Battle with Verdia & Brief Encounter with Wiz:

Everyone stood there feeling the intense anger emanating from Verdia. Maximus began to wonder about the situation and before he could think too much Verdia began to shout more.

"Everyday one of you maniacs keeps hurling Explosion spells at my castle! If you know who I am and wish to pick a fight, then have the courtesy to announce yourself so a proper duel can commence! Now tell me, who among you was doing this all this time!" Verdia shouted.

"Who do we know here that constantly uses Explosion?" One of the adventurers said out loud as though to suggest an obvious person.

Everyone turned towards Megumin and she began panic as their eyes were locked onto her. She began to sweat a little and soon noticed another mage to her left. She turned to eye the other mage some distance from her. Everyone turned to look at the other mage she was looking at who took notice everyone was looking at her and began to panic.

Maximus had kept his gaze upon Megumin feeling annoyed she would attempt to get out of this. She looked up to see his disappointed gaze fixed on her that soon grew to anger.

"I can't believe you would actually consider not taking responsibility for your actions." Maximus briefly said to her.

Megumin began to feel ashamed and nervous from what Verdia might do to her.

"Well, as party leader and since she doesn't wish to take any responsibility," Maximus was thinking to himself and paused as he began to walk toward Verdia. "I will go in her stead." He finished his thought.

Everyone was surprised to see him walk forward and some whispered amongst themselves who would win.

"Wait, Maximus, don't go." Chris said feeling a little concerned for him.

He turned around and gave her a thumbs up and smirked.

"Looks like someone is brave enough after all." Verdia said to himself as he studied Maximus closely.

"Can't be helped when I say I have no idea if I'm ready for this or not, however, this encounter was bound to happen eventually." Maximus paused his thoughts as he got closer to Verdia. "Time to see how I measure up against one of the Demon King's Generals or should I see about negotiating with him first." He wondered to himself.

Maximus stood a few feet in front of Verdia and waited.

"So, it was you!" He shouted in anger that was swelling within him. He took several moments to catch his breath. "If you know who I am and wish to pick a fight then have the common courtesy to announce yourself so a proper duel can commence." Verdia said with surprising calm. "Could he be the so-called light I was sent to investigate?" Verdia wondered to himself.

"The way he acts and dresses himself makes me believe he was a knight of some sort. I wonder if diplomacy can be achieved. However, that's not what I came here for, I was under the impression this world was suffering under the threat of this Demon King and I have yet to see any evidence of it. Even now with this fellow here, I somehow get this strange feeling he doesn't wish to fight at the moment." Maximus said to himself.

The two stood there in silence, both measuring the other closely.

"Yes, it was I who was bombarding your castle." Maximus finally answered. "Let us see if he can be reasoned with, just to test the waters sort a speak, see how this world's villains conduct themselves. If it doesn't work, our battle will commence." He said to himself. "No, I did not know of your presence but I should have checked to be sure. You see I only wish to test out my new spell I learned from a fellow comrade. I do deeply apologize for disturbing your everyday activities with my spell and would wish to see about any reprimands you will have me do in order to make up for these acts. The only thing I do wish is for you to not take your rage out on this town." He said kneeling on the ground.

Everyone was shocked at the site and wondered what he was doing.

"I see, so you were completely unaware of my presence. Very well, I see you hold yourself in some high regard." Verdia stopped for a moment. "I wonder if I should eliminate him, since he has the chance of being this light my master had informed me about." He said to himself and began to lift his finger. "I have decided a befitting punishment for you," He paused.

"I wonder what it is he will ask of me?" Maximus wondered to himself.

"For vandalizing my castle, I sentence thee to death." He proclaimed to him and loud enough for all to hear.

"Wait, that's a little excessive don't you think?" Aqua said worrying for Maximus.

"Seriously?!" Maximus said to himself. "I knew he would want to give me some form of punishment, but not this!"

"As a former knight, killing the weak was beneath me, nor did it appeal to me, but now I think I might enjoy this." He stopped as dark aura surrounded him and his red eye glowed. "In exactly one day, you will die." He proclaimed.

"Not if I finish my prayer first!" Aqua shouted after rushing up to stand at Maximus' side.

"No, what are you doing?" Maximus inquired.

"It's too late, now Death Premonition." He said and a malevolent dark shroud barreled towards Maximus.

Before he could move, he saw a golden yellow and black figure run past and stood in front of him. The next moment the shroud quickly latched onto Darkness. She began to scream in pain as though she were being ripped apart and a skull formed around her acting as though it were chewing her.

"No, Darkness!" Maximus shouted.

"I'm sorry, but this was the only way I could repay you from before." She struggled to say, writhing in pain.

"Somehow, I rather doubt that." Maximus said feeling annoyed and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You should have known I wasn't going to take a death sentence so easily" He finished.

"I am sorry, but as a knight I cannot stand idly by and watch my comrade come to harm." Darkness explained. "Besides, for one such as you, I cannot imagine the idea of not being tormented by you anymore." She said to herself. "As for you, I take it in order to release me from this Death Curse I would have to submit to your every whim!" She shouted.

Verdia began to laugh uncontrollably for a few moments. "Yes, in order for her to be released you will have to defeat me!" He shouted and finally her words caught up to him. "Wait, what?"

"You fiend, you have chained this diabolical death curse onto this knight, chaining me down in such a manner therefore I must submit to your every demand." She shouted with uncontained excitement.

Maximus grunted in annoyance and found his hand flying to slap her across her face. "Will you get it together, you're going to die in one day, unless we do something about it right here and now!" Maximus shouted to get her attention.

The next moment Maximus quickly realized what he did and began to feel horrible for allowing himself to let his hand fly. Darkness felt a little confused as she was feeling joy from his unforeseen slap and feeling the heavy pain from the curse placed by Verdia.

"Oh no, what have I done." Maximus said to himself seeing the overjoyed look on her face.

"Oh no, she's dipping into her masochist side of herself after your slap." Kazuma said out loud and no one seemed to notice what he said.

Aqua was surprised to see his actions. "Ah, I can't believe you would hit your own teammate like that."

"Oh, shut up, it was the only way to get her attention!" Maximus snapped back at her and she flinched a little from his annoyed angry voice.

Darkness began to hug herself tightly feeling a powerful rush of excitement flow through her. "Your so cruel, you would even strike one of your own teammates without hesitation! This is one thing I never would have thought to experience and now, I wish for you to indulge on this act of betrayal even more." She shouted with tears of joy escaping her eyes.

"Oh God, what have I done?" Maximus said to himself feeling a little embarrassed and ashamed of his action towards her.

"Oh Maximus, what shall I do?" She inquired of him wearing an unsettling smile on her face.

"What do you mean?" Maximus quickly shot back.

"Should I go with that degenerate and be made a puppet, a sex slave, one who would make me have no choice but to succumb to his will. I can see his hungry eyes lusting upon me, beckoning me to follow him back to his castle and into his bed chamber where he will defile me further." She shouted with uncontrollable joy filling to the brim.

She stood there panting with further excitement as another thought appeared in her mind.

"Or shall I return to your clutches where I would be forced to endure your betraying hands thrusting upon me, groping me in an attempt to dominate my soul. Oh, the agony of experiencing your betrayal firsthand. The mere thought of feeling it thrust upon me day after day, knowing it's from an ally and not a foe. Oh yes, I can feel your hungry eyes as well, undressing me by the second. You have wished to defile me ever since we first met, haven't you!" She shouted.

"What are you going on about?" Maximus said backing away in order to avoid touching her as if she was a diseased individual.

"Oh, Maximus, what should I do?" She inquired.

"How should I know." He replied containing his anger and annoyance.

"Uh, anyway," Verdia said to get their attention. "This may not have been the preferred outcome but may prove to be most entertaining." He said as he began to laugh.

He turned his headless horse around and began to walk away.

"By the way, no more blowing up my castle, understand. Also, if you wish to save your crusader's life, then make your way to my castle where we can finish this. If you can kill me, then your friend's life will be spared as the curse will be removed upon my death." He informed them.

"That's all I needed to hear." Maximus said out loud.

The next moment he quickly took hold of his sword and charged forth towards his enemy. Swinging his sword down with all of his might he aimed to eliminate Verdia in one strike. Instantly Verdia sensed his movement and with a surprised look in his eyes, he saw Maximus barreling towards him. Both of their swords made impact and began to struggle against each other. The small shockwave blew the loose dirt from the ground away from them and a powerful thunderous crack echoed through the area.

"You would dare attack someone while their back is turned. I'll make you regret that you little worm!" Verdia shouted.

The next moment he summoned his aura and pushed Maximus away from him. He quickly back flipped and landed on his feet, which dragged across the dirt road a few yards. He readied himself for another round and quickly noticed his sword was beginning to rust and break apart.

"Cheaply made, yet expensive, that blacksmith is going to pay me big time for this." Maximus said to himself, gazing upon the sword and glanced back at the main group before the gates.

"What kind of insolent cur are you, who would throw away his honor in an attempt to win a duel in that fashion?" Verdia snapped at him.

Maximus spat in Verdia's direction feeling annoyed. "There is no such thing as honor when it comes to fighting your opponent. Where I'm from, it's win at all cost no matter who you are fighting. Whether it be a lord of the land or a common man, employ everything at your disposal and destroy your enemy when you see the chance."

"But how are you to continue this fight without a weapon?" Verdia inquired as he concentrated his aura into his sword.

"Maximus, take my sword." Darkness said tossing her sword to him.

While it was in midair, he instantly took hold of it and charged after Verdia once more. The two swung their swords towards one another. The next second Maximus appeared behind Verdia, standing six yards away from him. The next moment the sound of several dozens of metallic clashes echoed. The two stood still for a few moments waiting for the other to make a move. Both of their backs facing each other until the next instant Verdia fell from his horse.

Everyone was surprised to see him fall to the ground. Maximus fell to his knee feeling the sting of Verdia's sword. It had barely cut him across his chest, his right arm, and upon his left knee. He could feel the tearing sensation of his ligament being severed and found it extremely difficult to stand.

"Oh no, Maximus." Both Aqua and Darkness shouted at the same time.

Verdia slowly got to his feet feeling the stinging sensation of Maximus' blows across his body. He turned around and crutched upon his sword. His armor had suffered severe damage with indentions and cracks webbing out, as well as slash marks spread throughout his chest.

Maximus used his sword to crutch himself up from the ground and slowly turned around. He eyed his opponent with a defiant look in his eye and took a quick look at his wounds. He struggled to rent his coat and his wounds on his arm and knee after. Once he was finished, he readied himself for another bout.

"That brief exchange was intense and very impressive for one who was only using one arm to wield his sword. I get the feeling if he had used both arms, I would be a dead man." Maximus said to himself.

The next moment he grunted in pain from the wound upon his chest.

"I am not sure how I am going to continue this fight with only one capable arm. Sure, my right arm is ok and luckily missed my artery, however, he strategically or accidently, severed one of my tendons near my wrist. This is keeping me from using my thumb and will prove most difficult from here on." Maximus said to himself.

"That was the most intense exchange I have had in a long while. I am most grateful I have met you. Tell me," Verdia paused pointing at Maximus. "What is your name so I will remember it for the rest of my days?" He inquired.

Maximus limped up, standing with all of his weight on his right leg.

"My name is Maximus, commit it to memory as I end your existence here." Maximus said. "Who am I kidding, I can't even stand properly much less fight on from here. This is quite the predicament I am in; I wonder how I am going to get out of this one." He said to himself.

"You have proven to be a most entertaining opponent. Now, prepare to die." Verdia said.

He began to walk up to Maximus with his gaze fixed on him.

"That's a two-handed sword he has there and with only one capable arm, he will be no threat to me." Verdia said to himself.

Once he was a few feet away from Maximus, he threw his head up high into the air, his head looked down and a red aura extended out. His red eye glowed brighter and all around him had a crimson color shining out. He took hold of his sword with both hands and swung down upon him.

Maximus quickly focused his aura to enhance his abilities for a brief moment and they both clashed swords once more. He summoned all the strength he could muster into his left arm, feeling the awkwardness of its use. He was more accustom to his right arm than the other, but knew he had to train both arms in his previous life on Lorin.

"You're still willing to fight on despite only able to use one arm!" Verdia said feeling surprised.

"Of course, that's what being human means," Maximus paused as he struggled to hold Verdia back. "To be defiant in the face of true hardship, to stand tall and roar against the woes of misery. Something you have obviously forgotten, and now it's time for me to use my trump card." Maximus said with a grin.

Verdia wondered what he meant by that and before he could inquire Maximus roared aloud.

The next moment a full golden-colored circle quickly appeared in front of Maximus. Verdia quickly backed away feeling the sting of holy aura. His head landed within his arm and stood to watch the light move over Maximus.

After the circle formed, it began to move over Maximus. As the ring passed over him, his body began to change into a different form. His pupils turned into a silver color, and the whites of his eyes darkened like sapphires. Around them, a crimson glow extended outwards like a raging fire.

A large oval-shaped crimson diamond appeared over the middle of his chest where his heart was. Over each of his knuckles, elbows, and knees round-shaped sapphire-colored diamonds formed. His long gold braided hair turned to silver, and new skin appeared as the color of sapphire. Most of his body was clad in armor as white as snow forming over his skin and around each of the colored diamonds.

A solid mass formed to engulf his head until it shaped like a helmet fashioned after an ancient knight. A pair of snow-white feathered wings formed out of his back extending a foot over his head with the tips reaching the ground. He made them flap forward and back to a resting position as a gush of strong winds blew forth with the ferocity of a fierce windstorm. His whole body seemed to have features that matched an angel's likeness.

Verdia began to quake amidst the awesome might of Maximus' power. He gazed upon him and saw his previous wounds were not visible and took another step back. Everyone that stood before the gate were in awe of his new form.

"Look, it's an angel that's ready for battle." One of the women within the crowd said with her eyes glued to Maximus.

"I knew he was a great choice to bring over to this world." Aqua barely mumbled out.

Darkness was astonished by the sight and felt herself drawn towards him even more.

"To think this is one of two forms he is capable of employing, one where he is in a peaceful state of mind and not overcome with rage. He could very well be the light that shines in the darkness upon this world. I must win him over, at least before Aqua does." Chris said to herself knowing full well what he was capable of.

Kazuma was frozen in place, his eyes beheld something he never thought he would see. "No way, a real-life Battle Angel is standing not far from me. This reminds me of some character from a video game or something. No wonder he's so awesome," He paused for a moment. "And at the same time, it's totally not fair." He began to cry a little out of jealousy.

Verdia's fear began to mount even more than before. "What is this, how are you able to do that and I thought all of the God's were to maintain a noninterference pact with the humans of this world!" Verdia struggled to say. "Hey, this isn't fair, it's illegal it must be illegal. No one is able to employ a transformation technique!" He shouted feeling the unavoidable end approaching.

Maximus held out his left hand and at the palm of it a holy power began to form into a ball of light. He raised his right hand and quickly balled up his fist. The next moment chains of steel sprung forth out of the ground and held Verdia in place.

"For causing harm upon my comrade and to ensure no one else comes to harm by your hand, you shall pay the ultimate price!" Maximus shouted to him.

The ball of holy light reached its peak and began to form into his hand.

"Fist of Holy Light!" He roared.

The holy light shot forth towards Verdia and engulfed him completely. He began to scream with intense pain as his body was slowly being turned to ash. "No, this wasn't how it was supposed to end, I was going,"

The next moment his body completely destroyed and the light dissipated. Everyone had begun to look out after shielding their eyes and saw they were not harmed by the ray. The attack had stopped before reaching them.

Darkness had an overjoyed look on her face as she had quickly rushed over to be hit by the ray. But to her disappointment she only felt the stinging relief brought on by the purifying sensation of being lifted from the death curse.

"Was that pain of the curse being lifted from Verdia's defeat or from Maximus' attack." She stopped to recollect herself. "I must know this right now!" She shouted and approached Maximus.

The next moment she heard the stomping stampede of adventurers running towards Maximus to congratulate him on his victory.

"Wait, do not get in front of me, I must know!" She shouted.

Before they could get too close to him, the same circle appeared before and moved over him. After it was done, he was back in his normal form, completely healed of his wounds. Everyone walked up to him and began cheering his name.

Aqua began to use her Nature's Beauty as a way to celebrate. Chris latched onto his right arm and looked up at him. Once he turned to her she gave him a wink and a smile.

"You were amazing Maximus." She said with a cheerful tone.

He simply smiled back at her and Aqua took notice of her being too close to him and began to complain.

The next moment Mohawk approached him and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. "Let's hear it for Maximus, the Battle Angel who will defeat the Demon King!" He shouted and everyone cheered once more.

"Let's go celebrate in the Guild Hall!" One man shouted.

"I second that motion." Another followed.

"Hey," Maximus shouted to get everyone attention. "Drinks are on me tonight!"

Everyone cheered for the idea and all began to make their way to the Guild Hall with Maximus at the front. All the townsfolk went to the streets after hearing the big news. As Maximus walked by towards their destination, they all began to throw confetti and danced in the streets. Aqua and Chris were latched onto his arms with Darkness close behind with the same obsessed smile, wondering what the result of her condition was being released from the death curse and wanting to experience it again.

The Guild Hall was alive, more so than ever before, as the party continued into the night. Maximus was sitting down at one of the tables with Aqua, Chris, and Darkness huddled around him. Megumin was sitting across the table with Kazuma at her side.

"I feel as though I have been cheated in some way." She said looking down at her food.

"Huh, how come?" Kazuma inquired.

"I don't know how to put it, but I feel as though things aren't really going as they should be." She said poking at her piece of steak.

"Wait, does she totally get how I feel at this moment?" He wondered to himself.

"Oh well, I was really hoping I could have at least got in a shot at that Verdia guy." She said and took a bite of her food.

Kazuma sat there feeling depressed from Maximus' triumphant day and witnessing everyone cheer for him along with few of the girls being so close to him.

"God Damn it, this sucks!" He slammed his hands on the table.

"Huh, what's the matter Kazuma?" Maximus inquired.

"What's wrong is I have yet to set foot on my new kickass adventurer's life and it's all your fault!" He shouted pointing his finger at him.

"How is this all my fault, if anything, what's wrong with your life is entirely of your own making." Maximus shot back.

"How do you figure?" Kazuma quickly inquired.

"Well, for one quick explanation before I get back to the celebration, you were going too slow on picking a single item of skill to take with you in this life." Maximus said taking a bite of his food.

The others began to listen closely and Aqua began to remember when Kazuma first appeared before her.

"I was trying, but this useless Goddess wouldn't wait for me to properly choose what I wanted!" Kazuma snapped back with anger in his voice after pointing at Aqua.

"Hold on, what do you mean by Goddess?" Darkness inquired feeling confused.

Kazuma panicked for a moment and Aqua was feeling the same and slowly put her drink down on the table.

"Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later." She said standing up. "I am the Goddess Aqua, worshiped by the noble Axis Sect."

"You should not drink too much." Both Darkness and Megumin said at the same time not believing her.

"Hey, I am not drunk okay." She snapped at the two of them.

"Well, that crisis is averted for now. Poor Aqua, I feel as though no one will ever believe her status at all." Maximus said with a small grin.

Chris chuckled a little. "That was too funny."

Aqua felt annoyed and began to eat her meal as did the others.

Later that night Maximus was walking around town after a brief meeting with Luna and escorted her home once more. The two said their goodnights and she felt down for not being able to talk to him at the celebration earlier.

Soon after Maximus turned the corner to head out towards the stables when a woman called out to him.

"So, you're Maximus, the one who defeated Verdia earlier today." A woman said standing only a few feet away.

Maximus turned around and noticed the woman standing in the moonlight. She had brown hair that reached down past her shoulder and brown eyes that never looked away from him. She wore a purple dress underneath a purple robe. Her clothing was tightly wrapped around her, showcasing her well-endowed chest and the rest of her curvaceous figure.

"Y-y-yeah, that's me." Maximus said feeling a little nervous seeing her. The next moment he dashed towards her and took hold of her hands. "I wish to know your name." He said almost shouting.

She felt a little nervous from him quickly lunging towards her.

"Uh, sorry about jumping at you, it's just you are so beautiful, I mean, you're great looking, I mean," He stopped for a moment wondering why he was acting in this manner, scratching the back of his head and coughed a little. "What might your name be fair maiden?" He inquired.

"It's Wiz." She smiled tilting her head to the side, closing her eyes and smiled. "The way he was acting just now, makes you think he couldn't possibly defeat Verdia." She said to herself.

"Wiz eh," He paused for a moment. "I don't think I have noticed you before."

"Oh, that's because I just barely set up a shop in this town earlier today. I also saw a little of your battle against Verdia and wanted to congratulate you but was unable to." She said feeling a little panic for no reason. "There's no reason for him to suspect me of being a former member of the Demon King's Generals. I wonder if I reacted that way was because of all the rumors I heard about him. His kindness most of all."

"Hmm, I wonder if I should pay you a visit sometime, maybe even tomorrow. So, long as that's alright with you?" He said to her.

"Oh, that would be perfect, you will be my first customer." She said with excitement in her voice.

"Well, until then, I shall see you later." He said with a smile.

She responded with her own smile and they began to go their separate ways. She was beginning to feel jittery and he was feeling a little relief from being embarrassed in the way he was acting toward her. The next moment he began to remember how cold her hands were and wondered what the cause could be. She felt renewed in a small way after their encounter.

"I can't wait to see him again, just the way he was holding my hands, it seemed he didn't notice the cold feeling right away." She paused for a moment from her thoughts. "It's been a long time since I last felt this way, can this be real?" She wondered with a hint of excitement and began to make her way to the town's graveyard.