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 11: Trouble in Monsterphilia (part 2)


"Owaaaa!"

The crowd erupted in an ear-shattering cheer at the display of sheer athleticism. The Fifty thousand strong crowd in the stands created a whirlpool of energy. The audience was livid as it bore witness to the performance on the stadium floor

The stadium, Anphiteatom, was located in Eastern Orario.

The curtain had just been lifted on Monsterphilia's main event. Thousands of citizens filed into the stadium to witness the spectacle.

The Lygerfang and many similarly vicious dungeon dweller beasts had been captured for just this purpose. It kicked off the stadium floor, intent on mauling the tamer in its way. The tiger-like beast not only was overwhelmingly strong, but its speed was too great for any average man.

However, the Ganesha Familia' s tamer was unfazed. She aptly dodged all of the Lygerfang charges, much to the delight of the crowd who started to get even more pumped with each passing second.

This battle was very similar to a bullfight. An attractive person in flashy clothing faced down a beast armed with a whip and a cape. The creature charged many times, but the tamer dodged by the smallest of margins.

It was her mission to tame the beast, not kill it. Seeing her calm demeanor in the face of life-threatening danger inspired awe and respect among the audience.

They wanted to see more. They applauded every time the tamer emerged from a charge without a scratch on her.

The monster's bloodcurdling roars were amplified throughout the stadium by magic stone microphones to make sure even people in the upper deck seats got the full impact of the show. The stadium was absolutely electric.

"Wow! Did you see that?"

"I have eyes, of course, I saw that. Stop yanking me!" The pale elf started to get nauseous due to how much his lively amazon companion yanked him. She was pumped up, and getting excited more and more by the great show!

"Amazing!" Misha clapped joyfully.

Of course, they met Eina near the entrance. As usual, she was not that delighted with the event. But… oh well, she never enjoyed anything that implied danger or sending people to the dungeon — in fact, Misha doesn't even know if Eina ever enjoyed anything that remotely connected to anything exciting or interesting.

But even she admitted that the festival was needed. Or else, the common man wouldn't be able to see the adventurers in their true light — as fierce fighters who are protecting them against the monsters lurking below.

The guild needed this festival, just as well the city and the people. It kept their spirit and hopes high, painting the picture that everything was all right, and the guild kept everything under check and control.

"Hmm, not bad…"

"Not bad? Zeff-san! Not bad!?" Misha reprimanded the man. "This is the greatest show of all Orario, and you say, not bad!?"

"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to belittle it. It's just that I've seen similar things before, that's it…" as well as, participated in an arena fight, so all of this was not new for Gazef.

The monster was different, true, but the method was the same.

"Ah! Really?"

"Really…" Gazef hummed in return.

Suddenly, a familiar white-haired boy and a black-haired goddess came to his attention, walking amidst the lower rows with a confused look on their faces. They looked like they were searching for something, or rather someone.

"Heh! I wonder who that is…" Gazef chuckled, lowering his head for a moment. It must be that; in the lower rows, there were still a few places to sit.

"That's cheating! You said you didn't see a Monsterphelia before!" The adviser pouted angry, giving a glare to the warrior captain.

"Well, we didn't call it that where I came from, but the events I witnessed are all similar."

"Just similar?" Misha blinked. "What's the difference?"

"Hmm… let's see." Gazef thought about it for a moment. "As you know, I came from a very far place."

"That's quite obvious…" muttered the pink-haired adviser sarcastically, and the two Familia members just nodded in agreement.

Seeing the foreigner features of Gazef — and feeling the air of an outsider around him — he sticks out from the crowd quite evidently. There was no doubt about that.

"But I suppose, many people pass Orario day after day. Some are coming from places I never heard before…" Misha encounters many types of people under her work; still, Zeff was somehow different. She can't place why; he just felt different.

"We might not have a place like a dungeon, but believe me, plenty of dangerous beasts lurk outside, plenty of ancient ruins left behind after the demise of the demon gods…"

The last part, Gazef only muttered, but Toth nonetheless raised her head, hearing that small whisper even amidst the roar of people. Indeed, her hearing was exceptionally good, even amongst the gods.

"Huh? Demon… gods?" muttered the small goddess confused. The first time since arriving in this crowded place, something managed to draw her attention from her insecurity. Surrounded by so many people really burdened her substantially.

"Ah! Forgive me, I strayed from the topic. It is a tale from the land where I come from. I will tell you about it later."

"Ok…" she wanted to hear more about these "demon gods" — as Toth was a great collector of tales and legends — yet, she never heard about these "demon gods." "What kind of gods call themselves demon gods?"

It was all confusing…

"Owaa!"

"Tch!" she clicked her tongue, annoyed in the next moment.

Once more, that damn noise! People around don't even let her think! "Why are they so damn noisy!?"

No… It wasn't important right now. She would rather remain silent for the time being. Anyway, too many people were around. One can't tell a tale and hope others enjoy it with this many people around.

"Ah, what did you say, Zeff-san? I can't really hear it from the roar!" Misha shouted as another roar washed through the crowd, it seems, she didn't hear what Gazef just said a moment ago.

"As said… Plenty of people are willing to fight in arenas like this for good coin or fame. The people usually enjoy a good fight, and want some change in their boring lives. Events like this gave them the excitement they sought for, without risking their lives on top of that. Back home, arena fights were an extremely profitable business.. Be it against monsters or each other; people always liked such things."

Many claimed that demi-humans and other monsters were beasts, only enjoying bloodshed and the suffering of others — some even committing heinous acts going against every human norm.

"They are monsters?" Many may ask.

Probably, some may even be called that way by the norm. But if they are monsters, so are humans and every other sentient being..

Indeed, many times Gazef witnessed humans commit crimes against their own brethren, far more gruesome than any monster. Crimes that would most likely fill those "monsters" with dread due to the nature of the acts people committed against their own kind.

The difference is… monsters and demi-humans most of the time are controlled by their instinct, it was their very nature to act as they did. But humans? Humans did it due to circumstance and willingly committing those dark acts, some even enjoying it — acting cruelly only for the sake of the joy of cruelty.

"But should we hate them for what they did?" many would say yes. Many would wish for their death for what they did, blinded by their own grief and deluded sense of justice.

Gazef? He had his own dark past. He knew it too well; everyone has their own story, their reason why they reached the conclusion of their life that led them to act that way. It was their own.

The reason that twisted and pushed them to the most bottomless darkest abyss was human malice. A depth, which may even pierce the virtue of the most righteous gods, and push the vilest devil in despair.

Everyone has their own story; Gazef was no one to judge them. In fact, if not that certain person yanking him back from the dark path he strayed towards, his ambition and pride would have absorbed him, leading to his death eventually.

"It is all point of view after all… Huh?" he muttered, earning a subtle gaze from Toth, who sat near him.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN! APPLAUD SILYVYA, THE GREAT TAMER OF GANESHA FAMILIA!"

Applause and cheer echoed through the Anphiteatom, and the tamer bowed proudly, instructing the beast on her side to do the same.

"A SMALL BREAK WILL FOLLOW UNTIL WE PREPARE THE ARENA FOR THE NEXT PARTICIPANT! UNTIL THEN! PLEASE VISIT THE BUFFET FILLED WITH MANY DELICIOUS SPECIALITY! DON'T FORGET! THE MONSTERPHILIA WILL CONTINUE IN A HALF HOUR!"

"Haah! My butt is so numb!" Sildur stood up, stretching his limbs.

"Ah… you are right; we should take a walk." noted his amazon companion. "Goddess, do you want to come?"

"…" Toth just shook her head, pulling together her cloak, and her knees in her hug.

"I agree, taking a walk never hurt." Gazef stood up, cracking his neck by tilting it.

"Ah! Right. But won't our seats be taken if we leave?"

"That's a possibility, in that case, some of us should stay here, to save our seats."

"Umu…"

"Ah, right!"

'Grrr!' in the next moment, the loud growls were audible, coming from the direction of not one, but four people.

"I see, it seems. You are hungry. One more reason for some of us to go and get some food."

"Ah! You are right! Sildur, please, bring something yummy! I'll remain with the goddess."

"Right…" Albeit, slightly reluctantly, but the boy agreed, he didn't trust this Zeff figure yet, rather remained far from him.

"Ah, she isn't here either…" Bell muttered, disappointed, looking around in the bustling crowd.

Since morning, he searched for Syr to give her the purse she left in the Hostess of Fertility, yet, luck eluded him, not managing to find her after searching for her all morning.

The amount of people made his task even harder, he just couldn't find the waitress no matter how hard he tried.

"Bell-kun, you should give up. We searched everywhere for that girl, yet, we couldn't find her anywhere! I bet she left her purse at home and asked her co-worker to send you after her just to hinder our date! That crafty wench… I bet it was her plan all along." Hestia pouted as she muttered, visibly frustrated this task ruined her date with Bell.

"Goddess, please, don't say that. Syr-chan is not like that. I am sure she just forgot her purse!"

"Either way, it ruins our date. I am officially mad at her! Hmph!"

"…" Bell sweatdropped. His goddess sometimes really is a child, jealous without reason.

"Bell-kun! It is official; you need to compensate me for this blunder!"

"Ah, I try my best…"

"You better!" grinned the raven-haired beauty.

"Ughhh! Zeff-san! That was too much!"

"As I said, it is my treat…"

"That much money just for food? We could never pay it back. We will go bankrupt… that's it…"

"That voice…" Bell muttered, clearly recognizing the voice, turning towards the direction he heard it.

"Zeff-san?"

"Ah, young Bell."

In the next moment, someone familiar approached him, accompanied by three other people — holding food in their hands.

"I see you enjoying this festival." Zeff smiled and winked subtly, looking between Hestia and Bell.

The goddess is holding Bell's arm like it was her own property. Yet, the boy didn't seem to get the not so subtle signals the woman relayed towards him. Indeed, this young boy might be a little dense.

"Ah, yes. At least, we try so."

"How so? Is something wrong?"

"Nothing! Just a wench ruined our date…" Hestia muttered angry, sandwiching Bell's arm amidst her cleavage even tighter.

"Wench?"

"It is nothing…"

"I see…"

"By the way, have you seen a girl with Silver hair?" Bell needed to ask. The sooner they find Syr, the faster his goddess will be happy again.

"Silver hair you said...?" Gazef blinked, then his eyes squinted, remembering that woman from the alley. "Rare hair color. I didn't remember seeing such a person here."

"Ah, how unfortunate…" muttered Bell disappointed.

"Umm… did you ask the guild employee near the entrance? They monitor the passing traffic quite well, so they might know something." Misha was right; it was indeed a logical step. Unfortunately for Bell, he already did so.

"Yes, we already asked Eina-san. Unfortunately, no luck."

"Then I have no other idea."

"Thanks anyway."

"Hmm…"

"Umm, Zeff-san?"

Suddenly, Gazef's attention is drawn by something, ignoring the boy's perplexed look.

"If we are already here, may I ask something…?"

"…" Zeff didn't answer for a moment, just following the strange feeling with his head.

First, it was just a familiar scent hitting his nose. A fragrant, charming, sweet scent that even penetrated the odd mix of sweat, the fragrance of delicious grilled meat, and the smell of different people in this place.

It was a truly unique fragrance that penetrated even all of this!

"How rude, is he just ignoring you?"

"Ah, goddess, it might be something else."

Then, a figure in cloak passing through people like water, disappearing in the crowd what he recognized. Yes, even after more than a day, Gazef clearly remembered this fragrance, as well the perfect shape of that individual, even that thick cloak can't hide her form, radiating through even this dense crowd.

Yes… How should Gazef forget the thing that almost defeated his iron will just being near her!

"Oi! Are you listening! Bell-kun wants to ask something!" how rude! Why is this man just ignoring her Bell when he wants to ask something important! Whoever he is, he can't just ignore him! Else, he will face her ultimate Goddess' Fist of Wrath, once again!

"Zeff-san? Are you alright?" Bell asked worriedly. Looking at the towering warrior, it was evident something disturbed Zeff. His expression told it all; he was worried about something.

"I am sorry, something came up in the meantime…"

Something was not right, he can't help, but his instinct as a warrior just screamed to be careful, urging him to investigate the case or something horrible will happen.

"Ah, I see. Then maybe next time." The young boy was visibly sad he can't ask the man what he had wanted to since the morning they parted ways.

It was not much, and he will most likely say no, but it was important to him.

"Is something wrong?" Misha blinked, confused, never seeing Zeff this way before.

"Misha-dono, I need to check something. Could you hold on to my food?" Gazef pushed his handful of fast food into Misha's hand, making her almost drop the expensive meaty snack.

"Ah!? What happened?"

"I will be back soon." he patted her shoulder with a thumbs up. "Don't worry." his smile just looked forced, Misha felt this would not end well.

"But… can't I go with you? You know, my task…"

"Don't worry! I will be back!" With that, Gazef left the group, only his back visible while he waved, then, under just a moment, vanished like a ninja disappearing amidst the crowd.

"Su-Sure…" the girl muttered perplexed, stunned how easily the man got rid of her and disappeared.

"Royman will not be delighted…" She already feared what the head of the guild would say, how much would he scold her for losing the figure she was supposed to look after?

"This is not going to end well…"

"How strange…"

Gazef might be not a demi-human with a nose that is comparable to a feral wolf, but with training, practice, and use of Martial Arts, even simple humans can reach that level of awareness like a demi-human.

And thus, following the "crumbles" this person left to him, the Warrior captain reached a specific place, a place that was isolated from the rest, a place he might call a "staff only" area.

"… This fragrance is so familiar."

The scent of that woman… he definitely remembered it. Even through the thick crowd, he could clearly follow it.

"Quickly! We need to notify Ganesha-sama!"

"Wha-what happened!?"

"All the pen guards are out!"

"Killed?"

"No! They are… they are just like… GRRR! They are dozed off, like some strong drug is affecting them. And the beasts…"

"What about the beasts?"

"Nine of them are out and missing…"

"We need to notify Ganesha-sama, immediately!"

"Right!"

Gazef hid behind the wall, waiting it out while the Ganesha Familia guards ran past him. Squinting his eyes suspiciously, he was sure there was something more behind this than simple malice. Why would anyone let those beasts out and leave the guards alive otherwise?

"Nine beasts released. Tch! Just what I needed, more trouble."

He knows full well; he will just gain even more attention if he starts to play the hero.

If he puts his nose where it is not needed, most likely, more trouble will come his way. But even so, he can't just let this slip without any repercussion.

He needs to track down whoever did this, and question them! His conscience and the knowledge he had the chance to forestall a tragedy, but unwilling to act would not let him sleep well.

"As well, this can be a possible clue to find the royal treasures…" There was a really minuscule chance that was the case, as until now, no clue pointed that way. Nonetheless, one can only hope.

"Even if that is not the case, I can't just sit idle and watch while those beasts rampage and the culprit gets away."

"Dammit…" Now, Gazef really hated himself, being so meddlesome. He should have remained in the arena to enjoy his day out. But no! He needed to investigate. He always had to be in the place where he was not needed.

"Well, Gazef. You are already here. In that case, you can also look around…"

Walking out from behind the wall, he entered the pens, checking the drooling guards. All of them looked like they were drugged with a potent aphrodisiac. On their face, an orgasm filled expression, eyes empty, body completely limp, just lying on the ground, some mumbling incomprehensibly.

"If someone wanted to kill them, they would have easily done it while they were in this helpless state." Yet, except their dozed off state, all of them seemed to be okay.

Gazef saw a similar thing before, the drug called Black Dust had a similar effect, affecting the brain and causing immense euphoria.

"It was used as an anesthetic in certain places. That's why it was so hard to get a hold on the dealers or raid their supplies." At least, lawfully…

The dealer simply needed to say it was for anesthetic purposes, and without further evidence, he sold it as a drug, the guards simply can't detain them.

"What was the most dangerous thing about this drug was its weak withdrawal symptoms…" it was hard to recognize at first, then, when the addiction was truly identified, it was already too late. Someone who consumed this drug too long most likely can never live without it. It also shrunk the brain, lowering intelligence and endangering the user's life.

After a time, even with a bishop drawing out the poison, it was impossible to give up on it.

"Strange… these beasts also had the same feeling; all dozed off." looking around, the beasts still residing in their pens gave the same feeling as the guards around. They paid Gazef no attention, simply stood blankly, all their ferocious spark missing from their eyes.

"Hmm…"

Suddenly, Gazef heard the door closing on the far end of the room. Someone left, someone who hid until now. Or rather… someone wanted to draw his attention, someone who was not in this room previously.

"I felt no ill will when entering…" Adventurers and veteran fighters like him usually develop something akin to a danger sense. A sixth sense that makes them able to judge the rough danger level of the enemy, sense the ill will, and the killing intent aimed against them.

Walking the far side of the room, he immediately recognized the soft footprint left in the ground. He was no hunter, but even he can distinct the footprint of a light-footed female, from a full clad warrior.

"I need to figure out who it was…" of course, he had a steady guess who was behind all of this. Better question, why is she doing this?

Putting aside such things, he continued to follow the culprit, once again picking up the small morsels she left behind.


Scene Change: Outside of the Amphitheatre:

The city of Orario was famous for being called the labyrinth city. This was because the city contained not one, but in fact, two labyrinths!

One is underground, located under the tower of Babel, filled with monsters and never seen monstrosities. The second was endless, a maze-like structure that was Daedalus Street.

Indeed, anyone who entered here without a guide usually lost their way in this endless maze and said never to find their way back to the main road of Orario.

Amidst the alleys of this place, a pair of high heels hit the cobbled road, releasing knocking sound as the wearer hurried through the street.

"Ufufufu…" glimpsing behind her back from time to time, the woman continuously checked if she was followed or not, time to time giving away a soft, playful chuckle.

The streets were strangely empty, not one resident of this poor district out. In the far, the roars of several monsters audible, rampaging through in this messy area.

"Ah! Stay safe… children." she muttered low, stopping after taking a detour in the alleys and checking behind her back once again. It was almost like she expected someone to pursue her.

"Ah, it seems, he is not coming. How disappointing…"

Checking one more time, she turned around, prepared to leave, just to find herself face to face with the man she sought for.

"Oh! So you came." her mood right away brightened, offering a big smile.

"Lady Freya, I assume." Gazef slightly lowered his head. "May I ask what are you doing here?"

"Ah! Can't a Lady take a walk? I am just coming from the monster festival. Quite spectacular, don't you think?" Freya smiled, her eyes glowing up in anticipation. Most normal mortals and even gods would already fall under her charm, yet, this man struggles against her influence, pushing his will to the absolute limit to deny her from her prize!

Yes! Even now, his soul is shining, brimming like a beacon, struggling against her influence! Only his willpower is holding it from falling to darkness, pushing against his limits! Even despite that "dark parasite" clung on his soul that tried to elude her gaze, he was peerless! An exceptional specimen she never witnessed before!

"It is indeed undeniable…" Gazef's expression softened, raising both of his brows. "Still, to walk in a dirty alley like this, moreover with heels? Quite odd, if you allow me to say."

"Ah, what can I say?" she chuckled sweet. "I like this part of the city. It feels… so special."

"I see. Still, someone released a few monsters from their pen under the disturbance of the festival. It would be best to come with me." Gazef offered his hand, like he was ready to escort a lady home. "For your safety, of course."

"I see… how unfortunate. Wonder who that person might be." Freya played the innocent. "If you would escort me to the tower once again, I would be really grateful."

"I would be honored…" but in the next moment, his hand firmly grabbed Freya's wrist, closing it in his iron grasp.

"You holding me tight…" she gasped, shuddering slightly. Never before someone held her so tight, treated her so harshly. She felt… refreshed experiencing this new thing.

"Before I escort you back to the tower, please, can you explain it to me why you released those beasts from the pens?"

"Me? Oh my! To say such an unruly thing? You are quite harsh, great Sire…"

"Maybe it was not you. Even so, the evidence points towards the culprit. Everything points towards you, my Lady. Until further evidence comes to light, you are the main suspect."

"And how might you know that? It might be someone else. What evidence do you have to state such unfounded charges?" she played along with glee, playing with one of her silver locks, curling it around her finger.

"If it was not you, and you come willingly, you don't have to fear. I only want to question you in a more "calm" environment. But if you resist, you will just make it all worse and confirm my suspicion about your involvement."

"Ah, then we should return to the tower. In my suites, the air is plenty calm. I can even offer you some good wine — Soma, the best quality. Near a drink, I'll clear these charges of yours in no time."

"As good as it sounds, one can only question the suspect in a neutral place, with a clear head. Doing so in an involved place and drunk would influence both parties, and makes the confessions unreliable."

Gazef smiled smugly. He was no way an investigator, but he did his fair share of questioning back then.

"Someone needed to keep an eye out, watch Ramposa's back…" often, this involved seeking out and tracking down the shady contacts of nobles, detaining small fries to give info about the bigger fish that eventually led to the main culprit.

These thugs usually had nothing to lose, but their life, a thing that usually they treasured above loyalty.

In that case, finding a good reason to detain them, then roping them to a chair under the name of "interrogation" and beating/threatening them was enough to make them speak — of course, this only worked to a point where due to position, or lack of evidence he can't detain the suspects lawfully and interrogate them properly.

"She most likely of a high position…" judging from the place she led him first — as well as her undeniable presence that resembled of the other so-called "gods" he meets until now — even if Gazef takes her into custody and hands her over the guild, she will just bail herself out — referring to the lack of evidence, or using her position as a shield.

In that case, he had no other chance but to interrogate her here — without harming her if possible. He was against hitting women in general; also, it would bring more trouble than it's worth hurting a god.

"And who knows… this Freya might annihilate me if I hurt her a little bit." even if they showed no "godly" property and power until now, he needs to be careful. As Misha explained, the gods sealed their power when they descended. That does not mean they can't unseal it if they are in danger.

"Is that so? Still, what evidence do you have? I am curious…" Freya fluttered her eyelashes, more and more involved and curious about what her new "trophy" found.

"The cloak you wear. The trails left by your high heeled boots in the pens. Your sudden leave. As well as the same technique you used to influence the guards and make them doze off. It was poison, drug, or magic? I can't really tell. I am only sure; you try to use it on me even now, a very strong method indeed, unfortunately for you, where I came from it is not rare to use such mind-affecting methods…"

"Ah, so you see through my technique. Very interesting. But to call it poison? Drugs or even magic? To call passion and love like that? That's a little harsh…" her heart started to flutter, beating ever intense!

No man… no! No one ever treated her so harshly before! With so much distrust! So much denial! This child… no! Man! With only his iron will, he denied her what she wanted, he defied the will of a god! A situation no mortal or god forced her into before!

Yes! There were no children before her, but a man with an undeniable iron will! Focusing only on his task, never straying from his path! A man of duty and sheer diligence! An alien child she never encountered before…

"Love and passion ruined many countries before, bringing down even the mightiest in their blindness. One should be wary of them, or get overwhelmed easily."

Just now, the legend of the Eight Greed Kings and their fall came to his mind.

According to the tale, their infight started because of one woman. Their jealousy and greed to impress her and make her their own.

"But is it worth living life without them?" she asked with a big smile, starting to enjoy the game more and more.

"Maybe not… but it does not matter now. You endangered the people of this city, innocents who had nothing to do with your schemes. I request you come willingly, or I will be forced to drag you along."

"How harsh… can't I convince you somehow to change your mind?" Freya caressed Gazef's face, looking directly in his eyes. Her mesmerizing look made the warrior captain struggle for a few seconds, face, and eyes twitching strained.

"Mmmm…!"

It took a great deal of willpower, and the activation of several mind fortification Martial Arts to fight off the influence. Indeed, the goddess influence even shook the unbreakable fortress that was the Warrior Captain's willpower.

"I am sorry, but there is no other way. I request you once more, come willingly, or I drag you along."

Whether she was a goddess or not, his sense of duty would not allow the culprit to escape. Even less to charm him and use him as a toy. His loyalty and sense of duty were absolute; even a goddess can't change that.

Even if she bails herself out, now, he had enough evidence to at least make the guild consider to keep an eye on her.

"Maybe she is not at fault, but someone is trying to divert the suspicion to her. If that's the case, we need to clear it as soon as possible so that we can find the real perpetrator!"

"Ah, I see, how unfortunate…"

Freya lowered her head, sighing low. At that moment, Gazef felt something was not right, and he was correct, as in the next moment...!

"…!" Faster than wind, someone landed behind him, aiming directly at his back.

Any average person, even most adventurers would be skewered on the spot, caught off guard! Completely helpless to do anything against such ambush!

But not the Warrior Captain! Keeping his guard up all along, Gazef was not a fool! He was not a person who would assume it was not a trap, or that Freya did not bring someone to watch over her.

Indeed, it was all too obvious.

Making herself recognizable even through the crowd?

Leaving obvious traces to follow her?

Gazef would be stupid not to be on his guard — even against a frail-looking woman like Freya — more so against Freya! She tried to influence him not once, but twice already, he would be a fool trusting her after this.

Knowing all of this, it was the obvious step to proceed with caution, and never let his guard down.

He encountered his fair share of "frail" enemies before to not judge them according to their appearance and strength.

They can be just as dangerous as the strong ones, more so, as they need to substitute strength with their craft, intelligence, charisma or even influence — often employing thugs to complement what they lack.

In this case… Gazef recognized the person following them on the roofs at the moment they entered this place, and thus, he could react just in time, countering the otherwise deadly strike.

"Ah!"

Pushing Freya out of the harm's way with a quick move of his hand, he pulled out his new sword lighting fast, blocking the immensely strong thrust, redirecting it but with a practiced movement.

Just like that, he blocked the

'Clang! Bang!'

The wall behind him immediately collapsed from the strike; if he did not push Freya away, she would be dead by now.

"Hmmm!" Gazef wasted no time but pushed his blade against the enemy, who also reacted just as fast, blocking the strike in return, jumping back right away after another fast slice from the Warrior Captain.

"You are really harsh, Sir Zeff. To push a woman away? Oh my?" Freya chuckled ever sultry, dusting herself slightly.

"If I didn't do so, you would be already dead…" he gave one glance to the woman who only smiled at his words, akin to finding them flattering.

"Is that so?" she chuckled softly.

"I request you to remain steady until I finish with this person. I wouldn't want to strike you in the heat of the battle."

"So you are confident you can take on him? How entertaining!"

"Tch!"

The man before Gazef clicked his tongue, visibly frustrated he was ignored so brashly. Or, rather… it was because Gazef right away judged him inferior? The Warrior Captain had no idea, unfortunately.

His face not visible, an all-body cloak covering it, in his hand a silver spear visible — quite high quality judging from the hardness of the strike Gazef just redirected.

Admittedly, most swords made from simple unenchanted metal would have broken from that kind of force he redirected, but not his. Enchanting it with his Martial Art, it bore with the pressure.

"This also proves, I judged rightly buying this sword." Martial Arts as well have their limits. In that case, even using his technique to increase the hardness of his weapon, a simple iron sword would have snapped in half from that amount of force he redirected.

"You are quite strong; I commend you. You almost caught me off guard."

"…" the man said nothing, just stood motionless.

Gazef felt he was watching his every move, trying to read him, trying to find the best opportunity to attack.

He had a certain technique. Certainly precise. Strong enough to make Gazef consider redirecting his attack instead of directly blocking them. The first strike connected where he intended. So bad his opponent was the Warrior Captain. Any other person he knows would be laying on the side with a hole in their back and chest, even full plate couldn't save them, or even slow the attack a little bit.

"I have no enmity against you. Leave me to my business, and I shall forget this meeting."

"..." once again, the man with the spear said nothing, just took a stance, raising his weapon preparing for a "thrusting" technique.

Amongst true warriors, one exchange of blades was enough to get to know each other, and just like that, just like his opponent, Gazef also read him, feeling the immense, barely restrained killing intent this man released.

"I wonder where this hatred is coming from. We just met."

Maybe he was a fighter who used specialized techniques to be stronger if he is in a high emotional state. Berserks fight that way, for example. The more injured and angry they are, the faster and stronger they become, the more dangerous to deal with them.

"But also… the more reckless they are, the more mistakes they make and easier to lead them around. Their control drastically drops..."

Of course, from this much he can't say for sure, maybe his opponent was just frustrated Gazef managed to block his strike that intended to be deadly.

It cannot be helped; his enemy did not intend to back down from the fight. In that case, his only option was to fight and assess his technique in practice. Dismantle and defeat him on the spot.

"What a pain… but so be it!" Gazef also raised his blade, prepared to go head-on with his new opponent. "Show me your technique!"

This man was dangerous; he already recognized it. Maybe he will need all his skills to keep up with him. The aura of power around him was undeniable. Challenge? Maybe… the Warrior Captain can't help but feel excited.

"…" 'Clang!'

And just like that, the mysterious opponent was before him under a moment, faster than the blink of the eye, the two sides already exchanged many blows before any ordinary people could perceive the battle even started.

"Fast!"

Even Gazef needed to push himself harder to keep up with him; very few could say they managed to do the same!

'Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!'

The area boomed with power after each strike; each clash caused the ground to dent under the sides; air whistled violently, creating miniature cyclones when they swung their weapons, releasing a shockwave when their strikes met.

This was the clash of titans! That was undeniable! One world meeting the other. Measuring and pushing their skills to their limits!

Both parties seemingly were equal, both their strength and speed without peer. Anyone would see them could only call them with the word; monster!

The area around them was already devastated, playing cat and mouse through Daedalus Street, blocking, attacking, dodging, and pursuing each other, getting farther and farther away from their original position, the place where they left Freya.

"Dammit!" Gazef suspected this was his opponent's intention, drawing him away from his pursued target. Nonetheless, he started to enjoy this fight.

His opponent was not only fast, but each thrust and strike of his rattled his bones. As the Warrior Captain, he wanted to end this battle as fast as possible, continue to pursue and detain Freya. As a warrior and a fighter, however… he enjoyed this battle, wanting his opponent to push him to his limits and beyond! Test his skills!

Compared to the kid he fought previously, this person proved to be quite challenging. The challenge he sought so long to serve his growth and bolster his technique.

Each strike he dodged, redirected or blocked gave him insight about his opponents' fighting style. Each time he attacked and his enemy defended made him able to build a profile about him, filling in the blank spaces on how to counter and counterattack.

His enemy did the same. Or, at least tried so, but was far behind how fast Gazef can read and adapt to him.

"It is odd, though… he didn't use Martial Arts at all." Warriors of this level should know many advanced techniques. But Gazef didn't pick up the subtle traces from his opponent that comes at the moment someone activates a Martial Art.

"It was the same with that wolf kid too…" there was some odd feeling Gazef felt when Bete went berserk, but it was not Martial Art, he was sure of it. It was something entirely else.

This town and their people were odder and odder with each moment, and he just arrived a few days ago.

"Tch!" The cloaked attacker clicked his tongue once again, definitely frustrated his attacks were all fended off and neutralized. Gazef was able to recognize, the man he fought was not so excited to fight someone on his level as he was. No, in fact, he was just angry and frustrated; someone can keep up and push him back.

"What a pity…"

His strikes become stronger and stronger as the battle proceeded, more and more reckless, trying to end the fight fast, overwhelming him with a flurry of thrusts — sometimes Gazef even recognized his attempt to escape, either because he fulfilled his purpose by drawing him away from Freya, or because he found their clash tiresome.

"That's the two most plausible options I can think of…"

"Drop already! You piece of shit!" Once more, Gazef redirected the flurry of thrusts aimed against his chest and limbs, his moves soft and well calculated, more and more practiced as he started to build up a profile of his opponent in his head.

This move of his opponent, he already witnessed a few times under their fight, and came up with a counter against it on the spot. At this point, using it against him with the same stance and distance was of a fool's errand. He can completely counter it with little effort and increasing effectiveness each time he sees it.

"He is also impulsive…" First Bete, now this mysterious spearman too. Gazef wondered if all strong people of this town lose their head if they are cornered even a little bit, or find an opponent that can challenge their skills.

Now, their battle reached the point when every time he blocked or redirected the strike that aimed to disable or kill him, the man started to swear and cursed him intensely.

This, of course, gave him the perfect opportunity to push him back, slowly dismantle his defense and gain the upper hand.

He was impressive! Each strike rattled his bones when he directly blocked or redirected them! He was one of his fastest opponents until now!

Yet, he wasted too much energy by swearing—precious moments he used for his own advantage — it was almost pitiful.

The Warrior Captain can't help but consider if he concentrated on the battle instead of wasting energy; he should be the one who forces him to be defensive at this point.

Albeit, he recognized one tiny little detail. A detail that he also started to use for his own advantage.

"The strength of his attacks is higher when he is in motion, but his precision is lower." that became obvious after the first minute. It was most likely part of his technique or some talent he possessed.

In that case, Gazef only needs to get close enough to him, so it becomes uncomfortable to use his spear, nail him down to lessen the power behind his strikes, and force him to be defensive. The place they fought immensely supported this tactic, so close to the walls, opponents with hit and run tactics were immensely outclassed.

"His technique starts to become clear…"

Seeing his reckless one-hit attacks not working out as he planned, the mysterious fighter changed tactics… Starting to use hit and run tactics, trying to use his speed to cut and bleed out Gazef, tire him by playing around — All along using the advantage that came from his weapon, and increased damage that came from his talent, trying to keep a distance.

Unfortunately for him, Gazef wore the royal treasure that rendered such a method quite obsolete. Even if he managed to scratch him, the cut just healed under a moment. If his opponent does not manage to cut him deep enough to hinder his movement or right away, kill him with a precise strike, such methods will not be likely to work.

"Of course, if he manages to drain my stamina, I might become clumsier, and he gains the upper hand."

But he was still far from exhausted at this point; in fact, he could still go a few rounds before he would truly say he was tired of this fight.

Throwing his spear not once, but twice to catch off guard Gazef, was also one of his methods — a method that was quite costly for Gazef's opponent. The man discarded the idea after barely managing to recover his weapon before Gazef caught up with him, almost ending the battle instantly.

"Heh… nice try. But throwing away your weapon in the middle of the battle is stupid if you can't recover it instantly, or you can't disable or imbalance your opponent long enough."

Opponents using throwing weapons usually always have spare or possess techniques to recover them instantly. But this man? No… he just ran after his weapon swearing intensely, almost cut in half when he tried to pass Gazef, trying to outmaneuver and outpace him without even using any Martial Art.

Of course, he was before him instantly; that was not a question.

Under such circumstances, Gazef obviously had the upper hand, pushing his attacker to defend, pinning him down, giving him no breathing room, like a relentless juggernaut, pursuing him ever intensely.

"Tch!"

The battle did not proceed well for this mysterious warrior.

The previously intact hooded cloak laid in tatters, revealing a cat demi-human with black hair, and some kind of dark plate covering half of his face.

His body already covered with varying small cuts, bleeding, blood pouring from his muscled arm, drenching his silver spear crimson.

"What the hell are you!?" Once more, he took a stance, immensely annoyed and furious, the Warrior Captain was seemingly able to counter him and even prevent his attacks before he could even initiate them.

Meanwhile, he looked battered and covered with cuts, even the deepest wound he managed to shed on the Warrior Captain's muscled form healed almost instantly. It was like he fought the "King" himself, the longer the battle went on, the more he was pushed back. The ability to rapidly heal was also similar.

"You are good; I commend you. One of my most challenging opponents for a long time." Of course, compared to Brain, he was still quite green. But Gazef was sure, with some practice, even this unpolished gem before him can grow to a splendid fighter.

"If only he would use Martial Arts… the situation would be different." but he can't help it. Either he refused to use them, or knows none. Quite odd if you asked Gazef. Oh well… It was his decision.

"I don't need your praise, fucking monster!" sneered the cat person, his tone all venomous.

"I see, nonetheless. I ask you once again. Stand aside, I seek no conflict between us. If you continue like this, I will have no choice but to disable you."

"What did you say?! Disable me?! The hell I will allow that!" now, this is it! He had enough! "You think you are so strong!? I will show you my true power! I will annihilate you on the spot!" immediately, his stance became more beast-like, going on his four, raising his spear and tail.

He was prepared to use his momentum to accelerate himself to his utmost limit. He was prepared to end this battle with one decisive strike.

"Hmph! So be it!" Gazef also raised his sword; his sword-like eyes hardened, something like an expectant smile forming on his mouth. "Show me your best technique!"

At that exact moment, the cat person disappeared from the view of Gazef, only for a moment as in the next, he recognized his blurring from, running on the walls, making circles around him, his speed growing by the momentum, it was to the point, even Gazef was unable to follow him without a Martial Art that increased his perception and the working of his nerves!

The speed of the man around Gazef created a miniature storm as his speed increased, blowing the winds violently.

"His speed is explosive! How astonishing!" Gazef was excited, the first time since coming here, he truly felt excitement and joy! Finally, he found an opponent that surpassed — even if momentarily — his speed!

For a moment, he even forgot all that burdened him! The kingdom! His king! His comrades and friends! All the people who are in danger just now because of that woman!

Now, only one thing floated before him, a challenge that can open a way to improve himself as a warrior!

"Let's see…" This moment made him remember his extensive training with Brain.

He found his longtime rival in a dark alley after his return to the capital. Broken, filled with despair, giving up on his life entirely.

Somehow he managed to get him together, chatting for a while accompanied by the best friend of a broken man, booze!

Brain told him everything about what happened with him: telling a story about a monster, a creature humanity can't possibly face! A monster that only called herself Shalltear Bloodfallen.

An innocent-looking girl who surpassed everything he thought possible.

As he described her… she was a monster amongst monsters. Outclassing and humiliating the swordsman who had the potential, no! A man who most likely already surpassed him!

Only using the nail of her pinkie to deflect his strongest techniques he honed for a long time, yawning on his best effort, mocking him, calling it all a game!

That monster that humanity can't face. A monster Brain was unable to get closer, despite all his efforts, falling far behind her... A beast that, in all sense, his stories described as a world-ending threat, a being that with just a single act destroyed the greatest swordsman's confidence and broke the once confident genius swordsman to pieces.

"I still remember, he just cried for a whole day. Repeating, we have no chance. Trying to convince me it is better just to give up, as humanity is too weak to stand a chance…"

Gazef can only smile on this. It was a sour smile, yet, a hope-filled one.

"Give up!? Don't joke with me! Brain! Humanity might be weak; we might be frail! But we possess what monsters lack! The will and capacity to improve and overcome the odds!" he shouted with him back then, smacking him in the face and grabbing his shirt. "Don't dare to give up on me! You hear me! You are Brain Unglaus! The man who came closest to defeat me! The genius swordsman! No matter the odds! No matter the situation! You can't give up! YOU HEAR ME! If you do so, you have already lost it! Struggle and improve, overcome the odds! LIKE ALWAYS!"

And just like that, the two started to train once more intensely, and Brain slowly regained who he was, slowly regaining his confidence, improving his technique. He became a lot wiser than when Gazef first met him in the arena, as well as a lot more skilled. He was not the cocky kid like back then, left behind to rely on his talent, instead, becoming a true swordsman he intended to be from the start—a tactical fighter who used every tool in his arsenal to overcome his opponent and improve.

His growth was immense; even Gazef admitted that, and he was entirely sure he still was far from reaching his true potential.

"I remember… After the raid of the capital, he told me of his second encounter with her…" it was kinda odd Brain boasted and was filled with ecstasy after he managed to cut down but a single nail of that monster. "Compared to his story before — where this Shalltear blocked all his strikes with just the nail of her pinkie — this was a huge step!"

"A single nail… a technique called [Nail Clipper]..." he can only chuckle at the name Brain had given to it. But considering he helped him to develop it, training with him whenever his time allowed, it was a Martial Art even he would be afraid to be on the receiving end.

Every progress starts with small steps; in that case, his intense training with Brain paid out in the end, the man really improved dramatically since their last meeting.

"In that case…" All this went through his mind in a flash, remembering his short time spent with Brain spending less than a second. And in that moment, Gazef made his decision, taking a deep breath. "Let's see how much I improved!"

They promised each other they would grow strong together. Promised… One day, they will duel once again to settle who is better. One day, they will face that monster and defeat her together! As comrades, as friends, as rivals! As two men who made a promise to each other! Two swordsmen who strived to overcome their limitations to become stronger! To protect what was most important to them and show: humanity has immense potential and cannot be trampled to dust so easily anymore!

"You are watching, Brain? I will show you; I will not fall behind…" he muttered, closing his eyes and breathing out the air. "[Field]!"

Using the experience he accumulated while sparring with Brain in the last few months, he managed to copy one of his key techniques.

If you asked Gazef, it was rather unrefined compared to Brain's own Martial Art. However, it was still great progress; he only tried to mimic the man's own technique, using only the experience he garnered under their training together.

"So this is it? Huh?" he smiled in glee. "Not bad…"

In a three-meter radius, he perceived everything. Every drop of dust, the movement of the air, everything passing the line will enter his domain! No one can elude his perception in this small radius. It was… his own little world!

"What he is doing!?" Gathering more and more speed, Gazef's opponent watched the man with a strange wariness, unable to perceive why Gazef just stopped, holding his sword, his eyes closed. It was almost like he is meditating.

"I feel this will not end well…"

On the back of his neck, every hairbreadth started to stand up, his instinct screaming, the man was up to no good.

This man was a monster, the closest he can compare him was Ottar himself!

He needs to end this now! Or his pride will never allow him to look into the mirror once again! If he fails here, Freya will be disappointed, bored by him! He can't allow that! This ends now! Whether he goes down, or succeeds, the next strike will decide!

"Die!" using all his gathered momentum, he launched himself from the wall. His mere step collapsed the whole building, his body strained to the limit, the air starting to heat around him as his speed reached a level which even endangered his life!

'Shuuu!' Gazef still didn't move, waiting for the right moment, and when his mysterious opponent passed the boundary of his [Field]! And when it happened, he made his move!

"[Instant Counter]! [Kinetic Drain!] [Fatal Edge]!" Gazef stomped on the ground, and the shockwave washed over the whole area from the amount of strength behind his effort, collapsing the already destroyed area around him in a ten-meter radius, collapsing the walls of the nearby houses.

His turn was instant, using the gathered momentum of the stomp, his body spun towards his enemy who just entered his [Field] automatically, and faster than the eye can follow, his sword fell, using a strike coming from above his head!

A single swing that was imbued with the strength of his entire body…

"Fuck!"

It was only thanks to his instinct, the demi-human managed to twist himself out of the way of the attack, thrusting his spear towards Gazef's head in the last moment. This was his only chance! His enemy made a fatal mistake! Now! He will die!

"I got you…" but as fast as hope surfaced, it was all lost, for the good Warrior Captain expected such an outcome.

Gazef's new sword was at least two times denser than of an average sword of the same size, yet, he carried it with surprising ease, it was also made by a smithing technique that made it lighter despite its hardness.

"Truly a masterpiece…!"

In accordance with the law of inertia, halting the acceleration of the sword of that weight, and the amount of strength he put behind it said to be impossible!

However…

'Crack!'

Gazef's sword stopped just before reaching the ground, the amount of pressurized air the blade pushed before itself dented the ground once again, leaving a scar on the already ruined pavement. A line is running forth at least ten long meters!

Indeed, if anyone under a certain durability stood in the way of the pressurized air they would have been cleaved in half immediately.

Despite increasing the durability of the blade, and giving it magical properties with Martial Art, the edge bent to its absolute limit, cracking slightly, almost snapping at the half. Only thanks to the special smithing techniques it was created with and the Martial Arts used to reinforce the blade had it remained intact.

"Haaah!"

The experience Gazef had accumulated with different sword techniques gave birth to the ultimate technique!

This technique is capable of catching up with anyone with turning speeds incomprehensible to mortal minds!

A supremely swift strike… a new technique still under development! Yet, it was potent enough to catch anyone off guard!

"[Durability Breaker Tide Turner Flash]!" just as fast as it stopped, the weapon immediately started to accelerate upward with incomparable speed, blurring out of existence! Even his opponent only registered the blade disappearing for a moment, bending the space and filling him with dread!

"What!?" trying to avoid the unseen strike, he landed behind the Warrior Captain with a clumsy somersault, barely managing to regain his balance.

"What the heck was that?!" he checked his body, only to a moment later realization, and his injuries caught up with him!

"Guah!" his silver spear made from an extraordinary material fell to small pieces, deep cuts all around his body opened, sprouting blood. From his mouth, his crimson essence shoots forth, making him fall forward, powerless to even move or lessen the impact.

"Ggggg…..! You fucking piece of shit…" 'Thud!'

He muttered as he fell forth, eyes rolling back, the cat person lost consciousness immediately, the blood loss, and the sudden shock from the damage was too much for him to fight further.

"My new technique…" and just like that, Gazef sheathed his blade, the battle was concluded, the victor was the Warrior Captain.

"Haah! How troublesome…" Gazef tilted his head and massaged his neck. It was a good fight. The first time since coming here, his techniques and skills were really tested. He felt he really improved thanks to this fight. Yet, he was slightly exhausted from all the Martial Arts he used during the battle.

His whole body was drenched in perspiration, his blade cracked, and his armor slightly battered.

But… still, despite all the pressure, he put them through, they still held out, and that was a great thing in itself.

Gazef made a great deal buying them; he needs to find the blacksmith that created them and contract "her" — as Misha also explained to him under their sessions, contracting smiths is highly advised for an adventurer.

"Too bad Lady Freya got away." in a way, it didn't really matter, as he knows where to find her. Also, he didn't have anything substantial in his hand to turn her in just now.

"Well, I can always hold her accountable, a bargaining chip never hurts…" even if it was dirty, his opponent was too much of a high position to play fair. She gave away the same feeling as the other so-called "gods," in that case; he needs to use every possible tool under his employment to equalize the sides.

"I am but a simple human. I just equalize the playing field…" it didn't feel right, he hated it, but he had no other chance to come out as the winner.

"What to do with you…" turning towards his still unconscious opponent, Gazef shook his head tired. "Haah! And when I thought this day would end well, trouble always finds me." turning him on his back; he poured a healing potion in his mouth, some of his injuries. Slowly, the cuts started to heal, steaming up slowly.

He aimed at his tendons, cutting deep enough to make him incapable of moving for a while. The black plate across his eyes also sliced right through, revealing a handsome face, with a new, deep scar that ran across its entirety. The scars continued on to several parts of his body — a present of Gazef's last swift strike, left as a memento.

"I hope the people of the city are alright, and someone stopped those released monsters…" he really hoped so, looking around, their battle might only have lasted a few minutes, but the houses around them were wholly ruined, the two left a trail of devastation in their wake.

He can't help it; it was not to his liking to leave such a mess behind himself. Unfortunately, under such pressure, he had limited options to control the damage of the battle.

"Let's hope no one got injured while we battled…" the houses looked empty enough. He tried to control the battle ever subtly, bringing his opponent to a more abandoned area that only housed dilapidated buildings.

'Quake!'

"More trouble it seems…" the ground started to tremble suddenly, from the direction of the clock tower, the heavy noises of battle filtered towards him. "Let's not waste more time!" it was bad enough he lost his chance to go after the monsters that rampaged through the city.

"Hopefully, one of the adventurers had the decency to get rid of them…"

But decisions needed to be made, and back then, he only had a clue to where Freya went, the rampage of monsters only started after his battle with this stranger began.

Squinting his eyes, the Warrior Captain started to sprint towards the sound of destruction, maybe not even recognizing that in the moment he left the destroyed alley, four short figures landed near the still unconscious adventurer. Looking at their fallen comrade, then each other, wordless all along, they gulped in synchrony under their metal helmets.

'Gulp!'


Scene Change: Square with Clocktower:

"—ah."

A pale-green tendril had shot out of the ground at her feet. Without any armor to absorb the blow, the elf magic caster felt the green appendage — as thick as her arm — slam into regular cloth.

"Ka-AHH!" She could feel every unnatural crunch inside her abdomen as blood erupted from her mouth, splattering on the ground.

"LEFIYA?!" The two amazons were too busy dealing with the suddenly appeared plant monster, unable to reach her in time, they shouted in fright.

The blow knocked the elf clean off her feet. Her eyes rolled into her head as she flew backward. 'Thud!'

She landed on her back, body twitching.

The two amazons — Tiona and Tione — screamed at the top of their lungs and rushed to her aid.

The elf's feminine frame was much more delicate than their own. A hit like that could be fatal, Lefiya was lying eerily still and bleeding profoundly from her stomach.

The tendril that burst from the ground started to wiggle. The creature began to change.

It raised its lump-like head toward the sky. 'Crick! Crick!' Lines appeared— and it bloomed.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Its roar reverberated through the streets, shaking the whole clocktower square.

Many petals stretched out to sunlight.

Each of them was an ominous deep red.

They all met in the center, a gigantic mouth lined with fangs opened. Pollen shook free with every movement.

The flesh inside its mouth was light pink. Its magic stone was visible deep in its throat as the beast turned toward its prey.

"Not a snake…but a flower?!"

Tiona yelled in horror.

The long body was actually a stem. Its faceless lump of a head turned out to be a bud.

The ferocious carnivorous flower turned its terrifying visage toward the injured Lefiya.

Several more tendrils exploded from the ground as the creature's body slithered toward the helpless elf. Slithering towards the civilians sought shelter behind her, creating an impenetrable wall of green arms — arms which joined by the bud itself, trying to devour the now vulnerable elf.

"Lefiya, get up!"

"GAHHH, outta my way!"

Further tendrils blocked Tione and Tiona's path to their ally. No matter how many times they knocked one of the pale-green appendages to the ground, it would just rise again. Lefiya lay motionless in the middle of a wriggling forest of roots.

The Amazonian twins screamed as the monster's head hovered over their friend.

There was no time! She will die now! Just like the civilians trembling not far from her, the barrage of tendrils emerged from the ground and proceeded to quickly tear them apart, leaving nothing more of their existence than a blood splatter on the ground!

"Mama!"

"I love you!" The mother tightly hugged her son, curling around him akin to a protective shell. A guild employee is standing not far from them, trembling helplessly.

As said, heroes always arrive at the last moment! And when all hope is lost, they make a grand entrance!

"[Focus Battle Aura]! [Fourfold Slash of Light]!"

Came the shout of a man, booming through the thick wall of tendrils, and just like that, like magic, four lines of light cut through them. The small forest worth of tendrils cut through with just one attack, it's withered carcass falling to the ground lifeless!

"Oooooooooooooooooooooo!"

The towering plant creature right away withdrew its tendrils, raising its head high with what sounded like a pain-filled scream. On its neck, a massive slash wound, cutting deeply through its Mythril like skin, like it would be a paper. The gash cleaved deep inside its neck, making it's green blood sprout all around.

Right away, the tendrils that until now kept the Amazon twins at bay started to trash, withdrawing around the monster, allowing them to rush to Lefiya.

"Guahhh…" the elf girl coughed blood, she was in a grave condition.

"Are you all right?"

Her vision was blurry, but what she saw before herself was a man in armor, towering in stature, carrying the scent of sweat and blood.

'Boom!'

"Lefiya!"

"Owaaaaaaa!"

The monster once more roared up in agony and annoyance—something, or preferably someone who just arrived started their own assault against it in the next moment, giving the twins enough time to rush forth for their injured comrade.

"Ah… she is here, I see…" Gazef mumbled, spotting the person who gained them the needed distraction.

For most, it was just a blur, but glancing towards the object of great speed, Gazef's Martial Art sharpened senses clearly recognized what, or rather who it was.

It was not a thing… rather "she," a person he already saw back in the Hostess of Fertility. Booming winds surrounded the girl in rather plain clothes, golden eyes, and hair. Her arm blurred with great speed, flying through the air, gracefully avoiding the monster's wild thrash, cutting apart the stems aimed to hinder her.

"Lefiya!" In the next moment, Tiona and Tione managed to reach their comrade, immensely worried about her state of being.

"Yo-You!?" their eyes widened, recognizing Zeff from that night.

"Sorry for being late. Something kept me busy in the meantime." Gazef smiled sour, almost sounding sarcastic.

"Something?"

"Oi! That's not the time for jokes!" the two dark-skinned women scolded him. Maybe they thought he was just shooting a rather tasteless joke.

"I am not joking…" Gazef looked around with a hard expression, inspecting the situation thoroughly and measuring his options. "Where did this thing come from?"

"Underground…" deadpanned Tiona, a bad joke that earned a bop to her head from her sister.

"Ouch! Hey!?"

"That's quite obvious. How did it get there?"

"I don't know, one moment it was all peaceful, in the next, monsters rampaging through the town, and this thing appearing under the stone flooring. Maybe it came from the sewers running underneath the city."

"Hmm, I see." Gazef looked up from tip to toe the Amazon twins, measuring their state. Right away, he recognized, they lack any weapons, as well, their clothing — or the lack of it — rather ill fit for combat.

"Maybe they are monks?" such people used to wear almost no armor, using their body as a living weapon, judging from their muscles and athletic appearance that might be the case.

"Oi! What are you ogling at!?"

"You have no weapons, I see. Can you escort this injured girl and the rest of the civilians to a safe place? In the meantime, I will try to help the girl who is fighting that monster."

"Oi! You want us just to sit around and pester people!?"

"Yeah, we can do that!"

"Sister!"

"Tiona… this is not the time. The civilians need protection!"

"Oi! Aren't one of us enough for that?!"

"Maybe..." muttered the more developed of the sisters, thinking about how to proceed. She wouldn't want to leave the civilians without protection, neither want to leave everything to Aiz and this man alone. That monster was pretty thought even for them.

"Tione… Tiona…" Lefiya tried to get up, just to vomit blood once again. "Please, let me…"

"You are in no state for combat! We will get you out there!" The more busty of the twins was near her under a moment, checking her wounds.

Unfortunately, Gazef already used up the only potion he had for that man, he was no healer, he can't do anything with the girl.

"Tch…!" Lefya gritted her teeth, looking away painfully and ultimately powerless, curling her fist in anger.

"They are right…" Gazef kneeled by her side. "It is not a weakness, asking help in times of need. You are injured, let me help to deal with it."

"But… Aiz…" Lefiya glanced up, watching in horror as the next strike broke the Sword Princess's already weathered blade. That girl really went rough on her weapon; her technique was of one that really put her tool under heavy strain.

"She will…!"

"It seems, no time left. Let me help." he placed his hand on her shoulder. "People are weak alone, but together, they can get stronger and reach higher. Accepting the help of a stranger in a time of need is not a weakness. It is courage…"

"Wow! What a speech! Oi!"

"Don't ruin the moment!" Tione once more hit her sister's head, making the less "developed" sister grab her pained nob.

Lefiya turned her head away, tears starting to pour from her eyes, feeling useless.

"Fine…"

"Very well! Let's do it then!"

Aiz arrived just in the nick of time, thanks to her special wind magic she was able to sense the runaway monster that rampaged through the town.

How they were released from their pens, she had no idea; she only knew she needed to hunt them down to keep the city and its citizens safe.

Forgetting her special sword called Desperate was still under maintenance, she used her borrowed blade for hunting down six of the rampaging creatures, doing it mostly all alone.

Unfortunately, combining the strain her wind magic put on her body and weapon, and her reckless fighting style, it was too much for her weapon to bear.

"Wha…" Aiz caught off guard suddenly, after her last strike, her borrowed rapier couldn't stand the strain anymore. And like a spider's web, cracks ran rampant in the body of her sword, making it literally fall apart, leaving only the handle intact.

"…" for a moment, she watched her blade sad, pitying the fact she can't give it back to its original owner.

"Aiz! Get rid of your magic! The monster will follow you until you do!" Tione shouted on the side, fending off the newly appeared tendrils that once again started to aim for the civilians still around, and trying to restrain Gazef and the twins.

"But…"

"We will take them down one by one! Just do it!" Tiona berated the sword princess annoyed, she and her sister trying to keep the stems away from the civilians and the injured Lefiya — with Gazef cutting through the stems ever fast and diligent, making significant progress in his path.

"…"

In the next moment, the monster's snakelike body slammed into a line of nearby street stalls, sending them flying in its pursuit of the blond girl.

"Aiz!"

The Amazonian twins called out to Aiz as they jumped in and out of the way of the free green stems.

The Sword Princess wanted to protest at first but saw the logic in their suggestion and was about to dismiss the wind protecting her when from the corner of her eye, she spotted her!

"…"

She caught a glimpse of a small human figure out of the corner of her eye.

A civilian who hadn't escaped in time! An animal-person child had been hiding behind the street stalls. Overcome by fear, the girl sat on the stone street, shaking uncontrollably. Their eyes met.

If Aiz tried to dodge the monsters' next attack to the right, their long bodies would crush the girl in an instant.

She made her decision! In an instant, she hesitated not to lung forward!

Strong wind gathered around her.

Aiz jumped onto the debris on her left, grabbing the child, increasing the intensity of her winds, forming a protective bubble around the two of them. And then! The fanged jaws came down!

"It seems, no time to play around anymore!" Gazef squinted his sword-like eyes, cutting down the batch of stems shoot forth at him and the civilians.

"What do you mean?"

"I am sorry, my King, it seems. I need to use it…" muttering, he raised his new sword above his head, watching its already cracked surface. Soon, his new blade will break, he put it through too much strain.

"What are you blabbering about!?" Tiona made a spinning kick, kicking away the tendrils sought to grab her.

"You will see…" Gazef muttered, pitying the fact his new sword ruined after just a day.

Nonetheless, it was a great blade; he will definitely seek out whoever made it. But that… need to come after he solved this issue with the monster before him.

"Suuh!" the Warrior Captain took a stance, using his breathing technique to gather stamina.

"[Ability Boost]! [Capacity Building]! [Focus Battle Aura]!" his body as well his weapon glowed up three times, and what the twins felt in that moment shook them to the core! "[Greater Piercing Throw]!" stomping at the ground, the pavement destroyed under Gazef's feet, lunging forth his new sword like it would be a javelin, sparing no strength behind the throw.

'Boom! Clang!'

The air boomed around the blade as it instantly passed the speed of sound several times over, heating the blade to white-hot under just a moment.

Ever accelerated, blurring for the eye, piercing right through the monsters' neck with ease, cutting right through its Mythril like the skin!

"Ooooaaaaaa!" the plant monster lunged back in pain, the blade after piercing its hard skin like it would be made of paper, exploded inside of the thing from the sheer stress and heat, filling the monster with glowing sprinters, damaging the crystal inside of the being.

"I-It is dying!?" the tendrils right away dropped, convoluting, struggling to retreat to the main body to protect it. Said struggling, as with the damaged core of the monster, it struggled to keep control of its own body, trashing wildly like of a wounded beast!

"Time to end this…" and that was that moment Gazef pulled out Razor Edge.

The eyes of everyone widened, seeing the exquisite glowing green blade revealed. They can't help it... in the moment the blade revealed from the layers of cloth and the scabbard hid it until now, everyone turned their attention towards the exotic sword.

Neither of them had seen such exquisite weapon before, the presence it gave away was like it could cut through the very space and time. It was an incredibly "sharp" feeling that made everyone looking at it, feel their skin itching, and paper cuts opening once again.

Gazef called, and the blade answered his resolve…

"Come on! [Provocation]!" After using his Martial Art, the monster right away turned its attention to Gazef, wasting no time lunging forth at him. With its last strength, before its death, trying to swallow the one injured it so badly!

"[Instant Counter]! [Full Thortle]! [Flow Acceleration]!" wasting no time, the Warrior Captain wanted to end this charade as fast as possible. The man basically exploded forth from his original position after activating three Martial Arts at once, making even Tiona and Tione lose sight of him for long moments.

"Fast!"

"What!?"

Like a juggernaut, Gazef was unstoppable, long ago leaving the speed of sound, leaving in the dust even the fastest adventurer of the city. The armor he wore simply tore itself from his body right at the moment his acceleration started! The wind resistance was too much for the already torn leather straps that fixed it on his body.

Still, even losing his armor, he never stopped, but raising his special blade, holding it oblique, he activated one last technique!

He was already strained, dozing slightly, starting to feel the after-effects of his intense Martial Art use under this day.

Yet, for one last technique, he gathered all his remaining willpower, pushing himself even further!

"[Greater Oblique Whirlwind]!" Like the name of the technique implies, Gazef started to spin wildly and with great speed, holding his blade at a 45-degree angle.

Initially, the technique [Whirlwind] intended to be an area effect attack, attacking enemies around the user. But by combining it with the method [Oblique Strike], a new technique had been born, a technique that was able to cut the enemy not just vertically, but horizontally as well!

"A-Amazing!"

Like a drilling ball of death, with the precise use of the sword, Gazef and Razor Edge cut a wide path through the monster, combining with his speed tearing it apart, raining what basically "liquid" flesh over the whole square.

Nothing stopped him! He did not stop when the core of the monster cut to dust, not even when his blade met the Mythril shell of the creature! Against Razor Edge and its wielder, it was the same as cutting paper. All defenses worth nothing!

Gazef's momentum pushing him forth cut the monster deeper and deeper, not even allowing it to scream up one last time before its consciousness faded to nothingness. All happened under a mere few moments, creating a storm of the blade and sticky monster goo all around!

"Guuu!" Gazef reached the end of the monster under a flash, exploding out from its other end, and just like that! 'Poof!' without a core, the creature exploded in fine black dust, disappearing altogether, along with every other part of it.

"It is over…" he breathed haphazard, falling forward for a moment, just to straighten himself once again, breathing big with a proud stature, never broken, never falling.

His clothes were clear from the stain of the being, he spun with such speed, and created such pressure around him, not a drop reached him.

"Wow! That was soo cool! One moment he stood and in the next! Boom! He cut through that monster like it was made from paper! IT WAS AWESOME!" Tiona's eyes flashed up suddenly, never seeing such technique and speed before.

"Are you alright?" Tione walked near Gazef, leaning forward and checking him.

"I was reckless…" Gazef chuckled with a tired tone, lowering his special sword, and massaging his forehead.

His head throbbed, his muscles screamed with pain; he needed a good rest to recover his lost stamina after using so many Martial Arts one after another.

Indeed, maybe he went a little bit overboard with this combination. Something less flashy would have sufficed in this situation. Yet, he can't help it, he wanted to try this new combination he came up with when he spotted that monster.

"The civilians and your friend?"

"All safe…"

"Good…" Gazef walked towards Aiz and the child she protected, kneeling before them. "And you too?"

"She is safe…" muttered Aiz; as always, her expression was blank. But it was like Gazef saw something more in those empty golden orbs. Confusion? Awe? He can't really place it; this girl was hard to read.

"Mommy!"

"Gelda!"

The child ran to her mother, leaving Aiz behind in the end, she was too scared to even give her thanks.

Such scenes always filled Gazef with a good feeling, confirming the fact, it is worth the effort to do good and save people. Confirming, there is light even in the darkest night.

"Oiiii!~"

"Loki?"

Aiz raised her brow, and the goddess walked through the ruins of a weapon shop, grinning ever intensely.

"This was awesome! Ya' all worked well! Good job!" she offered a thumbs up.

"Hmmm…" for a moment, Gazef watched the redhead goddess suspicious, almost with enmity, making her slightly nervous.

"Oi! Oi! What's with tha' face?!"

"It is nothing…" Gazef glanced towards the slightly cracked clock tower, seeing a figure in black robes for a moment, before he got away, disappearing amongst the buildings.

"Eh? Ok… nonetheless! Tha' move was awesome! Tha' technique, tha' speed! It is decided ya' join my familia." Loki declared right away, pointing at Gazef with an ear to ear grin painted across her face.

"With all due respect, Lady Loki, but my answer has not changed since the last day. The answer still, no!"

Now, Gazef felt slightly naked; most of his clothes were torn and burnt by the wind resistance. Luckily, his medallion was still covered by his ragged shirt, also, no private parts were visible.

This never happened before; wind resistance usually was not a problem under Martial Art use. Something has changed. This place he just dropped was really weird.

"Whaaa!? After such a show! Come on! Don't make me beg! Please…~" Loki fluttered her eyelashes, leaning closer to Gazef.

"Still no, but a nice try…" and Gazef just smirked back, entertained, at least he still has his pants.

"Guuuh! Ya' are impossible!"

"Any idea what was that thing?" ignoring Loki he asked.

"No idea…" Tione shook her head. "We never encountered such monsters before."

"Hmm… strange." Gazef fondled his chin.

First, the beasts let loose — most likely by Freya — then his mysterious attacker, then this strange plant creature appears out of nowhere.

All connected to Freya? Or is there someone else moving the threads in the background? Someone who tried to make Freya look the culprit? Is she just playing with Gazef and the rest of the town?

"In the way of an innocent child? She didn't give away any ill intent under our encounter..."

The Warrior Captain had a muddled feeling about everything that happened today and since arriving in this strange place.

The plot started to thicken, and he didn't like where it headed. He was only sure; the trouble will only start to increase from this point on.


A/N:

Well, that's it for now!

Thanks for reading, and sorry for the long wait.

Hopefully, what I presented worth the long-missed time!

In the next chapter… new companions?

The request of the boy!

The plot starts to develop as a new shadow looming over the city.

Where all of this will end, maybe only Ainz know!

The next chapter comes when it is ready!

Until then… please be patient!

RnR!

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Until next time!