Is it Wrong to be the Warrior Captain in the Dungeon?
by oblivon2991
Proofread by the Members of The Usual Gang of Drunken Perverted Idiots
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!
Chapter 10: Trouble in Monsterphilia (part 1)
'Drip! Drip! Drip! Drip! Drip!'
"Hold steady!"
"Harder! Dammit! What are you? A little girl? Swing that sword like a real man!"
"Already tired? It was just the third bout around the camp! Come on! Seven more to go!"
A full armored man walked around the training field, inspecting all the soldiers doing their best, training in earnest.
Their drill sergeants were merciless, instructing and urging their men without stopping.
All around them, men wearing full sets of armor, and using real weapons for practice. Not one daring to stop for a moment but pushed themselves beyond their limit, all drenched by perspiration, their gear already soaked in the heavy rain.
Indeed, the man inspecting these brave soldiers couldn't be more proud. Many fell during the elimination process, the rest he handpicked himself to join his special unit, and not one of them let him down until now! All were doing their best to impress him and earn their place.
"Idiots…"
But after all, who would want to join his unit? He told them in the beginning: There will be no mercy, no slacking in their training. Who only wants a smooth promotion, fame, and slacking around, those will be kicked around the camp and sent away.
He cares not about who their father was, or even the fact they were noble-born or former criminals. In his unit, everyone is equal; their past did not matter!
As his training officer told him when he joined his first mercenary group: "There is no racial bigotry here! You are all equally worthless!"
Indeed, in his unit, they breathe as one, live as one, die as one. There was no place for discrimination. Only will and hard work exist here!
"Yet, after all that time… they are still here."
Indeed! How should he call such people but with the word? Who would bear with the training regime he set up? Who would stand with him despite all the odds? Who would go against even their own family to stand with him? Nothing but idiots, the bunch of them.
They were indeed stupid, not leaving earlier. They should have… left earlier.
"Yet, they remained with me…"
Even if the Empire's knight corps are said to be better trained, he won't replace any of his idiots for those fancy people. No! These idiots were his own, he nurtured them, instructed them, and they enjoyed their meals together like a family, suffered the hard times, and enjoyed the good times together.
"Why can't we enjoy more peaceful days like this?"
He wondered, enjoying the rain-freshened air that filled his lungs for a moment. Only a second later, a dreadful feeling started to fill his gullet, attacking his senses from all sides!
"Captain!"
"Wha-what's happening? The training field!?" suddenly, the once peaceful scenery changed, and now Gazef found himself in the battlefield, his men, Brain as well Climb watching him expectantly, their faces painted with hope, smiling at him expectantly.
"Gazef!"
"Captain!"
"Do your best!"
"You can do it!"
"This is…" the Katze plains. Yes, he was there once again, donned with the kingdom's treasures. He remembered this place too well, all the times he fought there and triumphed. All the time, he turned the tide with his unit! All the time, he defied the might of the Empire!
All the responsibility that started to accumulate on his shoulder year after year. All those expectant gazes.
For each time he won a battle for his king and his country, the more people expected him to win the next time too. Each time he triumphed, the more the nobles and his enemies wanted him to fall—the more assassins and plots he encountered.
"But I can't just give up! For my people, for my king, and the kindness he showed to me, I need to bear with this! I can't let them down!"
Gathering his resolve, Gazef raised his weapon, his sword-like eyes hardening once again, prepared to battle! With his men and friends around him, there was no way the enemy would triumph! There is no way he will lose!
"You let them down… all those promises were empty."
An empty voice echoed through his soul, and dread filled him as the new scenery opened.
All his men! His friends, his people, are dead! Only a few crawling around, mumbling to themselves in terror. Insanity and hopelessness pictured on their visage.
"It can't be! It can't be!"
"The wave came, and he killed everyone!"
"Wha-What are those things!?"
"Help!"
And then, the voice of terror sounded through the battlefield, once again making Gazef realize his hopeless situation.
"Meeeeeeeeeh!"
The sound of the abomination echoed through the battlefield, and what followed no mortal can describe with mere words.
'SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT! SPLAT!'
The form of five towering sheep, carrying the color of endless abyss trampled through the plains —creatures of dread, filled with gaping mouths and tentacles in the most unnatural places. Even looking at them was enough to bring forth madness! Anyone lacking strength and resolve lost their mind right away!
Such things… shouldn't exist! Even looking at them, anyone can state that their mere existence was wrong in this world! Defying all logic and reason!
"Meeeeeeeeeh!"
And that terrifying voice of theirs echoed through the whole plains. It was enough to turn away even the most courageous warriors, making them flee with their tails between their legs, like cowering curs against the raised spade!
The beings pursued the remains of the army ceaselessly, faster than their oversized and deformed bodies should have made possible, trampling anyone to death who came under their hooves—pasturing armored soldiers and horses alike to nothing more than a bloody mush.
No walls of iron or the most defiant warrior can stop them!
No weapon can penetrate their hide! No one can stand in their way! They were death incarnate!
The battlefield turned into the parade of death and despair in just a moment! There was no hope for victory! There was only death in this place!
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!?" Gazef shouted enraged, only in the next moment, a familiar laugh echoed through the field. And when he turned his gaze, a familiar figure came into his view.
"Fufufufufufu… well then, how do you like my adorable sheep? Gazef-dono?"
"Gown-dono!"
Riding on the top of the abominable black sheep, Ainz Ooal Gown rode, standing with all his splendor, defying all odds! He was the one who brought destruction to his kingdom and his people.
His face unmasked, Gazef finally realized his real nature. Yes! The once strange grinning mask, replaced by the visage of death. The look made from pure marble bones, in the sockets, sinister red dots flaming.
He was death, and Gazef stared up at him!
"Gazef!"
"Help!"
All around his men were dying, Brain and Climb were in distress. All hope is lost, just as the battle! Even with Gazef around, it was hopeless to turn the tide!
"Gown-dono! What's the meaning of this!? What have you done!?"
"Oh? You ask, what is this? It is simple, war! Stronoff-dono. War. Or would it be better-called pest control? Bow down, and swear allegiance to me, and I shall let the remaining army go. Stand against me, and everything will turn to dust! Your country will fall to my adorable sheep. Decide now, make your choice…"
Ainz snapped his fingers, and the "sheep" stopped right away, just an instant, defying every law that brought forth their vile existence. Like trained puppies, obeyed their master's dark orders.
"Gown-dono!" Despite all the horror around him, Gazef stood firm, raising his sword against the Sorcerer King, filled with resolve, he will end this madness, now! "I challenge you to a duel!"
"Will you, Stronoff-dono? Will you? So be it…" softly, Ainz commanded the dark sheep to put him down, and the creature gently grabbed him with one of their tentacles, placing him to the ground.
"… Amuse me then."
Gazef prepared himself, activating multiple martial arts at once, his body burdened to its absolute limit. But before he could start his charge, Ainz raised his skeletal hand.
"But before we start, let me ask something."
"State your question."
"Tell me… how do you want to fight, if you can't even raise your weapon?"
"What?!" raising his arms, they were only stumps, his hands were missing, akin to something perfectly separated them from his body. He was helpless, with no means to attack or defend himself.
"You didn't even recognize it, but you already failed… you let them down, Warrior Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom. You failed your purpose, Gazef Stronoff. You are… but a simple human, weak, frail, and so easily discarded…"
Once again, the empty voices haunted Gazef, filling him with the only thing he feared. The fear he will let his people down.
"Gazef…! Help…! Save the people…!" Turning towards the dying voice, King Ramposa, the third laid on the ground, his crown only a hand's reach away, the throne room devastated, no sign of the once-proud man he swore to protect present anymore — just a broken thing that pleaded to be saved.
"My king! Guh! What is this!?" Gazef couldn't move, despite all his might, he was stuck in the mud. And like an endless black sticky river of Hades, it started to consume him, pulling him down to the underworld. From it, black figures formed, dragging him down into the darkness. Without hands, he couldn't even crawl his way out.
"You let us down!"
"Warrior Captain of the Kingdom…"
"What a joke…!"
"You promised to save us, yet, you failed!"
"You are a liar… a liar!"
"You led us to our death!"
"We trusted you!"
"A failure… unable to keep his oath!"
"Grrr! Let me go!" His struggle was in vain, Ainz standing a hand's reach away yet he was unable to reach him. Without hands, he can't even grab his gown to at least pull him down with him, sink together.
"Nooo!" and thus, the black abyss consumed him, pushing him down into the endless dark, entering through his mouths, nose, and eyes, filling his insides with pure blackness and despair.
He failed! He failed his people—only the voice of that person echoing through his mind as the last farewell of his world.
"Farewell… Gazef Stronoff, I never hated you."
Gazef disappeared in the black, swallowed by the abyss, never to be seen again! This was the end of the story of the great Warrior Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom. A man who was just a step away from reaching the realm of heroes, yet, failed to scratch or even set his gaze at the throne of the gods
…
"Ahhhhhhh!"
Suddenly, the man's eyes popped open, sitting up like a flash, all his worked out body drenched in sweat, his heart racing like he activated his [Sixfold Slash of Light] technique twice in a row!
"Ha! Ha! Ha! What was this?" grabbing his head, it only takes him one moment to realize what just happened, realizing where he is. "It was just a dream?"
Yes, it must be like that. Looking around, Gazef clearly remembered renting this modest room in the tavern he chooses to be his temporary residence — the same inn he told Misha he would live for the time being.
Instinctively, he checked his side, then his neck, feeling the familiar form of a sword and the medallion he swore to protect even if it cost his life.
"Good, they are still there…" and that was a relief in itself. Three treasures already missing, the Warrior Captain would be ashamed of losing the two that were in his possession. He wouldn't dare to face his king if that happened.
"What a dream…"
Washing his face using the nearby tub of water, he started to prepare, donning his new armor and weapons.
Maybe it was not needed as his plan today was to check out that monster festival Misha spoke about, but better safe than sorry. After all, he was in an unknown environment; he needs to be prepared for everything.
"Let's hope this day will not go as bad as the last…"
Accustomed to preparing and donning his armor every day since he became a mercenary, it only took a few minutes to find his way down in the dining area of the inn.
As usual, it was a busy place, filled with adventurers, and visitors also chose this place as their temporary residence. Unlike the kingdom, this place was filled to the brim with different races — elves, dwarves, dark-skinned amazons, demi-humans, and even pallums — as Halflings were called at this place.
"Well, it is shameful to admit, but the kingdom is quite a bland place compared to this colorful band…"
It was a rare sight to see anything other than humans in the kingdom, even amongst adventurers. Gazef never really saw elves who belonged to the kingdom's adventurer's guild.
"The Empire is a different case, though…"
Yes, the Baharuth Empire had a good relationship with the dwarves, tolerated demi-humans, and elves as long as they followed their laws
"Though, they still kept elven and demi-human slaves."
In the kingdom, however, that was not the case, even the sight of a demi-human caused a big fright that warranted at least one guard unit to go investigate the case, or the nearby adventurers to intervene.
"Well… different countries, different customs, I guess…"
Shrugging, Gazef proceeded to the barkeeper.
"Oi!"
"Hmm?" The dwarf barkeep glanced at Gazef, handing away the ordered pitcher of beer to the waitress. "What can I do for you?"
He was in a much better mood than the last day, maybe because he was fresh and yet to get annoyed by the patrons of the day.
"May I know how to reach the arena where the monster festival takes place?"
"Hmph! That's easy, just follow the crowd of people, or better catch a taxi and get there yourself."
"Taxi?" Gazef tilted his head confused. The word itself was familiar; he just didn't remember where he heard it.
"Maybe a foreign word? Ah! I remember, there was a thing called like that in the city-states."
Back when he was younger, he visited the Karnassus City-State Alliance. It was a vastly different place than the kingdom was, a lot more advanced too if he might say this.
There, professional carriage drivers transported the people inside the city, offering their services for a fee that was determined by the city council.
"Ah, I get it. Thanks…"
"Sure…" the dwarf sweatdropped. He didn't really say anything helpful if you asked him.
"Gazef-san!"
"Oh!"
"Finally! I found you."
"Misha-dono. Why are you breathing that hard, is something wrong? What happened? " The girl tried to catch her breath. It was like she ran a marathon and just now trying to catch up with her breathing.
"I-I…," she gulped down her saliva, wiping her sweat away. "I was looking for you all morning! Why didn't you tell me which inn you reside in!?"
"But I told you…" indeed, he told Misha before delving in the dungeon. How is it his fault she can't find it?
"Don't be mean! Zeff-san! I mixed up the buildings! There are several inns with the same name in the city, ok?! I searched all morning, which inn you referred to! You should be specific next time…" shrugged the girl, annoyed and tired.
"Really?" Gazef raised his brow, having no idea that was the case.
"Oh? Is that so?" glancing at the dwarf bartender, waiting for an explanation. "Anything to add, my dwarf friend?"
"Heh… why are you so surprised? Our inns are all named the same, owned by the same person. There are at least three of them in this city." the dwarf explained with a smug smile.
"Still… to name them the same? Isn't it confusing for the people?" Misha pouted slightly offended. "Didn't the guild forbid business-owners from giving their businesses the same name? " Yes, even according to her best memories, there is a rule that forbids that.
"Oh, I see… that's the case."
Everything was clear now.
Being Gazef doesn't have time to learn how to read yet; he just asked the name of the inn from the innkeeper when he arrived — no matter how strange the man looked at him at first, that was the sad fact.
After this, he just simply told it to Misha in the guild. He had no idea such ploys were pulled with names. If he could just read street names, all of this could have been avoided, but being that they were written with the same text he can't read, it couldn't be helped.
"I need to learn the local written language as soon as I can."
"The owner is pretty much a joker. He just puts a number after the names, then making it blend in the background or in the name itself on the sign above the entrance." the dwarf explained.
Of course, in the local documents, it's all clearly stated which establishment is which, and their correct address. This is why it was strange for Misha, and hard to decide which inn Gazef really resided.
"Guuuh! That cheater!" Misha raged, shaking her fist, angry.
Because of that person, she had to search for the whole city for Gazef, only finding him now.
"Say this to the owner… not me." With that, the dwarf barkeep left them on their own devices, going on to serve the other guests.
"Ummm… Misha-dono?"
"Huh?"
"May I ask, why are you looking for me? Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Ah! That! Right!" she cleared her throat, starting her explanation. "The guild master sent me to keep an eye on you during the monster festival. As he put it: we can't let anything disturb this important event! Not a suspicious annoyance like this Zeff fellow."
"I-I see…" Gazef blinked perplexedly.
Yes, he may not look the most trustworthy person, also, the accidents that happened since coming here might point towards him being up to no good.
In that light… It was utterly relatable he might be an annoyance in the eyes of the guild master who already made an exception with him. Not only accepting him not having a Familia but looking over his other blunders.
"Still, to call me a "suspicious annoyance"?" This was a little bit much.
"Ah! Sorry, I shouldn't have told this to you. My bad." Misha visibly regretted mentioning this, blushing intensely.
"No, I understand…" Gazef sighed, accepting the judgment. "I didn't plan to visit the dungeon anyway. At least, today… a person who actually knows the city might be useful to guide me in this event."
"Ah! I see! Splendid!" the girl beamed, nodding her head rapidly and clapped her hands together. "Then, please entrust yourself to me!"
"I will do so, please, take care of me."
"This way then! There is much to see! And very little time to enjoy!" with that, filled with energy, the girl headed out, leading the way towards the festival.
"Why do I feel this will end badly for me…" Gazef did not even suspect how his foresight would burden him later.
Scene Change: Not Far From the Arena: In a café:
This place was always filled with people, but now, it was extra busy with all the extra people coming here from all across the world.
Indeed, the Monsterphilia was a matter of fact, the most profitable event of all Orario.
This place was not only filled with people, but because of the event, many new street stalls also opened in the hope of some extra profit. Restaurants and other shops filled to the brim, not an inch of free space from the bustling crowd of people.
Not far from this scene, on the second floor of a café, a lone person sat, covered by a simple cloak and hood. But even this ragged and brash guise couldn't hide who she is! Even through this dirty rag, her beauty and the air of allure filtered out.
Strangely, the second floor was entirely silent, the people sitting almost like some oddly strong charm affected them, eyes clouded, mouth practically drooling. Only the cloaked person sitting near the window moved, tilting her head ever slightly as she watched the scenery outside.
"Oi! We arrived!" The next moment, two people entered this small scenery.
One was a goddess — evidently obvious from the aura she released — with bright red hair and almost closed line like eyes.
The second was a girl with golden eyes and hair, her beauty even comparable to the gods who said to be beauty incarnate. The girl was silent, yet, she can't help but pick the lone silver lock of hair peeking out from the carefully arranged hood.
"Welcome, Loki."
"Hehe! Likewise! Sorry, the traffic was high…"
"I see…" the silver-haired goddess hummed, glancing at the blonde girl curiously. "So when are you going to introduce that girl standing behind you?"
"Huh? Ya' need introductions?"
"This is the first time we've met face-to-face."
The hooded goddess turned her silver eyes toward the human girl. Aiz felt her senses being blurred by some kind of illusion the moment she made eye contact.
This goddess was the leader of what some people in Orario considered to be the strongest of all familias, one that was on equal footing with Loki Familia.
A goddess who was both stunningly beautiful and yet scary enough to be referred to as "the Witch."
The Goddess Freya.
"Kay', then, this is my Aiz. That enough for ya? Aiz, this is a goddess — ya should at least say hello."
"…Nice to meet you." Aiz replied, quiet.
The green-haired elf, Riveria, was the most beautiful person Aiz met until now. However, the goddess sitting in the chair by the window was so perfect that her looks were superior to a high elves, leaving her in the dust.
Freya was a diamond among diamonds. She was so alluring that it was clearly stated by many — no mortal could resist her charms. Even other deities couldn't help but be attracted to her.
That was why every other customer in the café sat transfixed. The cloak covering her body made almost no difference.
Since gods didn't age, her intimidating good looks would last for eternity, whether she liked it or not.
Freya wasn't the only one, but she stood out from the rest of them, her beauty surpassed everyone amongst her kind.
"She is very cute. And also…Yes. I can see why you've taken a liking to this one." Freya mumbled, smiling in a friendly manner at the blonde girl, and the two sat down, earning a nod from the goddess.
The rumors describing this goddess weren't exaggerating. The woman's perfectly symmetrical face and seductive proportions, barely recognizable beneath the cloak, but this much was enough to make Aiz's heart race. Freya's beauty transcended gender, causing all who laid eyes on her to become enamored. Her allure was spellbinding.
"Can I ask why you brought the Kenki here with you?"
"He-he-he-he-heeee…! It's the fair, yeah? What better time for a date with my Aizuu?"
Loki had gone into her own little world, completely ignoring the presence of Freya and Aiz, but it only took one moment to return to her usual self, reaching to her Aiz to pull her closer.
"…Well, that, my adorable Aizu, is finally back from an expedition. If I leave her alone, she'll be back in the Dungeon in no time. That's just who she is."
"…" Freya remained silent, listening to the small explanation.
"Someone's gotta tell her to relax, don't they?"
Aiz looked at her goddess for a moment before letting her gaze fall to the floor, receiving Loki's light pet on the back of her head.
A slightly bitter smile grew on Freya's thin lips before the atmosphere surrounding the two deities became heavy. Their conversation was about to become much more severe.
"So, why do ya invited me here? Is something of the matter?"
It seems, Loki had enough small talk and wanted to get right to the point. She could tell something was strange about Freya, and it was making her nervous. Her first indication was the Banquet a few days ago. Freya hadn't attended one in eons. Why the sudden change?
Loki Familia and Freya Familia.
There was a lot of competition in Labyrinth City, and those two groups currently held the most prestige and influence in a never-ending power struggle.
Should one of them show weakness, the other would jump at the first opportunity to gain an advantage. The two goddesses had a relatively good relationship, but that also meant they couldn't afford to ignore each other. Loki was here to make sure that Freya knew there would be consequences should she try to stir up trouble.
The second floor of the café was suddenly empty. The aura emanating from the two deities had become ominously overwhelming, and the patrons wanted to avoid the oncoming storm. The only mortal left was Aiz. She calmly watched the two goddesses from her side of the table, her aloof expression still intact.
The only sound that could be heard was the commotion coming in from the street outside.
"Ah, a man, isn't it…?"
Freya's expression barely twitched; this can only mean one thing!
"Or… more? Oh my!" Finally, Loki realized what was going on, making her laugh out loud.
The tension in the room suddenly lifted as Freya smiled from ear to ear.
Loki just sighed and massaged her temple.
"So…Ya got an eye for not one, but more than one child already from another Familia, I take it?"
Loki mumbled a few things under her breath—how pointless this was, and a few more other things.
"…" Freya didn't say anything, just giggled to herself softly, enjoying her fellow goddess growing confusion.
"Geez, woman, is that all ya think about? Ya' go after anyone, young or old?"
"How rude. I do have standards." this was the truth, she wouldn't go after any simple soul, just the most special ones.
"Leavin' out all the bumblin' idiots from Tenkai, you pull fast ones on?"
"They have their uses. It's so easy to get money out of them."
The two goddesses paused, the air thick once again.
Loki grinned.
"And?"
"…?"
"Who's the guy? What child is ya after now? When'd ya find 'em?"
"…"
"I came all the way out here, changed my plans, got worked up for no reason. I have the right ta know."
Freya just glanced out the window as Loki went on a short rant.
One lock of her silver hair tumbled out from under the hood as she moved her head ever slightly.
"…One of them is not that strong. Weak, if you compare him to the children in our familias. Easily upset, he starts bawling at the simplest of problems. That kind of child he is. Yet, he's beautiful, pure. I've never seen anything like him. He took my breath away, and I couldn't help but fall for him. As for the other, well..."
Freya's voice sounded like that of a mother bragging about her beloved son, yet, before she could continue, her breath became haphazard, even gasping for a moment as she glanced out of the window.
"Freya?" Loki tilted her head, and it was like she blinked with her line-shaped eyes, confused why her friend/rival stopped so suddenly. "Come on! Don't let me down!"
"He is… deep. I have never seen someone like him before. So alien, his will... defies the heavens. Almost like a beacon in the dark, strong and unfaltering even against the greatest opposition, yet, he rather avoids fights. Ah… how strange, they are almost like the opposites of each other…"
"Huh?" Loki blinked utterly perplexed. What stupidity this woman spoke about?
"What da ya mean?"
"Can I ask something?"
"Well, what da' ya think? Asking always free!" Loki laughed mysteriously, a laugh Aiz long ago grew accustomed to hearing. Her goddess is up to something, and that is no good, she could feel it!
"What would you do? Nurture one fruit carefully in the hope you harvest it with the best result? Or try to cultivate two in the same garden, risking losing both?" Freya lowered her head, her eyes going blank for a moment.
"Huh? Why ask me? What do ya' mean?" Loki asked, surprised, starching the back of her head stunned.
She was entirely confused about why this woman asks such a thing from her. She is up to something, and that is no good! She felt it! "Wouldn't it be better asking Soma such things? He gardens a lot; he might know it…" albeit, asking that fellow would most likely end with no result. He most likely would ignore even Freya; he was one of the few who only cared about his hobby, and nothing else.
"Hell! That guy only has a Familia to support his hobby!" A really tasteful hobby Loki might add. She was basically addicted to those "failures," the man released for sale.
"Can't I ask the opinion of a friend?"
"Tch! Of course, ya can!" Loki's face twitched in annoyance.
"…" Freya just stared at her with that soft gaze of hers; a stare that immensely annoyed the goddess of trickery.
"Tch! Fine!" Loki folded her fingers before her face, akin trying to look tactical. "Nurturing one is a safer bet, nurturing two risks they will take the nutrients from each other and both die. But you also get a bigger reward if ya' are lucky and do ya' job right. That's what ya wanted to hear? Geez!"
"Just as expected, Loki, you are always a big help!" Freya's smile brightened, her thin lips stretching to their limits. It was not her usual "false" smile, but a truly honest one Loki seldom saw her showing to others, a grin that scared even her.
"Wha…?" Loki starched her head confused. "I have no yapping idea what ya' mean!"
"…"
The deity's mind went blank as she glanced out of the window, following the path of a certain individual.
"I apologize. Something has come up."
"Ehh?"
"Let's do this again soon."
With that, Freya left, leaving the confused Aiz and Loki alone.
"Tch! That damn woman…" Loki's half-closed eyes opened wider. She already suspected who Freya aimed to.
One target at least, the other, she had no idea, but he as well must have a great worth if Freya set her gaze on him.
"How troublesome… and when I thought I had some more time…" Loki muttered slightly concerned, biting her thumb.
Freya set her gaze on the same person like her; it was evident. "Well, two can play the game. Don't think I will let such a prize go to anyone else! Whether you are the goddess of beauty or not! This will be my win!"
She can't allow that! She needs to play carefully! And just now, her already set plan gained further steps, increasing in complexion.
"Come, Aizuu! Let's eat something! I am famished!"
…
Meanwhile, outside of the café, the street was so full that it was difficult to move forward. However, the abundance of beautiful fresh flowers and other decorations not generally seen on the buildings made it worth the hassle. Long ropes ran from rooftop to rooftop across the street above everyone's heads.
Flags bearing the official logo of the Monsterphilia and the elephant mask of Ganesha Familia hung down from them in such abundance that they cast shadows over the crowd while dancing in the breeze.
The food stalls in the middle of the road drew in many lines of customers with an appetizing mix of amazing smells and the sound of searing meat. Juicy fried chicken and fresh beef came off the flames of grills at a record pace, the vendors trying to keep up with the ravenous fairgoers ever intense.
The Monsterphilia was in full swing. There wasn't a frowning face to be seen.
"So, Zeff-san…"
"Hmm?"
After taking a coach — also called Taxi here — Misha and Zeff reached a square that settles not far from the arena. Unfortunately, the crowd was still too thick; the taxi can't take them much farther.
"So… where did you get that armor? You went shopping last day?"
"Ah… this?" Gazef tapped his new armor, proud he found a piece that fits him so well. "Yeah, last day I visited the tower. I had some free time on my hands, so I decided to replace my worn armor."
"Ah! I see…" Misha hummed. "Still, wouldn't it be better to go together? There are certain shopkeepers even in the tower who tends to swindle newcomers. If they would…" she bit her lip.
It was shameful, but she was afraid the one sold this armor to Gazef might con him. He is new in this city, coming from far, not knowing their customs.
Even with the guild's strict regulations and checkups, she heard cases when someone cheated on the customer and sold inferior quality items to them.
Such cases usually only happen in back alley shops — as no shopkeeper with an able mind would want to risk their hard-earned place in the tower — still, small cons happened from time to time, minor trades that went unnoticed.
That's why… better safe than sorry. In this case, Eina's overly paranoid opinion was right. Newcomers should not be too daring and rather ask their advisers to help even with the most basic things — such as buying equipment.
"Don't worry." Zeff smiled encouragingly. "I have my fair share of experience with armors and weapons; I recognize quality if I see it."
"Ah! Then I am glad." Misha sighed, relieved, still pouted a little bit.
Visiting the tower together would be the perfect chance to know this mysterious man — she advised — a little bit better.
She will be scolded once again by Royman, not managing to gain any new information from him.
Albeit, it was not her only motivation for doing so. Zeff looked like a nice man, also quite handsome. As a girl, she had her preferences; it was no sin to want to know someone better who was handsome and nice after all.
"Well, Eina already did so with that Bell kid. Why couldn't I too?"
Still, the local head of the guild was quite unfriendly, and at once, paranoid. Between Misha and himself, he even ordered her to relay every information about Zeff directly to him — even personal matters if it comes to that.
It was quite against her work ethic to share confidential info about her client — also, it went against the guild rules. "But I suppose, this, or being fired."
There was not much choice in the matter; she was a simple employee; meanwhile, Royman directly answered to the gods. Nonetheless, she hoped she would relay nothing that may negatively affect the man.
She had known him only for a few days, but aside from wanting to keep secret where he really came from and being too reckless; he was really nice with her.
"So… do you know anything about that girl?"
"Girl?" Misha blinked, surprised, not understanding which "girl" Gazef referred to — also quite confused as her attention wandered away for a moment.
"The one I saved two days ago."
"Ah! That…" Misha pondered herself for a moment. "Not as I can recall. You know, I was not there. I only get the information from you. Why do you ask?"
"Not important, I was just curious if she survived or not, that's all."
"Have you perchance fallen for her?" a smug, teasing smile formed on the girl's face, moving her brows up and down. "Fufufu! Zeff-san is in love?"
"Hardly…" Gazef smiled back, unconcerned by the teasing. "I was just curious if carrying her back was worth the effort."
Of course, it was worth it! Saving a life or trying to do so is always worth the effort.
It is not always possible, but in the margin of possibility, one had to try to save as many lives as they can, this is what Gazef believed with all his heart.
"Spoilsport…" The girl pouted, seeing she can't affect the towering warrior. "My effort to tease wasted on you."
"I am sorry…" Gazef apologized with a bitter smile, even if it was not necessary.
"Please, just let me go home!"
"Hmm… that voice…" In the next moment, his attention, however, was yanked towards the familiar voice.
"Goddess, please! You promised you would come with us!"
"Yeah! You said we would visit the festival and go out a little bit together. You promised!"
"Bu-But, there are so many people! I DON'T WANNA! JUST LET ME RETURN TO MY SHOP! Aside from that… I promised that weeks ago. YOU CAN'T EXPECT ME TO PROMISE SOMETHING THAT FAR AHEAD! IT IS COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE!"
"It is hopeless…"
"Why do we even try…?" the elf and the amazon near the goddess started to sulk, their effort all in vain, it was hopeless to convince her.
"She is here?" Gazef glanced towards the familiar voice, spotting three individuals near the fountain.
"What do you mean?"
"If you excuse me, Misha-dono, I spotted someone I know."
"Ah, yes, right…"
Gazef and the girl made their way to the reluctant goddess, suffering her exposure of the real world.
"Toth-dono!"
"…" the petite goddess looked up from hiding behind her knees, under her eyes the substantial signs of her depression and tears. Yet, seeing the towering warrior, her eyes started to sparkle right away. "Ah, it is you."
"Goddess, do you know this man?" a scrawny elf with brown hair and blue eyes asked suspiciously, standing not far from the goddess. His clothes quite plain, making him blend well in the crowd.
"Ah, yes, he is one of my customers." answered the introvert goddess, almost forgetting her depressed state. "Ah! I must look like a mess…" her face went red, sulking she buried her head between her knees once again.
"Please, just ignore me, and proceed, we can speak in my shop." she was not in the state to speak with anyone. That was obvious; she just wanted to disappear from the world.
"Ah, Toth-dono, please don't be like that. If anything is bothering you, you can tell me."
"Why are you even here…?" she raised her head slightly, just to lower it once again with a red face. "Never mind..." she messed up big time! Why did she ask for such stupid things! She is truly a worthless goddess! Now… a truly depressive aura radiated from her that was almost visible. Like always, she messed up big time!
"Ah, that…" Gazef chuckled light-hearted. "Like everyone else, I came to witness the monster festival. According to Misha-dono, it is an event a newcomer can't miss."
"Ah… I see." hummed Toth, subtly nodding her head.
"Ah, goddess…" Misha softly tried to cheer her up, but she only earned a glare from the petite deity.
"Who are you?"
"Ah! I am his adviser, Misha Flott; it is an honor to meet you, Lady Toth," she tried to be friendly, but only earned a glare from her.
"Umu… I see." her glare was piercing, making Misha feel uncomfortable. It was almost like a predator measured her from head to toe.
"Ah, Zeff-san… Did I say something wrong?"
"I don't think so…" and Gazef could only scratch his face confused.
"…" an awkward silence descended between the two groups, yet, it didn't last long, as the amazon member of the familia took the lead. Like most of her kind, she was quite open and witty with her ways — wearing a revealing top and a short skirt, having black hair and onyx eyes — quite a beauty even amongst her kind.
"Ah! But we haven't been really introduce, I am Marion Brunenth, and this oaf here is Sildur Earyndil." she patted the back of the scrawny elf, making the young man shudder in annoyance.
"I hate when you do this."
"Come on! Be a little cheerful! This is a good day, we finally meet the people goddess trades with!"
"I see it is nice to meet the family of Toth-dono. I am Zeff, one of her… well, as she said, the customer. Now introductions are done, may I ask, have you also come for the monster festival? " it was quite obvious; nonetheless, Gazef asked anyway — manners dictated he do so.
"Ah, yes! But as you can see…" Brunenth glanced at Toth, who pulled her knees in a hug once again, shuddering and trying to look as small as she could. "… Haaaah! The goddess is not really… well, you know. Doesn't really like crowds and people in general. She would rather remain home amongst her books and read all day."
"How unfortunate." Gazef glanced at the shuddering goddess — who tried to look as small as possible.
Her tanned skin slowly paled as all the blood poured to her face. Indeed, she was ashamed to show this side of her before one of her best-paying customers — as well as before a person she wanted to recruit just a few days ago.
"I knew a few people like her; it is all about the approach to make them open a little."
"You don't say…" the elf member of the familia muttered sarcastic, only to receive the elbow of the amazon on his side. "Auu! Hey!"
"Earyndil…!"
"Tch! Sorry…" reluctantly, but the boy apologized.
"May I try?"
"Go ahead. We are out of options." offered Marion, tiredly shrugging.
"Hmm, what to do?" Gazef pondered for a moment, trying to recall the time when he had to deal with civilians and scared children.
In fact, as the first warrior of the kingdom — and as a mercenary — he witnessed burnt down villages and ruined towns many times, often having to go and secure the citizens here.
"Scared civilians or even orphaned children was not a rare sight…" that's why he needed to learn how to deal with such situations.
Dragging them out by force was obviously a poor choice and would come with more harm than good.
Instead, it was better to use diplomacy and reassure the civilians' everything will be "ok," and they are safe now as he and his men were around. It comes with much better results..
"Yeah… I needed to take care not to ruin his majesty's reputation." as the first warrior of the kingdom, his actions not only mirrored on himself but directly affected the king and the royal faction.
That's why he always needed to walk with open eyes, and take care to avoid even minor blunders.
"Not to mention most normal mercenary bands took care of their reputation. They didn't butcher civilians but rather helped them when they had the chance. It gave them a reputation boost and better chances to be hired again." at least, that was the case of the reputable mercenary bands he served and knew.
A regulated band is much more likely to be hired by the nobles than a group of uncontrollable ruffians who would most likely rape the Lord's own serfs and turn their back on their own contractor for a little bit of bribe. They were unreliable to employ as the main force in any well-structured army and were hard to control.
Such people are usually only employed as cannon fodder or sent to the enemy's heartland to cause chaos and mayhem.
"Misha-dono, can you get some blankets?" Gazef finally came up with a solution after some thinking. "As well as some cheap street food, if you may."
"Ah, here?" the girl blinked perplexedly. "And street food? Can't you buy that for yourself?"
"A simple cloak is enough, with a hood if it's possible. As for the food, well, you will soon see its purpose."
"Oh! I see, wait a moment!" the girl was familiar with this place. Leaving, it only took a few minutes for her to return with a cloak that had a hood, and some simple grilled meat wrapped in a pita.
"Here it is!" She presented the simple cloth to Gazef, as well as handed him the street food. "It's not much, but this is the best I could find under such a short time constraint "
"Ah, thanks…" Gazef hummed satisfied. "Toth-dono, could you don this?"
"Umm… why?" timidly, the goddess looked up.
"Trust me, it will be better."
Toth reluctantly accepted the offer, donning the simple cloth, pulling up the hood in order to cover her face. After this, Gazef handed her the simple meal which she started to gnaw on slowly.
"Better?"
"I suppose…" she muttered, looking up at the man.
"Now, then, we shouldn't waste more time here."
"Bu-But, there are so many people, can't we just return to my shop?"
"Well…" Gazef looked around. "I suppose you can. But do you want to disappoint these kids? You know, the sooner you get through this, the earlier you can go home, and they look quite insistent dragging you along. Trust me; it will be better getting through this sooner than later." Gazef placed his hands on her thin shoulder, making her face flustered.
"Ah…"
"Please?" Gazef offered his friendliest smile, making the small goddess stunned for a moment.
"You are not helping…" she pouted, looking away slightly resentfully in the end.
"I know, but isn't it better to get through it?" Once more, he offered his hand, and the goddess sighed, blushing slightly.
"I suppose, you are right…" in the end, she accepted Gazef's offer, standing up, consoling herself with her simple meal.
"Unbelievable!"
"H-He made her go along?"
"Just like that?!"
"Eh!? It is that hard?" Misha asked, confused, eying the two children, who only gulped and nodded in return.
"Ye-Yeah…"
"Lady Toth is pretty hard to convince to do what she doesn't want."
"Yeah, even now, we urged her to come with us for literal weeks, and she froze when we reached this place. We have been here for a literal hour, and she just didn't want to move!"
"Ah! How fortunate…" Misha sweatdropped.
Honestly, she knew well enough that the different gods and goddesses who descended into the mortal realm could be very… eccentric. Each of them have their own kinks and habits. But this? It just sounded extreme!
"Let's get going before we miss this event, shall we?"
"O-Ok…" holding Gazef's hand, finally, Toth had enough courage to walk forth, closing behind the reliable warrior captain and looking around insecurely. Like a small child, following the reliable father holding hands, gnawing, and holding on the handful of street food with her other hand.
Meanwhile, not far from them, watching this scene, a pair of silvery eyes followed the exchange with great anticipation.
"Ah… that color!" She bit her lip hard; her whole body is trembling with pleasure.
Even amidst the thick crowd, she spotted him right away, his soul unique, never witnessing something as special and alien before! Like a beacon amidst the darkness, shining bright in the abyss, and when he helped that poor little child, it flared up even more!
She can't take it anymore!
It was too much!
She wanted him!
She wanted him now!
She wanted to know him!
Know his secrets!
Find out why he is different!
How can he resist her!?
She wanted to be treated like that child, adored, and cared for!
Not like a goddess, but a simple person!
Even now… Freya can barely stand still, keeping her regal pose, pulling her scarf over her alluring face!
"Haah… Haaah!"
Her breath was hot, almost steaming, making the cloth before her face wet!
This was not enough! Yes! She wanted more!
"Ah! What is this? Oh my…"
Only a moment later, slightly moving her head, her gaze met the other children her eyes set on—the second unique soul in this bland town walking through the same area the man just left.
"Ah… what to do? Pursuing one is doable, but two special souls? It might be dangerous…"
She pondered for a moment, but only for a moment because, in the next, determination filled her soul!
"Yes! I can do it! I will ripen them… I will harvest them! Ah! I can't wait…"
Her legs… her whole body trembled in anticipation, barely able to stand from the excitement.
Yes! Coincidence? Hardly! Fate wanted her to hunt! Fate wanted her to risk this gamble and collect both special souls! Nurture them to the ripest fruits and harvest them! Add them to her ever-growing collection!
Yes! Today… she will make her opening steps. Today, her greatest gamble will begin! A gamble… even she didn't know how it would end. If it will lead to her fall, or the greatest pleasure, even Freya was unable to divine.
Only one thing was sure; she can't wait to start her hunt!
A/N:
So… this is it for now!
Hopefully, it was good enough for now!
The next chapter is already typed (packed with action and excitement!) and handed to the proofreaders, so, don't worry, it will come once they are finished with it!
RnR!
Read and Review!
Stay safe! Sails Safe! Good day! Good night! Good morning!
Send a review or PM if you have further questions.
