And now, Chapter 12 is here.
I also believe this is far enough into the story to make it known again. (It's actually just because I remembered about it while correcting this Chapter -_- .)
For all of you possible new readers out there, the ones who did not read Kenshi before the re-upload, you will find links to my google albums on my profile page here on Fanfiction.
Those albums contain fanart commissions I made over the span of a lot of months, and all of them are of Danmachi characters. Specifically, the "side characters" who don't get a lot of attention.
The reason I am brining this up again is because that is a sort of Thank You gift for reading my fic.
The reason I am not putting this out there in the 1st Chapter is because I don't want people who just half-read the 1st Chapter to see this and then enjoy the SFW and NSFW fanart while not being loyal readers like a lot of you guys.
I'm not that nice, after all. (If the fic I'm writing is not enough evidence of that.)
So yeah, Chapter 12 seems random and far enough into the fic to bring this up again.
Anyway, that's about that, I guess.
Now we are once again back here, to the calm before the storm.
I remember back when I first posted this fic that the scene I am going to present in like 2 Chapters is what either made readers love or drop this fic, so I'm looking forward to that, again.
That's about it, I guess.
Gonna add some more stuff at the end.
Kay bye.
XXX
"Ok, here it is." Raul said, putting down a sizeable bag of money on the table. It was Fuzen's share from their latest expedition. "Six hundred and fifty thousand Valis. I'd advice to check the amount again, just in case."
"Won't be necessary." Fuzen replied and grabbed the bag. "If that will be all, I need to go and meet with the Captain."
"Sure. Don't forget to rest, too."
He nodded and left the older man's office.
One month had passed since he first joined the Second Group and fought against Udaeus with them.
Since then, they had launched three more small-scale expeditions into roughly the same Floors, with the third and latest having been completed just the day prior.
Naturally, it came as a surprise to both Finn and the others when Fuzen himself asked to be part of the Second Group willingly. After all, since the boy had joined a year ago, a year which was completed just this month, he had mostly just trained on his own.
He had not explained his reasons to them: that he was trying to combine the teachings of both his Sword Style and Adventuring in order to strengthen the Lighting Sword Style. The reason for his unforthcoming was simply that it was frankly none of their business.
He actually had planned to explain his reasons to the Captain, as he wished to be lectured about what it meant to be an Adventurer by him, however it was Finn that came to him first and instead asked Fuzen to follow him, after which he had tested Fuzen's knowledge on Dungeon and Familia-related matters before beginning to teach him himself.
As such, Fuzen lucked out and decided to keep his reasons to himself.
Having left Raul's office, his first stop was his room in order to stash his earnings. Naturally, the five Million Valis he had received on his first expedition with the Second Group was mostly a one-time thing. They had defeated a Monster Rex, and it's defeat had earned them...a lot. Thus they could take a greater part of the overall profit for themselves.
However, on normal expeditions without any fights against boss-level Monsters, their earnings were a lot less: Fuzen's own was between five hundred and seven hundred thousand Valis. Of course, one such salary alone would be enough to buy a small house.
However, Adventurer's had to spend money in order to return alive from the Dungeon. As such, most of their earnings went into weapon maintenance, buying new weapons when required, potions, elixirs and so on, none of which was cheap.
Fuzen himself was now ninety million Valis in debt, after all.
The reason, or better said reasons, for this huge debt were none other than the two swords fastened at his hip: the chisa katana Utegiri, which roughly translated as Raindrop Cutter, and his katana Eisatsu, which translated as Reflecting Kill or Counter Kill.
Both of those extraordinary blades had been forged by no other than Tsubaki herself, who now had a contract with Fuzen and became his personal blacksmith, albeit with the restriction that he was not allowed to buy or have his weapons repaired by another blacksmith.
Which was not even bad, taking in consideration she was the Captain of the largest smithing Familia in Orario, and quite probably the best blacksmith around with the exception of her Goddess.
...I already paid five millions off with my first earnings from the first expedition, then again half a million after the second expedition and will pay off another half a million with this earnings. Sigh...Six millions paid, eighty-four millions to go…
In all honesty, his Raiju no Yoki was already a blade in it's own league, so technically, he had little need for other blades. However, he could hardly use the sword which was the symbol and artefact of his Sword Style to cut down regular Monsters. He had indeed brought it with him on the very first expedition he went on, along with the Captain and the others, thinking that the Monsters there would be strong and worthy enough of that sword being drawn, but…
Their blood and ash were not worthy of that sword's edge.
Well, that and the fact that Raiju no Yoki was a O-katana, meaning a katana longer than usual. His arms were still too short to draw even Eisatsu for quick-draw Techniques, thus why he had a chisa katana on him as well.
To fully draw Raiju no Yoki in a single movement was still but a distant dream. He would require the height and arm length of a sixteen or eighteen years old to perform such a feat in the heat of battle.
"...So embarrassing...Sigh…Even mine own flesh is hindering me…"
With a shake of his head he had arrived at his room, where he stashed his money in the drawer. He would have to go and pay Tsubaki a visit later but for now, he needed to go and meet the Captain in his office.
Though he had borrowed books from the Guild in order to learn more about Monsters and the Dungeon, there were still many loopholes in his knowledge, a matter the Captain had decided he would see adressed by himself.
"Captain, it is Fuzen." He made his presence known after knocking at the man's door, and the reply came in the positive for him to proceed inside. "Good day, Captain."
"Likewise, Fuzen." Being burrowed behind a mountain of papers, all stacked upon each other, Finn just waved his hand as his eyes continued reading the reports laid before him. "Take a seat."
"Thank you." With a bow, Fuzen did just that and sat down on the Captain's right side. "Then, how may I help you today?"
"Right. Do you remember what I taught you last time?"
"About equipment costs and how an expedition's total profit is used to repair or replace any equipment that got damaged while on said expedition, while also being tied to how each individual gets paid? Yes, I remember."
"Then, have a look at that stack of papers over there. It's the reports of our Third to Fifth Groups and the damage their weapons and equipment suffered while on Quests I assigned to them. Sort them by priority and then costs, then take a look at those papers over there. It's the latest report by the Guild on the severity of Monster numbers after their inspection of the Dungeon's Upper and Mid Floors. I want to hear your thoughts and suggestions on where, how and who should take care of this, as well as what Floors you would prioritize as well as why. Lastly, when we are both done, we will continue where we stopped last time: the Deep Floor's and their nature, as well as counter-measures against their traps and dangers." Finn said calmly yet also rushed. The paperwork was getting to him, and Fuzen could notice.
"Understood." He bowed again before continuing on with the task he was given. This had gone on for a couple weeks now, and he was slowly getting used to how those bureaucratic matters should be looked at as well as how they needed to be accomplished.
It has not been...how he imagined it, learning to be a better Adventurer.
His first thought was inclined towards more practical matters, like learning how to deal with specific enemies better, or how to think while inside the Dungeon. However, he was not complaining, mostly because the Captain himself decided to guide him, and he could hardly make a mockery of the time Finn took for him. Secondly, he had not thought much about it at first, but indeed, those administrative work was just as important.
A Familia was not a single man.
It was a group of people, and in order for those people to function as a group and as an expeditionary force, they needed much work to be done for them: logistics, planning, preparations, contingency plans, squad formations and so on.
As a Disciple of the Lightning Sword Style, he was used to being alone and fighting alone. Solitude was a necessary sacrifice on the path to power. However, that only applied to individuals who sought said power alone.
His Familia was not like him.
Not all of them had such a goal before their eyes.
Many simply wished to live a good life with the earnings from their adventuring. Others simply wished to provide for their families. Others wanted to simply grow as people and maybe overcome their fears.
That was something he had long ignored, or better said, choose not to see. As long as he was part of the Familia, he needed to understand more and the Captain had guided him. For that, he was thankful, even more so because growing as an Adventurer allowed him to strengthen the Lighting Sword Style. "...I am thankful."
"Hm?" Finn looked up from his reports, slightly confused at the sudden words of gratitude.
Fuzen turned his head, the Pallum's eyes meeting his own. "The Captain himself has taken time to teach me about adventuring, and the work that goes into it. I am learning much every day. I am thankful."
"Hmhm, don't worry about it, Fuzen. If anything, you are also making my life easier." Finn chuckled, his ever-present smile kind and soft. "The others go above and beyond to avoid helping me with this sort of work." Finn chuckled with a shrug. "It is I who should be thankful to you."
"...I am honoured to know that my aid is easing the burden on my Captain's shoulders. Then, I shall do my best and avoid making mistakes."
"It's fine to make mistakes. It is why I am here. However, it is only fine as long as you also learn from those mistakes."
"...You are wise beyond your years, Captain. I shall keep your words close to me for when the path forward shall be difficult, and let your wisdom light the way."
"Haha, I'm not that wise. Still, it's a shame. If only you were older…"
"Hm?"
"Nothing, nothing." Finn waved a hand before returning to his reports. "Now, let's finish this work before lunch, so I can focus on teaching you even more."
"Those words give me much motivation. I shall see the work before me done in the set time, Captain."
"Yeah, let's do it!"
And so, the two continued working inside the office, undisturbed by others. Another perk of working with the Captain that Fuzen had been made aware of: as long as he was working together with the Captain, the pesky women who made his life hard could not trouble him with their insistent challenges...
XXX
Another punch was thrown her way, and she easily dodged it by leaning backwards, just enough that the fist did not reach her. A flurry of hits came next, all quick and powerful, but...unrefined.
Straightforward.
Using a dodging Technique she had learned, or better said, was taught just recently, Tiona dodged all of the punches, moving her head in an eight-shaped pattern while tucking her arms and shoulders in, to cut away from the area her sister could attacks and thus minimizing her opponent's options.
When Tione pulled back her arm, tired from the quick flurry of jabs she tried to land, Tiona saw her opening and tucking her knee to her chest, jumped forward, her leg extending and hitting Tione straight in the stomach, throwing her older sister to the ground.
"I win~" The cheerful Amazon said, extending a hand to her sister.
"Damn it." Tione cursed, accepting the helping hand with a frown. "Just when the hell did you get so technical in battle?"
"Hehe~ You're smarter than me, so isn't it obvious?"
"...You asked the boy to teach you, didn't you?"
"Well...not ask exactly. He simply started explaining to me what I did wrong and instructed me how to avoid making said mistakes again." She said, remembering the frequent sparring sessions she now had with the boy.
Granted, unarmed combat was truly not his speciality, even someone as airheaded as Tiona could see that. However, on one small break they had a while ago she inquired about how he could dodge, block and counter so well despite not being a bare-handed fighter, and he replied by saying that, although shameful beyond words, losing your weapon during a fight could happen for any number of reasons, and thus his Lighting Sword Style also had unarmed throws and counters integrated in it, for no other reason than to take the enemy out of the fight long enough to grab one's lost weapon, or the enemy's weapon.
"Ehh? So, what did he tell you?"
"Hmm...Shoulders, wrists, hips and feet. Never look your enemy in the eye, always look at those four parts of the body and you can read your opponent's next move...Something like that?"
"...Huh...I never looked at fighting this way…" Tione rubbed her chin, thinking about what her sister just told her. As Amazons, they had fought from the moment they could walk. It was not wrong to say most Amazons who were born in Telskyura fought using their instincts more than using actual techniques or predictions. "Shoulders, wrists, hips and feet you say…? Ok, I have no idea what you should look for, but let's fight again. I want to try it out."
"Haha, you got motivated, too?"
"Motivated…? Well…" Tione paused.
She had little private interactions with the boy, and the ones she had, were because she simply followed her sister around. However, lately she began to pay more attention to him. Naturally, his feats were nothing to laugh at: he was right at home fighting besides their Second Group made up of Level 4's, and that while still only a Level 2 himself. He landed the finishing blow on a Monster Rex and his contribution on the expedition he was part of were substantial. Lastly...he had gained the Captain's attention, something Tione was very much aware of.
Jealous, too.
However, as much as she loved the Captain, she just couldn't.
The one thing she could not do for him. Paperwork. Very boring. Stressful. Paperwork. "...I don't know about motivated, but...The boy sure has changed, hasn't he? At first, he was only focused on training on his own, but now it feels like he is trying to be part of the Familia."
"I know right?!" Tiona nodded. "He even agreed to spar with me periodically. Something about...uhh...learning more about different paths, or something, who cares actually? I get to spar almost every day! Still haven't won even once, hahaha!"
"Yeah...Anyway, let's fight." Tione stated, already taking a stance, ready to strike at a moment's notice. "I want to try that thing you said, so you attack first."
"Kay! Let's do it!"
And so Tiona jumped at her sister, their fight continuing inside the Manor's garden. Tione had just one thought in mind: if her dumb-ass sister could make use of Fuzen's tips, so could she.
Never let go of a chance to grow further, as the Captain said.
XXX
They were over the gossip, which has taken by no means little time to go over, and now the fun part began.
It was time for the Denatus, which was held every three months.
A meeting exclusive to Gods, the only entrance requirement being that you had to have at least one Level 2 Adventurer in your Familia. Here, many matters beyond the grasp of humans were discussed and the very fate of Orario decided.
...Well, that's what I'd like to say, but...We Gods are high on fun, so of course none of that boring stuff happens here…
At the gigantic round table sat a red-haired Goddess, the patron Deity of Orario's strongest Familia, depending on whom you asked. Some were still of the opinion that Freya Familia was the strongest, as their Captain was the King: Orario's sole Level 7 Adventurer.
Well, there was one more, but...that's a story for another time.
Being the patron Deity of the strongest Familia, Loki had much influence on what happened at the Denatus, however this time around she simply choose to sit back and just observe. In the last three months, no child of hers had a Level Up worthy of a new Alias, however...there was one without an Alias.
...I'll try to honour his wish and delay the matter, but even I cannot withstand pressure from all the big Familia in the city...Worst case scenario, I already have a good Alias prepared…
Loki smiled, and sitting crossed-legged on her chair as always, observed as another God was cringing in despair as one of his children got baptized.
The Denatus would take a while longer yet.
XXX
It was done.
Both his assigned work as well as today's lecture he had been taught by the Captain, regarding prioritization of personal and items while finding oneself in a pinch in the Dungeon.
Fuzen did not know exactly why the Captain was so pushy and eager on teaching him strategy when he simply asked to be taught about the more adventurous aspects of their profession, but he was not complaining.
No wisdom is worthless, after all. He might find himself in one such situation one day and the knowledge would help him then.
...The sun is still high up. Guess I'll go by the Dian shop to ask Teasanare-sama if she requires something…
Yet another matter which developed in the last month: his contract with the silver-haired Doctor from the medicinal Familia.
Following his return from the first expedition with the Second Group, he and Loki had visited the shop to talk about the contract Amid had once mentioned at the banquet held by her patron God. Said God had also been present, and it was mostly him doing the talking with Loki.
Long story short, one could summarize their contract as such: as a Doctor and the Dian Cecht Familia's poster girl, Amid was always in need of ingredients from the Dungeon, either to prepare the potions and items needed for her customers, or to experiment while trying to invent new healing products.
Normally, the Familia would simply put a Quest at the Guild, and wait until someone would take on said Quest to bring the necessary items, herbs, Monster Drops or anything similar to them.
Or, the option Dian Cecht Familia used more frequently, make a direct request to another Familia, usually the Loki Familia, and have Loki's trustworthy and skilled children gather the requested items in record time.
It was, by all means, a good and reliable option.
However, in both choices, there was one big drawback: it still took time.
Indeed, even if they made a private request to Loki Familia, it's not as if they could acquire the requested items within hours. Loki Familia was large, and it spread it's forces over many Floors and many Quests.
To maximize profit, Finn had all groups wait until at least three Quests could be acquired for roughly the same areas or Floors, so even if a private request came their way, unless it was a request which would bring great profits or benefits, their forces would not mobilize immediately. Usually, they had exactly five days time until the deadline. However, for a Doctor, even just five days without their required materials could put their patients at risk.
So a contract was signed, between Loki and Dian Cecht, and in more truthful terms, between Amid and Fuzen.
He would act as her personal gatherer and materials collector, while in return, the medicinal Familia would increase their discounts, by a bit mind you, for all of Loki's children who bought products from the Dian shop.
On a more personal level, Amid would also increase Fuzen's own discount by a lot more than the other Familia members as well as spare him some of her high-end products, if the produced amount allowed it without jeopardizing the shop's income.
In was not a bad deal, however this meant that Amid could ask of Fuzen to gather something specific for her at any hour of the day, unless he was on an expedition.
So even if she came up to the Twilight Manor to call upon him at midnight, he could not complain.
It was in the contract, after all.
However, Fuzen had not felt the slightest risk even upon hearing this. Amid, in his opinion, was a wonderful and trustworthy person, so she would not utilize this power of hers over him unless she truly believed it was necessary.
Fuzen had...never trusted people.
No, that would be a lie.
He trusted the cook at the restaurant not to poison the food he ordered, and he trusted his own Familia to not stab him in the back. He also trusted that no civilian on the street would simply draw a weapon and start to cut people up, at least, not in broad daylight.
However, that is where his trust for others ended.
If the cook at the local restaurant were to poison his food then he would not have any future customers. If the Familia stabbed him in the back they would lose a valuable pawn, even more so since his code of honour made it easy for them to control his actions. If the civilian on the street would draw a weapon on him in broad daylight then there would be countless witnesses and said civilian would lose his or her freedom by going to jail.
He did not trust them because of something as fickle as the goodness of one's heart, or because they were people and not Monsters.
His trust was based on reason, and reason alone.
People were sentient, and sentient beings had dreams and ambitions. Some of those people would chase said dreams and ambitions while actively trying not to hurt others, while others in contrast would cut, beat, betray and back-stab anyone and everyone to make their dreams and ambitions a reality.
Why did he knew of this at the age of only eleven?
Because he was no different.
That was why.
However, if there was one person who came even remotely close to change his mind on this matter...
Fuzen opened the door of the shop he had just arrived at and stepped inside. Behind the counter was not Amid, as he usually only saw her tending to the shop. Instead, it was an older Half-Elf woman with light blonde hair. Unfortunately, he did not know her name. "Good day. May I know if Teasanare-sama is here?"
"Good day. Oh, you're the little Adventurer who signed the contract with our Amid. She is present, however she is currently working on brewing potions and asked not to be disturbed."
"I see. Might you perhaps know if she requires anything? As per our contract, I am willing to go and gather any materials she might lack."
"Hmm...She did say something earlier about needing some Crystal Mantis Wings in order to process them into healing powder…"
Crystal Mantis were Monsters found on the Middle Floors, usually on the 15th or 16th Floor. With a bit of rush, he could be in and out of the Dungeon within three or four hours, with the required materials on hand. "Hmm...May you know how many such Drop Items she would require?"
"If she is going to use them for healing powder...I'd say ten or twenty."
"Understood. Then, I shall go and collect said Drop Items while Teasanare-sama is at work. I shall return later today." Keeping his conversation short Fuzen bowed and left the shop, making for the Dungeon in the distance.
He was as ready as he could be: his two swords, his belt pouch with the healing potions and anti-poison potions and his determination. That was all he needed, and all he would ever need.
Still…
My lifestyle has changed tremendously. He thought as he walked down the long, straight street, now having a moment for himself. From my lifestyle of solitude and doing the same thing over and over again everyday, to adventuring in the Dungeon...I have been at it for a month now, but I still have to find a balance. I can never allocate too much time to either adventuring or training alone. I need to do both, yet not in excess. As the first Disciple to ever come to Orario, it is my duty to find out how useful my Sword Style is against the myriad of Monsters and document it for the generations yet to come...
Indeed, until a month ago he had been simply a Disciple with a Falna, allocating all his time to just training and thinking nothing of the Adventurer side of his new life.
However...he failed with that thinking.
Firstly, his Familia: as he was now a member, he needed to pull his own weight and not bring shame upon the history of his Sword Style. Whatever he liked it or not, he was now an Adventurer, and thus, needed to partake in adventurer-like activities. Which he was still learning about.
Because truthfully, he had no idea what an Adventurer was supposed to be.
I mean...everyone talks about adventure and so on, but how is it an adventure when you tread a place that had been mapped a million times over by a million souls over the span of a thousand years? We already know mostly everything about the Dungeon: it's layout, it's Monsters, it's everything. It's because of the countless Adventurers before us that all of the dangers are known to us. As such...can it even be called an adventure?
He stopped in his tracks, having already reached the gigantic circular area around the Dungeon and looked up at the sky.
His goal.
His everything.
"...Shouldn't an adventure be more like...grasping the heavens, or something like that? The hardest thing you can hope to try and accomplish in your life, but also the most rewarding? Dwelling into a place which had been charted for a thousand years...can that even be called an adventure, I wonder...?"
Unfortunately, the sky did not reply back.
It never replied back, and as always, he was left to come up with an answer on his own.
It was only natural, though. It was only life: you need to come up with your own answers to your own questions. One can try to live by other people's answers but...Fuzen doubted it was the right choice to make.
...No. I'll think on this later. For now, I shall see to Teasanare-sama's needs, which are the Drop Items.
His mind set, Fuzen walked on, the Dungeon entrance still a distance away.
He avoided bumping into the large groups of Adventurers spread out everywhere at the foot of the Babel, mostly doing so by feeling their Ki without even looking at them. And then, he felt someone's Ki approach him with hastened speed. "Excuse me, Master Adventu-!" He had turned around even before the female voice addressed him and this startled the young petite girl approaching him.
"Yes, how may I help you?" Chestnut brown eyes met hazel, though it was hard for him to make out her facial expression as it was covered by a torn, red and white hood.
"U-Uh, is Master Adventurer perhaps going into the Dungeon?"
He saw little reason not to answer, so Fuzen nodded. "I am."
"I noticed Master Adventurer has packed lightly and is without comrades. May I extend my services to Master Adventurer?" The Pallum girl asked, her smile never wavering. Fuzen looked her once over and noticed the large backpack she was carrying.
"...Are you mayhaps a Supporter?"
"Yes! Lili is a Supporter! May I extend my services to Master Adventurer and act as your Supporter?"
...Hmm...I was actually planning on buying a bag from the shops inside Babel, but this agreement would be more beneficial…
"I will be going into the Middle Floors. Is that fine with you?" He informed, and her eyes widened. For whatever reason, he did not know.
"M-Middle Floors? Is Master Adventurer that strong?" The girl, Lili as she mentioned earlier asked, her grip on the backpack's handles tightening.
Do you need to be strong for the Middle Floors…? No, I should not categorize this by Lighting Sword Style standards...But, boosting would feel so...disappointing. "...I am strong enough for the Middle Floors, yes."
"I-I see…"
"…? If you are scared you do not need to come along. I am not forcing you to come with me."
The girl went silent, probably comparing the pros and cons of going with him or staying back, as far as Fuzen could tell. Then, a couple of seconds later, she nodded. "I-if Master Adventurer is fine with someone as weak as Lili, then…"
"However weak you may be, it will have no impact on my performance. I will cut down all the Monsters without fail." He stated, taking the girl by surprise. "If you have made up your mind, then let us be on the way. Or do you require some sort of written contract as a guarantee? I have little experience in those matters, but I am ready to take time and write and sign a contract if that is your requirement."
"N-No such thing, Master Adventurer. As long as I am entitled to a tiny bit of the profit…"
"Of course." He nodded, slightly confused himself. He had never had a Supporter with him with the exception of the Familia expeditions, however as far as he knew Supporters brought many benefits to an Adventurer: someone to warn you when a Monster wanted to try and attack from behind, collecting the Magic Stones and Drop Items while the Adventurer was fighting to shave off precious time and much more.
In return for all those benefits, naturally, the Supporters also took their share of the profit.
"Then, let us be on the way. I am on a...hmm...request to gather Crystal Mantis Wings for a doctor, so we will be going into the Middle Floors, roughly the 15th or 16th Floor. Those Drop Items are the priority: everything else is simply a bonus."
"Understood! Lili has never been to the Middle Floors, but I shall do my best!" A fake smile spread on her face.
Fuzen had experienced that sort of smile for a long time and he could easily pick it off whenever it was directed at him. She was sketchy, to say the least. Her Ki also had a strange feeling about it.
Still, despite all that, it mattered little.
I'll observe how this develops while in the Dungeon. Worst case scenario, I will draw blood and that will be the end of it.
"Good. Now, we have tarried enough: let us be on the way."
With steady steps Fuzen led the way, into the Dungeon and then down the long stairs towards the 1st Floor.
The smile on the girl's face walking behind him never faltered.
XXX
She knew he had left the Manor a while ago, having seen it from afar, and so Ais decided to continue her secret training. Unknown to most people she had bought a cheap katana from the Goibniu Familia, as her own rapier was better used with one hand, and Fuzen's own technique's usually required both hands.
It felt weird at first.
She had gotten rather used to rapiers, and as such, the curved and one-sided edge of the eastern blades was confusing to her in the beginning.
It still was, to be honest.
However, it had allowed her to understand the Techniques much better. It also allowed her to understand how each movement was linked to one another, and how the core of the Sword Style was the blade: the sword directed your movements, not the other way around. Each Technique was...guiding her. Once she took the first step towards executing a certain Technique, her body entered a certain state of momentum.
If she followed the sword and moved her body accordingly, then the Technique would complete itself. However, if she tried to add in another move of her own: a jump, a step to the side, anything, then that momentum, that...energy, would work against her and throw her off her game.
During training, that was not much of a problem.
However, during a fight…
It was once, roughly two weeks ago, that she tried to add a side-step to a technique, a side-step that was not in the original pattern. Before her own insertion of an extra move everything went fine, however once she executed the side-step...she heard a disgusting cracking sound, and realized she had broken both her ankle and her knee cap.
Poof.
Just like that.
Luckily, she had good healing potions stored in her room, but...that was not something she wanted to experience again.
She pondered on why this happened, and after a long thinking session, she believed she figured it out: while using the Lighting Sword Style, even her replicated version, there was a momentum, or energy, or...something, deep down inside which guided her body and her sword.
By adding that single side-step in a Technique which did not have it integrated in it's pattern, that certain something, the energy, had been directed to her leg, however, it did not have an immediate follow-up movement in order to keep flowing inside of her, and as such, that energy simply...exploded inside her leg, shattering her ankle and knee cap.
Truly, it had been a horrendous experience, but also a helpful one.
After all, she finally understood something else about Fuzen's peculiar fighting style.
No more movements than required, no less movements than required, no compromise, no backing down and lastly, no doubt in the sword.
Those were the requirements of the Lighting Sword Style Ais had found out by imitating it. She did not know if they were all correct, or if those were all of them, but her instincts as a swordswoman told her this was the truth.
"...Has he always been fighting me while under this pressure? One single movement executed just a fraction of a centimetre wrong or a single moment later, and…" Ais sighed, and looked up at the sky.
The distance between it and her was roughly the gap in skill between her and the boy.
He was simply bewildering, in her opinion.
As a swordswoman herself, Ais had a good grasp on such matters and she had yet to meet a single swordsman who could match Fuzen in skill, determination, focus and even willpower. She herself...could not match him.
Not yet.
Probably not any time soon, either, she realized.
He's...so strong. Stronger than me. Probably even stronger than...Father? Ais had few memories of her parents, but those she had, she held on tightly and fondly. Her father had played a big role in her own decision to follow the path of the sword, while remembering his fighting style dearly. It was a strong sword style he had used, however...it could not match Fuzen's, she believed.
Am I starting to...look up to him? It was a thought she was not having for the first time. Quite so, she found herself watching the boy with admiring focus when he fought or trained, burning each second of it into her mind not unlike how she did when watching her father, a very long time ago.
So then, was it not wrong what she did?
Stealing his Sword Style, imitating it without his permission?
…
…
...It's going to be alright. Ais nodded, certain of her words. I already managed this much on my own. Once I practice a bit more, I'll tell him about it. He's a good person, so surely, he will praise my achievements of managing this much even without formal training or permission.
In the last few weeks Fuzen had decided to periodically spar with Ais, something she had been overjoyed for.
Apparently, in his own words, he was trying to understand better the paths that laid before him, and besides Ais he even spared with Tiona on an almost daily basis in unarmed combat, if you can call it that. He had a drawn sword at all times, however he did not use it against the Amazon girl, simply holding it in his hand for reasons unsaid.
Having secretly trained by imitating him had also increased Ais's own proficiency with her own style, by being mindful of her movements, breathing and rhythm.
Fuzen noticed this improvement almost immediately and praised her accordingly. It had felt...good, for whatever reason.
Maybe deep inside, Ais had always longed for a fellow swordsman to spar against? She quite frankly did not know herself, but being praised had sparked...something inside of her.
Yeah...It's going to be okay. Maybe he will be a bit angry that I replicated his Sword Style, but I'll apologize accordingly.
With the slightest smile curving her lips upwards, Ais continued with her training.
XXX
She did not like Adventurers.
Even more truthfully, he hated them.
They were all the same, seeking the same thing, no matter how much those around them were hurt because of it.
She truly hated them.
But the boy besides her, she hated the most.
Her heart could barely withstand his blatant disregard for her well-being anymore.
"KYAHHHHHHHH!"
"...We have arrived."
F-Finally...Ground...Hard, stable ground...The girl thought as she kneeled on all four gasping for air while rubbing the floor beneath with, to make sure it was really there and not an illusion.
After entering the Dungeon they had walked at a good pace up to the 9th Floor. The boy had not lied about his skills: no Monster in their path survived more than a single strike from his sword. Then again, they were weak Monsters. However, after reaching the 9th Floor, the boy said something about taking a shortcut.
She immediately flinched at the sound of this.
She knew of no shortcuts on these Floors.
Was he going to use her as bait? Hang her from a wall to attract the Monsters while he walked on undisturbed? Anything else just as bad?
No.
No, no, and no again.
His so called shortcut had been even more awful than the worst thing she could imagine: how it was possible, she did not know, however that damned boy cut through the very floor and had them both fall onto the next Floor, over and over and over again.
She had received no injury from this action as the boy always grabbed her and landed safely on the ground, which she was thankful for.
But her heart…
"P-Please, no more...Lili's heart is...going to stop…"
"Hm? We are here already: the 15th Floor."
Thank the Gods…
She had to agree: they had shaved off a lot, and she meant a looot of time by using this so called life-cheat, as the boy called it. But she didn't want to experience it anymore.
This was such a mistake…
"Ah, it appears we have guests. The sound of falling debris must have drawn them here." Fuzen said, his hand already grasping the handle of his short sword. "Arde-sama, stay here and keep your back to the wall. Shout if you are in danger." Wasting no time Fuzen dashed off at a speed Lili could not trace with her eyes and engaged the group of roughly fifteen or twenty Lygerfangs and Minotaurs.
What happened next left Lili with her jaw hanging: they were massacred. All of those dangerous Monsters, Minotaurs even, which were the hardest challenge for Level 2 Adventurers, had been massacred within...ten seconds? Maybe less?
No, she was certain it was less.
...Just what...is this boy…?
Lili had not encountered any such Adventurers until now.
Too strong. He was way too strong to be only Level 2. He must be lying about his real Level, is what she thought. But maybe…
Maybe I don't...have to worry about him using me as bait, if he is this strong…?
"It is done." The boy's nonchalant statement drew her attention, and she pushed her thoughts to the side.
"M-Master Fuzen is so strong! Lili is amazed!" She needed to stay on his good side and not let herself become a liability. Adventurers never took kindly to being slowed down by a Support.
Hastily, she rushed to grab the Magic Stones and the one Drop Item from a Lygerfang. She had underestimated the boy. Unlike the Adventurers from her Familia or the others she went into the Dungeon with, this boy, Fuzen, didn't even need her to act as bait: he could kill her just for fun or sport.
"Strong…? I don't really think that, though…" He replied, keeping his eyes on the surroundings as Lili collected the loot. "I mean, there are individuals who are stronger than me. My Mistress, for example."
"Master Fuzen's Mistress?"
"Yes. She's the person who taught me the way of our Sword Style. She is many times stronger than me, and capable of feats still outside of mine own capabilities."
"S-Sounds like a very...special person. Like the main protagonist of a novel." Lili said, trying to find the correct words to reply. In but a single moment, Fuzen's head turned to her, an intense gaze in his eyes. She flinched, and froze in place.
D-Did I say something wrong?!
"Indeed!" The boy nodded multiple times in quick succession, for the first time showing emotions on his face. "My Mistress is, indeed, a very special person. That you realized this so soon without even meeting her impresses me greatly, Arde-sama. Truly, her skills are worthy of songs and stories for generations yet to come. The stuff of legend, indeed. Mhm."
...He's...way to easy to win over…
Having collected all the Magic Stones in the area the two moved on, Fuzen taking point while Lili walked closely behind him. Luckily they only encountered single Monsters on their way and they were dispatched quickly by the boy.
Lili had not failed to see the swords he was carrying: both looked new, and of high quality. Must have cost a lot, as well…
...Should I...even try..?
"...Master Fuzen, you are this strong but look so young. May Lili ask about your age?"
"Hm? I don't see how that's useful information for you, but for an answer, I just recently turned eleven years of age."
"O-Oh, Master Fuzen is younger than Lili? I'm thirteen myself."
"I know." The boy said simply. "Your Ki-...your overall aura told me this."
"...I see? S-Still, for Master Fuzen to have such beautiful swords as his weapons...Were they perhaps custom-made?"
"Mhm. They were forged at my request by the Hephaestus Familia. The long one is called Eisatsu, while the short one is called Utegiri." He pointed at each sword, Eisatsu having a beautiful yet crimson scabbard, while Utegiri a pale, misty blue one. "Together, they cost me ninety million Valis. Second Grade Weapons are not cheap, after all."
Lili almost fainted simply by imagining the number in her head. N-N-Ninety million?! What kind of brat can afford that sort of expensive swords?!
"I-I see. Uhh, just out of curiosity, what Familia is Master Fuzen part of?"
"Loki Familia."
Damn it...There goes my chance...I can't trick a member from the Loki Familia, the strongest Familia...Ninety million...With that money, I could buy my freedom…
"Is something wrong, Arde-sama?"
"N-No, of course not! Lili was just...uhh...amazed, at how rich Master Fuzen is!"
"I'm not, though? I'm still paying off the debt. They were forged at my request, so the costs fall solely on me. I only managed to pay off six million so far. Anyway, let us focus on the matter at hand. We need to find Crystal Mantises. As per my contract, I need to make sure Teasanare-sama's material needs are always met within the shortest time frame."
"Lili understands."
"Mhm. Still, I forgot to ask this earlier: does Arde-sama have any sort of weapon to protect herself with?" The question had been sudden, and unexpected. Lili never had an Adventurer ask this of her.
"No, Lili does not. Lili is weak, so a weapon would be wasted in my useless arms…" This was what her Familia had told her, a long time ago. It was something she was forced to believe over and over again, until she truly believed it.
"...Weakness, huh…" The boy looked at her, an unreadable expression on his face. "Weakness can only come from the mind. If you truly want to no longer be weak, begin with your mind." Having said that Fuzen took out his chisa katana, and extended it to Lili, who looked at him in confusing.
"...What?"
"Take it. It's short enough even for a Pallum to draw and use."
…
…
…
"Are you giving this to Lili?"
The boy narrowed his eyes at the question. "I am going to take it back once we reach the surface, make no mistake. However, I can focus better on fighting knowing that you are armed. The first rule about the Dungeon is that anything can happen. I am going to do my best to keep the Monsters attention on me, however one of them could spawn from a wall near you, or some could sneak up from behind...Any number of scenario can happen, so at least have this sword on you."
"B-But, Lili is weak…"
"...That makes little difference."
"B-But, Lili doesn't know how to use a sword…"
Fuzen simply raised an eyebrow, just somehow managing to keep himself form sighing. "Just stick them with the pointy end."
"B-But, isn't this sword expensive?!"
"Quiet so."
"T-Then, what if I somehow damage it?! Lili can't afford the reparation costs!"
Is this boy trying to force me into damaging his weapons and then have me pay it off?
"Sigh...If that happens, I'll pay for it. It's my mistake as the guide that I forgot to inquire whatever you are armed or not. Having you get injured would be far worse than whatever financial costs would fall upon me."
...What?
"So, will you accept it or not?"
…
…
He must be faking it. There is some ulterior motive behind his words. Adventurers are all scum, with no exception. But…
"...Lili...Lili accepts it." Hesitantly, she extended her hands, and accepted the brand-new sword. It was heavier than she imagined.
"Can you fasten it at your hip?"
"U-Uh, no, Lili does not have a belt…"
"...Understood." With a nod Fuzen undid his obi, the sash wrapped around his turquoise haori, and wrapped it around both ends of Utegiri's scabbard. "There you go. You can carry it around your shoulder this way."
"T-Thank you, Master Fuzen. Lili is grateful."
"Don't worry about it. Also, no need for foolish heroics. If something unexpected happens, just draw it and use it to keep the enemy away from you. I will rush to your side and cut down any Monsters. You just focus on staying safe and alive, understood?"
...He has to be faking it. There is no way Adventurers would ever care for others...
"...Yes…"
"Mhm. Then, let us move on. Uhh, or do you require a break? If so, please do inform me. Unfortunately, I sometimes find myself thinking that everyone else has the same...attributes as me, so please do tell me if you are tired, or require a break or anything of the sort. I'm incapable of figuring these sort of things out by myself, shameful as it is."
...There no way...right?
XXX
Four hours.
Not his best record yet, but then again, he had had company this time around and could not move at his normal speed. Nonetheless, having a Supporter with him proved quite useful, indeed.
He usually cut down large, and he meant large, groups of Monsters and often found himself unable to collect all of the loot as by the time he gathered half of the Magic Stones, another group would show up and he would need to cut them down and so on, over and over again.
He rarely found himself able to collect all of his loot, and usually left the Magic Stones simply laying around. Maybe some other Adventurers found them, or maybe the Dungeon shallowed them, he did not know.
However, with the Pallum girl besides him, all of that loot was now safely inside her bag, as well as the Drop Items he needed plus all the other Drop Items they got and would sell for profit.
"This comes to a total of one hundred and forty-five thousand Valis." The clerk behind the exchange counter said after counting all the Magic Stones and the Drop Items. Fuzen was currently taking care of the exchange, as Lili had gone to go to the toilet. Has he rushed her too much and not allowed her enough breaks?
He would need to ask when she returned.
Hmm...I'd like to split it evenly, but the Captain did say that the profit must be split according to contribution. I did fight all the Monsters, so I am entitled to the greater share of the profit...right? Sigh, this is not how I would like to do things, but I am no longer just a Disciple, but also an Adventurer. I need to follow the rules…
"Understood. Please split it in two bags, forty-sixty."
The clerk nodded and went on to do just that while Fuzen turned around and kept looking for Lili.
She had left quite a while ago, and rushed, too.
I hope she wasn't injured and just pretended to be okay...-Ah.
Just then, he saw Lili peak around the corner of the hallway leading to the toilets. Even from that distance he could notice that she looked genuinely surprised to see him.
Why exactly, he did not know. "Here is your exchange Valis." Nodding to the clerk Fuzen made a hand gesture for the Pallum girl to come out of her hiding spot, and she approached him hesitantly.
Not wanting to feel his hip that light any longer, Fuzen extended his hand towards Lili. "My sword, if you would?"
"A-Ah, yes! Here you go, Master Fuzen!"
"Much appreciated." He nodded while undoing the obi and fastening the chisa katana back at his hip, almost letting out a sound of relief as he felt the weight of the sword back on his persona. "Much better...Anyway, I had our Magic Stones and Drop Items exchanged."
"I-I see...T-Then, about Lili's share…"
"Mhm. Here you go. Thank you again for your support today." Fuzen nodded and extended the large bag of Valis towards her.
"...What is this?" She asked, looking back and forth between Fuzen and the bag of Valis.
"...Your share?"
"But...why?"
"Hm?...Ah, you mean the amount? My apology, but as a member of the Loki Familia, I need to maintain our image as the strongest in mine every action that could reflect on the Familia as a whole. As such, I will take the larger cut of the profit. Apologies, and thank you for your understanding."
"No, I mean, that is only natural. But why are you...giving Lili this much?"
...Is this not right…? Sigh, I still have much to learn...I hope the Captain can teach me more about Adventurer-Supporter contracts…
"Do you perhaps desire more? I apologize, but I am not quite knowledgable on these matters. If you wish, we can surely come to a mutual agreement…"
"Why...aren't you trying to take it all for you?" The girl's question was backed by pure confusion, that much he could tell.
"...Do I look like some kind of thief to you?" He asked, a frown taking form on his forehead. "That is slightly insulting, Arde-sama."
"...You're weird…"
"Hm?"
"...Can Lili...really take this money?"
"If you would be so kind. My arm is starting to get numb. This bag is rather heavy, after all."
Hesitantly, the Pallum girl reached out for the bag with both arms, and took it, all the while looking at Fuzen with hesitation.
...Something is wrong with this girl, all right…
"Is this...really Lili's?"
"You have worked for it, so yes."
"…"
"...Anyway, before we say goodbye, I would also have a request of you."
"W-What is it?"
"I still need to bring the Crystal Mantis Wings we got back to the Dian shop. However, buying a bag and carrying it all the way there would be a hassle. As they are still in your bag, might you follow me until the so called Quest is completed?"
"I-Is that all?"
"Yes. It's a long walk, so I will make it worth your time. I believe I have a good reward in mind, as well. What say you?"
"...I understand…"
"Thank you very much. Then, let us be off."
Without losing time, as in his own opinion he had been slow in keeping up with his contract, the two made their way towards the 8th District where the Dian Cecht Familia Pharmacy was located.
"Good day." Fuzen greeted as he stepped inside the shop, and luckily, Amid was there, just behind the counter as he hoped her to be.
"Fuzen, good day. I heard you were here earlier."
"Indeed, Teasanare-sama. I wanted to inquire if you needed any materials, however you were hard at work at that time. Your colleague told me you had mentioned Crystal Mantis Wings, so I went to collect them."
"O-Oh, I see. That was very...quick."
"As per our contract, I shall always mobilize immediately whenever Teasanare-sama requires anything."
"Aren't you reliable?" Amid smiled lightly then looked over to the Pallum. "And who might your friend be?"
"Ah, yes. This is Liliurca Arde-sama. She is a Supporter, and has been of great help in collecting the materials today."
"G-good day." Lili said shyly, bowing her head slightly.
"Likewise, Arde-san. Thank you for helping Fuzen gather the materials I needed."
"I-It was my pleasure. Here they are!" Wasting no time, Lili put down her bag and laid the twenty-five Drop Items the two of them had managed to collect onto the counter.
"These will be more than enough. Thank you both for being so quick about gathering them."
"It is my duty, Teasanare-sama." Fuzen stated with a determined nod.
"I know. Still...you could just call me by my given name, you know?" The doctor said while pouting, something Fuzen did not understand the reason behind. "We have known each other for a year now, you know?"
"I...am afraid that is quite impossible, Teasanare-sama."
"...And why is that so?"
"Because I don't intend to be that close to anyone, neither from my Familia or outside of my Familia."
"...Sigh...Very well then." Amid shrugged, knowing full-well just how stubborn her acquaintance could be. "Then, please accept those." Reaching behind the counter she took out five Mid-Tier potions. "These were brewed by me today. I got lost in the moment and made more than necessary. Please, accept them."
Though he hesitated, Fuzen also knew this was within the contract's limits. He felt bad about accepting something without paying for them, but not accepting would show lenience, and as a member of the Loki Familia, he could not stain their image with his personal preferences. "Understood. I gratefully accept, Teasanare-sama."
He reached for the potions, grabbing two between his fingers and held them towards Lili. "Here you go."
"H-Huh?"
"Potions. You helped me on my private Quest, so this is your share."
"B-But, aren't those expensive?!"
"...I don't know." He turned towards Amid. "Are they?"
"They are, Fuzen. They are…"
"Yes, they are." He replied to the Pallum girl.
"Then...why are you giving them to Lili?"
"Because you helped me?"
"B-But…"
"Please accept them, Arde-san." Amid replied in Fuzen's stead. "This boy's stubbornness knows no limits. He decided you should get your part, and if you don't accept, he will follow you back home and knock on your window all night until you accept."
"Harsh as that sounds, it is actually something I would do. Honour demands it, after all."
"...Lili...Lili accepts. T-Thank you…"
"Mhm. Don't worry about it. As you have seen, I received them for free, anyway."
"...M-Mhm…"
"Then, Teasanare-sama, do you require anything else?"
"Not at the moment, no. If I do, I will contact you."
"Understood. Then please, have a continued good day."
Having finished his duty he stepped out of the shop and onto the street. "Thank you again for accompanying me all the way here, Arde-sama."
"I-It was no trouble…"
"I hope the two potions have been a satisfactory reward?"
"Y-Yes…"
"I am glad to hear it. Then, I shall go back to my Familia. Once again, I thank you for your help today. Please, arrive back home safely. Goodbye."
He bowed and turned to make for his home. Two steps later, he felt a pull on his sleeve and looked over his shoulder. "Hm?"
"...Can...can Lili...by any chance, be your Supporter again?"
"You wish to work together again?" Fuzen asked, and the girl nodded. It was hard to make it out because of her hood, but he noticed redness on her face. Has he rushed so much that the girl became ill because of it?
"Lili...does."
"...Are you sure? Today was a special case as I had a personal Quest to complete, but when I go alone into the Dungeon, I usually go much deeper. As far as the 30th Floor. It will be dangerous."
"Lili is prepared."
...This girl...I wonder what is up with her? She acts weird and is weird. However, I cannot say that I can leave Magic Stones laying around anymore, not with my debt which I desire to pay off as soon as possible. Her help would help me greatly…
"...I will say this again: it will be dangerous."
"Then…" The girl looked up, and their eyes again, for the second time today. "Will...will you...protect me?"
"Of course." Fuzen replied without hesitation. "It is my duty, after all. I did not mean you will be in mortal danger. As long as I am around, you will not die. That much I can promise. However, anything can happen in the Dungeon, even more so deeper into the Deep Floors. That is what I meant by dangerous."
"E-Even so...Lili would like to party up with Master Fuzen again! Please!"
"...I understand. Your help would also be greatly appreciated. However, I regularly go on small-scale expedition. I will not be able to Dungeon dwell with you every day."
"That's fine with Lili. Even if it's just one month...Please."
"Very well then. Arde-san, I will be counting on you, then."
"...Y-Yes!" Lili nodded with a smile, the first he had seen of her all day that was not completely fake.
"Then, when could you meet up again? I would have some time tomorrow."
"Lili also has time tomorrow!"
"Then, shall we meet at the same time and place as today tomorrow?"
"Yes!"
"Mhm. Then, I shall see you again tomorrow."
"Yes!"
"Mhm...Uhh...Then, good evening…"
"Yes! Lili shall meet Master Fuzen again tomorrow!" Wasting no time the Pallum girl sprinted off, leaving Fuzen to wonder just why she became so cheerful all of a sudden. Blaming it all on women just being generally weird, Fuzen shrugged and walked on.
It was a sudden development, that was certain.
However, it was not a completely unwanted one. He liked his solitude, however he also wanted to become more proficient at being an Adventurer, and a Supporter would help him greatly in this endeavour.
Still, if he was no longer alone, then changes needed to be made
Making up his mind and with a large bag of Valis still on him, Fuzen decided to pay a last-minute visit to the one shop which might help their new, duo party. Contrary to what most would think, even though most of his time was allocated to training Fuzen still kept himself very much informed on all matters regarding the city of Orario, specifically, those that had something to do with Adventurers.
Half an hour after entering the shop, which was still in the 8th District, Fuzen exited with a bag with the items he decided to buy under his arm. Those would help greatly, as far as he could predict.
A few dozen minutes later, he arrived back at the Manor and stepped inside, walking back to his room to stash away his money and the newly-bought items.
Then he decided to go and search for the Captain, to have him answer some questions about Supporters and how profit should be split when one such Supporter was in one's party.
Asking around he was told the Captain was in Loki's own office, and decided to go and see if he was still there.
Knock. Knock
"Pardon me, it is Fuzen."
"Come on in, my little swordsman~"
With the approval from his cheerful Goddess, Fuzen stepped inside and as he was told, his Captain was there, as well. "Pardon the intrusion. I wished to ask Captain Finn if you would have some time later today for a question of mine."
"Sure, no problem." Finn nodded. "However, before that…"
"Hm?"
"I'm sorry, lil' Fuzen." Loki apologized, throwing herself back in her seat with a sigh. "I tried my best, but even I cannot go against the unified will of the Gods of Orario."
"...Has something happened?"
"Well...There was the Denatus today, you see. I tried to respect your wish, but I couldn't: You have an Alias now."
"Oh. I see. I thought it would be something much more severe. Please, do not mind it. I wished to remain without an Alias as I am a Disciple of the Lighting Sword Style and that is the only title, so to say, which I will ever wear. However, I understand the machinations of Orario better now than I did a year ago, and I understand Loki-sama's burden in keeping with my wish. If anything, I am glad Loki-sama no longer has this burden on her shoulders."
"Ohhh, you are so adorable~ And truthfully, also the only child of mine whom I truly believe means what he say. This Goddess is filled with happiness~"
"I am glad Loki-sama thinks so. Then, If I may inquire, what is this new Alias?" He asked.
"Hehe, I fought tooth and nail, and got you a great Alias, you know?" Loki grinned wildly, both arms shot up into the air. "From now on you are Fuzen, aka...Kenshi!"
Kenshi?
This was a word from his eastern language, which simply translated as Swordsman, or One who wields a sword. It was...a simple Alias, one which he was grateful for. "I thank Loki-sama for being aware of mine own simple desires, and fighting to get me one such simple Alias. Thank you, Loki-sama, from the bottom of my heart." he bowed, as he believed it was the right thing to do. He didn't knew exactly, though, as he never received an Alias before.
"Why...you...little...Come here!" No longer being able to contain herself, Loki jumped off her chair and straight towards Fuzen. She was used to all her children being rude and mean, but he was different. The only child who actually was polite and meant what he said.
Unlike all the others, he even stepped forward and extended his arms to catch her. "...Loki-sama, you could hurt yourself. Please do not jump off your chair when your physical capabilities are only on par with an unblessed human's."
"Then stop being so adorable, you~!" Loki exclaimed, now being held by Fuzen bridal-style, her arms wrapped around his neck. "All the others are so rude and mean to me...That hurts, you know, especially when I love them all...You are the only one who means what he says when you express your gratitude! You're my favourite, you got that?! My favourite! Well...besides Ais, I mean...Ahh, why couldn't you be a girl instead…? Fate is so cruel…"
"...Are you quite down, Loki-sama?" He asked, a blank look on his face.
"I dunno, it is quite comfy being held like this…"
"I will let you down now."
"Nooo~" Once her feet touched the ground Loki finished her dramatic act and laughed heartedly. "By the way, let's Update your Status."
"Now? I doubt there's any real change to it…"
"Nah, let's do it, let's do it!" before Fuzen could even think about denying it Loki had pulled a chair and forcefully pushed Fuzen down onto it.
"...I guess I can't escape?" He asked the Captain, who simply shrugged in reply. "What a troublesome Goddess…" With a sigh, he took of his haori and shirt and waited.
Before long he felt Loki's blood dripping onto his back, and her unlocking his sealed Status. Then the light shone inside the room as the numbers hovered above his Falna.
"Well...I'll be damned…"
"Hm?"
"...You'll see…"
Fuzen felt the familiar feeling of his Status being updated, and then the piece of paper on his back as Loki copied it. Knowing it was done, he put back his shirt and haori and turned to his Goddess: her expression was one which expressed excitement.
"Here you go~" She extended the piece of paper and he grabbed it, scanning it once over.
Fuzen Katsumi
LV 2
STR F 337 → 339
VIT G 215 → 230
DEX D 554 → 560
AGI D 554 → 560
MAG I 0 →
Magic: Ikazuchi Jigen Bussei
Skill: Inazuma no Michi
Tenmashin
Development Ability: G Sword Disciple
"…"
"Congratulation! You got your first Magic!" Loki exclaimed happily, even clapping her hands.
"…"
"Whoa, Magic you say?" Finn asked, approaching the two. "This is...unexpected."
"…"
...Screw my fricking life…
Without words, he walked up to the table, and laid the piece of paper on it before leaning on over it. "...Erase it."
"Huh?"
"...You're a Deity. Erase this Magic from my being. Now."
"H-Huh?"
"I said to remove this stain off me."
"I...I can't do that, you know?" Loki replied, by now confused at her little swordsman's change of character, and exchanged a look with Finn, who was just as perplexed.
"Fuzen, is something wrong?" The Captain asked, taking a few steps closer.
"...I'm a Disciple of the Lighting Sword Style…"
"...Yes, we know. But having Magic is highly helpful-"
BAM!
"Do I look like a fricking Mage to you?!" Having brought both fists down on the table with enough force to dent the hard wood Fuzen yelled loudly, for the first time showing his anger in front of his Goddess. "There no fricking point to all this crap, to all this fricking hardship I go through day by day by fricking day if I can't prove myself by the sword alone! Helpful, you say?! As helpful as throwing manure in my face, yes! God fricking damn it, why does everything only ever work against me?!"
In a fit of rage, he kicked the table once and then rushed past the two other in the room, leaving the office by slamming the door hard enough to almost break it.
…
…
…
"...What...just happened?" Asked the red-haired Goddess.
"...I...don't know…" Finn replied. It was indeed rare for someone to manage to confuse and surprise Loki and Finn alike.
That night, the excessively loud noises of yelling and of a wooden sword hitting a tree could be heard from anywhere within the Manor.
When an angry silver-haired werewolf opened his window and yelled for the boy producing those noises to be quite, he was met with a single reply that left him with his jaw hanging, as well as everyone else listening in on the exchange:
"SHUT THE HELL UP, I'll CUT YOU UP IN A THOUSAND FRICKING PIECES!"
XXX
This Chapter went through some more alterations that previous Chapters, and all for good reasons.
I believe I already mentioned this before, but the first time around I posted this fic, I did not have a clear image of the MC in mind. Sure, he was there, but his personality, his skills and his strengths, all of them were kind of foggy.
But now I have a crystal clear image of him, thus why I am going through the pain in the ass process of re-reading all the Chapters before re-uploading them again: to make everything consistent and without holes in the plot.
For all you old readers, the changes in this Chapter involve his flashback spar against Tiona, Ais's inner monologue as well as some expansion on Fuzen's own thoughts.
In the original post I had him spar against Tiona unarmed. This time around, I made it clear he was holding a drawn sword, despite not using it against her.
For Ais's inner monologue, I did not go so far into her comparison of her Father with Fuzen. In the original post I kinda made it sound like Fuzen was stronger than Albert, which is not true.
At least, not unless some very specific requirements are met first.
After all, Fuzen is still just a brat. He is strong, yes, but he is also very weak.
Good sides and bad sides, likeable traits and unlikeable traits, strengths and weaknesses, I try to make him have them all without leaning too much on just one single side.
I'm just trying to make him human, I guess.
As for the last big change, Fuzen's own thoughts, I tried to flesh out his will to compromise for the sake of others a bit more than in the original version.
Yeh, that's about it.
I'm not the kind of writer who usually spoon-feeds information like this, but this was an important Chapter for the story as a whole so I thought it was important to make summarize a bit more.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed the read and until next time.
Kay bye.
