Goblin Slayer: The Team Year Two

by GLG-3883

It's been just over a year since the team broke up to both continue aiding Goblin Slayer, and the frontier of course, but also to raise a family in the Sword Maiden's hometown. Now, they must reunite to face a series of some of the greatest threats the world has ever known. Rated M for dark/adult themes; the same as the series itself is known for.

44. Chapter 22 Part III

Hello people, and welcome back to Goblin Slayer: The Team Year 2. I swear these huge chapters are something I'm getting more used to than I should be. I sincerely hope this doesn't become a trend, because it's taking a toll on my interest in this. Anyway, the Champions armor went missing last chapter...I wonder where that could lead? Well...let's find out.

Review Response: Technically, Hero got on Ranger over things she didn't approve of, not to mention her whole damn team had an issue with what he does, and...let's face: Ranger's actions and methodology are going to be pretty controversial to the faint of heart. As for the Champion's armor, well...see for yourself.

What? Don't want me to keep up the good work anymore Engineer?

---

"I can't believe it! Her Grace made me an official cleric!" Inspector exclaimed excitedly as she and Summoner went into one of the Temple of Law's bedchambers with her giddily bouncing up and down.

"Well, you better believe it, because that's what happened. As if there was any doubt..." Summoner said before Inspector wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him into a deep kiss and after recovering from the surprise, he held her waist as her lips shifted passionately against his own over and over with the wet smacking sounds doing nothing to discourage their intimacy. He then gave her butt a thorough squeeze through her skirt.

"Thank you..." Inspector said as her lover continued kneading her buttocks like it was dough. He then peeled off his armored robe, exposing his thin, but lean form, as she broke the kiss and pulled down her skirt and removed her blouse, leaving her in her underwear as she then resumed their kiss. She then reached into Summoners pants and rubbed the underside of his aroused manhood, making him groan and tense up from the pleasure before he eventually stops her and removed his pants entirely. The sultry priestess then turned around as her demon hunting lover reached around to squeeze, lift, and fondle her hand-filling breasts as she shifted her buttocks against his groin, and he shifted against her in return while continuing to play with her chest.

Eventually, he picked her up bridal-style as she laughed at the surprise, and held onto him as he approached the bed and gently placed her on it like she was made of glass, and dragged his tongue up her flat abdomen and in-between her luscious breasts as he traveled up her slender yet curvy body. She simply laid there giggling, gasping, and shifting in pleasure until he reached her neck and latched onto it as her heart and lungs worked harder while her lover showed his affection for her through his interaction with her body. He then raised himself up, and looked at her smiling face as he pressed into her as he buried his face into her neck as she tightened her hold on him.

"I love you..." Summoner breathed out.

"I love you too..." Inspector said softly, before Summoner pressed his lips against hers as she held his head in place. Eventually, he broke the kiss before the two continued to look and smile at each other softly while holding each other close and Summoner ran his hand through her hair. Inspector then pulled him into another kiss as she wrapped one leg around his waist and he turned them on their sides as he rubbed her smooth hip and thigh as she caressed his sculpted torso from top to bottom. He then held her close, snuggled into her neck and listened to her giggle. "Someone's in a good mood..."

"I'm in bed sharing sweet kisses with my sexy priestess, and touching the best parts of her body...who wouldn't be?" Summoner asked while groping her supple buttocks.

"Good point...general." Inspector said sensually as she continued shifting against his body while his gentle yet powerful hands worked her own in all the right places while he shared kisses with her.

"You keep using that tone of voice I'm going to start using words and actions one shouldn't use towards a priestess." Summoner said and Inspector simply smirked at him and slowly got on top of him.

"What's stopping you?" Inspector asked.

"You really are a naughty girl..." Summoner teased, and Inspector continued to kiss and lash tongues with him while their deep breaths and slow, gentle motions made their bliss known to each other. All the while he continued to caress her back and brush her hair while she ran her hands along the lines on his torso. Eventually, she broke the kiss and looked down at him as her chocolate-brown hair framed her face and her sapphire eyes seemed to light up the room.

"How do I look?" Inspector asked.

"Like a woman blessed by the Love Goddess...which you are." Summoner said and Inspector purred softly before kissing the fierce demon hunter beneath her. "You'll turn 21 any minute now..."

"I know...and the new archbishop made me an official member of the church on my last day of being 20." Inspector said.

"Did you tell her about your birthday?" Summoner asked.

"No, but I will later on. Can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out." Inspector said.

"Well, for now...you're mine." Summoner said and Inspector giggled before Summoner gave her a series of deep, sweet kisses as they lashed tongues and smack their lips together as each individual kiss ends. She then rolled back on her side as she kept her leg around his waist, as ran his hand down her thigh as she caressed his hip, chest, and abdomen. "You know...before I entered this temple, I downed some potion."

"Oh?" Inspector asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I... paid Guild Girl a visit earlier today, and nearly got her pregnant, and since that potion lasts 24 hours straight..." Summoner trailed off.

"Right...well, I don't want any kids myself either, at least not yet." Inspector said.

"So like I said: you're mine." Summoner said as Inspector removed her underwear and Summoner unhooked her bra before squeezing one of her breasts and looking at Inspector's blissful face as he vigorously yet lovingly worked on her delectable breasts...then she gasped as he started licking the nipple on her alternate breast as she held his head in place.

"Oh...! Yes...! Please...don't stop...!" Inspector breathed out as Summoner continued to feast on her chest as he went back and forth between her breasts by licking one, and squeezing the other. When her moans got high-pitched, he stopped and let her calm down and looked at her bathe in the pleasure he caused her. Summoner then removed his underwear as the bed shifting got Inspector's attention, and then looked over his arousal and sucked in a trembling breath as she remembered the last time he filled her body with it.

"Not yet; there's plenty of things I haven't done..." Summoner said before Inspector flipped over, and almost right away felt Summoner lightly spank her which made her let off a horny chuckle as Summoner got to work on the creamy flesh of her lower body, from her calves, to her feet, to her thighs, and especially her inner thighs as she gasped and tensed up from the pleasure, and she relaxed the moment he moved up to knead her buttocks from underneath, then the sides, and eventually, the entire area. "Shall I take you like this?"

"Oh yes..." Inspector said as she slowly raised her lower body off the bed, and gasped the moment she felt Summoner insert himself into her moist, swollen entrance and slowly moved in and out of her. "Yes...that's it..."

"Just like when I took you against the wall..." Summoner breathed out.

"No...this is much better..." Inspector said as her general continued to mate with her. At first, he simply focused on moving in and out of her warm, moist womanhood, and listening to her deep, breathy gasps as they both bath in the raw intimacy of their bodies being joined together. He even made the lovely and somewhat shameless priestess giggle by slowing his thrusts down even more, and rubbed her thighs and buttocks with his hands. He then increased his speed and used as much power as he could to force his manhood into Inspector's body as her flesh constricted his own.

He eventually picked up the pace and her moans had fleshy slapping sounds added to them as he slammed into her butt. Summoner continued to please her as her head turned sideways and dug into the pillow just enough for him to see her face contort in bliss until she finally climaxed along with him, and he collapsed on top of her as their orgasms sank in.

"How's this for an end to your last day of being 20 baby?" Summoner asked and Inspector giggled.

"I couldn't wish for a better end." She said before Summoner planted a kiss on her cheek, then removed himself from her body and laid down next to her before she kissed him. "I love you so much."

"And I love you..." Summoner said as she snuggled into him while sighing dreamily. "You're not going to sleep are you?"

"I probably could if it meant I get to be like this." Inspector breathed out, and Summoner ran his hand through her hair. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Oh yes, and like I told Guild Girl before...both of you have really nice bodies." Summoner said as he ran his hand along her side.

"How so?" Inspector asked as Summoner moved up and down her back, shoulders, and back down to her buttocks.

"Well...like I basically said when we met, you're both cute as bunnies, but also...I can see why Guild Girl got so much attention from other men; her figure is almost flawless, and yours is practically the same. Did no one ever hit on you?" Summoner asked.

"Not as much as her, but please go on." Inspector said sensually before flipping over and Summoner squeezed her breasts again, and listened to her giggle.

"Neither of you are as...developed as Goblin Slayer's farm girl friend but...you don't have to be; bigger isn't always better." He said.

"I'll bet...how is that the case?" Inspector asked as Summoner simply gripped her breasts from the sides and gently moved them around.

"These breasts of yours...they're so soft and creamy, like the rest of your skin...as well as your legs and bottom. If I could, I'd massage you all day." Summoner said as he continued playing with her breasts and went down her sides, hips and she flipped over so he could play with her butt as well.

"You know why I think you have a gorgeous body?" Inspector asked.

"Let me guess: I look like a walking steak, and I have a correctly-shaped face structure?" Summoner asked and Inspector just stared at him.

"Lucky guess...also..." She said before looking at his groin.

"Apparently bigger is better sometimes right?" Summoner teased.

"You're good at this." Inspector said.

"I'm an aspiring priest of the Love Goddess; I know a thing or two about beauty." Summoner said.

"All the more reason for me to be flattered." Inspector said sensually before Summoner spanked her and listened to her yelp as she flexed her butt in response before he gripped her hardened flesh as she slowly relaxed.

"Look who's talking...why no one checked you out is beyond me..." He said.

"Probably because...who would want to try and seduce a priestess of the Supreme?" Inspector asked as Summoner rubbed her back and sides.

"Other than the demon hunter who's elder brother was in bed with the previous archbishop?" Summoner asked serious and Inspector sighed before Summoner stopped cold. "Sorry..."

"It's alright...I just have a hard time believing she's really gone. I know she made a rather public appearance last night but...to know she's here, but also not here is...it's almost too much." Inspector said before Summoner laid down next to her and hugged her.

"My brother isn't much different; everyone loved the Sword Maiden, and I could see it in his face every time I saw his spirit...no one loved her more than me did." He said.

"The Sword Maiden was a beacon of hope for the entire country; I thought he turned from his selfish ways?" Inspector asked.

"No...the people loved her because she was like you said, a beacon of hope; my brother loved her because of what those little green abominations did to her. Storm Mage's love for her was an selfless as it could possibly get. When he was with her...it wasn't at all about him; he even told me that he put his own pleasure after her own. If he was still as greedy as he was years ago...he would not have done that. He was more of a brother to me when he was with her than he was when he was with me." Summoner said thoughtfully.

"Summoner..." Inspector whispered in awe before embracing him tightly as he returned the embrace...and felt his hold slowly tighten as he held her closer and even felt his tears moisten her shoulder and heard him sniffle.

"Thank you so much for being with me..." Summoner whispered.

"Of course..." Inspector said softly as she held the man who saved her and Guild Girl as he let out his anguish until he eventually got a hold of himself and dried his tears.

"I don't know what Ranger and company have in mind for the Cambion, but I hope it's the War God's wrath itself." He said sharply.

"Summoner..." Inspector said seriously before Summoner got a grip.

"Sorry...now's not the time for anger. We're here to make love, not war." He said.

"Right..." Inspector said before kissing his pain and rage away as she got on top of him, and when they broke the kiss, she gave him a heart-melting smile, which he returned. "Better?"

"Much..." Summoner whispered before snuggling into her. "I also cleansed Guild Girl of her headache with the same lightning round of love-making I gave you after you got your new powers."

"You can do that?" Inspector asked.

"Apparently, we even did the deed in Limbo...it was pretty kinky actually..." Summoner said with a smirk.

"Oh?" Inspector teased.

"Yeah...her bent over the desk, both of us invisible to the world as I took her from behind? Hoo boy..." Summoner said before Inspector let off a horny chuckle and snuggled into her general.

"Lucky girl..." She said sensually.

"Granted I did so to ease her pain, and it worked wonders for myself as well..." Summoner said.

"Sure you did..." Inspector teased.

"Hey, sex is a serious painkiller, of both physical pain...and emotional." Summoner said somberly before Inspector put both hands on his cheeks and gave him a deep, sweet kiss that lasted longer than all the others combined as he simply held her close.

"You really are a gentleman..." She said while caressing his cheeks before snugging into his chest as Summoner continued holding her.

"A gentleman that gets to make sweet love with two of the most beautiful women he's ever met..." He said before kissing her cheek.

"A gentleman who also, as he said looks like a walking steak. But to use more refined words: I can see why you lifted me with such ease..." Inspector said while tracing the lines of his sculpted arms and torso.

"Right...although...I've seen Ranger in his lighter armor; his muscles must be twice as large as mine." Summoner said.

"Like you said: bigger isn't always better, and Guild Girl doesn't seem to mind...especially not when you replace her headache with a head that's swimming in pleasure." Inspector with a sultry smirk and tone.

"Like yours wasn't when we were on that beach." Summoner teased before groping her butt.

"You know it was...but seriously, good on you for curing her poor head." Inspector said

"There's no justice in letting her suffer while I have the means and will to make it go away." Summoner said seriously.

"Just like when you gave that farm girl a place to stay." Inspector said.

"Only...I wasn't in love with her." Summoner said and Inspector lifted herself up to look at him directly and he ran his hand through her hair. "Then again...love comes in many different forms."

"It was still a just thing to do. That act alone doesn't just make you a gentleman...it makes you a hero." Inspector said.

"Does that mean I should serve the Supreme directly instead?" Summoner asked and Inspector shook her head.

"Justice is not about striking down evil, but about making people aware that evil exists." She said.

"Sounds like the difference between vengeance and compassion to me." Summoner said and Inspector's eyes widened.

"You're right...I can't believe I didn't think of that before" She said thoughtfully.

"Hey...is there any justice in beating yourself up over it?" Summoner asked and Inspector giggled.

"I guess not...but there's plenty of compassion in what you've done." She said softly.

"Just like with you and Guild Girl...I said it to Ranger, now I'll say it again: she's a rose." Summoner said before running his hand over Inspector cheek. "You both are..."

"And you've earned all the love you got from us both." Inspector said before embracing Summoner again and sighing dreamily.

"Should I use a gateway to fetch Guild Girl?" Summoner asked and Inspector thought for a moment.

"You can go get her later, for now...can you please stay with me?" She asked.

"Alright..." Summoner said...then the clock chimed.

"Midnight..." Inspector whispered.

"Happy birthday..." Summoner said softly before giving her a series of deep, passionate, and noisy kisses that made her cling onto him and shift her body against his own, until she broke the kiss and gave him the brightest smile she could. "You are so cute when you smile..."

"I'm smiling like this because I'm so in love." Inspector said.

"And I love you just as much." Summoner said before Inspector snuggled into him and sighed dreamily as they laid together.

"I'm so happy..." Inspector said softly.

"And I'm happy for you..." Summoner said before she looked up at him.

"Are you still in pain over your brother?" Inspector asked and Summoner nodded. "Then take me again..."

"How would the birthday girl like me to take her?" Summoner asked.

"Like this..." Inspector whispered before she flipped them over with him on top of her. Then she spread her legs, which invited him to push into her entrance as she closed her eyes and groaned as his thick, solid manhood filled her body, and even more when he slowly moved further in, and then back out over and over.

"So good..." Summoner groaned as he moved in and out of her warm, moist womanhood, and when her groans became more blissful, he picked up speed and power until the bed started creaking under the force of their love-making, and her moans filled his ears as he continued to relentlessly mate with the priestess beneath him with her heels wrapped around his calves. Eventually her moans were replaced with high-pitched gasps as Summoner rapidly pounded into her, until her orgasm washed over her as her womanhood tightened around Summoner's rock-solid organ with his own orgasm just behind it, before he collapsed onto her swollen breasts and welcoming arms.

"Best birthday present ever..." Inspector whispered before Summoner sobered up and planted a kiss on her parted lips with one hand on her lovely face.

---

True to his word, Ranger used his portal gem to go to the fortresses he and his teammate cleared out the previous day the moment the sun came up, and he was don gathering the treasures, absorbing the weapons, armor, and bits of scrap he could. He even took the rest of their food as his house workers organized them in their pantry, and even started cooking a feast to celebrate the victory, and it was enough for the entire team, and themselves. Granted it was going to take hours, but that was well beyond the amount of time needed for Ranger to finish what he had in mind...

His to-do list started with giving all the coin, jewels and other trinkets directly to the Temple of Law's treasury, for obvious reasons. The moment he left he treasury to pay Priestess a visit, he was greeted with a surprise...Rookie Warrior and Apprentice Cleric were there, holding each other's sides with Priestess talking to them and Sword Mage on the side observing...

"Marriage?" Priestess asked.

"Yes, if you please." A.C. said and Priestess smiled at them.

"I would be honored...and Ranger there can be a witness." She said as the couple turned to see them.

"Ranger! How long have you been there?" R.W. asked.

"Long enough to hear about your proposal, but what I don't know is when you popped the question?" Ranger asked.

"Just last night actually..." R.W. said.

"Can we see?" Ranger asked and the engaged pair looked at each other, smiled, then Priestess took out a recaller and the scene played before them.

---

As the sun went down, A.C. and R.W. went to the pier of the docks to watch it while she leaned into him side while he held her into his side as they sat down.

"We must've straightened those warehouses in record time." R.W. said.

"That's what happens when you have a priestess of the Supreme God boosting you." A.C. said proudly as R.W. looked at her with a smile.

"That is very true..." R.W. said before kissing her. "It helps even more when you're in love with that priestess."

"And even more than that when that priestess loves you back." A.C. said.

"O.k. let's just stop right there..." R.W. deadpanned and A.C. laughed at their antics before they went back to looking at the sunset.

"I'm think about going to the archbishop and asking me to make me a member of the church, officially." A.C. said.

"And I guess that'll make me an aspiring crusader, because I want to stay at your side." R.W. said seriously.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." A.C. said softly as she snuggled into his side some more.

"How long would you like to stay here?" He asked.

"Not much longer; I just want to spent some quality time with my partner in crime..." A.C. said with a smile as R.W. held her closer as they continued looking at the sunset...before he looked down to the side and sucked in a breath. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I just...well, remember the last sunset we watched?" R.W. asked.

"Yeah...we just came from freeing a rhea girl from slavers, and she frolicked through the grass, without a care in the world. Poor girl must've been away from grass for weeks." A.C. said.

"And thanks to us, she can do as much as she wants." R.W. said.

"And what better way to celebrate than watch the sun go down?" A.C. asked.

"And have our first kiss..." R.W. whispered before helping her up.

"O.k...what's this about? You're not usually this sentiment-" A.C. shut up the moment R.W. got on one knee and showed a golden ring with an emerald on it and just stood there staring at him.

"Will you marry me?" R.W. asked and A.C. slowly got a hold of herself and smiled brighter and brighter.

"Yes...yes I will...!" A.C. said before R.W. put the ring on and stood up to kiss her as the recaller cut off.

---

"Wow...that's an even better proposal than the one I made to Fighter..." Ranger said.

"Really?" A.C. asked.

"Yes. I just asked her to marry me in front of a tree. Granted the moons were beaming down on us and she looked as divine as ever, but still." Ranger said.

"Well, nonetheless, your wedding was even to this day, the loveliest event I've ever been to, and as archbishop, I get to set up a similar occasion myself." Priestess said proudly.

"That won't be necessary Your Grace; we couldn't possibly have a wedding that grand." A.C. said.

"She has a point Priestess; things are too turbulent to ask too many people to come here." Ranger said.

"On top of that...we don't really have that many connections outside of the guild, and our bosses moved on to Gold Rank business. They even officially left us to form our own team." R.W. said.

"In that case, we can start your wedding whenever you please." Priestess said and they heard a voice...

"So we get to see a wedding? This day just got even brighter than it already was." Summoner said as he leaned against the entrance then pushed off of it.

"Really? How did it get bright in the first place?" Ranger asked.

"Didn't you hear? We have a birthday to celebrate." Summoner said and everyone beamed.

"Really? Who's?" A.C. asked and Summoner moved to the side to see Inspector who was right behind him, then leaned into him. "Her?"

"Yep." Inspector said casually.

"Well happy birthday." Ranger said.

"Thank you very much..." Inspector said before letting go of Summoner and going up to Ranger and embraced him.

"Should we give you all some space?" R.W. asked.

"If you want. Sword Mage? Please tell the acolytes to brace for a wedding by sundown." Priestess said.

"As you wish Your Grace." Sword Mage said with a bow as he escorted the engaged pair outside.

"Happy birthday..." A.C. said.

"Thanks." Inspector said as they watched the engaged pair leave and turned to look at Priestess, then let go of Ranger to approach her.

"If I knew your birthday was the next day, I would have made you a member of the church with a small festival." Priestess said and Inspector laughed at her as Priestess opened her arms. "Embrace me." Inspector's eyes widened and she looked at the two men behind her, who shot Priestess quick glances to encourage her, and the two women finally hugged. "Happy birthday...cleric."

"Thank you...Your Grace..." Inspector said as Priestess tightened her embrace, and eventually, the two let go. "I should get back to the guild hall; Guild Girl is probably swamped without me..."

"Alright." Priestess said as Inspector bowed slightly and backed up.

"Don't let that stop you from celebrating your birthday. Things might be tense right now, but if you ask me, that's an even greater reason to celebrate." Ranger said.

"Good point." Inspector said before hugging him again.

"The servants at my house are preparing a feast, and you're more than welcome to come once it's done." Ranger said as Inspector backed up.

"I'd love that, but what's the occasion? I mean, I just told you about my birthday." She said.

"Just celebrating me and Hero's victory over the Evil Sect, and I just so happen to have gotten a ton of loot from both places we hit, including the food being prepared." Ranger said.

"Spoils of war much?" Summoner asked.

"Precisely. It would be a shame to let that food go to waste wouldn't it?" Ranger asked.

"Well, you have a point there...alright I'll let Guild Girl know, and we'll get as much done as we can." Inspector said before she walked out of the room sharing a side-glance, and a teasing smile with Summoner as he watched her leave.

"Summoner...? I saw how you looked at her..." Ranger said seriously.

"Please don't shoot me for saying this, but I'm involved with both her and Guild Girl at once." Summoner said and Ranger looked at him funny.

"What...?" He deadpanned.

"It's completely consensual, and is not against the Love Goddess' teachings." Summoner said seriously as Ranger and Priestess looked at each other then at him.

"Why do you care about her teachings like this?" Ranger asked.

"Because I'm looking to become one of her priests." Summoner said and Ranger let out a whistle.

"That's a pretty serious undertaking, especially for a servant of the War God." He said.

"No, you're a servant of the War God; I just had his favor. Besides, there are so many reasons I'm qualified to follow the Love Goddess I don't know where to start..." Summoner said and Ranger sighed. "I'm not going to preach about how having more than one partner should be normal; there's a reason it's not normal, which speaks for itself, but-" Ranger cuts him off.

"I get it...and if they're o.k. sharing a place in your heart, I suppose that's their choice. As a Platinum Rank, I should respect that more than anyone..." He said.

"Right...although on the off-chance you want to talk about this some more...we should go elsewhere." Summoner said.

"I thought the same thing. But on a more serious note: how were the translations going?" Ranger asked.

"On one hand, it's almost done, but on the other...most of it's useless yadda yadda about how the Demon Lord had issues with various people resisting his "glorious rule"and condemning them for being part of something better than them and some things about his operations that we already know, like how virgin sacrifices happen in his name." Summoner said.

"Is there anything we can use?" Priestess asked.

"Well...there are some things about the Goblin Overlord, but that's not done yet, and before you ask: all I got done so far was something about the Goblin Overlord being the strongest, but...that really should be expected." Summoner said.

"Then waste as little time as you can. Yes I know it's Inspector's birthday, but until we know as much about the Goblin Overlord as we possibly can...we shouldn't go after him." Ranger said.

"No kidding. Anyway, I'm going to set up a gateway here and then go demon-hunting." Summoner said as he turned to leave.

"Alright, see you later." Ranger said, and the moment Summoner left, he turned to Priestess who deflated. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, just...please sit with me for a moment." Priestess said and they sat down on the stairs.

"Is something wrong?" Ranger asked.

"No...just hold me..." Priestess said as she leaned into Ranger's side and he held her close. A while later, she went from leaning into him, to giving him an actual embrace as she sighed to let out some tension.

"I'll sorry our quest together was so sour." Ranger said.

"It's alright...we can try again later." Priestess said.

"And this time, it'll be for real." Ranger said seriously and Priestess smiled.

"I love you..." She said softly.

"And I love you sister..." Ranger said before Priestess sighed.

"I'm sorry about your horse." She said and Ranger sobered up right away.

"Please tell me she's not dead..." He breathed out.

"No...she's still alive. I actually meant to tell you I checked on her just before that conversation happened. You horse is actually back on her feet." Priestess said and Ranger sucked in a breath, let go of Priestess and stood up right away.

"I have to see her..." He said as Priestess stood up.

"Let's go to the gardens and summon her." She said before opening a portal to the gardens, and then Ranger steeled himself and summoned his horse...and there she was, neighing and shuddering, before noticing Ranger who was looking at her in awe.

"You're alright..." He whispered before slowly approaching his horse, who lowered her head, and Ranger placed his forehead against the horses who neighed quietly as his hands rubbed the sides of her head. "Thank the Earth Mother you're alright..." The horse stood there letting the man she grew up with show his care for her by petting her as Priestess stood there observing with nothing but compassion in her heart, until Ranger turned to see her. "Do you know if she can ride?"

"She should..." Priestess trailed off.

"Well, how about we ride through the plains? I mean, after my horse fully recovers." Ranger said.

"That would be lovely, and then we go on that quest." Priestess said and shared a smile with her pseudo-older brother.

"Well, for now, I'm going to check in with the rest of the team, and my family." Ranger said as he tried mounting his horse...and she didn't protest. "Are you alright girl?" The horse never reacted when Ranger pets her side. "I'll take that as a "yes"." He then opened a portal, to his manor, and went through before taking her to the shed and dismounting. "Alright, stay here and rest up. I'll get you some food- no...make that a feast." Ranger then went inside...

---

When he did, the place was bustling with activity. The servants were cooking up a storm in the kitchen, while others moved supplies from one room to another, and even had to move furniture around to make space for the others. He then went upstairs...and saw his wife nursing their daughter, and Cow Girl was there watching her, and when the baby finished and went to sleep, Cow Girl giggled and caressed her face with her finger.

"Hello ladies..." Ranger said as they turned to see him leaning against the doorway and returned his smile.

"Hello handsome." Fighter said as Ranger came in and hugged Cow Girl briefly before looking over his sleeping daughter.

"Not even a minute of breastfeeding and she's out like a light." Cow Girl said.

"Won't be long before she no longer needs my milk..." Fighter said thoughtfully.

"Won't be long before her parents pass on their strength to her." Ranger said and Fighter looked right at him.

"Like I told you before: when this is over, I want a second baby." She said seriously.

"Like I told you before: I'll give you as many as you want." Ranger said and after a pause, the three snickered among themselves.

"You two are just hopeless..." Cow Girl said sweetly before the baby woke up and started crying, then Fighter rocked her until she calmed down as Cow Girl walked over to the baby and knelt in front of Fighter and put her hand near the baby who then played with her fingers. "Sorry sweetheart."

"We all are..." Fighter said and the two ladies looked at Ranger funny.

"What? You said yourself we all are." He said.

"You win this round mister..." Fighter teased.

"I will graciously accept the victory my lady." Ranger said dramatically yet seriously and Cow Girl giggled before turning serious.

"Did you check on your horse before arriving?" She asked.

"Check on her? I summoned her and rode her here through a portal." Ranger said and Cow Girl's eyes widened.

"You can summon her?" She asked.

"Don't you recall me saying that days ago?" Fighter asked.

"No I did not...but I'd like to check on her myself before I get back to my training." Cow Girl said.

"You've done enough training; this is a day for recovery, even if it wasn't Inspector's birthday." Ranger said.

"It's her birthday?" Cow Girl asked excitedly.

"Yep, I even invited her to come here for the feast, and I let her know of course." Ranger said.

"Good idea." Fighter said.

"So...other than spend time with Goblin Slayer, in public or...in bed, I don't know how to relax." Cow Girl said.

"Well, we could head to the docks and you fill me in on how your goblin-slaying quest went?" Ranger asked.

"Alright, but we check on your horse first." Cow Girl said.

"Of course." Ranger said as Cow Girl went to the doorway, then Ranger approached his wife and child.

"See you later love." Fighter said softly.

"See you later...life." Ranger whispered before kissing Fighter's lips, and then his daughter's forehead as Cow Girl simply watched their moment before they went out.

"You know I helped with the preparations shortly after you showed up." Cow Girl said.

"When did you and Goblin Slayer get back?" Ranger asked.

"Not even half an hour before you showed up. Goblin Slayer went to see the rest of your team, probably to get info on this Goblin Overlord." Cow Girl said.

"Surprise surprise..." Ranger said.

"That's our Goblin Slayer; he won't rest until..." Cow Girl trailed off.

"...the last goblin in slain." They both said at once before snickering and Ranger went to his horse...with a bucket of veggies and fruits from he kitchen.

"Eat up girl." He said before the horse went to the bucket and feasted away as Ranger ran his hand through her mane and left her to head to the backyard.

"She's a really nice horse." Cow Girl said softly

"Raised her since she was a foal; yes she had parents, and my father did most of the work with her, but the moment I was old enough, she and I were nearly inseparable." Ranger said.

"How did the rest take to her?" Cow Girl asked and Ranger scoffed.

"She pulled a cart for us and saved us travel, effort, and even money in the process, so...how do you think they took to her?" He asked.

"Good point..." Cow Girl said as they reached the backyard and she sucked in a breath.

"This place was modeled after the pond behind my home. The statues, the plants, and obviously the pond in the middle of it all...that was always my favorite place, and now it's in my new home." Ranger said.

"I can see why you liked it so much. It's a sharp contrast to a battlefield, where any moment could be your last; we weren't even here for 30 seconds and I feel like I've been here for...ever." Cow Girl said as she looked around.

"Speaking of battlefields, how did your goblin-slaying go?" Ranger asked before sitting on the stone bench by the pond.

"Well, for starters, we wiped out no less than 83 goblins...including a champion." Cow Girl said and Ranger sobered up.

"A champion?" He asked.

"Yeah. Good thing I learned a how to summon a water elemental; not only did it distract it, but if we got hurt..." Cow Girl trailed off.

"It would've healed you..." Ranger said.

"And that's just the tip of the spear...speaking of tactics I haven't used." Cow Girl said.

"Oh?" Ranger asked.

"I try to get in some spear and shield practice on my own accord." Cow Girl said.

"Well...way to take some initiative. What's the shaft of the spear?" Ranger asked and Cow Girl giggled at the quip.

"Goblin Slayer of course came with me, and drew quite a bit of blood himself, but as we talked about, I did most of the work." She said honestly.

"What did you do?" Ranger asked.

"I used my rifle to hit them with bullets, and shells, and even used some tricks your wife taught me...with my sword!" Cow Girl said.

"Did you now?" Ranger asked.

"Yep, jammed it right into a hob's knee, and took him and his friend out in one fell swoop." Cow Girl said proudly.

"Anything go wrong?" Ranger asked and Cow Girl sighed.

"I...actually got pinned by goblins..." She said.

"No..." Ranger breathed out.

"I'm alright...at least, in the way you're thinking. But it was the time I was pinned down when I protected your child all over again; my chakras opened and...I snapped..." Cow Girl said while tensing up and sucking in breaths to get a grip and Ranger put his hand on her shoulder which visibly made her relax more. "Goblin Slayer actually had to hold me back when I saw that the goblins nailed the women's bodies to boards, and you were absolutely right about anger; once I remembered that, I got control of myself again."

"Good..." Ranger whispered and Cow Girl sighed again.

"Would you mind holding me?" She asked softly.

"Not at all..." Ranger said before Cow Girl snuggled into him as they wrapped their arms around each other. "You should be proud; you showed even more strength of character than ever by pushing through this..."

"I don't feel very strong..." Cow Girl said and Ranger pulled back...and saw her eyes watering as her head was lowered.

"There are times where I don't feel strong...even as a Platinum Rank. But you? Not only are you not Platinum Rank...but you weren't trained from childhood in the art of war, and you're still doing better than most people." Ranger said.

"I guess so..." Cow Girl trailed off as she dried her eyes.

"Please...give yourself credit. You've been through quite a bit yes, but you've gained as much, if not more. You actually have Goblin Slayer's heart, officially." Ranger said and Cow Girl smiled.

"You even gave us a new home as well..." She said softly.

"It's the least I can do for the girl who saved my daughter, on her first quest." Ranger said and Cow Girl giggled.

"You are never going to let me forget that are you?" She asked.

"Why would I?" Ranger asked and Cow Girl finally looked up at him with the life in her eyes restored, then Ranger put a kiss on her forehead that lingered, even after he broke off. "I loved you ever since you watched over her..."

"Love?" Cow Girl asked.

"Like the Sword Maiden said: love isn't always romantic; even if our hearts belong to other people, there's nothing wrong with caring about each other, no matter how deep it runs." Ranger said.

"I see..." Cow Girl said.

"Is there anything else I should know about your goblin-slaying quest?" Ranger asked.

"Well...I did exactly what you said to do: I drew the goblins to me, instead of going after them right away." Cow Girl said.

"Smart. Like I said to you, and even other people: marching blindly into your enemy's territory is not a good strategy." Ranger said seriously.

"I even used the clapping trick from the farm, as well as a magic trap that sent a hob flying into the ceiling." Cow Girl said and Ranger smiled.

"If you keep this up, you'll be qualified to be a ranger." He said.

"Me a ranger? Never thought of that..." Cow Girl trailed off.

"You fight like one, you think like one, all that's left is stealth." Ranger said.

"I...don't recall practicing stealth." Cow Girl said thoughtfully.

"Well, it not too late to learn...after we celebrate Inspector's birthday and go after more goblins, and this time...I'm going with you." Ranger said.

"Right." Cow Girl said seriously and hugged Ranger again.

"I remember the first time I held you like this...after we met." He said.

"I...don't like to remember that day. No offense but...seeing Goblin Slayer like that is harder than having goblins pile on top of me, and that's saying something." Cow Girl said.

"Sorry...but, it bares mentioning that I'm quite pleased with myself for being there for someone who needs it, like my wife is there for me..." Ranger said.

"You should be a priest of the Love Goddess yourself." Cow Girl said.

"You heard about Summoner?" Ranger asked.

"He told me himself...those two women he's with are lucky." Cow Girl said.

"Right...he mentioned how it was possible for someone to be involved with more than one person, without it being considered cheating." Ranger said.

"Even on a...physical level?" Cow Girl asked.

"Especially on a physical level." Ranger said.

"That's...odd." Cow Girl said thoughtfully.

"Well, if he wants to go for it, and Guild Girl and Inspector are o.k, who are we to get in their way?" Ranger asked.

"I guess..." Cow Girl said.

"Don't know what their marriage or child-baring situation would be like though." Ranger said.

"Speaking of which...me and Goblin Slayer talked about having our own baby when we're done with the Goblin Overlord." Cow Girl said.

"Did you now? Are you sure he can handle it?" Ranger asked.

"I think I can make him ready; I've seen how you and Fighter treat your child,

"So...the feast will probably be done in less than an hour, you have anywhere you want to go?" Ranger asked and Cow Girl sat there thinking before getting an idea.

"How about the docks? I'd like to go for another swim." She said.

"Another? Oh right, you went with Goblin Slayer..." Ranger said.

"Yeah, now I want to do it with just you." Cow Girl said and Ranger stared at her.

"O...k..." He said before opening a portal to the docks and they went through it.

---

When they did, Cow Girl sucked in the deepest breath she could as she sat down on a crate.

"I remember the first time we came down here. Goblin Slayer was the only one of us who didn't swim..." She said.

"And now you get him all to yourself after helping liberate this holy city." Ranger said and Cow Girl smiled.

"How debts are repaid." She said and Ranger huffed in amusement. "What?"

"My wife would probably say you're sounding like me." He said.

"Hey, I can be poetic if the mood hits me. Granted it's not always on purpose but...still." Cow Girl said.

"Right..." Ranger said and the two just sat there looking at the water, the horizon and the general scenery for the better part of a minute.

"Well, let's get in the water shall we?" Cow Girl said as she got up and they morphed their form-fitting swimming outfits.

"Too bad we don't have our breathing masks, but we can make due." Ranger said as he looked himself over and morphed pads to protect him from anything that might hit him...and saw how well Cow Girl's two-piece swimsuit hugged her deeply-curved body...and she noticed. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to tempt me..."

"Really...?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Hey, the vampire queen couldn't sway me, and she looks like a mix between my wife, and the Sword Maiden." Ranger said.

"Sure she did..." Cow Girl said.

"And...even if I wasn't putting effort into it, it's next to impossible not to notice your...possessions; I've let you know how well-put together you are before, and the results of your...recent activities shows marvelously." Ranger said seriously.

"Goblin Slayer sure noticed..." Cow Girl said proudly.

"You slept with him last night didn't you?" Ranger asked.

"Yep..." Cow Girl said simply.

"Lucky him." Ranger said.

"Lucky me." Cow Girl said before looking Ranger over. "Your wife is a lucky woman too..."

"So she keeps letting me know; even the Sword Maiden told me about my looks." Ranger said and Cow Girl giggled before jumping into the water, and Ranger followed. The two swam past the dock, and then dived underwater and went in and around the pylons under the docks themselves, and of course looked at each other for hand signs, or just to see where the other was. Eventually, the two came up for air and hang onto the pylons for support. Cow Girl had to catch her breath for a longer period than Ranger...but then she went deeper and swam harder than he did.

"I...should take my wife here...sometime..." Ranger breathed out.

"Why haven't you?" Cow Girl asked.

"Probably because we have a bath at home, not unlike the Temple of Law's...only that one is substantially larger." Ranger said.

"Let me guess: You've made your fair share of sex in that bath?" Cow Girl teased.

"You know us so well...thinking of trying that with Goblin Slayer?" Ranger asked.

"Maybe..." Cow Girl said innocently.

"As if he wasn't lucky enough..." Ranger said and Cow Girl giggled before sucking in a breath before going under again, and Ranger followed her and continued to swim around. For the next half an hour, the two spent every moment they didn't spend above the surface breathing and trending water, swimming as a unit, or separately, simply testing to see how long they could hold their breath, or even diving under as deeply as they could then diving back up, but stopped that once their ears gave them too much trouble. The whole time, they looked for the various fish that inhabit the lake, and even noticed some little fish that weren't on the catch-of-the-day list for the city due to their size. Eventually, Cow Girl swam back to the shore when she had enough, and Ranger swam after her when he noticed.

"Phew...that was a workout..." Cow Girl said as she laid there on her hands and knees catching her breath as Ranger came out behind her and sat on one of the crates. "How come you're not winded...?"

"I am, I'm just not complaining." Ranger said and Cow Girl snickered.

"Right...always the super-alpha Platinum Rank eh?" She teased.

"Yep, even when I was Porcelain Rank." Ranger said proudly as Cow Girl stared at him with a half-smirk. "Sheesh, that look on your face should come with a warning label..."

"What? You're the one being snarky." Cow Girl said seriously.

"Hey, I'm allowed after all the things I did." Ranger said as Cow Girl stood up and sat next to him. She then brushed her hand through his hair.

"You're one of the few men I know who has his hair down to his shoulders..." She said.

"And you are one of the few women I know whose hair does not go down to her shoulders." Ranger said.

"I used to have hair about as long as Priestess', but I was advised to cut my hair, by Witch actually." Cow Girl said, then Ranger brushed his hand through her hair.

"May I ask?" He asked and Cow Girl sighed.

"She...she said shorter hair is more manageable for a farmhand. I should've known that but..." She trailed off.

"You don't have to say it." Ranger said softly.

"Me and Goblin Slayer were the only two survivors when goblins attacked our original hometown. I only survived because I wasn't even there...I was so torn up over it my hair's length became an afterthought, and don't get me started on how long I blamed myself for Goblin Slayer's heartache." Cow Girl said.

"And now here you are, easing his heart in every way you can." Ranger said as Cow Girl looked right at him, and returned his smile.

"Do you ever not know what to say?" She asked.

"Don't know..." Ranger said and Cow Girl snuggled into him.

"I love you..." She said before Ranger kissed the side of her head.

"And I love you..." He said and then ran his hand through her hair. "Do you think you'll ever grow it out again?"

"I don't know, but even if I wanted to, I don't think it would happen anytime soon; hair takes time to grow afterall." Cow Girl said.

"A shame really; I think you'd look lovely with either short or long hair..." Ranger said and Cow Girl thought for a moment.

"Can't Wizard use alchemy to make it grow longer faster?" She asked and Ranger hummed in curiosity.

"I suppose so...next time we see her, we can ask her." He said.

"Well, until then, I'd like to stay here a while longer..." Cow Girl said as she leaned on Ranger's side for a while as he wrapped his arm around her. "You know, I wasn't making fun of you when I mentioned your hair."

"I know." Ranger said.

"It looks pretty hot actually...all of you does." Cow Girl said as Ranger turned to face her.

"Am I hotter than Goblin Slayer?" He teased.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves...and why are you so open about this?" Cow Girl asked.

"First off, if you were anyone else, I wouldn't even consider it. Secondly...you're as much a part of the family as the rest of us; I'm allowed to talk about personal things." Ranger said.

"We're one strange family..." Cow Girl said.

"You don't know the half of it..." Ranger said and then thought for a moment. "You know...I'm probably beating a dead horse at this point, but Fighter's body isn't far behind your own. Granted her chest will need some serious work before it gets to...this point, but still."

"Why are you even bringing this up?" Cow Girl asked.

"A better question is why is it a problem?"Ranger asked.

"It's not a problem exactly, but...it's a little strange comparing our bodies like this..." Cow Girl said honestly.

"Well, you have a point there...even though you asked about how much sex me and Fighter have in the bath." Ranger said.

"Alright, point taken. On another note...do you think Goblin Slayer would make a good father?" Cow Girl asked.

"I wouldn't say he'd be a bad father per say, but...what does he know about working with children? He almost never interacts with my own daughter, and...honestly, I'm not comfortable with him being around her, especially in his new armor." Ranger said.

"Alright point taken..." Cow Girl trailed off, before Ranger hugged her.

"You however, are a completely different story. I'm never going to stop being thankful for you protecting my little girl..." He said softly and Cow Girl returned the hug.

"I love that little girl...probably as much as you and Fighter do, and I'm sure Goblin Slayer could learn a thing or two from you, for once." She said softly and Ranger chuckled.

"That would actually be a twist..." He said and Cow Girl sighed dreamily while they shifted against each other.

"I remember when I went to get you to see your daughter after she was born..." She said.

"So do I...from that moment forward, I had every reason I could ask for to see any quests the Sword Maiden or anyone else gave me, to the end." Ranger said and Cow Girl pulled away.

"That...by itself, makes you probably the best father to anyone I know." She said and Ranger smiled.

"Thank you. I was talking to my wife about that more times than I can count." He said.

"Why?" Cow Girl asked.

"Because...well, we've not only taken her to dangerous places, like on your first quest, but we also left her with others while we quested." Ranger said.

"Oh...I can see why that would raise some questions." Cow Girl said.

"To be fair, my parents got to see her and several of the goblin's victims were inspired to move on with their lives thanks to seeing her, but it still didn't make it less taxing on our consciences." Ranger said.

"I hope my own child doesn't go through the same thing." Cow Girl said.

"Do you plan to continue adventuring?" Ranger asked.

"I don't know...but Goblin Slayer will always be Goblin Slayer..." Cow Girl said and with that, the two got back to looking at the scenery.

"You know when I went up north before I fought the vampire queen...I actually had a hard time sleeping without Fighter next to me?" Ranger asked.

"I can imagine..." Cow Girl trailed off.

"Even if goblins didn't capture the girl I was with, sleeping without Fighter next to me was torture..." Ranger said harshly.

"Well, for what's it's worth, I cannot imagine that happening again. I'm certainly not sleeping without Goblin Slayer next to me." Cow Girl said.

"When I get the chance, I need to go back up north again...maybe see the king again." Ranger said.

"Don't forget to take us now." Cow Girl said and Ranger smiled.

"Never..." He whispered and Cow Girl continued leaning into him as they took in the view, and eventually sighed dreamily. "Did anyone tell you that you're a dream to listen to?"

"What?" Cow Girl asked.

"Well, some people have more appealing voices than others; yours definitely appeals to me." Ranger said and Cow Girl huffed in amusement.

"Does your wife's voice appeal to you?" She asked.

"You have no idea..." Ranger said.

"While we're on the subject-" He cuts Cow Girl off.

"Sword Saint flatout said I sound sexier when I use Army of One...enough said." Ranger said.

"Speaking of which...what does Army of One do, specifically?" Cow Girl asked, then Ranger looked around to see no one was there.

"It does exactly what it sounds like, but to be precise, my strength, speed, durability, even my stamina are all magnified well beyond the norm." He said.

"How well?" Cow Girl asked.

"Well enough to make me go from being barely able to handle a group of vampires to single-handedly decimating an entire legion of demons by myself with almost no trouble." Ranger said.

"Yikes!" Cow Girl exclaimed with her eyes widened.

"Apparently I can even go toe-to-toe with the Demon Lord according to Sage, and since she helped defeat him...chances are she knows what she's talking about." Ranger said.

"Do you think it'll come to that?" Cow Girl asked.

"It's pretty likely..." Ranger said seriously and Cow Girl gulped...which Ranger noticed without difficulty. "But that's a thought for another time."

"Right..." Cow Girl whispered before leaning back into his shoulder, and shifting against him as his arm wrapped around her. She couldn't help but notice he didn't try to peel off what little clothing she was wearing with his eyes, if he even did so in the first place, and he had to feel her skin against his own. Fighter clearly had his heart. Cow Girl then backed up. "Hey, why aren't there any boats on these docks?"

"They're most likely out fishing, or transporting people or cargo. Hey, here's comes a boat now." Ranger said and Cow Girl looked up to see a boat bring in a net full of fish.

"Well, we should get out of their way." Cow Girl said.

"Right. The food should be ready any time now that I think about it." Ranger said and they went up the stairs to make sure no one can see them use their portal...but once they got up the stairs...they heard a voice.

"Son!" His mom called as she rushed to embrace Ranger, who returned it right away.

"Nice to see you too mom." He said.

"Where have you been? Me and your father haven't heard from you in days!" Ranger's mother asked.

"Sorry, I was out giving the Evil Sect what was coming to them." Ranger said.

"And training me." Cow Girl said.

"Didn't my teammates let you or dad know what was going on?" Ranger asked.

"Of course honey, but...it would be better to hear it from my son." His mother said and Ranger hugged her tighter.

"I'm sorry, but that's not going to happen again." He said.

"We're also celebrating a birthday later on." Cow Girl said.

"We heard; that Summoner man is really sweet on her Guild Girl friend." Ranger's mother said.

"He's sweet on Inspector as well...and yes you heard me correctly." Ranger said.

"But...he can't be with two women at once!" His mother exclaimed.

"Apparently he can, and according to him, it's completely mutual." Ranger said.

"You're not going to follow in his footsteps are you?" His mother asked.

"Thick chance." Ranger deadpanned.

"Can we please just go to the get-together now? We had our own awkward conversation not even ten minutes ago..." Cow Girl said.

"Dare I ask?" Ranger's mother asked.

"Please don't..." Cow Girl said before they walked off.

---

When they got to the manor...everyone was there gathered around multiple tables: Ranger's four original teammates, two new ones, Goblin Slayer, Bard and Songstress, Guild Girl, H.E. Druid and Dwarf Rifleman, Ranger's dad...even Noble Fencer showed up. Only Summoner and Inspector weren't there.

"And where have you two been?" H.E. Druid asked.

"I should ask you the same thing. I haven't gotten word from you two since we liberated the city." Ranger said.

"Well a certain dwarven sharpshooter showed a certain elf lady around the city he hasn't been to in forever...and sharing some more stories." D.R. said.

"Stories we'd-" D.R. cuts Cow Girl off.

"Not during a feast; I don't want to spoil anyone's appetite." He said.

"Subtle..." Warrior said, before Summoner showed up with his arm around Inspector's waist.

"Happy birthday!" Everyone yelled and Inspector's eyes popped out of their sockets.

"Wow...you weren't kidding when you said there was a feast being prepared..." She said.

"I thought you could sense lies?" Summoner teased and Inspector tapped his chest, which got a laugh out of him.

"We even got you some presents." Wizard said as Warrior took out a silver pendant.

"Here." He said as Inspector let go of Summoner to take it.

"It's lovely..." She said.

"Made it myself, and my dear wife and brother-in-law enchanted it." Warrior said and Inspector looked right at them.

"Same enchantment that my own has." Fighter said, and Inspector stares at her for a moment before putting it on...then she sucks in one breath after another and tenses up.

"Whoa! Suddenly I feel like I could pick up and throw a fully-loaded cart..." She said.

"I'd unironically love to see that..." Summoner said...then touched her pendant. "This is silver..."

"Yep. Took your advice to heart." Warrior said.

"So we both have matching items to wear." Guild Girl said while touching her brooch.

"Suppose so." Inspector said while sharing a smile with her, then Fighter handed her a vial filled with water.

"That vial has holy water in it, which Priestess herself blessed for you." She said.

"Thank you both." Inspector said as she took and looked over the vial.

"Holy water not only makes you practically demon-proof, but also makes your miracles stronger." Fighter said.

"How much stronger?" Inspector asked.

"When we fought an ogre a year ago, Priestess used a single Protection miracles to stop a fireball that was bigger than the ogre itself was, and it was also thanks to that water." Ranger said and Inspector looked at the vial even more intensely.

"Sheesh...I must use this wisely." She said.

"That would be nice..." Wizard said with a smirk then Rhea Fighter cleared her throat.

"Since you can sense lies, you can tell I mean it when I say that it was my idea to get some ice cream." She said.

"That reminds me..." Guild Girl said as she handed her friend some chocolate ice cream...and the whole group looked on as Inspector tasted some, and her face lit up.

"I love it!" She exclaimed.

"The sweetie loves the sweetie." D.R. said casually.

"Really...?" H.E. Druid deadpanned.

"Yes...really." D.R. said.

"Anyway...let's eat." Warrior said as the group went to get their food...which consisted of just about every type of food in the book: ribs, drumsticks, porkchops, bread both toasted and not toasted, gravy, chicken and turkey, fruits and veggies, some of which was turned into juice/pulp. Eventually, they all sat back down, and dug in, occasionally sharing food with each other, especially with Inspector who didn't try some of the foods before, or at least in a while. Ranger's parents were with Bard and Songstress keeping his and Fighter's daughter happy while the team talked.

"You alright? You're awfully quiet." D.R. said.

"It's just...even now I cannot believe the Sword Maiden was...nevermind, now's not the time for that kind of thinking." Noble Fencer said somberly.

"Right..." D.R. said.

"Sorry the rest of us didn't have anything for you." Guild Girl said.

"It's alright. This will do nicely." Inspector said.

"Well, if you'd like we can go shopping together, and it's on me." Noble Fencer said.

"I appreciate it." Inspector said.

"So...did either of you talk to Sword Mage?" Noble Fencer asked.

"Not yet." Guild Girl said.

"What about him?" Priestess asked and the three ladies turned to her.

"Wait, let me guess...we have a love emergency on our hands?" Warrior said.

"How'd you guess...?" Noble Fencer said dryly.

"You seriously have a thing for the Sword Mage?" Wizard's brother asked.

"Uh, yes!" Noble Fencer said.

"No offense, but why are you interested in him? He's even stiffer than Goblin Slayer, and that is quite a feat." Wizard's brother said.

"Hey!" Cow Girl exclaimed.

"It's the truth; I know I haven't been very easy to get along with..." GS said honestly.

"O.k..." Cow Girl groaned.

"Anyway, he might be hard-shelled, but...well, he fights goblins, and demons, so that's a plus, not to mention...look at him..." Noble Fencer said with a smile.

"Well, you have a point there. He is pretty hot..." Inspector said and Summoner gave her a funny look, with made her smirk at him.

"On top of that, beneath his cold exterior, he's pretty out-going." Noble Fencer said.

"Really?" Fighter asked.

"Oh yes. I actually saw him dancing at a get-together at the guild hall when they were celebrating a mission's success. The moment the music picked up, he practically turned the tables into stairs; he had all the ladies going nuts." Noble Fencer said.

"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Wizard asked.

"What? He barely paid any mind to the attention he was being given outside of acknowledging it was being given in the first place." Noble Fencer said.

"Maybe he's not into women." D.R. said.

"Which also doesn't make sense considering that he didn't pay any mind to the attention the men gave him either." Noble Fencer said seriously.

"Alright, I'm just saying..." D.R. said.

"I could talk to him for you." Priestess said.

"While I do appreciate that...could you please not tell him I like him? I mean, directly?" Noble Fencer asked.

"I'll simply ask about him personally. He won't find out about your feelings because of me." Priestess said.

"Thanks Your Grace." Noble Fencer said before the group got second plates of food and ate up for the better part of half an hour.

"Wow...I am more stuffed than that turkey itself..." Warrior said.

"No kidding. I ate so much you'll probably have to roll me out of here." Summoner said dryly and got a few laughs out of the group.

"Wait...why didn't the Hero's group come?" Fighter asked.

"Probably because...well, we had a bit of a disagreement over how to get the job done." Ranger said.

"Let me guess: you treated those Evil Sects nutbags like you treat the goblins?" H.E. Druid asked.

"And then some." Ranger said.

"Oh boy..." Wizard groaned.

"Well, technically I just got rid of them, but I also robbed their bases, which includes all this food." Ranger said and everyone looked over the table.

"That food was clean right?" Wizard asked.

"Of course it was. What do you take me for?" Ranger asked.

"It's still pretty dubious that we ate food that came from a place you had a battle in." H.E. Druid said.

"Dubious? Hardcore is more like it." D.R. said.

"It was still good, and it's better we get it rather than it go to waste." Priestess said and the group all murmured to each other in agreement.

"Anyway...how are the translations going Summoner?" Ranger asked.

"I'm working on something promising: one that tells where the Goblin Overlord's home is." Summoner said and the group sobered up.

"Where is he now?" GS asked.

"I haven't finished translating it; all I know is that he's the strongest of the goblins by far, but...that really should be expected." Summoner said.

"He's got a point Orcbolg. Besides, we have plenty of other things to do while the man works." H.E. Druid said.

"Right." GS said.

"We can still look for more goblins; there's no way the Goblin Overlord is the only one left standing, even if the others come from Hell Rifts." Wizard's brother said.

"Speaking of which: why are the goblins still breeding when the dead ones are returning to life?" Rhea Fighter asked.

"Probably because the ones from Hell aren't really alive; they're weapons being used by the Demon Lord." Priestess said.

"And the Demon Lord's return is fast approaching, so what better vanguards could there be than goblins who have a bone to pick with us?" Warrior said.

"Which still boggles my mind. We have the goblins to deal with, but also the Demon Lord. Should we, I don't know, split up and have some look for a way to stop the Demon Lord while the rest go after the Goblin Over-" Ranger cuts Cow Girl off.

"No...first we take care of the goblins. Then we deal with the Demon Lord." Ranger said.

"There's also the Cambion and his ilk to get under control." Wizard said and her brother groaned and put his head down.

"Sheesh what a mess!" He said.

"All this means is that I have that much more reason to get on those translations." Summoner said.

"Wait, can't Her Grace use Vision to find the Goblin Overlord?" D.R. asked.

"I tried that. I can't use it for anywhere near long enough; his territory is just too vast." Priestess said.

"What do you mean too vast?" H.E. Druid asked.

"I mean too vast; I wasn't able to get a good look at the place, but it's not a small area to look at, not by any means." Priestess said.

"We can deal with it when we're able to. for now, save your miracles for when they're needed." GS said.

"Man's got a point." D.R. said.

"Once we get ourselves together, we should get back to training." Ranger said.

"Right..." Cow Girl said.

"Speaking of which: how are the rookies here doing in their training?" Ranger asked.

"Where do I start...?" His dad said and Noble Fencer takes out a file from her bag.

"I'll tell you exactly what their progress is: not less than 23 mages were practicing basic alchemy, various magic arts like enchanting, summoning, healing and combat spells. This ranks were between Steel and Ruby. 41 warriors practiced virtually every weapon skill you can think of, and 13 of them practiced their own magic skills. Even some unconventional warfare types, 33 to be precise were training their unarmed skills, their throwing skills, even their stealth and climbing skills. And these are just the ones for today..." She said seriously.

"Yikes...we'll have an army of Silver Ranks out there in no time." Warrior said.

"Or, Heaven forbid, an army of rangers." Rhea Fighter said.

"How is that a bad thing?" Wizard asked.

"And how is the latter worse than the former?" Warrior asked

"It would be bad news for the goblins either way, that's for damn sure. " Rhea Fighter said.

"Oh, I almost forgot: guess who showed up at my front door while you were off doing who-knows-what?" Noble Fencer asked.

"Who?" Fighter asked.

"My old team." Noble Fencer said and the team exclaimed."Yep, they're still in one piece, and they sought me out specifically."

"Are they still here?" Fighter asked.

"Should be; they're probably going around town, but unfortunately they have places to be, messages to deliver." Noble Fencer said.

"Did they say anything to you in particular?" Ranger's dad asked.

"Only that the guild's training grounds in the rest of the cities are going well, mostly." Noble Fencer said.

"Mostly?" Wizard's brother asked.

"Let me guess: they have their fair share of assholes to deal with?" Warrior asked.

"Couldn't have said that better myself." Noble Fencer said.

"Did they say just how well those training halls are doing?" Ranger asked.

"Not in detail no." Noble Fencer said.

"On a personal note, you are not going to believe what I worked on these past few days..." Wizard said.

"What? Fighter asked.

"Just a way to make as many World Spawns as I damn well please." Wizard said proudly as the team looked at her and some gasped in awe.

"Tell us everything!" Rhea Fighter exclaimed.

"Basically, I just use alchemy to shrink the summon stones, then grow them to normal size when I want to make a World Spawn, raise and repeat until I make as many as I want." Wizard said.

"That harder seems fair..." Ranger said.

"Says the guy who preaches that war isn't fair..." Cow Girl said.

"All the more reason for me to know what I'm talking about." Ranger said.

"Nice save honey..." Fighter whispered.

"So, any idea on how to deal with the Demon Lord, outside of getting the Hero involved?" Ranger's mom asked.

"That's the thing, according to Sword Mage, the Demon Lord isn't just getting power from sacrifices. Ironically, our efforts against him are apparently making him show up quicker." Fighter said.

"So the Demon Lord gets stronger whenever he wins, or loses? How do you fight that?" Inspector asked.

"We'll just have to get more power than him, and use it more intelligently." Ranger said.

"That's it?" D.R. asked.

"So far, that's all we can do. Besides, we have two Sword Maidens on our side." Wizard said.

"So it's an arms race." Cow Girl said thoughtfully.

"Exactly..." Ranger said.

"In that case, I'd also like some training of my own Your Grace." Inspector said.

"You want to come with us?" Warrior asked.

"No...I want to see if I can help Summoner if I'm needed." Inspector said seriously.

"Well...have you practiced either miracle you got from the Abbot?" Priestess asked.

"No I haven't..." Inspector said.

"You have miracles? Which ones?" D.R. asked.

"Heal and Empower." Inspector said.

"How often?" Fighter asked.

"I don't even know that..." Inspector said.

"Well, those are two easy miracles to use, especially with friendlies." Ranger said.

"What exactly do they do?" Inspector asked.

"Heal does exactly what it sounds like obviously...but Empower? Hoo boy, Empower...where do I start...?" Warrior said.

"How about the effects?" Fighter asked and Warrior deadpanned at her.

"Wiseass..." He said and Fighter laughed at him. "Anyway, like the name suggests, it empowers the target, but it does that by making them move faster, hit harder, get an increase in energy, and even puts an aura of holy energy around their body that acts like armor."

"That sounds pretty useful." Guild Girl said.

"It is, now, did you notice I didn't mention any drawbacks? Well, that's because...there aren't any. Not only are your offense, defense, speed, and endurance all increased, and not just alittle bit either; even people who lack serious training are made significantly more powerful." Warrior said.

"Like at the farm a year ago." Wizard said.

"Right. Priestess actually used the miracle on multiple rookies, and they went from being dominated by goblins...to dominating the goblins." Warrior said.

"Did any of them die?" D.R. asked.

"Not after being empowered. The goblins tried actually stabbing through their armor...well, more like their clothes if you get my drift, and couldn't get through. Then they went for uncovered places like the neck, or shoulders and it still didn't do anything to them!" Warrior said.

"I also fought not one, but two elite specialists at the Temple of Law, and the moment the Sword Maiden showed up and empowered me...I tore the specialists apart without a weapon. Well, a serious weapon anyway." Ranger said.

"Wow...and there's more miracles than that?" Inspector asked.

"Oh yes, like Protection and Vision." Priestess said.

"Oh don't get us started on Protection; that saved our asses more times than I can count." Wizard said.

"Got alot of goblins put in their graves too." Fighter said as she held Priestess' hand, and shared a smile with her.

"And now with her own sword...well, you know the rest." Wizard's brother said.

"I...think the good lady gets the point without you piling on." Rhea Fighter said.

"Right. Well, I have some books to translate, so...I'll see you all later." Summoner said as he stood up, along with Guild Girl.

"And I have to get back to the guild hall." She said.

"I think I'll stay here for a while longer.

"Alright then." Ranger said before Priestess got up with Inspector.

"If it's all the same, I have my own role to fulfill, as well as some lessons to give." Priestess said.

"I would love that your grace." Inspector said.

"Good luck you two." Cow Girl said as the two holy women went out along with Summoner and Guild Girl. When they got out Priestess opened a portal to the Temple of Law.

"After you archbishop." Inspector said as Priestess smiled and went through, before Inspector gave Summoner a brief but sweet kiss. "Bye..."

"Bye..." Summoner whispered before watching Inspector follow Priestess through the portal. "Shall I walk you to the guild hall baby?"

"Why thank you general." Guild Girl said dramatically as she clung onto Summoner's arm on the way to the guild hall, and once they got within sight of it, she kissed him with the same passion Inspector kissed him with. "Would you like to come with us when we go shopping?"

"Sorry, I have to get to my own craft. Those demons don't hunt themselves." Summoner said and Guild Girl giggled.

"No I guess they don't, you big tough demon hunter." She said.

"Careful, you're going the right way for a spanking..." Summoner said seriously.

"For once, that doesn't sound unappealing...but save it for later." Guild Girl said.

"Alright...bye honey." Summoner said softly while hugging her.

"Bye honey." Guild Girl said before kissing Summoner. "Be careful out there..."

"I'm Gold Ranked, and I've got a legion of elementals to back me up. I'll be fine." Summoner said as Guild Girl smiled and walked off, and turned to notice him watching her swaying hips before going inside...then Summoner got a brief but intense chill that made him shudder...then heard a faint whoosh to the side, before going into an alleyway and entering Limbo to join a pair of stone elementals who walked off at his sides.

---

"What should we do in the meantime?" Rhea Fighter asked.

"For now, whatever we please until Summoner gets somewhere with his translations." Ranger said.

"Which for us means continuing to put our heads together." Wizard's brother said.

"Right...can't go into the heart of goblin territory without a legion of World Spawns to save your ass." Wizard said.

"Hey, they're not saving me, they're saving you." Her brother said.

"Yeah, they're saving the girl who's Gold Ranked, is surrounded by fellow Gold Ranks, and led by the 11th Platinum Rank, who also happens to have trained you in what she learned. That makes perfect sense...somehow..." Wizard said.

"All that just to make a point..." Fighter said and Wizard sarcastically laughed at her.

"I'd like to know more about the plan." H.E. Druid said.

"Well, I want to see my little girl now." Fighter said.

"That can be arranged girl." Ranger's dad said as she turned to see him holding his granddaughter, and kneeling to give her to her mother.

"Hello." Fighter said softly.

"Hello." The baby said as Fighter giggled and let her child play with her fingers, and the rest of the team watched, especially Ranger. Cow Girl meanwhile, thinks back to what they talked about with her and GS being parents...and she recalled how she wasn't much different from Fighter herself when it came to handling an infant. Maybe she would make a good mother.

"Has she been a pain for you thus far?" Ranger asked.

"Very funny boy. She's been a smaller pain than you were as a kid; just wait until she grows up..." His dad said.

"Play nice you two." Ranger's mom teased.

"Hey, the boy's a Platinum Rank; playing nice isn't optional." Ranger's dad said.

"Right..." Ranger's mom said before Priestess took the baby from Fighter.

"Hello." Priestess said said.

"Hello." The baby said as Priestess caressed her face with her finger.

"Guess what? I'm the new archbishop...so I really am your Sword Maiden." She said as she continued to touch the baby's face, and the baby returned the favor, much to Fighter's delight. Songstress then spoke up in the elvish tongue.

"She wants to know if you're going anywhere." Bard said.

"Well, me and my brother were going to head back home to work on our equipment for later use." Wizard said.

"And I was going to head to the guild hall for another workout." Warrior said.

"Me too." Rhea Fighter said.

"Honey?" Fighter asked.

"I'm content to just stay here with my family for the time being." Ranger said.

"Anyone else?" Bard asked.

"Well, I was going to head home until Inspector and Guild Girl are ready to shop around." Noble Fencer said.

"Goblin Slayer?" Cow Girl asked.

"I'll help you train with Ranger and Fighter." GS said simply.

"Your Highness?" D.R. asked.

"Eh, we could give you a hand with your aim." H.E. Druid said and Bard spoke to Songstress in the elvish tongue.

"Let me guess: he's translating what we said?" Wizard's brother asked.

"Yep." H.E. Druid said.

"Oh! I almost forgot! Wizard, have you thought about using alchemy to, I don't know, help people's hair grow?" Cow Girl asked and Wizard looked at her funny.

"No I haven't...why?" She asked.

"Me and Ranger discussed quite a few things earlier, one of which being how long my hair used to be." Cow Girl said.

"I'm sensing quite a bit of tension here..." Fighter said.

"It's...a bit of a sore subject, but I can handle it now. I've handled worse." Cow Girl said somberly, then Priestess looked at the baby, then showed her to Cow Girl, who smiled and took the baby. "Hello..."

"Hello." The baby said as Cow Girl held her as close as the baby would allow.

"Just like your parents, you really know how to lift a girl's spirits..." She said softly.

"The past may be the past, and just like with Ranger and his family, you've gotten stronger, and grew closer to what you have now." GS said.

"That's rather cheerful coming from you Orcbolg." H.E. Druid said.

"I'm in a much better mood than I used to be, and I've gotten smarter as well." GS said.

"Well he did say that there are plenty of people smarter than him, unless it's about killing goblins, than good luck finding someone smarter." Warrior said as Cow Girl continued holding the baby.

"You should all get going soon." Ranger's mom said seriously.

"Right...bye sweetheart." She said before kissing her daughter's forehead, then Ranger did the same as Cow Girl gave the baby to Songstress and the rest of the team went out.

---

Meanwhile, Abbot approached the city gates in a horse and cart, and the guard at the front gate slowed him down.

"Please! I need to see the Ranger and his team. It's a matter of utmost importance." Abbot said.

"Ranger? Shit this is serious...open the gates!" A guard yelled and the gates opened.

"Thanks and blessings gentlemen." Abbot said as he rode through the gates, then looked over the city, noting how the people looked either brighter, or confused. He overheard some people talking about how the Sword Maiden's appearance at her funeral was a complete mind-blower; she subtly ripped on everyone for not being likely to believe her story about the goblins after all. Others just plain couldn't fathom how goblins got the drop on her like that, not because of her power, but because of how long it was; over a decade of living with that kind of horror in the back of one's mind should drive someone mad. Abbot's own heart clenched at the memories he had of the Sword Maiden...and how pure she was despite the nightmare she went through, the fact she was a Nephilim helped alot and seeing the statue of her in the main square showed how much the people loved her.

"Hey! Long time no see old man." Hero said as she ran up to him...and saw his new look. "I'm sorry, did I say old?"

"Yes, you did." Abbot said.

"What happened to you?" Sword Saint asked and Abbot glanced at the statue. "She restored your youth? That was nice."

"It's the Sword Maiden, what do you expect?" Sage asked.

"Quite right my dear." Abbot said.

"So...what brings you here?" Hero asked.

"I need to speak to Ranger." Abbot said and Hero scoffed.

"Typical...if it's not me, it's him." She said.

"Please, time is of the essence." Abbot said.

"Alright alright! He's either at his home, or the guild hall." Hero said.

"Or with the new archbishop." Sage said.

"What?" Abbot asked.

"Yeah, the Sword Maiden's ghost actually choose Ranger's Priestess friend as her successor." Hero said and Abbot's face slowly lit up then rushed to the Temple of Law. "Someone isn't wasting any time..."

"They're both part of the church, and chances are they know each other. It should be no wonder." Sage said.

"Right..." Hero groaned.

---

"There's one more weapon you should be versed in: the sword-whip." Ranger said.

"The what?" Cow Girl asked, then Ranger morphed a longsword, then broke it into sections, much to her surprise...especially when Ranger had it move around like a snake without even moving his arm, but when he did move his arm...the thing flailed around in an actually precise manner. "Whoa!"

"Storm Mage used to use this all the time." Ranger said as he turned the sword-whip back into a longsword.

"I remember seeing him use it at the farm..." Cow Girl said thoughtfully.

"It's no wonder why either; the range is second to none, it's a pain in the neck to block since the part you don't stop will hit you anyway, usually in a blind spot. Now, I don't know exactly how he used his, but this one is used by will, just like the rest of my weapons." Ranger said.

"O.k." Cow Girl said, before looking at GS who was watching their lesson, and after getting a nod from him, took the sword-whip from Ranger who gave her some space, then Cow Girl sucked in a breathe before willing it to break into it's whip form, then tried moving it around slowly but steadily.

"Try to lash out at something with it, like a snake." Ranger said and Cow Girl looked around, then shrugged and had it snap at the ground, which made Ranger look at her funny.

"Hey, at least I got the point across, plus I don't want to ruin anything here." Cow Girl said.

"Fair enough, now try removing the sword from my hand." Ranger said as he morphed a sword, then Cow Girl snapped her sword-whip at it, entangled it around Ranger's sword, and played tug-of-war with it...until Ranger let it go and Cow Girl blocked it with her bracer.

"What the hell!?" Cow Girl exclaimed.

"If I didn't know you could handle that, I wouldn't have done so. Besides, I told you to yank it out of my hand, and a real opponent wouldn't have given up his weapon, unless he felt it's alright for you to...have it." Ranger said with a raised eyebrow.

"Alright alright, you win this round." Cow Girl groaned.

"Just make sure you win the war, and now you can do that by trying some lashes." Ranger said as he morphed his greatsword, and jammed it into the ground and rushed to the side so Cow Girl could lash at the greatsword's flat side and at first, her strikes were as sloppy as you'd expect a first-timer to be, but each failure told her a little bit more about how to strike properly. After no less than 20 failed strikes...she finally got some decent fluidity and precision to her movements. "Nice going."

"Let me guess: I've got a long way to go before I'm able to keep up with Storm Mage, or yourself?" Cow Girl asked.

"You should expect that; this was your first time, and Storm Mage used the sword-whip, and nothing else." Ranger said seriously.

"Well, that's still another option to have in the middle of a battle." Cow Girl said.

"Correct. Now, I'm going to check in with Guild Girl, just to see what's what. You enjoy yourselves." Ranger said.

"Alright, see you later." Cow Girl said as Ranger opened a portal to an alley next to the guild hall, and saw Warrior practicing with some rookies, with Wizard and her brother training some mages, Fighter training some people's unarmed skill, and even Rhea Fighter trained with some of her fellow Rheas. Ranger simply walked by and his presence actually inspired some rookies to train harder, probably to impress him...typical. He then went inside, and saw the full-fledged adventurers chatting, feasting, drinking, even betting on each other losing a contest. He even saw some guys checking out Guild Girl...but when they saw Ranger leering at them, they shut their mouths right away. He hen approached the front desk and Guild Girl's face lit up when she saw him.

"Ranger!" She exclaimed.

"Long time no see." Ranger said as Guild Girl went around the desk and embraced him.

"What brings you here?" Guild Girl asked.

"Just trying to see what's what...and getting the seedy people around here in line." Ranger said.

"Oh...well, even with Summoner around, some men just don't get the message." Guild Girl said.

"Well, they won't try anything if they know what's good for them." Ranger said.

"I'll bet. Well, there aren't any seriously tough quests available, let alone goblin-slaying quests available." Guild Girl said.

"Doesn't matter; chances are,when me and my team are ready, we're going to go after them...and take out their leader." Ranger said and Guild Girl's eyes widened.

"Y-you're serious?" She asked.

"Yes." Ranger said.

"Well...I wish all of you the best of luck with that." Guild Girl said.

"It's the goblins who need luck, and they're going to need all of it." Ranger said.

"If your track record with the goblins is anything to go by, there's no amount of luck that'll save them." Guild Girl said.

"No kidding...well, don't let me distract you anymore; I'm sure there's plenty to keep you busy." Ranger said and Guild Girl deflated.

"Thanks for reminding me..." She groaned before getting back behind the desk and looking over the papers.

"How are you and Summoner doing? I mean, personally?" Ranger asked and Guild Girl remembered when Summoner shagged her behind the desk and blushed at the scandalous memory.

"We're doing...quite well." She said.

"How well?" Ranger teased and Guild Girl turned from him. "Don't worry, I'm not going to judge...how could I?"

"Well he...he kind of...took me into Limbo..." Guild Girl trailed off.

"That's pretty ballsy of him." Ranger said then Guild Girl looked around to see no one was in earshot.

"He also...took me...against this desk." She said harshly and Ranger let off a whistle.

"When did you get so adventurous?" He asked with a smirk.

"Ranger!" Guild Girl exclaimed and Ranger snickered.

"I said I'm not going to judge, in fact you're both quite lucky...and so is Inspector." He said seriously.

"You know about us?" Guild Girl asked.

"Summoner told me and Priestess with his own mouth. Even my mother knows..." Ranger said.

"Dear Supreme why...?" Guild Girl groaned as she buried her face in her hands.

"Hey, I know my mother; she can keep a secret as well as I can, and I made sure no one else was with us when we discussed it." Ranger said.

"Still..." Guild Girl said.

"Hey, as long as people only know you're involved with him, and no one else...what difference does it make?" Ranger asked and Guild Girl sighed.

"I guess you have a point there, and with Inspector studying with Priestess it would be easier for us to see each other at the right times." She said.

"And I'm sure Summoner is smart enough to know that if and when Inspector returns to working here, he'll know to make himself scarce around you two on a...personal level." Ranger said.

"Right...well, we could talk about that ourselves, which I should've thought about earlier." Guild Girl said.

"Don't beat yourself up over it, and since I've beaten myself up over things with a mace...I have the authority to tell you that." Ranger said and the two shared a smile.

"Thanks..." Guild Girl said softly before they looked each other over.

"Well...see you later." Ranger said as he turned to leave.

"Wait! I do appreciate you stopping by..." Guild Girl said.

"But?" Ranger asked.

"Well...that's pretty much it, but...we've known each other for quite some time; I just now recalled when you first asked about becoming Platinum Ranked; how uncommon it was." Guild Girl said.

"Technically you told me it was uncommon." Ranger said and Guild Girl's eyed widened.

"You remember that day too?" She asked and Ranger sighed and turned his head before recalling meeting his team, especially his at-the-time future wife...and then meeting Goblin Slayer, and learning why he hates the goblins so fiercely...first hand.

"I will never forget that day..." He groaned.

"I also know you never told me why you were so torn up when you got back." Guild Girl said softly and Ranger looked right at her.

"Alright...but keep my secret like I'm keeping yours." He said.

"O.k." Guild Girl said.

"I...the goblins weren't the ones who killed the girls in that cave; I was." Ranger said and Guild Girl covered her mouth in horror.

"You...?" She whispered.

"Yes...but I paid for and made up for that mistake a thousand times over. I even encountered their ghosts and they told me they were o.k. now...thanks to the Supreme." Ranger said tensely as Guild Girl stood there in disbelief.

"I...this is insane..." She whispered.

"I have as much an affinity for truth as Inspector does, and the same affinity for justice." Ranger said.

"Still...I cannot believe this. It's no wonder you were so beside yourself that day." Guild Girl said and Ranger smiled.

"That compassionate side of yours never ceases to amaze; it's no wonder Summoner told me he thinks you're a rose." He said and Guild Girl smiled.

"It's even funnier that he's a mix between the kind of man who always hits on me, yet he balances it with traits similar to Goblin Slayer." She said.

"That's balance for you...well, nice catching up, but I have to get going." Ranger said.

"Say hi to your daughter for me." Guild Girl said as Ranger walked out...and saw Hero standing there with her hands on her hips, and a scowl and frown on her face.

"You, Temple of Law, now." She said and Ranger just stood there staring at her.

"O...k...?" He said before looking around.

"The rest are already there..." Hero said dryly, then Ranger sighed before going into an alleyway, opening a portal...and lo and behold, the rest of his original team were there...and so is Abbot.

"Father?" Ranger asked.

"Hello my son." Abbot said.

"So...what's this all about?" Wizard asked.

"Well..since the whole family is here, I guess I can inform you...the Champion's armor is gone." Abbot said and the whole team was alarmed.

"What?" Warrior asked.

"What?!" Ranger asked.

"Where could it have gone...?" Fighter asked and then Cherub poofed in.

"O.k. before anyone gets too huffed up, I know where the armor is." He said.

"Where?" Priestess asked.

"It's rightful owner has it." Cherub said.

"And that person is?" Warrior asked.

"What's the armor's namesake?" Cherub asked dryly.

"Wait...how did the Champion get it?" Fighter asked.

"I took it and gave it to him...duh." Cherub said.

"Why?" Everyone asked at once.

"He wants to see you actually." Cherub said and everyone stared at him. "Yes you heard me correctly, the soul of the first Platinum Rank, wants to meet the last Platinum Rank, and his family of course."

"To what end?" Ranger asked.

"He didn't say, and I didn't ask." Cherub said.

"Well...what are we waiting for? Let's go see him." Warrior said.

"Father? You still have the Heaven Key?" Cherub asked.

"Unfortunately no..." Abbot said and Cherub sighed and opened a portal.

"Go get it..." He said dryly and Abbot went through the portal, and about a minute later, returned with the Heaven Key, then Cherub took it, and opened a portal to Heaven with it...which wowed the entire group.

"We have got to get the rest-" Cherub cuts Warrior off.

"No, this is for all of you to do; the rest aren't allowed in Heaven, at least not yet." He said.

"I never thought I would envy anyone as much as I do now..." Abbot said.

"We can bring you a souvenir if you'd like Father." Fighter said and Abbot chuckled.

"That would be nice child." He said.

"Well, let's go see our Heavenly buddies then." Warrior said.

"After you Your Grace." Ranger said as he motioned to the portal and Priestess smiled and shook her head as she led them through the portal...and ran into unexpected company.

---

"We meet again Ranger..." Nephilim said and the whole team looked at her funny.

"You two know each other?" Wizard asked.

"She's the former vampire queen, now a nephilim." Ranger said.

"Just like the former archbishop." Nephilim said and Sword Maiden appeared. "Speaking of whom."

"Mother!" Priestess exclaimed and rushed to hug Sword Maiden.

"Hello Your Grace." Sword Maiden said as softly as ever as she embraced her surrogate daughter.

"Guess what? The Champion wants to see us." Fighter said.

"So I've heard. I'm actually here to shorten your trip to see him." Sword Maiden said.

"What? No "how have things been" or anything?" Warrior asked.

"I have been watching over you all; I know you've all made progress in all the right directions. It's the Champion whom you should concern yourself with enlightening, and for good reason." Sword Maiden said as she looked at Nephilim and poofed them away.

"Uh...where are we now?" Warrior asked as the team looked around to see they were in an indoor garden...with a massive tree in the center, and a lone figure sitting beneath it.

"Who's that?" Ranger asked.

"That's the Champion." Priestess said as Ranger stared at him.

"He looks like you Sword Maiden." He asked.

"Funny enough yes, but we are not related." Sword Maiden said honestly.

"Welcome back all of you..." Champion said as he looked over a fruit and then took a bite as the team approached.

"Champion?" Ranger asked and the Champion chuckled and turned to look Ranger over.

"So...the first Platinum Rank, meets the last Platinum Rank...whether by fate or fixation, this is quite a meeting." Champion said.

"I cannot say I don't agree." Ranger said and Champion smirked before turning to the others.

"As for the rest of you...I do apologize for scaring you about the armor, but there was no time to inform you, and you were clearly not going to do what I said and use it's power." He said.

"To be fair, we had intended to do so...with all due respect." Wizard said.

"Nevertheless, I have no choice but to help you all directly." Champion said.

"How exactly?" Fighter asked and Champion looked right at her.

"Fight me...all of you." He said seriously and the whole group recoiled, even Ranger.

"We..we can't fight you!" Wizard exclaimed.

"Then why do you plan on facing not only one who defeated you before, and made your leader's weapon look pathetic beforehand, but also the most powerful monster in existence?" Champion asked.

"Hey, you fought worse than that and won. We don't stand a chance." Warrior said.

"If we were enemies I'd agree with you, but since we aren't..." Champion trailed off before his armor materialized. "Sword Maiden?" With that, the team poofed away to a place with a solid marble floor, and a mountain range on the edge of the entire place.

"Wait! Hold on! This is pretty damn sudden!" Wizard exclaimed as the Champion walked backwards away from the team.

"Which is precisely why I'm letting all of you make the first move, and don't worry, I have no intention of attacking you with too much force." He said.

"In that case..." Fighter said as she popped her blades and charged at the Champion...and every single one of her strikes to be blocked by only one of the Champion's arms, while the rest of his body doesn't even budge. She then backed up to see how calm he was then tensed herself up before charging again, and jumping at him to throw a flurry of kicks at him, but he stopped each one by simply holding his hand out.

"You are aware that you are part of a team right?" Champion asked, then the rest looked at each other and Warrior and Ranger attacked as well, with Priestess and Wizard taking turns with the men lunging at the Champion, and every swing, stab, kick, bash, and even Fighter's arrows were all blocked, even when she activated her bow's power enchantment...and the multi-shot enchantment at the same time. Warrior charged up his sword to unleashed a wave of holy energy, and the Champion's armor negated the attack, Priestess then Empowered the whole team...and their luck didn't change. Ranger's greatsword had arguably the least amount of luck; he swung his massive blade so quickly it appeared to be a blur of motion, but the Champion still didn't care. Fighter meanwhile continued to pelt the Champion with arrows, and his spare arm caught each arrow. Wizard unleashed a charged-up Firestorm on the Champion, at the same time Ranger used Immolation...and the fires danced around the Champion with quite a bit of space around him.

"Damn! That armor is effective..." Warrior said as the Champion simply stood there...he then prepared to snap his fingers and when he did, a burst of force extinguished the flames.

"What?! No way!" Wizard exclaimed.

"Just curious, are you trying to kill me?" Champion asked.

"Of course not, but you don't give us much in the way of options." Wizard said.

"We all know you have more options than this..." Champion said.

"Mana bolt!" Wizard yelled and the Champion simply swatted the mass of green energy away, then looked at Ranger who unloaded his guns into the Champion's armor, as Fighter continued to pelt him with arrows, and Warrior morphed his auto crossbow and pelted him with bolts...none of which even annoyed the Champion as he continued to stand there.

Warrior then lifts his hammer to the sky and a storm stirred up for the better of a minute as the Champion watched. Then Ranger took the opportunity to summon a Meteor while Champion was distracted, and he jumped up and shattered the Meteor with a single punch. Priestess then put up Protection barriers in front of her various teammates in one fell swoop to keep the fragments from hurting any of them. Wizard then turned the fragments into stone elementals and had them all charge at the Champion, who smashed them all to pieces with a single punch as well, and Priestess' Protection barrier continued to hold fast against the fragments shot at the group from the impact.

Eventually Warrior's hammer absorbed dozens of brief but intense lightning strikes from the clouds overhead, and when he was fully charged he jumped up and threw the hammer down at the Champion...who countered it with a single punch that launched him away, and Priestess put up an extra layer to the Protection barriers to keep the force of the explosion at bay as Wizard caught her husband with Levitation and gently set him down on the floor by her feet.

"Impressive. If I was wearing the armor of any of you wear, even that would not have saved me, from any of your assaults." Champion said honestly as Wizard checked on Warrior, who woke up a moment later, and shared a smile with her. Ranger then morphed his greatsword and threw it at the Champion, who deflected it as Ranger charged at him with a second one at the ready, and the Champion blocked each swing without effort with a single hand, then Ranger switched to a pair of short swords and his light armor and danced circles around the Champion as he even threw kicks into his assault with blades on his legs similar to Fighter's...but the Champion still didn't care. Eventually the Champion snapped his fingers again and the Ranger was sent flying back to where he was with a burst of holy energy. "Try again. Defeating me will require you to use all of your skills, and you will need them."

---

Summoner meanwhile was walking through Limbo, and saw little in the way of activity, aside from seeing the people go through their days as he walked through the streets, invisible to them, and his elementals patrolled the streets and rooftops, with the stone ones marching, and the water, ice, and fire ones flying around through the skies. Eventually, he got to see Noble Fencer spending some of her money on new outfits for Inspector...and each one was more breath-taking than the last, from as elegant as a purple ballgown, to as normal as a white blouse and blue skirt. Each outfit took his breath away, and it took all of his will and devotion to his job to keep himself from walking up to her, taking her into Limbo, shoving her into the changing room, and making love to her against the wall.

After getting a grip...finally, he walked back down the roads looking for anything suspicious, but all of a sudden, the chatter of the people became quieter and quieter. When he finally paid it enough attention he looked around...and everyone was gone.

"What the-? That's not-" Summoner shut up when he noticed his elementals ignoring the difference in the number of people. "Hey! Do all of you not see-" He shut up again when they ignored him. "Elementals! Your summoner is addressing you! Look into what is happening at once!" The elementals just continued on their patrols without even acknowledging he was speaking to them. "I am giving you all an order! Look into thi-" Several Hell Rifts opened, and the elementals actually let themselves get torn apart as Summoner watched his countless hours of work get destroyed right in front of him. He then shouted in fury as he leeched power from the two stone elementals with him and rushed through the demons and beat every one of them to a paste, if he didn't just plain rip them asunder, slam them into the ground, or throw them into each other.

The two stone elementals didn't even watch the massacre, then Summoner marched up to one of the others and crushed it's heads in-between his hands...then recalled the time he had elementals that were completely mindless, just like they are now...but he mastered the art of summoning; why are they being so absent-minded? He then joined the stone elementals and continued on his trek...then his curiosity and frustration turned into terror as a Glutton appeared in front of him, as if to mock him by adding to his mental chaos.

"Attack it!" The stone elementals then charged at the Glutton...only to turn to ash before getting halfway to it. Summon then turned around and ran away from it, only for another rift to open and the Glutton's tongues latched onto him as he desperately tried to dig his fingers into the floor, but it was no use...the Glutton yanking the screaming demon hunter into it's mouth and the world went black.

When he woke, he was attached to a wall, on his knees, with every piece of his clothes removed and covered in the same tentacles used to ensnare sacrifices to the Demon Lord. He then tried to pry himself free...then he turned and saw Guild Girl in the same state of undress, and also covered in tentacles, unconscious.

"Guild Girl...Guild Girl wake up!" Summoner said harshly and she woke up right away and looked at him sleepily then sobered up a moment later and gasped at the state they were in.

"What's going on? Where are we?" She asked.

"In Limbo...I don't know how, but my powers-" the fear demon showing up out of nowhere shut him up. "You..."

"Scared you, didn't it?" The fear demon asked.

"Still sore from the last time I stomped you?" Summoner asked.

"Enough boasting...it doesn't suit you. Not in front of your precious lady friend." The fear demon said while looking her over, much to her horror.

"You sick bastard, leave her out of this!" Summoner snapped.

"You're in no position to give demands demon hunter. I think you'll find that I'm the one doing the hunting this time...and you're both my prey. Like a pair of flies in the web of a spider, waiting...to be drunk." The fear demon said as he circled the two, especially Guild Girl. "Maybe the good Summoner can fight us...but you can't. Especially not him..." With that, a Glutton showed up and started gurgling and snapping it's jaws, then Guild Girl passed out. "Oh...poor thing, well at least she'll be spared the same nightmare your mother went through."

"No! Stop! It's me you want, not her!" Summoner exclaimed as the Glutton lumbered over to the unconscious woman with it's mouth ready to feast as Summoner continued to thrash around trying to get free. "No! Noooo! NOOOOO! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU! LET HER GO!" Next thing he knew, he was reliving the time his mother was eaten...as Guild Girl was slowly and steadily swallowed whole.

"Don't worry...you will join her soon, as well as your mother. But first, there's plenty more terrors to come." The fear demon said as Summoner went slack, and started weeping and shaking.

"No...not again..." He whispered.

"A Gold Rank demon hunter, reduced to the helpless little boy he once was, all thanks to his own fears made flesh. Poetic don't you think. All that work spent on making those elementals reduced to the same thing they were at the time. Just goes to show...even the most powerful must succumb to the fear!" The fear demon said as the Glutton went for Summoner.

---

The roar of thunder made everything vanish and Summoner was once again in his outfit, leaning against the wall, and the fear demon was on the ground screaming it's lungs out as Storm Mage was standing over him unleashing a stream of lightning from one hand, then gave him a break.

"No one...torments my brother..." Storm Mage said.

"You again-" Storm Mage shuts the demon up with another discharge.

"I cleansed the Sword Maiden's fears...I cleansed my own fears...now I cleanse my brother's fears..." Storm Mage said in-between discharges as the fear demon continued to spasm out and scream in pain.

"Brother..." Summoner breathed out.

"Even the most dire fears can be swallowed, in the mouth of a storm!" Storm Mage said as he formed several clouds in the area and unleashed a bolt of lightning from each one that sent the fear demon rolling and skidding along the ground as Storm Mage shared a look with Summoner. "Can you move?"

"Yes...but I don't know what I can do against that...thing..." Summoner said tensely.

"Then give me some storm elemental stones. I'll deal with this parasite myself." Storm Mage said.

"But my elementals-" Storm Mage cuts Summoner off.

"Are perfectly fine. That demon was playing you the entire time, now please, the stones." He said seriously...then Summoner got a grip and actually summoned no less than five storm elementals as he went after the fear demon by grappling between the different buildings with his sword-whips with the storm elementals flying after him. Eventually, Summoner got a water elemental to fly him to where the battle was being waged with the fear demon still on the ground reeling as Storm Mage showed up. "Prepare to learn why they call me the Storm Mage!"

"Even storms...can be silenced." The fear demon said as he got up, then turned into a plume of smoke that turned into a mass of tentacles with a spike on the end of each one, and a ring of fangs and eyeballs in the middle of it all.

"Wow...and I thought goblins were hideous." Storm Mage said dryly, then lashed at the fear demon's tongues as it tried to grab him with them, and when the fear demon stopped and tried to impale him on it's tentacles, the elementals unleash lightning streams at it, which repel the tentacles and leave major scorch marks on them. Storm Mage then takes advantage of the fear demon's repulsion to generate a dozen lightning orbs, then while the elementals were flying around distracting and shocking the fear demon...Storm Mage unleashed the barrage of lightning orbs right into it's mouth and each one exploded when they reached the demon's stomach, making it let off an ear-splitting screech that made Summoner cover his ears, but not Storm Mage; he was already dead so...what injury did he have to fear? The fear demon then sank down to the floor in his normal form...then started laughing. "Something funny about getting stomped into the ground?"

"No...I just wonder how much power you have, and if it'll be enough?" The fear demon said.

"It was enough to put you on the ground, that's for damn sure." Storm Mage said.

"Just like how that goblin champion put you on the ground, then the goblins who already played with her got a chance to do it a second time." The fear demon said.

"You've got some nerve talking about my wife like that..." Storm Mage said seriously.

"Is she your wife, or your possession?" The fear demon asked then Storm Mage's temper flared up and he lashed the fear demon with a sword-whip, tearing open it's back.

"It's official: you're a special kind of stupid..." He said before lashing the fear demon over and over until the fear demon couldn't move anymore. Storm Mage then grabbed the demon's ankle and dragged him along the ground. "You're coming with me..." Summoner then followed Storm Mage to the docks...and then watched Storm Mage toss the demon to the ground as it scrambled to get away from the outrage demon hunter.

"You speak so fiercely...but what if one of my brethren does to you, what you did to me?" The fear demon asked.

"News flash: I'm already dead, and last I checked, everyone dies twice: when their body expires, and when the last person forgets they existed, and my memory live and dies with the Sword Maiden's." Storm Mage said tensely yet softly.

"What of your soul...?" The fear demon asked.

"My soul is in the hands of the Supreme, beyond reach." Storm Mage said as he pulled his sword-whips.

"What of the Demon Lord himself? He will return soon, and when he does...you will wish I killed you both." The fear demon said before Storm Mage lashes it repeated from every angle, then pauses to let the mauling sink in.

"Take a last look at what you have sown, before...you...reap it!" Storm Mage said between lashes, and ended by yanking the demon towards him, kicking it into the air, yanking it back into the ground, grabbing it's leg and tossing it into the water and signalling the elementals to shock the water while the fear demon continued to thrash around. "Thunderstrike!" A massive bolt of lightning spews out of Storm Mage's mouth and the fear demon finally vanished like he wasn't there before Storm Mage looked at his younger brother. "Sorry I didn't give you a chance to deal any blows."

"It doesn't matter...I'm just glad that thing is gone." Summoner said softly.

"Still, I was sort of hoping our next encounter would be a brother-and-brother fight against a threat, but then again, you did provide the elementals." Storm Mage said.

"Right..." Summoner whispered.

"And such a monumental victory for the two of us demands special payment, and from he looks of things...you could use it." Storm Mage said seriously.

"What did you have in mind?" Summoner asked.

"A visitor..." Storm Mage said as he stepped aside...and a woman was stand there, one Summoner knew all too well, as his trembling breath and watering eyes showed.

"Mother..." Summoner whispered.

"Hi son." Their mother said as she went to her youngest son and held him as he wept his eyes out like the little boy he was when he last saw her.

"I never thought I'd see you again..." Summoner said with a sob-choked voice.

"Your brother is here, why can't I?" Their mother asked.

"But...but that Glutton..." Summoner trailed off.

"The Death God took my soul after your sister killed it, and the Supreme God saw to it that my misery was made up for. I was even granted a vision of this moment. When the three of us would be reunited again." Their mother said as Storm Mage joined their embrace.

"I love you both..." Summoner whispered.

"And we love you son." Their mother said.

"I wish sister could be here with us." Storm Mage said.

"She will find an Ether Gazer in due time, and I will tell her everything that happened here, but she'll find you my dear Summoner soon enough...but in the meantime, take care of your lady friends." Their mother said and Summoner tensed up again.

"Listen to me. Guild Girl is fine, she's at the guild hall right now, working as diligently as we are, and she still loves you." Storm Mage said seriously and Summoner calmed down.

"O.k..." He whispered then their mother embraced him.

"Oh my son...you've been through so much..." She said as Summoner returned the embrace and she kissed his cheek. "Just have faith in the Supreme's justice; if it can happen to us, and especially the Sword Maiden...it can happen to you."

"I will try..." Summoner said.

"Good, now...I must return to Heaven. I love you son, just like I always did." Their mother said.

"I love you too..." Summoner said as he trembled again as their mother vanished, then Storm Mage sucked in a breath.

"Summoner...I'm aware of what you said to Inspector when you were last in bed with her. You and I, we weren't the best of brothers, nor was I the best of men...but you succeeded everywhere I failed, and the longer I spent with the Sword Maiden, your new sister-in-law, the more I realize that Ranger was right: Heaven really is sweetest when you taste Hell first, and she and I tasted too much Hell, and now so did you my little brother. So don't don't waste your time missing me when you have a long and rich life ahead of you with those women whose hearts you hold...and as a man whose heart was consumed by greed, I know riches when I see them, and you will have more than I could ever wish for. Now as you continue your life, keep this in mind...you don't owe me anything, and not only does our mother love you...but so does your older brother." Storm Mage said as he eventually embraced Summoner, who returned the embrace and clung onto Storm Mage as he slowly vanished.

"Good-bye brother...mother..." He whispered, and when Storm Mage finally vanished, he used a gateway on the wall to return to his original home, went to bed, and wept into his hands for the better part of a minute before finally getting a grip. He then went downstairs to get a small bowl of stew that a fire elemental re-heated for him...and then threw up the moment he was about to take a bite when he recalled the scenario where that Glutton swallowed Guild Girl. A water elemental then appeared and cleaned up the mess. "How am I going to explain this to the ladies...?"

---

Meanwhile, the team was staring down the Champion while getting their bearings. Ranger then looked at his scattered teammates, and they eventually intensified their glances; he knew that meant they knew it was high-time they busted out their big guns.

"Drain..." Wizard whispered and a spark of energy crept out of her fingertip into the ground, and zipped across it until it reached the Champion's feet, and then he looked down to see his power being leeched out of his armor and sighed.

"I was going to do this for you voluntarily...but then again, I know you did this to the Cambion, and draining power from your foe without their knowledge will carry you far, even if they find out after it's too late." Champion said honestly...before Fighter engaged him from behind, and actually landed several kicks before he was aware of her presence and then he turned to defend himself, with both arms this time instead of just one, and the thrashing ended with him stopping a punch to the face by grabbing her fist. "You can open your chakras? That will also be of use..."

"That is not all..." Fighter said tensely before unleashing a flurry of punches and even a series of spinning kicks in mid-air that even Ranger has a hard time tracking, but not the Champion; he blocked each strike...but with more difficulty. Meanwhile, Wizard was charging Warrior with the energy she took, and then he channeled it into his blade and prepared to swing.

"Sis get out of there!" Warrior yelled and Fighter stopped kicking Champion and jumped off of him, and when the Champion turned he had just enough time to put his arms in the way of a wave of energy that actually staggered him. Then Fighter and Warrior both ganged up on the Champion...and even with Priestess buffing the two of them, it was still an even match. Wizard meanwhile charged up a Mana Bolt, and the moment Warrior and Fighter noticed it reach maximum size, they bolted in opposite directions.

"Mana Bolt!" Wizard yelled as the sparking mass of green energy shot forward at the Champion who threw a rapid series of punches, the Mana Bolt was negated, much to Wizard's complete surprise. "No way!"

"Even with a piece of my power taken from me, I am still a match for the Demon Lord and his pet, as you should be aware." Champion said then Ranger yelled to the sky, which got everyone's attention, and the vermilion flame around him was a clear sign of what was happening to him. "The War God's blessing...after all these centuries I finally get to face someone aside from the Destroyer who bares it."

"No kidding..." Wizard said.

"Ranger..." Priestess whispered as Ranger stood there glaring at the Champion with his eyes now the same color as the fire around him.

"I was told Army of One let's me fight the Demon Lord toe-to-toe...let's put that theory to the test shall we?" Ranger asked before morphing his gauntlets and superheating them.

"I agree completely." Champion said simply before summoning his own greatsword which was half as wide as the one Ranger use but just as long. Then Ranger dashed at The Champion who puts his sword in the way of a punch, but just barely; he was visibly surprised by Ranger's speed and the force of the punch made a sonic boom that Priestess' barrier barely contained since the team had to still cover their ears. Ranger then threw a dizzying barrage of punches at the Champion who was actually getting pushed back as he held his sword out in front of him in an attempt to keep the walking superweapon in front of him at bay.

Eventually, Ranger threw several stronger punches that knocked the Champion off-balance and the last punch knocked him to the ground. Ranger then jumped up, attached several chains to the ground on either of the Champion's sides, then slingshot himself back down to the ground, only for the Champion to slide away before Ranger could upturn the ground beneath him, then Ranger blocked and countered several swords swings from the Champion for the better part of a minute before jumping away, morphing his guns, then opening fire on the Champion who put up a Protection barrier to protect himself from the storm of bullets that exploded when they hit the barrier every second.

The storm ended with Ranger superheating his guns then unleashed a burst of heat that shattered the Champion's barrier, then he latched onto the Champion with a sword-whip while he was staggered then pulled himself towards the Champion with his spare hand morphed into a gauntlet and the punch Ranger landed caused an explosion that the Champion was unharmed by, despite taking a direct hit. The Champion then punched Ranger in the gut hard enough to launch him off away, and even the durability boost provided by the Army of One miracle did anything to keep Ranger from hitting the ground reeling in pain.

"Ranger!" Priestess exclaimed as she watched Ranger slowly get up, then the group looked at the Champion who was watching Ranger as well.

"That Champion guy isn't even human...!" Warrior said harshly...then the team's jaws hit the floor as the Champion jumps into the air, and don't come back down.

"I should've known you could do that." Ranger said thoughtfully.

"You can do the same thing 11th, why haven't you?" Champion asked then Ranger jumped up and focused on his armor until he went from being able to slowly descend, to actually stopping his fall...then to lifting himself up like the Champion was. "Perfect...you learn as quickly as you move."

"As much as I'm honored to be engaged in a fight with the first Platinum Rank, I must ask why we cannot do this on our own?" Ranger asked.

"I already entrusted that to you...but I was wrong. Your foes will wait for nothing; the only reason the Cambion, and the Demon Lord for that matter have done nothing as of late is because they cannot, but that can change at any moment, and you, and your family...are clearly not ready." Champion said seriously and Ranger simply floated there in thought. "As a servant of the War God, and a fellow Platinum Rank, you should understand this more than anyone else."

"I do..." Ranger said.

"Now, I must ask you: do you wish to continue this fight, or do you want to return home and continue on your own?" Champion asked and Ranger looked at his teammates who were all watching them. "Better yet, let us ask them?" With that, the Champion descended to the ground in front of them.

"What were you discussing?" Fighter asked.

"It is clear that with my power crippled, your leader has power equal to my own, so this fight serves no purpose, but now I must ask you: when you return home, do I have your word that you will use every method you have used, in addition to what I give you?" Champion asked.

"That depends, what methods do you have in mind...sir?" Wizard asked and Ranger landed next to the Champion.

"First, take Ranger's power and store it." Champion said simply and everyone looked at him. "The War God would approve, given the circumstances."

"O.k...if you insist. Drain..." Wizard said as she hits Ranger with the same spark she hit the Champion with, and the Vermillion fire surrounding him was removed, but it returned awhile later. "There's still more to take..."

"Give me a mana gem." Champion said, then Wizard forked one over, then absorbed the power into the gem, and used Empower on it. "Drain him again."

"I can't take that much pow-" Champion using Empower on Wizard not only made her shut up, but also made her tense up and exclaim in amazement.

"Try it now..." He said, then Wizard hit Ranger with Drain again...and the fire rushed out of Ranger's body into the gem at a significantly faster rate until the Army of One miracle was completely removed ten seconds later. Fighter then kept Ranger on his feet as he stood there huffing. "Perfect..."

"Are you alright?" Priestess asked.

"I will be..Your Grace..." Ranger said as the two shared a smile.

"I would face you again tomorrow, when we all recover, and don't worry about your miracles; they are limitless in Heaven's borders." Champion said before snapping his fingers, and they were all back where they were, with his armor replaced with the shirt and pants he had originally. "Good day to you all."

"When we get back, we'd like to do more than just fight you." Priestess said and the Champion chuckled.

"There is plenty for you to do in Heaven, even now." He said before opening the gates to Earth, and the team went through.

"You're back. Did you meet the Champion?" Abbot asked.

"Met him? We fought him!" Warrior exclaimed.

"And...it's no wonder he could face down the Demon Lord; that man is a monster..." Wizard said.

"You don't know how lucky you are; meeting the Sword Maiden was one thing, but...the original Platinum Rank summoning you to Heaven, just to test your skills..." Abbot trailed off.

"It gets better: he wants to see us, again, tomorrow." Priestess said.

"He what?!" Abbot asked in awe.

"You heard right Father." Priestess said.

"Dear Supreme...I don't think I can take this..." Abbot said seriously as he sat on the stairs.

"Well, I actually have a marriage to bless-" Abbot cuts Priestess off and gets up right away.

"Marriage?" He asked.

"Yes, she even blessed out marriage...shortly before we found out the Sword Maiden and Storm Mage were murdered." Wizard said somberly as she held Warrior's hand.

"Oh...well, at least she no longer suffers, and she still inspires from within Heaven's walls. But now is not the time for sorrow; a marriage awaits, and the immeasurable honor of meeting the Champion is one that must not be squandered." Abbot said.

"Right. Now, where's Sword Mage?" Priestess asked, then Fighter opened her chakras again.

"He's in the same place we had our marriage with the Sword Maiden, setting things up." She said.

"Speaking of the Sword Maiden, she still has a tour of Heaven to wrap up." Warrior said.

"Hey, the Champion said there's plenty for us to do in Heaven, and we have to return anyway." Ranger said.

"That's true..." Warrior said.

"Alright, now let's go check in with Summoner." Ranger said.

"Is his patrol even finished?" Wizard asked.

"Yes, but I wouldn't bother him at this point..." Abbot said.

"Why?" Fighter asked.

"Remember that fear demon?" Abbot asked.

"How do you know about that?" Ranger asked seriously.

"We discussed that when he first came here." Priestess said.

"Anyway...Summoner encountered it a while ago, and it wasn't a pleasant experience." Abbot said.

"Dare I ask?" Fighter asked and Abbot sighed.

"He...he and the fear demon are arch enemies, and the foul thing finally got it's revenge, by making him see his love swallowed by a Glutton." He said and the team's eyes widened, and their hearts sank, especially Ranger's.

"What...?" Wizard breathed out.

"Yes. He had a vision where the two of them were ensnared, and he had to watch her get swallowed whole, while still alive." Abbot said.

"That so cruel..." Priestess whispered while her eyes watered.

"Thankfully, it was nothing more than a nightmare, but I can only imagine the pain that man is going through..." Abbot said.

"No kidding; I don't think I'd be able to eat for a week if I saw something like that." Warrior said.

"Me neither..." Ranger said.

"The demon got what was coming to it though, Storm Mage's spirit appeared and along with some elementals, banished the fear demon to Purgatory to pay for it's crimes...and Summoner was able to embrace the spirit of his mother." Abbot said.

"What?" Ranger asked.

"Yes. Storm Mage summoned her the moment his victory was complete." Abbot said.

"Heaven really is sweetest when you've tasted Hell first..." Fighter said softly before Ranger held her hand.

"What else did you talk about?" Wizard asked.

"Just that it was poetic for us to talk about how she could become archbishop a year ago and now here she is being chosen by the Sword Maiden, in public, from beyond the grave, to be her heir." Abbot said.

"Well it's hard to argue with that..." Warrior said.

"Alright, so...when's the wedding?" Fighter asked.

"Should be just before sundown." Priestess said.

"Alright, now, if you will all give me your belts so I can put the power I was given to use on them?" Wizard asked as the group de-morphed their armor and handed her the belts they store the material in. "You, Your Grace, unfortunately will have to wait."

"I can wait." Priestess said honestly.

"So what do you say we all get our best clothes on, and go watch us a wedding?" Warrior asked.

"I say that I couldn't have said that better myself." Ranger said.

"What about Summoner and the ladies?" Fighter asked.

"Probably best we leave them be." Ranger said.

"Yeah, you're probably right...well, we can show them on the recaller." Fighter said as they all left the room.

---

Meanwhile, Guild Girl went back home, sighing from the long day, and went to the dinning room...only to see a bowl of stew that was still full, then heard the sounds of someone throwing up in the back...and saw Summoner emptying his stomach over the edge of a balcony, then retching even there was nothing left. She then cautiously opened the door to get a closer look at him, and just as she was about to talk to him, he had the water elemental with him carry him up to the second floor through the window, then she went back inside, upstairs, and went into the bedroom where she saw him sitting on the side of the bed, with his face buried in his hands, then drank some water from the elemental then made it disappear.

"Summoner?" Guild Girl asked and Summoner's breath hitched the moment she spoke. "Are you sick?"

"No...but I might as well be..." Summoner said with a broken voice, and when he turned to look at her...she saw his flushed, tear-stained face, then walked over to him as he turned away.

"Summoner...please don't shut me out." Guild Girl said softly.

"Do you know why I was vomiting?! The true...reason I was vomiting?!" Summoner snapped and Guild Girl recoiled.

"No." She said.

"Do you remember that fear demon I mentioned before we came here?" Summoner asked.

"Yes, but...I thought you defeated him?" Guild Girl asked.

"I did...but he came back, and he repaid what I did to him many times over..." Summoner said.

"Summoner..." Guild Girl whispered.

"The things he made me see...I don't even have any more sorrow in me, only revulsion." Summoner said.

"Goblins?" Guild Girl asked.

"Worse..." Summoner whispered harshly.

"Worse?" Guild Girl asked.

"Please...I don't want to talk about it...not in detail..." Summoner said and Guild Girl put her hand on his lap as she sat next to him.

"Summoner, I want to help you." She said softly, and one look at the compassion on her face made him embrace her.

"Guild Girl...I was forced to watch what happened to my mother...happen to you..." Summoner said and Guild Girl gasped right away.

"Dear Supreme...!" She said in horror.

"The only reason I'm not even more torn up than I am now...is because I got to watch my brother show what he's truly capable of; the fear demon fought him tooth and claw with his full strength...and Storm Mage mopped the floor with him without an ounce of trouble." Summoner said.

"Wow..." Guild Girl whispered.

"Afterwards...I got to see my mother for the first time in over a decade..." Summoner said, then Guild Girl pulled away.

"That's wonderful." She said and shared a smile with Summoner as she dried his tears.

"So are you...that's why I was so distraught." He said seriously then Guild Girl put both hands on his face.

"But I'm here, right in front of you, and your brother proved that he's still with you, even though he was burned to ashes and is underneath the statue of the Sword Maiden, never to be removed. Your fears are as powerless as the fiend that instilled them." Guild Girl said seriously before hugging him, and got one in return.

"I love you...I love you so much..." Summoner whispered.

"I love you too." Guild Girl said softly before turning her head and kissing him as sweetly as she could, and he held her as close as he could as the misery drained out of him. They then heard footsteps coming up the stairs and let go to see Inspector come in, and she looked the two over.

"Sorry, I heard about your encounter with the fear demon and...well, duty calls." She said seriously.

"I'm alright, especially with both of you here." Summoner said and Inspector joins them in a group hug. "I saw you shopping with Noble Fencer...I didn't think you could get any lovelier."

"Thank you. I also got some new outfits for Guild Girl here." Inspector said.

"Aren't you nice?" Guild Girl said and Inspector giggled.

"That's why you love me." She said.

"And I love you too." Summoner said as Guild Girl kissed him, then Inspector raised an eyebrow at him, he smirked at her then kissed her as well.

"Can we get you anything?" Guild Girl asked.

"Just stay with me..." Summoner said softly as the three sat there holding each other.

"Summoner told me you two did the deed in the guild hall..." Inspector said with a smirk and Guild Girl blushed.

"You told her?!" She exclaimed.

"Oh relax, I think it's...adventurous." Inspector said.

"Yeah, you would." Summoner teased.

"Well, would going through that again help you?" Inspector asked.

"Not now...just let me hold my babies." Summoner said.

"We're not going anywhere." Guild Girl said.

"There's also a wedding going on soon, would you like to come?" Inspector asked.

"I would. Summoner?" Guild Girl asked.

"Alright..." Summoner said.

"Alright. Just let me get the bags from downstairs then we can try some new outfits on...and you, get to watch two beautiful ladies strip." Inspector said with a smirk.

"What?" Guild Girl asked.

"Oh come on, we saw each other naked countless times; there's nothing weird about it now." Inspector said.

"Good point..." Guild Girl said as she followed her friend out.

"You really should get your head examined or something; we talk about this way too often. Besides, the guy's had it, and where's the justice in leaving him like this?" Inspector said.

"Alright alright, I get your point." Guild Girl said as she took a look at the outfits Inspector got and marveled at them. "Wow! These are gorgeous!"

"That's why we bought them." Inspector said simply as they took the dresses and a few suits upstairs, and the moment they got into the room and put the bags down, Inspector, then Guild Girl stripped down to their underwear, as Summoner's eyes feasted on their slender, yet curvy bodies, and remembered how they felt when he dug his hands into them...as if the memory of their mating sessions weren't enough. They then tried on one outfit after another, with Guild Girl eventually taking the purple dress, and Inspector taking the dress with various shades of green. Summoner took a black suit with dark blue rings on the wrists, and...fair was fair: he looked them over, they looked him over, and his own figure did nothing to disappoint them either. Despite how slim he was, his leanness spook for itself: he was a man who fought demons, and wasn't a slouch at it either.

"Have you ever been to a wedding before?" Guild Girl asked.

"Not often...but I cannot see how this one can't surpass the weddings I've seen. What about you two?" Summoner asked.

"Have we been to a wedding he asked...we saw Ranger and Fighter's wedding for crying out loud!" Inspector exclaimed.

"Well then..." Summoner trailed off.

"You should've been there; it was pure magic." Guild Girl said.

"Speaking of weddings though...apparently weddings done in the name of the Love Goddess are pretty different from normal ones, especially if there's more than one bride, or groom for that matter." Summoner said and both ladies looked him and each other over.

"Are you asking what I think you're asking?" Guild Girl asked.

"Well...technically as far as the Love Goddess is concerned, we were married after I removed both your virginities, but it's not that simple, which frankly I'm thankful for since my brother and the Sword-" Summoner shut up the moment he thought about how sore the subject is. "Anyway, I haven't looked into the specifics, aside from the fact that apparently I don't need a ring for each of you, and right now, I'm in no mood to look deeper into it."

"Let's just go see this wedding, and pick up from there, o.k?" Guild Girl asked, and with that, the trio went to the Temple of Law.

---

They got there just in time to see the team getting settled, as well as H.E. Druid, and Dwarf Rifleman, both in a dress and suit respectively, but theirs were the fanciest by a long shot, although GS, Ranger, and the rest of the team were pretty well-dressed as well. Ranger's parents, and child were there with Bard and Songstress, with her son Sword Mage as well...with Noble Fencer next to him. Even the Hero's team was there, and Priestess of course was on the alter with R.W. and A.C in their own suit and dress as the bride and groom. When the trio got seated, the wedding officially started, and it played out exactly like Ranger and Fighter's wedding; Priestess even copied the Sword Maiden's blessing word for word, after telling the bride and groom to kneel before her as the guests stood up and then applauded as the newly weds kissed.

---

And there we go, all's well that ends well for the rookie duo, and Inspector's birthday ended with her seeing a wedding and probably recalling the time she met the freaking Sword Maiden for the first time, seriously, this lady doesn't get nearly as much love as she deserves. Now, I was going to do some other things in this chapter, but then I thought of some other things I can do as well, so I'm going to mold the two sets of ideas into each other in the next chapter. What will I cook up? Who knows, except for those of you who Rate, Review, and Share...and stay tuned of course.