Chapter 10 - Heretics and the Overlord

Day 12

Lastation - Streets

"Heretics are those who don't believe in the Basilicom's teachings right? Where can we find one?" Compa asked

"Oh, I didn't expect you to know that. I guess you did attend a Planeptune school. They've got some good teachers." IF mused, "More specifically, they were kicked out of the Basilicom for being caught worshipping another goddess."

"Huh… If that's the case, then why don't they just move to that goddess' landmass?" Soren asked.

"Eh, there's a lot of reasons, like not enough money to move, to attached to their home, etc. All the heretics have their own reasons."

"So the Basilicom gave 'em the boot for lavishing another goddess with attention instead of the one on their landmass? Sounds like someone's was being naughty." Neptune pointed out.

"You make it sound like a love affair… Nep-Nep, it's inappropriate to refer to the goddesses in such a way." Compa looked a bit scandalized with Neptune's choice of words.

"Mmm, so what would you say that I heard that out of all the goddesses, Lady Green Heart has the biggest rack?" Soren asked mischievously.

IF's eye twitched as Compa gaped, "Now you're just being rude Soren! Even if it is true, you shouldn't say things like that about the goddesses, or women for that matter."

"Kinda like how Compa has the biggest boobs out of the three of us?" Neptune added.

"Nep-Nep!"

"Ahem! I think we're getting off topic here?" IF coughed, getting everyone's attention. "Heretics, remember?"

"Oh right, sorry."

"Sorry Iffy."

"Yeah, sorry…" Neptune was the first to get things back on track. "Anyway, whatcha gonna do after we find one of these heretic folks?"

"Ask them for internal information about the Basilicom. I'm sure they'd know a lot, having been former members." IF replied.

"That's right, what we lack is information. Reasons! The Basilicom kicked us out and cancelled the Tech Expo." Compa said.

"What if they don't wanna talk to us either?" Neptune asked.

"Then we'll have Ren threaten them with his gun, of course." IF plainly replied.

"W-Wait, what?" Soren nearly tripped when he heard what IF said. "Why me?"

"Well, it's not like we can have Nep threaten them with her gun. She's too harmless-looking for that."

"Hey, I can be so threatening when I want to!" Neptune protested.

"Uh huh, maybe only to baked goods. C'mon, let's get moving."

Lastation - Abandoned Mine

"Kreeh!"

"Stay down you!"

"Kreeck!"

"Oi, If! Behind you!"

"Oh no you don't!"

"Grack!"

Fighting monsters inside the mine, Neptune made a sudden observation. "Didja notice the number of monsters here? It's kinda a tight spot… I wonder if they're comfy."

"Yes. There are more than the usual amount." Compa observed before stabbing a monster in the side with her syringe. "I'm a bit worried about the heretics. Let's hurry!"

"Ack! Damn bats!"

*BANG BANG BANG*

Going through all the monsters that appeared in front of them, the party made their way to the back of the mine when Soren gave a sniff. "Oh by the goddess, that's seriously strong."

"Eww, what is that smell? It's icky!" Neptune covered her mouth and nose with her hands, while Compa and IF pinched their noses to the smell as the latter explained.

"It's monster repellent, something that's been selling like hotcakes lately. Still, for this stuff to be here…ugh."

"Looks like someone's home." Soren mused as the four walked on until they came across an old man, who looked up at their approach.

Neptune looked around for anyone else before she asked, "So…you're Mr. Heretic? Whatcha doin' hiding in a dark place like this?"

"It's unhealthy to be away from the sun's rays entirely. Give me your hand and I'll lead you to Vitamin D!" Compa added.

"Who're…? Go away. I'm not going anywhere. This is the only place to receive it. The messenger only knows this place." The heretic said, waving his arms at them in an attempt to make them go away.

"…This heretic must be trippin'…" IF commented.

"Or on drugs." Soren suggested.

"Maybe both?" At that, both of them snickered slightly.

Ignoring the back talk, Neptune went ahead to question the heretic. "Mr. Heretic! We're here to ask you all about Lastation's Basilicoms."

"…Basilicoms? Oh, okay. What's on your mind?" The heretic seemed to calm down after hearing that.

"They didn't let us in and they cancelled the Tech Expo. What's up with that man?"

"…Who assigned Neptune ask interrogator?" Soren whispered.

"Who cares? As long as she asks the right questions." IF hissed.

The Heretic gave it a moment of thought before he replied, "…Lastation Basilicoms are practically controlled by the Parliament side these days. The Sanctuary end is largely ignored. The current Parliament listens only to the sound of coin. Well, the Sanctuary reps don't listen much either…"

"Sanctuary? P-Parliament?" Neptune looked panicked and turned to IF. "Iffy, help is needed!"

"Haa, the Sanctuary serves the CPU and evangelizes. Parliament serves the CPU and governs." IF explained, "Is it really that complicated? If that doesn't help, think of Sanctuary as the church and Parliament as the government."

"…Okay, whatever. So your Basilicom is a rotten egg because of the Parliament and stuff?"

"The Sanctuary's no different. Those fanatics have no ears to heed our warnings with. Humanity is DOOMED!" The heretic got that look in his eye that one would find at an institution for mental patients.

"Huh? What do you mean all humanity is doomed? Are you prophesizing the apocalypse?" Compa asked.

"Of course. We're all going to die at the hands of Overlord Momus."

"Overlord who now?" Soren was caught off guard by the sudden name.

"Overlord Momus. Momus is powerful enough to seal away one of the goddesses. Even our current CPU had to retreat to this world to avoid his power."

"I see. Uh huh." Neptune was nodding her head in understanding. "I betcha that guy's the cause of every monster in the whole world! What an absolute jerkwad."

IF couldn't help but notice Soren shaking his head slightly as Compa mused, "It's hard to believe, though. Is there really an Overlord more powerful than one of our goddesses?"

"See? You're the same as everyone else! They don't believe me. You must, or you'll be punished by the divine messenger!" That's when the heretic pointed at them like a maniac shouting, "You! You defeated several monsters to get here, right? You shall not escape your punishment! Leave, you foolish, under-developed adoles-urk!"

Soren promptly pistol-whipped the heretic before knocking him out, making Neptune shout, "Hey, what'd you do that for Ren?"

"He sounded like he was getting hysterical." Soren shrugged, "And it looked like he was scaring Compa, shouting like that."

"Y-Yeah, he was. What had gotten into him?" Compa looked a bit disturbed by the heretic's attitude as she bit her lip.

"I dunno, but let's just get outta here without him. He's sleeping and I don't wanna disturb him. Plus, he's very rude." Neptune replied.

"But what about the monsters? They'll eat him now he's unconscious."

"I wouldn't worry about that. The monster repellent's strong due to the smell, so it'll last days." Soren informed her, "He'll wake up in a few hours anyway."

The four made their way out of the mine, though Compa gave the heretic one last look before following the others.

"What the?-! Did the monsters multiply themselves or something?-!"

Lastation - Field

By the time the party got back outside, they looked a bit ragged from the monster fighting. Although, that didn't stop Neptune and seemingly endless bout of enthusiasm. Seriously, you'd think she'd be a bit more tired after fighting through that horde in the mine.

"Didja hear that? An Overlord! That sounds so intense!"

You see?

"It's just more nonsense conjured up by that heretic. I just hope that he gets his comeuppance." IF said.

"Well, who knows? I think the pistol-whip from Ren was enough anyway. But the real problems are that the monsters are taking over the world and Histy's totally in captivity."

"Oh, yeah. What if that Histoire person's playing us all like kazoos?" The party stopped in the middle of the field as IF went on with her assumption. "She creates the monsters, lures out naïve little girl wanna-be heroes like you, then SNAP! Lures another one…then SNAP!"

"Oh? Do I fall into that 'another one' category, If?" Soren asked with a hint of amusement.

"Nah, you at least have some reservations, right?"

'That is simply not true. I would do no such thing. Please Neptune, explain on my behalf.' Histoire suddenly spoke telepathically to Neptune.

Neptune got all excited while Soren suddenly winced for some reason. "Histy, you're here! I didn't think I'd hear from ya until I saved ya. Are relaxing? You're all tied down, right?"

As Neptune and Histoire talked, Compa noticed Soren wincing every time Neptune fell silent. "Soren, are you alright?"

"Ugh, sort of." Soren shook his head as if trying to shake something off. "You don't hear this on and off static buzzing, do you?"

"No…Iffy?"

"Sorry, I don't hear anything either. Something weird about it?"

"Hmm, I dunno, it seems to only happen when Neptune stops talking, and it stops when she speaks." Soren replied with a focused look.

"Nep-Nep's talking with Histy, so that must mean you must be able to hear her too!" Compa concluded with a snap of her fingers.

"I don't know…" Soren looked a bit skeptical as he took a deep breath. "Maybe it's something else…"

There was a moment of silence until Neptune suddenly said, "Arfoire? She's the one who locked you up? And she's coming to fight us, huh?"

'Arfoire?' The others thought at the same time as they gave each other looks.

"…What about her? Did we get disconnected? Ugh she should switch telepathy carriers."

Compa looked a bit contemplative before she said, "I couldn't hear Histy's voice, but I think I have an idea on what's happening from Nep-Nep's side. Maybe Arfoire intercepted the communication and cut her off."

"…What if this Arfoire is the same as that Overlord Momus? They'd both the connected to creating the monsters."

"…Okay, now I really need to ask you three something." All eyes landed on Soren, who couldn't help but squirm a bit. "H-How long do you think monsters have been around?"

The girls gave it some thought before Neptune was the first to reply, "Um, about twenty years?"

"No, I bet it's somewhere around 80, since grandpa said that he's seen monsters as a kid." Compa guessed.

"Nah, I'm betting it's around 6,000 to 8,000 years, as they have to have been around as long as the goddesses, right?" IF guessed.

"…Would you believe me if I said that the monsters have been around for over 20,000 years?" Soren asked them.

"What?-!" The girls shouted unanimously at Soren's answer. IF herself looked a bit skeptical as she gave Soren a look.

"How do you know this?"

"It's one of the few things I remember learning when I lived on the surface, as well as something about an ancient war, but that's about it. There's preserved records so… Anyway, because of that, I don't think this Overlord Momus is the one creating monsters."

"Wait…then could this Overlord or Arfoire be bringing monsters up here from the surface?" Compa guessed, "It would explain the increase of monsters over the years."

"If that's the case, I wonder how they're doing it." IF looked thoughtful as she scanned the horizon. "The only landmass that's had contact with the surface is Planeptune, and the army would've noticed airships smuggling monsters onto the landmass, since Planeptune only built a few exploration ships."

That's when Neptune gave a gasp and said, "That must mean… Momus or Arfoire must be using some freaky mumbo jumbo magic to bring the monsters up here from the surface or something!"

There was only silence for about a minute before IF shook her head. "Look, let's head back to town. We can speculate some more back at the inn, but right now, I want to see if there's info about this Overlord Momus."

The others agreed to that and quickly made their way back to town. In the distance, the drone that's been following them for a while stopped following them after they fought through some monster encounters and headed off for a destination unknown.

Lastation - Inn

"I can't believe it. There's hardly any info on this Overlord Momus that I can find on the internet, and most of the people don't know who I'm talking about." IF huffed with frustration.

"Yes, and what information we could find we already heard from the heretic, which isn't saying much." Compa added sadly.

"Aw, buck up everyone. We'll just do what we always do. Fight monsters, kick ass, and find Key and Jewel Core Fragments." Neptune cheered, "I'm sure info about the Overlord will come around sooner or later."

Everyone looked at Neptune with surprise when Soren laughed. "Neptune's right. Let's just focus on the jobs and monsters for now."

"I guess that makes sense. Still, it's a bit surprising to hear Nep say something like that." IF then turned to Soren and said something straight out of the blue. "Hey Ren, how about a spar?"

"…What?" Soren looked perplexed at the sudden request, and even Neptune and Compa looked surprised hearing it. "A spar? What brought this on?"

"I'm just curious on how strong you are. You've learned to fight from the Fiery Maiden, right?"

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"She must've taught you some fighting styles, right? I heard she can even use different weapons without difficulty."

"Arf taught me some things, but everyone tends to fashion their own styles when they fight monsters. Anyway, if it's a spar you want, I'll oblige. Where and when?"

"At one of the nearby empty lots right now. You ready?"

"Heh, lead the way."

"Hey, we're coming too!" Neptune jumped to her feet as Compa stood up too.

"Whatever. Compa, could you keep some medical things at the ready? It might get a bit hectic before the end." IF asked.

Compa gave a nod. "Of course, but I hope they won't be needed. Fighting between friends isn't right."

"Don't worry Compa, this isn't a fight, but more of a friendly match. It's not like we'll be deliberately aiming for each other's vitals." Soren assured her, "I won't guarantee there might be a few minor accidents though…"

Lastation - Empty Lot

The party stood in the middle of the empty lot, with IF and Soren facing each other. That's when Soren took off his best and held it out to Compa. "Could you hold onto this for me please?"

"Um, okay." Compa took the vest and staggered a bit when Soren let go. "Whoa, why is this vest heavier than it looks?"

"It's because it's made out of heavy fibers made to resist monster attacks. My pants are made of the same material. With Arf, well, most of her wardrobe is made of the stuff that it's ridiculous."

"You sure you don't want to wear that?" IF asked.

"To be honest, it's a bit restrictive, but fighting against monsters, I bear with it."

"Hmm, in that case…" IF surprised everyone by taking off her Nine Brand overcoat and gave it to Neptune, who promptly fell on her butt at the sudden weight. "You're not the only one who wears monster-resistant clothes."

"Iffy, this coat is heavy~." Neptune moaned.

"Of course. Shall we get started?" Soren fell into his usual fighting stance with a smirk.

IF just gave her own smirk as she too fell into her own stance, but not before saying, "Nep, Compa, you two better get back."

"R-Right. C'mon Nep-Nep!"

"H-Hey, whoa-!" Neptune managed to stand up, only to be dragged away by Compa to a nearby wall.

Once Neptune and Compa were far enough, Soren and IF started to circle one another, with the former saying, "You know, without that coat, you're showing off the most skin out of all of us."

"Funny, and here I thought you look a bit scrawny without your vest." IF retorted with a hint of playfulness.

A second later, the two rushed at each other, blades clashing. Neptune actually jumped when she saw sparks fly from the clashing blades. "Whoa, that's intense!"

The fight started out as a simple clash of blades, before it went into full blown fighting, as IF started adding kicks to her attacks. For about three minutes, Soren was completely on the defensive, looking more beaten up as the time passed.

"C'mon Ren, is that all you got?"

"Tch, I'm just getting warmed up!"

Even though Soren said that, truthfully, he was starting to hurt. One of IF's kicks hit him rather hard in the ribs, and it was starting to affect his performance. With that in mind, Soren charged forward, Yukihira in one hand. IF gave a grin as she dodged his strike, but was surprised when Soren went for a leg sweep, making her jump back.

On the other side, IF wasn't showing it, but she was starting to get tired. Putting energy into her strikes and kicks put a toll on her, and while Soren was hurting more, IF was getting tired quicker. Putting a bit of distance between them, IF went for a lunge with a Qatar that Soren dodged, while blocking the underhand sweep with the other Qatar.

"Wow, not even fighting against monsters is this intense. I've never seen Iffy and Ren go at it this much." Neptune commented with wide eyes.

"Y-Yeah…is this the power of experienced adventurers and monster hunters?" Compa looked nervous as she fingered the first-aid box.

IF went for another lunge, and Soren dodged to the side. He tried to retaliate with a slash, but IF brought a blade up to block and countered with a kick, forcing the two apart. Both sides were panting slightly as they stared each other down.

What happened next was a bit too fast for Neptune and Compa to see, and it started out as a flurry of attacks from both of them. All of a sudden, Soren tripped backwards as IF attempted another lunge. Seeing this, IF quickly transitioned herself for a pin down, but as both of them were tired, she was slower then usual, allowing Soren to react. That's how both of them ended up in a stalemate, with Yukihira at IF's neck, and IF's Qatars pointed right on Soren's heart. The only sounds around were both combatants panting, and neither said anything, opting for staring. However…

"Hey Compa, doesn't it look like Iffy and Ren are about to get it on or something?" Neptune asked all of a sudden.

"Nep-Nep!" Compa shouted, looking scandalized.

Both combatants couldn't help but blush, hearing what Neptune insinuated. Soren started to feel the pain in his ribs throb and offered, "Draw for now?"

IF looked between Soren and Neptune before she replied, "…For now."

As the both of them got up, Soren couldn't help but whisper to IF. "Just for the record, you look cute looking like that."

A blush ran across IF's face before she gave a huff and went over to Neptune to get her coat back. "Nep, we should really talk about you giving inappropriate comments…"

"I-Iffy? W-What's with that look? W-Why do you look so s-scary?" Neptune stammered as she backed up.

Meanwhile, Compa went over to Soren when she saw him holding his side as he stabbed Yukihira into the ground. She grew concerned as she called out to him, "Soren?"

"C-Compa? Ugh, could you take a look? I think If kick did more than it looked like."

As Soren opened his shirt, Compa couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at his toned, yet wiry body. However, Compa's embarrassment vanished when she saw a big bruise on Soren's left ribs. She quickly opened the first-aid box and went through bottles. "Does it hurt badly?"

"I think so…it feels really sore. If sure knows how to kick hard."

"If you say so…we're just lucky it isn't broken, though bruising is another story… Anyway, right now, all I can do is give you these…" Compa had two bottles in her hands, and held one out to Soren. "This one you drink. The other's cream for the bruise."

"I see. Thanks." Soren took the bottle and started drinking, cringing at the taste. All of a sudden, he choked when he felt something touch the bruise. "Ack, who-?-!"

"Ah, I-I'm sorry! Did I press too hard?" Apparently, it was Compa applying cream to the bruise.

"Um, no, just surprised. Could you let me finish drinking first?"

"S-Sure."

After Soren downed the medicine, Compa started to apply the cream. He saw that her cheeks were red from embarrassment, but the seriousness in her eyes contradicted that. Still, the coldness of the cream kept his eyes from wandering, opting for wincing.

When Compa finished applying the cream, IF and Neptune approached, the latter having rather red cheeks from pinching. When IF saw the bruise, she couldn't help but wince. "Ouch, sorry about that Ren. I didn't realize I kicked that hard."

"Ah, it's fine. I don't think anything's broken of the sort, but I'll take it easy for a while." As Soren rebuttoned his shirt and donned his vest, he noticed Neptune's state with her eyes scrunched up. "What's with her?"

"Uuuh, I'm shorry Iffshy. I won't do ish again."

"Oh, just teaching Nep a lesson. Anyway, it was quite the spar. Do it again sometime?"

"Sure, just hold back on the kicks next time."

"Alright, let me check you over now Iffy." Compa held the first aid box with a glint in her eye.

"Oh, I'm fine Compa. Only a few scratches and stuff."

"No can do Iffy. As a nurse-in-training, it's my duty to check you and Soren for injuries and stuff!"

"Ack! Hey, no poking!"

Watching Compa check IF for injuries, Soren wondered to himself what would Arf say if she watched the spar. "Probably telling me to train some more while praising If's fighting ability."

"Shoren?"

Sighing, Soren took out a strawberry flavored lollipop from his vest, and promptly stuck it in Neptune's mouth after taking off the wrapper. "Sorry Neptune, but I need some time to think.

A sucking sound was all Soren got in reply before he stared up at the sky. "Overlord Momus, Arfoire, the Key and Jewel Core Fragments, I just wish I knew what was going on, and where is Sis in all of this?"