentrating on training themselves differently, thinking, because they can fight monsters, they understand how a human can fight! And this is why Bete ultimately lost…
For the warrior captain who experienced bar brawls since his early years as a mercenary, who taught CQC not only when he first became a sellsword, but when he joined the academy of his swordsmanship master, it was easy to read Bete's moves and counter them.
Not only had the Martial Arts helped him, but his dealings under his life, and training in the past made him gain the upper hand.
The werewolf was fast; Gazef will give him that much. His strength was monstrous, could pulverize anyone easily, even he couldn't endure many of those strikes without the use of his techniques.
Yet, as rage started to rule the mind of the werewolf, his moves started to become more and more predictable and sluggish, coming from pure instinct instead technique. Like that of a wild beast, an experienced fighter like the warrior captain could easily read them.
Bete's moves were mostly coming from the experience fighting monsters, rather than proper training… Yes, this opponent made him remember Brain who was also a self-taught swordsman, a genius — but in contrast of his former rival, this kid was too predictable, not even trying to adjust himself to him, just charging against Gazef mindless, hoping his thrashing will reach the intended result.
As usual, proper training, techniques passed down and refined over centuries, developed and trained for long years usually defeated brute strength, besting unrefined moves. Basically, Gazef only needed to turn the opponent's own strength against him and win. For that, he had a few moves in his toolset; he utilized the fullest.
…
"I am disappointed… how frustrating…" Gazef really hoped a proper fight, as his opponent had the strength and the aptitude doing so. Even If not entirely a life and death struggle, but at least a little bit of a push towards his limits. But he had to be disappointed; this was barely enough for a warm-up.
"Oh, interesting…!" Loki — who watched the exchange subtly under all of this — remained silent all along. Not saying a word, but inspecting the blur and the outcome, opened her always closed eyes, opening them ever slightly, revealing two, sly looking crimson orbs.
She right away felt this individual was different than the rest. Raw power emanated from him, releasing a wave of strange energy with each hit he received, each time he blurred, dancing away from Bete's attack a strange, barely noticeable glow surrounded his body, giving away the biggest burst when his fist collided with Bete's nose.
She never experienced and felt before a similar thing before. It was an alien feeling. She had to find out who he is, and get him! Her collector spirit flared right away!
But acting rash will do no good! Oh no! She will take her time and collect information, pulling the biggest jest on the other gods the celestial history ever saw! She was the goddess of mischief, after all; a prepared jest tasted a lot better than a rash action. Thus, she remained silent — for now — weaving her plan in silence.
"I can't believe it…"
Bell stammered under all of this, seeing the impossible reaction, he can't even trace Gazef's movement as he dodged the kick, then hit his opponent's face, making the first class adventurer flip in the air like a ragdoll!
Skillfully, with just one fluid move, the man dodged the strike by stepping on the side, hitting Bete's leg and absorbing the kinetic energy of the kick by some technique, then using the same energy, smashing his opponent's face.
For Bell — and most adventurers— it happened under a moment, like the armed man suddenly changed posture and direction in a blur, then finishing his opponent with a distinct strike.
Of course, for Aiz, and the rest of the high-level adventurers, it was evident! It was a move this man practiced countless times! Fluid, like the flow of water, no unnecessary moves in that turn, hitting Bete's leg in the right moment to imbalance him, raising his fist and striking when his opponent was distracted to regain his balance! Indeed, the movement of a skillful warrior maybe no one could replicate. Even Gareth and Finn doubted they could pull this off without practicing it beforehand countless times.
"Oi, Bete… are you alright, lad…?" Gareth and a few of their teammates were already around the still confused werewolf, offering him some healing potion. Yet, Bete was still too confused and dizzy, tried to get up, his rage flaring once more.
"Ara! Ara! Aren't you ashamed, Bete? Beaten like this? Tch! Tch! Tch!" teasingly, the "flatter" of the Amazon twins shook her head, offering a sarcastic, flat expression.
"I…" Looking around, everyone watched either Bete or the newcomer, those who betted looked quite angry as most of them lost a great to deal with the loss of the werewolf.
"Yo-You just shut up you flat desk! You wouldn't have fared better!"
"Ah!?" for the vulgar answer, Tiona raised her fist, her eyes twitching in anger. "What did you just say?"
"Fuuu! Beat him, Tiona!" full red, Loki also cracked her small fists. Such disgrace was not only a grave insult to the Amazon but for her goddess as well.
"Now he did it…" Finn, the Pallum champion sweated, and his two older companions can't help but sigh.
"I will crush you!"
"Ara! Ara! Sister…" Tione, the Amazon with longer hair placed her hand on her sister's shoulder, a calm expression on her face. "It wouldn't be fun if you beat him now. Let's wait until he recovers," she whispered subtly, and the sister can only oblige for this offer.
"Good idea!" like a hungry shark, Tiona watched Bete, in her eyes the fires of vengeance burning, cracking her fists.
Under all of this, Gazef straightforwardly headed to Mia, ignoring the people around, intending to apologize for the trouble he caused, when Bete spotted what he was trying to do.
"Bete?"
Confused, his companions watched as the werewolf pushing away the offered potion, struggling to stand up, in his eyes the fire of vengeance burning, his whole body still shaking.
"Hey! You there! Where do you think you're going!? The fight is still on!"
He can still fight! He felt it! He need not that damned potion to finish this match! He will end this man's whole career for what he had done to him!
"You are in no shape to fight. Give up, kid. I don't want to hurt you…"
"The hell…" in the next moment, the green haired elf placed her hand on his shoulder. "Bete, stand down. You can barely stand on your feet as it is…
"Bu-But… that bastard!" Bete glared back at Gazef. "That's not the point! Riveria! Aren't you supposed to stand on your comrade's side!?" defending himself the werewolf stared back, ready to pounce once more. Though his willingness was there, his body barely kept up, he was on the verge to collapse.
"Not, if the attack was uncalled for… not, if it leads nowhere. Please forgive me, but it was you who attacked him from behind. You were the instigator of this battle." pointed out the green haired elf who looked quite strict, only glancing at Bete's direction once. "With improper provocation, I might add… even if that was not the case. Continuing the fight will not end well for you."
"Mama is right!" Loki quipped, earning a glare from her "children."
"What!?" Riveria just sighed, having no energy to explain everything to her buffoon companion. If they want, Finn and Gareth will do it later. But she… she can't care anymore.
It was true; everyone saw who started this… heated discussion. Any normal adventurer would be turned to a bloody pulp from the attacks Bete showcased, yet, Gazef survived, moreover, repelled the assault of one of the strongest from the Loki familia, triumphing over what many believed the fastest fighter in the city.
"She has a point Bete…" the Amazon with the flat chest added, looking at the side with a snarky smile, snorting. Her twin with a more generous cleavage nodded vigorously. "Umu! Tiona is right, Bete, let's get a hold on yourself! You lost… deal with it."
"You too, Tiona?! Tione!?" scoffed the werewolf youth, looking around with a disbeliefed face as everyone glared at him, agreeing with each other.
"Weak piece of trash like that should die in the corner, weeping in their powerlessness… don't you agree?! Hah! Answer me, you bastard! You, Jerk! A guy like you should be agreeing with me! Dammit! Stop ignoring me!"
Bete shouted towards Gazef who in the meantime spoke with Mia, bowing and apologizing from the burly woman.
"I apologize for the damage we caused…"
"Umu… it is not your fault, Zeff-san. That idiot instigated the fight…" nodded the former adventurer lady outside of the bar.
Naturally, the one Bete referred to knew well who the werewolf aimed the accusation too, and Bell was well on the way to run away with moistened eyes — humiliated and ashamed not only before the girl of his affection but the whole bar — he really couldn't bear to lose anything more.
Still, one last time he glanced at Gazef's heroic form, who stood relentless, looking back at him with a stern expression, shaking his head small, his sharp-cut strict eyes telling all — it is not worth it — and this was enough to gather his courage, and stay until it ends.
"Yet, even the strongest started as weak..." Gazef looked at Bete in the end, his expression hard as steel. "…Even the strongest fall one day. Don't forget this! It may come to that, one day you need their help. Treat them according, or you will experience an awful end." Gazef fought back with only words, greatly enraging his opponent with his glare.
"Yo-YOU!?" Once again, Bete was ready to fight, his vision turning red, wholly humiliated and countered by this man. Feeling, he had nothing to lose; he wanted him gone, he wanted to tear his guts!
The pressure increased to the limit between the two! Raw, primordial bestial rage, and cold controlled might be radiated from the two people, making many around fearing their life and back away gulping.
The hard stone pebbles groaned as Bete changed posture, taking a more beastly stance, Gazef also readied his hand, prepared to grab after his sword and activate his martial arts if it comes to that. But in the next moment, an unexpected thing followed!
"That's enough!" 'Crack!' suddenly, the wall of the bar cracked, Mia hitting it with her fist hard. And just like that, the fighting spirit of the two men washed away by a third wave, forcing the menacing atmosphere out from the area, replacing it with the suffocating pressure the bulky woman emitted.
Indeed, even Gazef's battle perception screamed, fighting with Mia would be a dangerous commitment.
"If you want to beat each other to pulp or ruin the atmosphere even more! Do it elsewhere! I will not tolerate any more beatdowns around my bar! If anyone doesn't like that, be my guest, but you have to deal with me first! You caused enough damage as it is! I hope you can pay for it!"
Everyone backed, seeing the fire of danger in her eyes, and silence ruled the establishment for a few seconds, even the bestial atmosphere disappeared around Bete.
"That's not necessary…" Gazef said so calmly, lowering his head humbly. "Please forgive me for the trouble, Mia-san… I will take my leave. I promise I pay for the damage I caused. Just tell the price…"
"Tch! You owe nothing, Zeff-san!" she snarled, slowly turning her head towards Bete and the rest near him. "The blame is not on you. You just defended yourself from an attack." she turned her glare at Bete, who like a clueless puppy who backed slightly.
"What?"
"Being it was the Loki familia who instigated this brawl, they should pay the claim settlement."
"What!?" For this, even Loki woke up from her daydreaming, scheming attitude, almost spitting her drink — she stole from somewhere. "But…! But…!" looking around, Loki already groaned how much her familia needs to pay just because Bete being Bete.
"But that guy…"
"No, buts!" Mia cut her short, making poor goddess groan in desperation. "Be glad I am nice and not banning you from my inn right away…"
"Uggghhh! Please no!" for the first time since all of this started, Loki looked afraid, waving her hands desperate. "We'll pay! We'll pay! Just don't ban us, Mia-chan!"
"Are you sure?" asked Gazef in a raised brow.
"Umu, completely…" came the answer from the dwarf. "As said, it was not your fault; you tried your best to solve this peacefully…"
"In that case, thank you." Gazef agreed with closed eyes. "As usual, you can find me by the guild. Don't worry, even if it takes time, I pay my debts."
"Good…" Mia hummed still angry, but somewhat satisfied, at least someone takes responsibility for their own actions.
"Have a good night…" with that, Gazef bowed and left, leaving the flabbergasted crowd alone, pushing his way through.
"Hey, you! You can't just ignore me and walk away!" Bete still tried his luck annoyed, but the barkeep lady gave an awfully malignant stare to him, and even as a high-level adventurer, he backed. "You better shut yer mouth, Bete Loga! One more like this and I will ban your whole group from my bar! No matter how well you pay…" she muttered the last part… indeed, she earned a hefty coin from this familia; it would be a shame if she had to ban them.
"What!? It was… hey! What are you doing!?"
Right away, the two Amazon girls grabbed his arm, holding him back.
"Bete! Calm down…"
"Amazing…" Bell just muttered, looking after "Zeff" as he left, watching his back with awe and disbelief as he cut through the crowd that gathered in the meantime.
And the people just watched him, with some awe and fear mixing in their stares. Still whispering, guessing who he was, where he came from…
"It is indeed…" Mia chuckled, her mood turning brighter right away, knowing, the broken wall and the street before her bar will be paid and fixed in time.
"I would never dare to imagine he could do that. But somehow, I had a feeling from the first moment that he wasn't an average person…" she smiled somewhat solemn, shaking her head with a sight.
…
Slowly, the chatter continued, and the good mood returned to the establishment. Mostly discussing the "fierce" brawl between the sides, and the new unknown "high ranked" figure appearing in this place.
No one knew who this man was, not even those who usually followed the careers of different adventurers attentively.
This man was an enigma, destined to shake up Orario from its usual sleepy everyday attitude, destined to change the world's, and God's view of human will and determination!
Just what Gazef needed…
"Miss Mia! Who was that man!?" Bell asked, sitting to his usual place after the crowd retreated in the bar.
"I am curious too…" came the female voice near Bell, making him jump at the moment she appeared near the red-eyed boy.
"Eiii! Go-Goddess Loki!" Bell jumped small, then right away bowed his head in respect. "Please forgive me!"
"Hmm…"
Yet the goddess only gave him a dismissing glance, turning her attention back to Mia. "So…?" she questioned, visibly excited about the answer.
"Let me go! Aghhh!" in the background, the punishment already started, and the twin amazons started their "torture game." Binding, and suspending Bete, using strong ropes to rope him. "What are you doing!? Stop! Tione, Tiona? Stop!" naturally, in that time, Bete already drowned two potions, healing his injuries; thus, the so-called companions had no issue doing this with the werewolf adventurer.
"STOP! That hurts!"
Their companions doing nothing only watched this "game" either with sight, or a sour smile, or even accepting it with a laugh. With the exception of two, they followed suit.
"Who that man was…"
Sitting in her chair elegantly, only the green haired elf refused to watch this senseless act, just drinking her alcohol-free drink in her somber solitude, pondering… who was the stranger who managed to counter the fastest member of their familia was?
Watching the entrance where the Sword Princess stood — looking after the disappeared man — both the sword princess and the elf royalty wondered about the same thing.
Indeed, this young looking, but in truth old adventurer lady started to feel the weight of the years, more and more times forced to correct her comrade's mistakes.
Riveria Ljos Alf experienced a few things under her 99 years' worth of life, but this was something new she never saw before. "That energy his body released… it gave me chills!" she shuddered, looking away. "Also, I can't seem to recall his face. Who he is?" she pondered hard, slightly disturbed she can't recognize such a character.
Meanwhile, near the counter, several figures gathered, awaiting Mia's description.
"Well, aren't you curious, goddess Loki?" Mia just chuckled, cleaning a tankard with a rag, the maids around ever diligent serving the guests, preparing the food and drink. The patrons returned to their seats, chatting ever intense.
"So, you won't tell…" Loki watched Mia attentively, opening her fox cut eyes slightly.
"Only if you play double, for today's trouble, and of course, for the meal!" Mia grinned, knowing well, Loki will pay, as her curiosity is the only thing bigger thing than her purse. She knows this divine being too well not to use this against her.
"Tch! Fine!" the goddess scoffed indignant, waving away the thing.
She can allow spending a little bit more; her familia, after all, was the most well-esteemed group in the whole Orario, this much was nothing!
"Very well…" Mia put down the clean tankard, picking up another one before starting her "long-winded" explanation. "His name is Zeff; he arrived yesterday in the city…"
"And?"
"That's it…" she put it short, making many widen their eyes.
"Eh?!" everyone gaped flabbergasted, expecting a lot more. Most waiting for more, but the few who know Mia, already headed back to their seat disappointed, telling their companions the disappointingly sporadic information they overheard.
"What!?" Loki stood up, hitting the table hard. 'Smack!' "Only this much!? No familia name? No level? No information where he resides? Nothing else!? There must be more! It can't be this much…?!"
"Yep… what did you expect? To tell his life story to you?" The barkeep shrugged amused. "I only met him yesterday. Only once… If you want to know more, you need to visit the guild. They might know more…"
"Groan! That much money only for this?" Loki threw herself on the counter, rolling left and right, completely depressed, weeping. "Aiz-tan! Comfort me!" she wept, searching the loved one… but the said girl completely ignored her goddess' plea, maybe was not even near her.
"So it is Zeff…" Bell muttered, smiling as he gets to know his savior's name.
"Eh…" a beautiful voice came from near him in the next moment, it was akin of a happy sound which made Bell turn his head trembling.
"Ah…Ahahaha…" and at the moment his red eyes meet those two golden orbs, he froze completely.
"Wa-Wa…" he just shuttered, unable to form words seeing all the glory that was Aiz Wallenstein leaning near his face. So close… he even felt the scent of her skin. "Her skin… she smells so good…!"
"Hello. Are you alright?" Aiz asked worried in the next moment, recognizing the boy, watching him with a curious expression, and then, in the next moment… "Sorry…" she bowed her head apologetic, filled with regret.
Flowing golden hair, regret-filled golden orbs, an empty, airheaded expression. Everyone would forgive her, no matter her crime, yet, she left by a surprising outcome from the boy's part!
"Eiii… Ahhhhh!" 'Flush!'
"Why are you running away?" Aiz blinked confused, looking after the boy who managed to escape from her not once, but twice! Her expression was confused and empty, blinking...
"Bell-kun…" Syr doing the same, watching after Bell worried and flabbergasted. But it couldn't be helped, the boy who left with such speed she can barely follow him with her eyes was indeed a strange creature. Just like the water, flowing out from the ring of females around him.
"That brat better pay tomorrow…" indeed, Bell left without paying his check, and Mia was not amused, not in the slightest.
"Fufufu…" in the next moment, however, a soft chuckle hit the ear of the barkeep, coming from the direction of the goddess of mischief.
"Lady Loki? What's the matter?"
The deity smiled; her grin cannot be really wider. "Oh, nothing…" she dismissed the accusation, hiding her mouth behind her folded fingers, her eyes like a fox, slightly open, ready to hunt. Almost looking like a villain who came up with the perfect plan. "This will be interesting…"
"I see…" Mia hummed uneasy, acknowledging, knowing well that smile. "It seems, she is on the hunt, once again. Wonder what Lady Freya will act hearing this…" knowing well her former goddess, Mia was sure; she will not let such specimen go without a fight. After all, she was an avid collector of rare breeds, letting Zeff go just like that was unlike of her.
A specimen like that "Zeff" guy will surely pique her interest sooner or later. Unfortunately, Mia knows too well her former employer, and as she knows the goddess of love… she always gets what she wants! With force, if necessary…
"Poor Zeff-san though…" she can only sight, already suspecting what the man has to experience in the coming days.
"Now then, Aiz-tan, comfort me!" in the next moment Loki sneaked on Aiz, trying to grope her, when…
'Smack! Smack!' "Bad…"
"Aiz-tan is so evil…" Loki grabbed her head with tears flowing from her eyes, looking miserable, a sight, Syr can't help but chuckle on. "Fufufu…" sometimes, gods indeed offered a great source of amusement. Yet, this was one of the reasons why she loved to work here that much; she can't help it!
Scene Change: In the city, somewhere:
Running, running, and running! Like no tomorrow, Bell had no idea why he was running. Be it either because Aiz appeared on his side so suddenly, that and that he was also ashamed of showing his face before her, or was it because the level 1 adventurer was driven to search for the man who saved him not once, but twice under two short days — Once down in the dungeon, and twice before the bar, with just one look giving him courage to not run away. Or most likely it was because he wanted to get stronger, to get down into the dungeon to train!
Either way, currently, maybe out of his own knowledge born desperation, he headed towards Babel — the tower in the middle of the city. Running with full speed, in his head two things playing out again and again.
Gazef's encouraging look, and the moment Aiz apologized, bowing her head before him.
Yes! At the moment he saw her face, perceiving her apology, he can't help it, facing the idol girl, the one he fell for at the first sight, he can't help but blush even thinking of her! Imagining her lowering her head that way, whispering softly: "Sorry…" asking: "Are you alright?" it was an impossible sight the boy's brain still can't process properly!
Thus, his legs and heart forced him to flee! Running away from the sword princess of Orario. Leave his desire, and destiny behind in that place called Hostess of Fertility!
"Ah! Why me! Why had I have to endure this!?" his vision blurry, heart racing, he had no idea what to do — heading directly to the dungeon to cool off his head.
Looking up for a moment, the darkness of night seemed to be impenetrable, if not the magic stone lamps illuminating the streets, endless dark would threaten the whole city, swallowing it whole. Only Babel, as an always vigilant beacon, shone in the dark! Like it always did since millennia, providing guidance for the people
'Thud!' "Ugh!" In the next moment, however, as he wondered what he did wrong, abruptly Bell fell on his bottom. Like his body collided with an impenetrable stone wall, bounced off from the object he collided with.
"Oh, it is you… are you alright?" Opening his eyes, it was still blurry a little bit. It was like he collided with a literal wall when he abruptly stopped, falling on his bottom, then looking up, a man, wearing a plate armor towered above him, looking at him blinking.
"I… I…"
"Hmm, I see…" he nodded, offering his hand. "Tha-Thanks…" and the boy accepted it discouraged.
"No problem, you should watch where you go. Plummeting on others certainly makes a poor impression."
"I…I…" no matter how amusing it was to see the boy stammer, the towering man was never a person who enjoyed such a thing. Still, he can't help but chuckle a little bit. "Fufufufu…"
"N-Not funny!" Bell blushed like a girl, looking away embarrassed.
"Please forgive me. It was not my intention. I assume you were the one I encountered down in the dungeon, with that horned beast in your tail."
"Ye-Yes…" Bell looked away, still embarrassed, filled with the guilt he couldn't even thank his savior normally after he saved him. Not only down there, but from the humiliation in the tavern, protecting him from the harm's way.
"Thank you." seeing the boy gulp deep, Gazef remained silent raised his brow," And your name is…"
"Bell, Bell Cranel," he muttered. "Thank you for saving me!" and he bowed deep, making Gazef smile, at least this boy knew humility — not like that wolf beastmen.
"No problem…" Gazef nodded. "Well, I bid you farewell, Bell Cranel, have a good night. Be careful next time." and thus, he started to walk away, once again walking towards Babel.
It maybe was only a chance of an encounter, or fate dictated that Bell found Gazef that night. But maybe… maybe unknown to both of them, this meeting changed a great many things for both, both how they viewed the world and the surrounding people.
Bell looked after Gazef wondering where he came from, how it come he never heard about such a famous figure like him!
So heroic, so polite, not even boasting with his accomplishment, or asking anything in return after saving him — twice in a row he might say. Just humbly walking away in the night, like the hero who stepped out from the tales he adored so much. Yet, different of them, he was real, not the creation of a creative mind.
Seeing him walking away, his sharp young ears picked up his mumble one last time, holding a map in his hand as he proceeded. "I wonder where that tavern Miss Misha spoke about. I should have looked that place instead of training… Ah! Sometimes I am really irresponsible!"
Indeed, the great warrior captain, Gazef Stronoff, was bad with directions. Genius in combat, but hardly finding his way in an unknown city, too enthusiastic when it came to training.
"Wa-Wait!" Bell shouted after him, willing not to waste such an opportunity.
"Hmm?" Gazef turned back to him, looking slightly bored.
"If you allow me. My familia has a place, I am sure, the goddess will be fine you staying with us for a night... please, accept it! It is the least I could do!" he offered, hoping this famous figure would accept his offer, and maybe… just maybe his goddess manages to recruit him — no matter how hopeless that wish sounded.
"Are you sure?" though, it was a great opportunity to witness how a god looks, as well spare some money on the accommodation, Gazef was never a man who liked to intrude the living place of others.
"Yes! Please, accept it! This is the least I can do for saving me not once, but twice!" the boy bowed deep, and the former warrior captain can't help, but sigh. He really doesn't want to intrude or be called upon any favors that may bind him to this city — as he does not plan to stay here for long, only wanting to stay until the kingdom's treasures get around, and he when finds his way home. But this boy… he saw something in him.
"…"
Watching him for a few moments, maybe it was his clumsiness, or those sparkling eyes those which reminded him of a certain white armored youth or even his humbleness that convinced him. But, honestly, Gazef had no idea what to do… he only knew, that if he refused this offer, he would feel bad towards himself afterward — That would surely ruin his further stay in the city.
"Hah! Fine! But just one night. I wouldn't want to intrude more than necessary."
"It is fine; I am sure even a goddess will be delighted. It is not often we receive a guest." just thinking of it, Bell started to worry if the place will be good enough for "Zeff," or not. After all, it would be shameful if he can't welcome his savior in a proper place and manner!
"Then, please, take care of me."
Bell nodded, happy. "Please follow me; it is not far from here…"
Leaving the idea of dungeon behind for the rest of the night, they turned around, heading towards the ruined temple.
…
Leading the way, strangely, Bell remained silent almost all the way, fidgeting as he was unable to decide how to start the conversation. In the end, Gazef was forced to start in his stead.
"So, Bell-san…"
"Bell is fine." muttered the boy, nervous what to say next.
"I see, then, Bell... you look quite young. Since how long have you been an adventurer?"
"I-I started a few weeks ago. So, it wasn't long ago since my goddess accepted me into her familia…
"Hmm, I see…" Gazef hummed. He already suspected this boy was a beginner, but to only starting a few weeks ago? And right away going in that dangerous place? He should have at least considered training a little bit before going down there. Even the adventurer guild back home had its own physical tests that measured the people before letting them join. Not just right away letting everyone go down there! It was utter nonsense!
"I need to speak about this with Misha-san, she might have some solution…"
But… maybe he was the one who was too strict, he can't help it. Many of his men complained about his training being too harsh…
"So Zeff-san…"
"That's my name…" he smiled, only suspecting where the boy heard "that" name. "That barkeep gives away the information too easily. It was a good decision using a fake one…"
"Ah… yes. So, where do you came from? I heard from Mia-san you arrived in the city yesterday."
"Yes, as you say, I arrived yesterday, traveling long. The place where I am from… well, you most likely don't know the place, a small village, not even worth remembering to…" he chuckled low, but it seemed, he hit a nerve.
"I-I see…" Bell lowered his head, remaining silent for long moments.
"Please forgive me; I must have said something improper…"
"Ah, it is nothing like that. I just came from a small village too. Living with my grandfather until…" he gulped deep, remembering his deceased grandfather. "Until he died…"
"My condolences."
"Ah, don't worry about it… I managed. And since I found goddess, it is all better!"
"So, you say she takes care of you?"
"Yes! Indeed, she takes care of me." he sighed solemn, looking down, their feet eating the paved roads. "No one wanted to accept me in their familia, because I was weak… but one day…"
Just now, before Bell eyes, the "event" played...
Flashback:
A boy, all alone, abandoned, losing all his hope, sitting, crouched in an alley like a ball.
Refused by 50 familia in a row, nowhere to go… only one ray of hope shining on him that day.
"If you want, you can join my familia…"
A sweet voice of a girl, Bell never could forget, urged to protect her smile at all cost, sneaking in his ears at that moment. Filling his heart with joy and light.
"Re-Really?"
Looking up, his eyes still blurry from the tears, the boy spotted her offered, soft hand… and he accepted it! Starting his journey, hoping, he will encounter girls in the dungeon!
Just like his grandfather told him, like the heroes in those stories!
Bell Cranel story started just like that on that day!
Flashback end:
"Only she accepted me in her familia… she is kind, the best goddess I can imagine!"
"Ah, interesting…" this "goddess" of his sounded like a nice person. But it might be that that person simply deceived this boy.
This little rabbit looked quite gullible, and though Gazef was not a man who judged people by the first impression, the boy was young, and as such, young people can be easily deceived — as they lacked the experience to know what was best for them.
"By the way! Zeff-san, if I might ask. Which familia do you belong to?"
"Well, I…"
"Ah, we are here!" it was his luck they arrived in their destination at that moment, as Gazef had no real answer for the question.
The best he could say was the same thing Misha advised: His "god" wishes to remain anonymous… That's it! It was a really simple way to avoid the problem, a simple idea that may later cause a few issues.
"It is not much, but it is home…" Bell said so, smiling bitterly as they stopped before the ruined temple.
"Don't worry about it." Gazef chuckled. "A home is a home, no matter how it looks…"
"Ah, I supposed you are right. Strong and so kind…" he muttered slightly red-faced, somewhat jealous of the man.
"What?"
"Nothing!" Bell turned away embarrassed. "Thi-This way!"
And thus, Bell opened the old double door, leading the warrior captain in the ruined temple.
The inside, as expected, was worn out, only a few worn benches and an old altar present. The pictures in the walls ruined, green already growing on the walls.
"So this is…"
"Ah, don't worry, there is a hidden room in the temple. I stay here with my goddess…"
"Oh!" Gazef nodded; he wouldn't want to sound rude anyway. He was fine with whatever place was offered for him. It was definitely better than spending his night outside. As no matter how much he was accustomed doing so, a warm place was always better to sleep in than a damp alley!
Slowly, the two descended in the hidden room using the stairs, and when Bell opened the door.
"Goddess, I am he…"
'Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!' "Muuu! Bell-kun! Where were you!? I was worried to death!" a short figure embraced him, appearing out of nowhere, wearing only a white dress, her hair made to be a ponytail, and strangely… a ribbon holding her humongous breasts firm! Gazef felt a strange aura from her.
"So-Sorry… the dinner dragged on!"
Gazef blinked a few times, trying to remember where he saw the short person, and he was utterly ignored, the girl only speaking with the boy.
"Ara! Ara! Don't do it again, or I will be mad!" she pouted, looking away offended, mumbling: "Going on a date without me… what a troublesome child you are…"
"So-sorry…" and the boy sweated apologizing.
"I forgive you, but you have to promise, you won't make me worry again!"
"Ri-Right…" in an adventurer's case, moreover, in the case of a reckless boy like Bell was, this was a promise he could hardly keep. "By the way, goddess, we have a guest, I hope it's not a bother, but I invited him to sleep here…"
"Fine, as long as it's not a gir…" Hestia blinked as Gazef came to her field of vision, staring him for a few long moments.
"Eh?" her eyes twitched, realizing who stood before her.
"Thank you for your hospitality..." Gazef bowed, and Hestia like a fish still gaped.
"Wha-Wha…"
The warrior captain turned his head towards Bell, thinking it was some kind of sick joke at the moment he looked up and started to recognize the girl. "A goddess? She?" he thought to himself.
A small, harmless-looking girl a god? Don't make him laugh! This must be a joke!
"A goddess? Bell-kun? I like jokes, but this is a little bit tasteless…" he pointed at Hestia, who still looked quite stunned experiencing such an encounter with the same man whom her "heavenly fist of judgment" forced up from slumber.
"But, Zeff-san she is…" Bell tried to explain and save the situation, but Hestia was faster.
"Yo-You…!?"
"If I may ask, did we meet each other yesterday, my lady?" Gazef was sure they met yesterday, as she looked exactly like the girl who offered him some potato croquet — after hitting his "weak spot," waking him up. Yes, she carried a face one can't forget easily, giving away a dignified presence, almost similar to a paladin or a priest.
"By the way, Bell-san, is she a member of your familia? Where is that goddess you spoke about? I would like to thank her for the hospitality."
"But she is…"
"YOU ARE THAT GUY!?" Hestia pointed at the man, and Bell can only watch between the two, somewhat scared.
"EH!?"
Now, as the warrior and the goddess meet, how will the story proceed? You will know next time!
From the next chapter…
"Ah, so this is it? Hmm…" a muscled man stood before an old building, well hidden in an alley, almost blending amidst the buildings strictly built near it.
Usually, one could not find this establishment without a guide to point the way. As it was quite old and dilapidated, with even its name sign heavily worn. Its windows covered by bars, behind it different books and maps showcased, just like the building itself, dusty and old... Positioned in the worst part of the city, it was the epithet of a rundown store.
"Secrets of Toth… huh?" Gazef watched the symbols Misha scrabbled on a paper, comparing it with the worn name table above the entrance and his translation written near Misha's own.
"It took longer finding it than I expected" the man sighed somewhat disappointed, folding the city map in his hand.
"At least I found it, finally…"
What he will find in that store, you will know next time!
A/N:
Well, that's for now!
I hope it was good enough and painted the battle just right!
I am more familiar with Overlord than Danmachi, but I know even a character like Zaryusu (around, or lower than level 20) can create sonic booms with his strikes and can reach such speed with Martial Arts.
Being Gazef around ten levels above him, and considering the DND and RPG logic which is the Overlord verse based on, this makes him pretty much faster and stronger than Zaryusu, and consequently faster than Bete who is around Aiz's speed (who is around Subsonic+/Supersonic with Ariel).
So, before you start to flame, consider this as a base. But of course, you can always defy my reasoning. (Just don't use hyperbole, or flame, or hate speech, in that case, you will be ignored…)
RnR!
If you have questions, review, or PM, I answer as fast as I can!
Good day! Good night! Stay safe! Sail safe! See you next time!
Oblivon2991 out!
(By the way, I put up a voting poll in my profile about possible Rising of the Shield Hero crossovers... please vote! Thank you!)
CODEX:
[Capacity Building]: Increases the bodies' overall capacity
[Instant Counter]: Corrects the balance of the user, allowing them to attack continuously.
[Fortress]: A defensive art that absorbs attacks. Can be used to offset the enemies' attacks. This technique did not require a shield or sword to be used. If desired, one could activate it with one's armor or even bare hands. Of course, most people would use it when blocking with one's weapon or shield because the timing had to be exact. When using it with armor, a miscalculation would result in one being left defenseless before the foes. Therefore, most people would commonly use it with a shield or weapon.
[Kinetic Drain]: A martial art that redirects the energy coming from attacks, allowing the user to absorb and store the redirected kinetic energy, use it either for defense, or attack. This is a high level technique only a few can use as it is heavily straining for the body. In some cases the use of [Capacity Building] or similar Martial Arts necessary for the body to properly store and handle the absorbed energy.
