Chapter 02 – Element Correlation

It has been a long night. Though Leon and Liza wanted to chat with their new companion, they've decided to wrap it up and discuss their actions the next day instead.

"G! You should rest up for tonight… you're still in pain, right? We can continue our discussion tomorrow. Leon-kun, don't you even think of bullying him."

"Yah! I know, quit your nagging and sleep in your room Liza."

G was about to disagree, but he has already accepted his fate of being a slave, whether he liked it or not it happened, and so he simply nodded and stood to open the door for Liza.

"Oh~"

The only girl of the team was delighted and gave the new kid a pat in the shoulder before going to her own room. It wasn't every day that girls experience a gentleman's gesture.

It was decided that Leon would be sharing the room with G. Leon took the bed and G sat in the corner. Though they don't want to treat G as slave, Leon still doesn't trust him and getting a separate room for G was an accommodation he cannot provide. Truth was his already broke after that ordeal.

G didn't expect a separate room anyway. He was delighted to have roof over his head.

"G!"

He raised his chin and caught a red-shirt and a blanket thrown to him by Leon. G smiled at his bashfulness, though he doesn't see the red puffed cheeks of Leon, he could imagine.

"I appreciate it, Leon-sama."

"You should omit the -sama. It's not like we will be treating you as slave… By the way, that's my favorite shirt. I will let you borrow it for today. We'll get you things tomorrow."

"I understand, Leon-sama…"

When Leon took a glimpse of him from his shoulder, he corrected, "I mean Leon-san."

He thought Leon would rise to scold him but he didn't, instead he saw his open palm waving at him and said, "Tomorrow, we'll get a bigger room with bed for you. For now - good night."

"Good night, Leon-san."

"Good night."

He was overflowing with gratitude. This person and the girl next door, they gave him far better than he deserved. He doesn't know why but whatever it was that he don't remember, was the reason why he felt so undeserving… to live.

The next day—

"Go away, Liza. Give me one hour more." Leon shooed the hand that shook his sleepy shoulder and was about to go back to sleep when he realized Liza have a hoarse voice… like a boy.

"W-what?"

He turned about, knife at ready, and pointed the sharp edge at the infiltrator. Not really an infiltrator, a few blink of his eyes and he recognized it was the face of the slave they bought yesterday.

"Uh! G- Sorry, I forgot I was with you…"

"I apologized, Leon-san but Liza-nee asked me to." He was still as reserved but maybe this was because he still hasn't adjusted to his new life.

"Liza-nee? Did she ask you to call her that?"

"Yes – Leon-san." G nodded.

*sigh

"Then call me Leon from now on."

"But…"

Leon took a good look of him. He was afraid to make mistake or at least that was what he felt. Now it seemed that the mass murderer in him that he saw last night was just but illusion of him.

"*sigh* Look, you don't need to be so formal as well but if Leon-san works for you then I will leave it at that for a while."

And he just accepted it as G's way of showing respect to his benefactor though he would also like to be called Leon-aniki instead but didn't voice it out.

They already checked his age, when Leon was hesitating to ask, Liza dropped the bomb and verified his age. G was apparently only 15. Leon then told him that 16 was the age before one was considered adult. He also added that his was 18 and Liza was a year younger, about 17.

Below the set of stairs, Leon followed his new subordinate. He turned right after, then another right toward the salon of the inn. It was nothing extravagant, about five tables were scattered around. The chairs were also misplaced, well, it doesn't seem like Leon expected much from a below-average inn.

"At least, it wasn't expensive."

"Leon-san... Liza-nee is over there."

"You're late," was the first word Liza threw at her companions. G knew it wasn't for him so he just stood idly while Leon dragged the opposite chair.

"You've taken advantage of me yesterday so this much is fine…"

"Wha-what are you saying taking advantage?" Liza looked around. She was probably concern that bystanders may misinterpret what Leon said.

"What are you doing, G? Sit down."

It wasn't an order. His tone was both careless and concern, so once again it eased tension in G. He was actually tense since waking up. Firstly, he doesn't know anything about how to become an effective slave so he wasn't sure what needs to be done and what to do when tending to his masters.

He sat down then Leon continued.

"First let me clarify, since G here seems uneasy."

*Gulp* Suddenly, G was the point of the discussion.

"G there is four things I hate…fourth, I hate people who don't pay their debt."

"Hey! Aren't you supposed to start counting from 1?"

"Don't bother me Liza, ok again, one – I hate people who don't pay their debt."

Leon snarled and repeated his conditions anyway. It was obvious that he felt shamed. His cheeks were flustered and beads of sweat started forming on his forehead.

"Haa! Okay I'll order first." Liza seemed to have given up and went to the bartender for food.

"Two – I hate people who don't value their life." G nodded each time Leon changes his hand. From 1 finger to 2… then 3.

"And three – I hate people who don't keep their promises. Understand…"

"I understand, Leon-san."

"Good."

After that Leon asked Liza to order for him as well. "The same as yesterday, Jii-san, oh – make it two for me and G."

"I understand…"

"What is it G?" He noticed the uneasiness of his new companion.

"You said four right? So what's the fourth? You can't expect G to follow it without knowing."

Liza came back after putting her order. She just sat and glared at Leon for taking so long.

"Fourth… what fourth?"

"Forget it. I don't think it's important anyway."

"Liza – why you? I'm beginning to regret saving back in Agni." He forgot about it. There was no set of rule like this anyway. He just made it up on the spot to earn the respect of G, but he was once again shamed. Good thing, G was as innocent as a lamb.

"Fufufu~ you forgot about it don't you. G, don't be misled and follow this guy blindly. Understood. And Leon-kun, I think I've paid enough of my debt when I saved you… I count 10 times."

"It's not 10… I was the one who saved you 10 times."

"Girls hate calculative men, you know. Fufufufu~"

And it backfired, thanks, but no thanks, to Liza who was bumping the table in her excitement. She was really having the time of her life.

"Haaa – that's a really good laugh. Let's do that again."

"No!" Leon responded. He saw his image turn into a pile of ash before G.

"I am happy that it was you both that saved me... Thank you!"

The serious expression of G somehow ruined the light mood but this was fine in its own right. Liza tapped G on the head and told him again. "Remember G, you are no slave. Treat us like a family now... I'm your older sister and he… nevermind Leon."

"That's right! What? No, I was obviously the one who saved G from that place."

"You're saying that while you're broke. I can pay now if you want."

While eating, Leon started the conversation.

"So Liza what was so important that it can't wait for another hour of sleep."

"What? You still want to sleep. You're as lazy as always… we need to make plan to earn zel."

"What are you saying, we can't mobilize as a team yet, G is still recuperating."

"That's what I thought too… but look."

The wounds of G that seemed critical yesterday were nothing but scratches. Even the fist-size wound on his chest has turned into a graze, now there's a beautiful scar on his manly chest.

"You know girls love those manly scars G. If you weren't my little brother, I may fall for you."

Liza curled her finger on his chest, tracing the scars that only tickle G.

"Whoa! What happened? What an unbelievable recovery?"

"Right? I was totally surprised when I saw him standing over you while you were sleeping."

"He was standing over me… G, don't tell me you plan to strangle me while I am sleeping?"

"No, I won't do that."

Liza explained how ridiculous Leon's assumption was and the fact that G was like worry-wart when left alone.

"But still, this is beyond me. Are you some kind of a special warrior?"

"I am sure I'm not. I can remember everything except for the past few days since I was taken by the slavers."

"Anyway, with this, we can seriously look for an extermination job."

"Are you thinking of SSS Guild?"

There was a spark in both the eyes of Liza and Leon. This was probably the reason they needed a strong ally, but before that Leon clarified.

"I think you can follow from our discussion, G."

"Huh?" G stared at them with puzzled expression.

"What we need is no slave, we need a squadmate."

"?"

It was a brief explanation after the curious innocent act of G. Leon supplied the reason for buying him but ultimately what they required was a strong ally. They needed someone who can watch their back and fight alongside them.

"Truth of the matter is, we only paid 300zel for you, right Leon-kun."

"Guh! Liza, why do you have to tell that to G? He can easily earn that and be free of us."

Judging from the exchange, G understood the main reason why Liza divulged that information. She don't want anything to come in-between, meaning, she wanted to know if she can trust him.

"No, need to worry about me. I intend to follow the both of you until I die."

Liza pouted. She felt responsible for bringing up such a delicate atmosphere.

Leon crossed his hand. "G, you seem to have forgotten rule # 1."

"Isn't it rule #2?"

"Shut up, Liza… you're always ruining my image. Anyway, I know you feel indebted to us G, but if you will follow us because of that, then I think you should just leave… I don't want to see a squadmate die for me. And seriously, you want to die for 300zel. You can pay that debt to us anytime but that is only when you're alive."

He accepted the fact that slave should freely offer themselves for their master but the two before him doesn't have a single thought of sacrificing him.

"Same for me, I don't want you to die for my sake."

"Liza-nee! Leon-san!"

And that was the last words needed before tears started streaming from G. Liza was shocked, her eyes widened at fragileness of her little brother, she really felt like an older sister. She patted G on the head and pressed his face to her bosom.

"I'm so jealous."

"What? Don't say disgusting stuff Leon-kun. What's wrong with older sister caring for her cute little brother? That's right G, from now I am truly your older sister so it's fine to depend on me from time to time, okay? You can sleep on my room from now on."

He nodded and hugged the thin waist of Liza. Perverted stuff was out of the picture, Liza saw that helplessness but he recovered under his caress. She would've pampered him more but it impressed her that he can recover just as quickly. This boy has a sharp mind and a delicate heart.

"I am okay, now. Liza-nee, thank you."

"Yah! You really should be thankful… Dang-it!"

He was back to his reserved self but at least the smile on his face can now be seen often. He has started to move on even without a partial of his memory. And maybe that was in itself better for him.

They have become quite a spectacle. It took a while before Liza noticed that all eyes were already on them. Some were even having mischievous grin with a "kukukuku…" sound.

And to change their pace, or maybe just to have an excuse to get out of the place, Leon stood.

"Anyway, we can't proceed until checking that. Come with me, G."

Without a word, G bobbed his head and stood. Liza did the same, seemingly much more eager to rid of herself of the perverted gazes.

At the backside of the inn, G and Leon took on the opposing side. They were almost in a duel with Liza behind G and so Leon explained.

"We'll do a mock battle, I am attacking Liza, you're mission is to neutralize me or protect Liza at all cost. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Leon-san."

"Remember, your mission is to protect not to sacrifice yourself."

Leon cautioned him first and when he saw him nod, his eyes turned into a fierce fire.

And so it started. Leon crouched. Liza stood still behind G. In a flash, Leon ran; short stick on hand while G defended with a slightly long stick for a sword.

First strike came from below, Leon aimed for his legs, but G adjusted, crouching even lower and with a push from his right leg, intercepted and squashed away Leon's stick.

"Wha-"

In one swing, Leon's stick broke, no, not just him, also G. It was easy to confirm for Leon, G has monstrous strength enough to overpower five slavers and his speed was already on par with his, no, maybe better. He has no particular sword style though.

Leon prided himself for being fast. In fact, it was no easy feat to match a thief like him. Liza even said that he was already as strong as imperial guard but for his knife to be so easily seen.

"Uhm…" She almost jumped for joy but Liza controlled herself and studied Leon. He was probably feeling down after that exchange but this result was nowhere near their expectation, still it can only be good news for them if G turned to be stronger.

And just when she was about to comfort Leon, "…amazing… you're really amazing G and you're still so young. You're posture was a bit crude but you can surely handle any attack. Oh- hey! Liza, why are you just standing there… isn't he good?"

"I thought you'll be depress… I was about ready to give you comfort tonight." She raised her chest provocatively.

"What?" Leon was simply stunned, well, not just him, G as well.

"Fufufu~ I'm just joking… anyway that's really good G, I feel a lot safer now with you around." Liza patted G on the shoulder. They were of the same height so even if Liza wanted to pat his head, it was easier this way.

"What are you saying now?" Leon pointed his glare.

"Well, it's just a matter of time before Leon-kun attacks me… this sexy and hot body… when the time comes G protect me."

It was another round of their comical exchange. G was still coming around but whenever they start their skit, he felt relieved and at home recalling a past of happiness.

"What is it, G?" Leon noticed the hanged expression on G.

"His probably wondering what kind of skit, are you doing?"

"Don't call it a skit." G received a 'chop' on his forehead.

"I did not think of anything like that."

"Fufufu~ now that's a skit. Are you stooges now?"

Before the rising sun, the three shadows behind the below-average inn started to bind a connection strengthening the bond that they needed for the challenges up ahead.

Leon gave his young new friend a few more at bat then called it a day.

"Ha~ I haven't had such a nice sparring in a while." Leon took his shirt and gave it a squeeze. Intentionally showing it to G to impress him, Liza was totally disgusted though but his young apprentice mimicked his action.

"Wait… what are you…? No!"

But Leon was too late, G already took off his shirt and tried to imitate him. The amount of sweat he produced was undoubtedly twice as much but that wasn't the reason Leon had his jaw open wide.

"Fufufu~ that's really hilarious."

Only Liza was having fun. But of course, G didn't even control his strength. The monstrous power that Leon felt reliable was the reason the red-white shirt, his favorite, was now in tatters.

"Hiii! I'm sorry, sorry… I'm really sorry Leon-san. Please forgive me."

He repeatedly said but Leon was deaf to his plea and so started the crack in their budding friendly-relationship, or so G thought but after a few wicked whispers from Liza, Leon was back to his feet and with a grin plastered on his face.

"?" G have a puzzled look at the sudden change in mood.

"My little brother… come, we need to hurry and change. We can't go out in rags."

And that completed their morning practice, well, apart from the laugh, Leon, Liza, and G learned something from one another. Leon and G decided to have a morning practice like what they had every day, unless there was any trouble that needs their attention. After all that they rejoined in the salon for lunch.

After lunch, they've scheduled shopping next. Liza's idea or so Leon revealed to G while they were having a bath.

"?"

"Hoh~ you're probably wondering where are we going? It's Liza's treat to celebrate you joining us."

The bath was nothing extravagant, just a tiny room at the end of the hallway where bath for men and girls were on opposite side to avoid gender-issues.

"Oh~ that was quick… did you really take a shower properly? I will not shop with you if you stink."

Liza gave them a quick inspection and gave both guys a failing mark but decided to let it go for G's sake.

"Leon-kun stinks, so his clothes all stink… better buy a new set for G before he stinks as well."

"What are you saying I don't have any body odor?" And as he was complaining a stray dog walk by sniffing at him and without further ado relieved himself in front of Leon.

"What the f*cking dog…" Leon growled.

"Look even the dog agrees with me."

"Noooo!"

And the rest of the afternoon was spent for shopping. Liza took her time deciding the gear for G. She said that the best equipment was available on the Nobles Hall but that was not available to them.

G just pondered about it but didn't pry further and soon the sun was almost setting. Liza invited the lot to rest in a salon and got them self a just desert while nodding at the items they bought for themselves.

They were running on a tight budget but Liza was satisfied with what she got.

She noticed the glances of G on the item she bought.

"This… ah, you didn't know. That's because I'm a fire witch so this is just right for me."

G scratched his head which was an indication that he understood nothing from that exchange. Liza didn't scowl at him but smiled bitterly at his lack of knowledge. "You need to know a lot of things from now on. You'll never know when you encounter a powerful elemental demon. Knowledge is power, you should always keep that in mind… but I think it's better if you can talk more first."

And so Liza started her lecture, about elements, and the creatures of Elgaia. She said that all creatures were tied to a single element.

"Of course, there are exceptions but let's not discuss complex stuff now."

And so she continued explaining to G with Leon adding his experience fighting an elemental spirit as well. His example was that of a creature called [Burny], a fire-elemental creature.

"If only Liza is capable of water magic, then those pests will be much easier."

Getting ahead of himself, Leon received the heaven's wrath in the form of his grey hair burning.

"Wha! That's dangerous Liza."

"It's your fault… hmp! As if every sorcerer can use all elements…Back to elementals – G!"

The explanation was going on and off track so Liza cautioned Leon to stop talking. And so she continued enlightening G about the fact that all creatures were defined by their elemental background. Also, knowing the enemy's elemental may weaken or strengthen an attack which may then lead to defeat or victory.

"It's not like knowing the element of your enemy is always victory but… if you know an enemy's weakness than that may provide better opportunities, raising your odds for victory, don't you think so?"

"I – I will keep it in mind." And again that was it for G. Liza wanted to keep him talking but she was asking too much from a person who was just recently a stranger.

Liza crossed her arm, emphasizing her bounty chest that attracted attention, especially Leon who was glared at and went back to his beer. A sipped of her red juice and Liza drew a pattern on a piece of paper. She drew a rectangle and a name on each corner.

G was thankful he can at least read.

Upper-left was fire.

Upper-right was earth.

Lower-right was thunder.

Lower-left was water.

"Look at this…" and Liza invited their attention to the paper after adding a '' symbol in between the names. Even G easily deciphered the weakness and strength of each element. So basically, it was fire greater than earth, earth stronger than thunder, thunder powerful against water, and water overpowered fire.

"Wait! I didn't add dark and light in that… well this two opposes one another so their weak and strong I guess but no weaker against fire, earth, water or thunder."

"I understand, Liza-nee…so fire is weak to… and water is… lightning to earth…"

He murmured talking to himself. If he asked, Liza was more than happy to answer. Taking another sip of her juice, Liza gave her little brother a pat.

"That's right, I'm happy that G is a good learner… unlike someone who took a week before he understood that fire is weak against water and challenge a merman. Oh! Just remembering that gives me shiver."

"That- that's not my fault at all. That [Verica] scum, I will get him one of these days."

There was a past here that G wasn't aware of. And judging from the atmosphere, it won't be a pleasant recollection. And so G abstained from asking at least until his partner were ready. There was far more important matter to ask.

"Uh…Leon-san, Liza-nee. Is there a way for me to know my element?"

"Oh~ so you're concern about that… well, I guess it's time for us to go to SSS Guild then."

Back on their feet, three shadows followed the road to a building which reads "SSS Guild". That supposed to be the plan until right at the doorstep, a girl clad in blue monk dress, her face pale and dehydrated, collapse in front of them and said under her dying breath.

"Please feed me."

In Akras Summoner's Hall –

A blue-haired young lad knocked on the door. "Is that you Karl-lad? Come in."

"Excuse me, Ser Chief."

He went inside and bowed before the shadow who was comfortably seated. On the desk a name tag was written, the desk belonged to the Demon Slayers Head Chief. The chief asked Karl's welfare under his tobacco. Karl didn't mind the tobacco but he stayed clear of the smoke.

"I am perfectly healthy Ser, thank you. Ser there has to be a reason why I was called back rather urgently."

"About that, why don't you sit down?" And the head chief turned his tobacco to the ashtray. He waited for Karl to sat on the chair before he met him with grim expression.

"This is the reason why we are gathering all the Demon Slayers in the capital. We will be having a meeting in 10 days to discuss how to kill… the Fallen Gods."

Thanks again for reading… Here, I am trying to add in the game mechanics regarding element correlation.

Terms and people used in the story not included in the game:

SSS Guild (Swordsman, Sorcerer and Summoner Guild) – is a guild that promotes unity among summoners and non-summoners. It was created by the previous King of Imperial Capital Randall and the Summoners of Old to remedy if not fix the conflict between summoners and non-summoners. Despite the intention of the previous King, the Summoners of Old continue to control everything in the background.