The day that started so promisingly now unfolded into a scenario of potential chaos. The electric atmosphere in the pub throbbed with the imminent clash between Bete and Kunihito, turning the festive setting into an arena charged with anticipation.
Finn Deimne, the captain of the Loki Family, felt the urgency to intervene before the dispute escalated into something irreversible. His decisions now would shape the tense outcome that was unfolding.
While Bete growled and stood up, his challenge echoing through the venue, Kunihito responded with a smile, eager for a duel. Heavy silence hung over the pub, all eyes fixed on the pair ready to unleash a storm.
Determined to contain the imminent explosion, Finn advanced towards the dispute, his presence radiating authority "Bete, step back. Today is a day of celebration; don't let this night turn into something worse." he declared firmly, hoping his words would anchor the tempestuous emotions.
Bete redirected his furious gaze to the smiling half-elf, defiantly "Oh, really? This clown dared to insult our family, and you tell me to ignore it?" Anger and the desire for revenge echoed in his impetuous words.
"I see no point in continuing with a petty dispute that will benefit neither side." Pallum argued logically, but his words seemed to only inflame the already heated tempers.
Finn understood the delicacy of the situation. The threatening aura emanating from both opponents indicated that a simple resolution of the dispute would not be enough to contain potential devastating consequences.
"What did you say!?" Bete did not take his captain's words well, but before he could retort, he was cut off by the "aggressor."
The half-elf broke the silence with a provocative smile, addressing Finn shrewdly "Wow, you're exactly as I imagined, Finn Deimne. A logical captain who avoids unnecessary conflicts, no matter where in the world, there are always guys like you, huh…" His voice conveyed a provocative tone. "However, I disagree with your decision to back down now. I see no point in giving up this dispute. I don't intend to use weapons against him; it will be a fight with fists only. If he dies, you should blame yourself for having members who bark but don't bite." His tone was taunting.
Kunihito's words were provocative, but insignificant to Finn. Something came to his mind; this man was unknown, yet he faced a high-ranking member of the Loki Family with such confidence. Was it the alcohol speaking for him?
Before Finn could articulate a response, Loki, the mischievous Goddess, appeared, resting her elbows on his head, amused by the situation. "Come on, Finn, don't be a party pooper. Let them fight. It'll be fun!" she exclaimed, conveying her childish enthusiasm, lightening the tension in the air, as if everyone were participating in a game.
Despite this, Finn had a bad feeling about it. Allowing the fight could tarnish his family's reputation and trigger an unpredictable set of events.
"Hey! Kunihito-san, don't cause trouble!" Syr scolded the half-elf, approaching with a worried look.
Kunihito laughed, his voice echoing through the pub clearly and challengingly. "Oh, Syr, my dear, don't worry. I was just looking to have a little fun. After all, when was the last time we saw such an interesting dispute here in this pub?"
The half-elf addressed everyone present, raising his voice so that all could hear. "The Loki Family, I've heard that since the times of the Zeus and Hera families, you've established yourselves in the deepest dungeon level. I'm curious to see if you're truly as rumored. Let's find out!"
Kunihito's provocative statement reverberated in the tense atmosphere. Some uneasy whispers spread among the customers, while others looked at each other, trying to understand the gravity of the situation.
Finn felt the atmosphere becoming more tense. Loki continued to view the situation as a joke, but the half-elf was determined to carry this forward.
Bete, impatient, interrupted the taunting with a growl. "Enough of games, half-elf. Let's settle this once and for all." He accepted Kunihito's proposal rudely but decisively.
"Excellent, remember, no weapons, only fists." Kunihito reaffirmed his previous words, raising the anticipation level in the crowd even higher.
"If you're going to fight, take it outside!" Mia shouted from behind the bar, her brown eyes shining with anticipation. Several customers began to shout, applaud, and make bets, adding a layer of palpable excitement to the scene.
"See you out there, then!" Kunihito smiled, heading toward the bar and calling over his shoulder as he did so.
"Damn elf!" Bete replied, heading towards the door with his hands in his pockets, his Loki Family members, most visibly excited, following behind him.
Kunihito reached the counter. "I'll leave my things here." The half-elf began to disarm.
"Leave them back there; no one will touch them." Mia asserted, maintaining a firm expression.
"Anyway, you really know how to stir up trouble. Bete Logar is strong; do you really think you can win?" Mia said softly, casting a meaningful look at Kunihito.
Kunihito just hummed as the sharp sound of the armor being removed resonated, some might even swear it glowed as it was taken off.
"Kunihito-san! You don't have to do this!" Bell said almost in panic, his eyes reflecting genuine concern.
The half-elf, now without the armor, tore off his cloak and threw it over the sword "Don't take the reason for this confrontation to your side. As I said, I just want to have fun with a good fight and gauge the difference in my strength against theirs." Kunihito said, waving his hand monotonously, while the excitement around reached a new peak.
"Besides, I wouldn't have anything to gain by defending you, don't think too highly of yourself, kid…" The half-elf jumped over the counter, passing by Bell.
"But…" Bell's words died as soon as he tried to utter them.
As much as Kunihito claimed that one situation had nothing to do with the other, it was clear that he was lying. Kunihito might seem like a good person, not wanting Bell to feel bad or indebted for being protected. At least, that's what the young rabbit thought. The poor boy couldn't be more wrong, as the half-elf had other thoughts in mind.
(Some minutes later…)
"Stay alert to all his movements, do not underestimate him in any way." the captain's words echoed like a shock to all members of the Loki Family.
The captain was known for his wisdom and discernment, so his words carried significant weight. However, Tione was the first to voice her opinion against the captain's order.
"Captain, don't you think you're exaggerating? Bete should hold back from killing that elf," Tione asserted.
Bete spat on the ground and stated, "I agree. That bastard is nothing special. Just a cub pretending to be strong against lions."
Finn shook his head, disapproving of both their attitudes. "Don't be foolish. Just by looking at him, it's easy to tell he's hiding something. Bete, don't underestimate him." Finn emphasized, much to the displeasure of the werewolf.
Riveria added to Finn's words, "I agree. There's something unnatural about him. Paying too much attention to him is still not enough." Bete growled, waving them off disdainfully.
However, Lefiya, the level 3 mage, noticed that Ais, the silent blonde, was lost in thought.
"Any problem, Miss Ais?" Lefiya asked, concerned, considering the events in the dungeon from the previous day still fresh in the Sword Princess's mind.
Ais simply replied, "Strong."
Bete growled, turning to face Ais's piercing eyes. However, she ignored him, still absorbed in her thoughts.
The attention of the Loki Family and the crowd quickly turned to the door as the half-elf with blond hair emerged.
Watching him closely, Bete immediately began assessing him. The elf was no longer wearing his armor, or at least not the parts of the body that would normally be protected.
The half-elf was taller than most common elves, his physique seemed more robust and rough compared to the typical symmetry and perfection of elves.
Both were practically the same size and had similar physiques, meaning neither would have a reach advantage.
However, Bete knew that the half-elf was a swordsman, limiting his fighting style. This was an advantage for Bete, but he began to feel that his confidence was exaggerated, bothering him.
"This guy is a pain." Bete grumbled as he walked towards the center of the crowd-formed circle.
Kunihito's smug smile conveyed nothing but pure arrogance as he took his place, just five meters away from his opponent.
The half-elf's relaxed posture truly bothered Bete at that moment, and he continued with his hands in his pockets to show his contempt.
"I think the first step to start this fight would be an introduction. Would you like to go first?" the half-elf provoked, with a challenging tone.
Bete's eyebrows contracted in anger. "I see no reason to tell you my name, knowing that after the first punch, you won't even remember it." he retorted.
"Yahaha! I think I've put you in a bad mood, but I still think it's necessary to introduce myself. You can call me Kunihito." replied the half-elf, with a smile that resembled a feline.
However, he received no response from the werewolf. Bete's impatience was evident, and he wanted to start the fight immediately.
"All right, answer me one thing before we start." Kunihito said, scanning the members of the Loki Family "Between you and the sword princess, who is stronger?"
Bete looked sideways, evaluating his companions, and a proud expression appeared on his face. "I am the strongest in the Loki Family." he confidently replied. "None of them comes close to my strength and abilities!" It was more of the drink talking than Bete himself in this aspect.
Kunihito nodded with an interested look. "Impressive." he commented. "I look forward to seeing what you can do."
Finn observed the interaction between the two with caution. He knew that this fight would not be just any brawl. Something more was at stake, something that transcended the mere power struggle between them.
As the crowd gathered around, murmurs of anticipation filled the air. It was basically how the Loki Family tended to be brutal in dealing with their challengers, how this fight wouldn't last, etc.
Finn approached Bete and spoke in a low but firm voice, "Remember, Bete, this fight is not just about physical strength. We need to show that we are superior in all aspects, including our behavior and emotional control." Bete nodded, understanding Finn's words. He knew that, as a member of a high-ranking family, his behavior directly reflected on the family's reputation.
Meanwhile, Kunihito remained calm, exuding an aura of serene confidence. He seemed to be enjoying the situation, challenging the expectations of everyone around him.
Adventurers, family members, and even casual spectators were attentive to the imminent fight.
Finn looked at the half-elf and said with clear determination in his voice, "May the best win this battle, not only in strength but also in wisdom and honor."
And so, with racing hearts and excitement in the air, the two opponents prepared for the confrontation that would change the destiny of their families and leave a mark on both their lives.
…
…
!!!
The scenario was tense as Bete and Kunihito locked eyes on the battlefield. The full moon cast its light over the scene, outlining the contours of the two warriors.
Kunihito, with his confident and experienced gaze, faced Bete, whose eyes reflected determination mixed with a hint of arrogance.
Kunihito began to move, his steps graceful as if dancing around Bete. His hands were empty, but his posture indicated that he didn't need a sword to assert his will. The audience held their breath, waiting for the confrontation to begin.
"Longsword of Light!" Kunihito announced, mimicking the grip of a sword with his empty hands. With a swift motion, he struck an imaginary blow in the air, but the speed was real. A trail of cutting energy seemed to follow the movement, making the power of this technique evident.
Bete, with his sharp instincts, tried to anticipate the blow, but Kunihito skillfully dodged, mocking the werewolf. "Do you think you can dodge this? That's hilarious!" the half-elf taunted. In a frightening speed, he was in front of his opponent who instinctively jumped, but like a blade, the half-elf's palm-shaped hand superficially cut Bete's torso.
Everyone around was incredulous, including Bete himself, who was now bleeding.
Kunihito, returning to his relaxed demeanor, observed his adversary with superiority "I use the Sword God style. In this martial art, the use of blades is only to make it more lethal. However, I don't need a sword to slice you apart. You thought you didn't have to go all out against me because I was without my sword, right?" The blonde provocatively said.
The crowd fell silent at the unreal scene. Few witnessed what really happened, as only a few had eyes capable of keeping up with the speed of the movements. Ais Wallenstein stood out in this regard. Her eyes were sharpened by the half-elf, and in a matter of moments, he moved at an incredible speed and wounded Bete, who was completely unprepared.
However, even prepared, Ais would have difficulty dodging a blow like that. What a frightening technique.
"Nevertheless, you're amazing. I tried to block it with my arm, and it was still such a superficial strike. But you're not the strongest. Well, to me, it's not a surprise…" The half-elf then gestured for Bete to come at him.
Bete held his abdomen with one hand. The blow wasn't deep, but he was perplexed by how quickly everything happened. "Damn it!" Bete grunted.
"So, what? I'm giving you a chance, kid. I'm willing to wait until you're really ready to fight. And you better hurry, or I'll poke holes in you like I just did. What's wrong? Scared to fight?" Kunihito taunted as he yawned.
The audience was amazed; the half-elf was truly a master of martial arts.
In the midst of the crowd, Finn watched the duel attentively. His analytical eyes observed every move, and a serious expression covered his face. Beside him, Riveria followed the fight with interest, studying Kunihito's techniques.
"He's skilled. Too fast even for Bete's standards." Finn commented, watching the battle.
Riveria nodded with a head tilt. "His combat style is remarkable. So effective even without a physical blade. It requires perfect synchronization between body and mind."
Gareth Landrock, one of the executives of the Loki Familia, remained silent, but his eyes revealed a mix of admiration and caution. He knew that an opponent like Kunihito could be a serious threat, especially when underestimated.
The Amazon sisters, Tione and Tiona, exchanged intrigued glances. Tiona, known for her battle thirst, was eager to test her skills against someone as formidable as Kunihito. Tione, on the other hand, maintained a calmer posture but no less attentive.
Loki, the Goddess of the family, leaned against a nearby column, watching the scene with a satisfied smile. "Looks like we have a true swordsman among us. Maybe it's interesting to recruit him into the family."
Meanwhile, Lefiya Viridis stood next to Ais Wallenstein. Her eyes were fixed on the fight, but her mind seemed to be elsewhere.
"Lefiya, are you okay? You seem distracted," Ais asked without taking her eyes off the combat.
Lefiya blinked and shifted her gaze from the battlefield. "Oh, sorry, Ais-san. It's just that… I was wondering about something."
"About what?" The blonde asked.
"Kunihito-san… He can focus solely on the fight, and even when he talks and seems relaxed, he doesn't appear to get distracted by the surroundings. I always end up losing focus, but he… seems to be on another level, it's almost scary." Ais simply nodded as she observed the mysterious warrior.
In the center of the arena, Bete's defiant gaze met Kunihito's confident look. Tension hung in the air as the two warriors prepared for the next round of confrontation. The full moon continued to illuminate the battlefield, witnessing the intensity of the clash.
Kunihito, still maintaining his relaxed demeanor, suddenly lunged toward Bete, his movements flowing like a swift current. Bete, with a determined expression, reacted quickly, trying to anticipate the movements of the half-elf. Every move was a game of strategy and sharp reflexes.
Kunihito began unleashing a series of quick and precise attacks. His fists, like invisible blades, sliced through the air toward Bete. The werewolf, with his supernatural agility, managed to dodge many of the blows, but some found their mark.
"Longsword of Silence!" Kunihito announced again, this time adopting a more defensive stance. The area around them plunged into a strange silence as he prepared his next move. Bete, more cautious this time, tried to anticipate the technique, but Kunihito surprised him with a quick and precise attack.
The two warriors met in a whirlwind of blows. Bete, using his brute strength and animal instincts, against Kunihito, whose dexterity and agility were almost supernatural. Every punch, kick, and block was executed with impressive mastery.
With a fluid movement, Kunihito dodged one of Bete's attacks and countered with a precise strike. Bete retaliated, his fist colliding with Kunihito's skillful hand. The exchange of blows was intense, and the audience was fully immersed in the excitement of the battle.
The tension in the air increased with each moment, and now it was Bete's turn to show his resilience and adaptability.
Bete, sensing the rhythm of the fight, began adjusting his strategy. He used his agility and strength to avoid Kunihito's rapid attacks while seeking opportunities to counter. The werewolf's movements were powerful and calculated, challenging the technical mastery of the half-elf.
In a surprising move, Bete surged forward, delivering a series of rapid blows. Kunihito, accustomed to dictating the pace of the battle, found himself momentarily on the defensive.
Bete, with a fierce growl, was determined to reverse the situation "Don't think I'll go easy on you, half-elf!" Bete snarled, his golden eyes shining intensely. He unleashed a lateral strike, aiming for Kunihito's face, but the half-elf narrowly dodged, demonstrating agility and sharp reflexes.
The crowd cheered at the turnaround in the fight.
Ais, who was watching closely, noticed the shift in momentum. Beside her, Lefiya seemed more involved, her eyes reflecting the battle's anxiety.
In the midst of the crowd, Finn commented, "Bete is adapting quickly. He understood the speed of Kunihito's attacks and is using his strength to gain an advantage."
Riveria, next to Finn, nodded. "Adaptation is the key. Kunihito-san may have the technique, but Bete has the savagery. It's an interesting clash."
Back in the center of the arena, Bete continued to press Kunihito. The half-elf, used to having control of the situation, had to change his approach. He began using more evasive movements, trying to wear down Bete's resilience.
"You're more cunning than I thought, werewolf." Kunihito smiled, acknowledging his opponent's skill. He started moving faster, seeking to find openings in Bete's defense.
However, Bete didn't relent. He pursued Kunihito with determination, maintaining constant pressure. In a calculated move, Bete managed to block one of Kunihito's strikes and countered with a powerful charge, unbalancing the half-elf.
Kunihito, surprised by Bete's renewed ferocity, tried to regain his composure, but the werewolf didn't give him space. Bete unleashed a series of rapid and precise blows, combining brute force and supernatural agility. Kunihito, despite all his skill, struggled to deal with the shift in the fight's momentum.
The crowd, once silent, now vibrated with the impressive turnaround. The Amazon sisters exchanged surprised looks, Loki watched the fight with an intrigued smile, and even Gareth, the executive of the Loki Family, couldn't hide his surprise at Bete's reversal.
Ais remained attentive, her analytical eyes capturing every move. Lefiya, next to her, was engrossed in the fight, her concern evident as she witnessed the intense clash.
Bete, driven by inner strength, continued to press Kunihito. He spotted an opening in the half-elf's defense and seized the moment. With a quick movement, Bete delivered a precise blow, hitting Kunihito on the flank.
Kunihito retreated, feeling the intensity of the blow. Bete wasted no time and advanced, unleashing a series of quick and precise blows. Kunihito, even with all his martial arts prowess, was now in a defensive position.
The fight had taken a surprising turn. Kunihito, who had seemed to be dominating the situation, was now being tested to the limit by Bete.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the crowd…
Bell, with wide eyes, observed Kunihito's impressive agility and Bete's surprising response. "They're incredible… I've never seen anything like this!" Bell exclaimed, impressed with the skill of the two warriors.
Syr, beside Bell, had her hands over her mouth, showing her surprise. "This is getting really intense. I hope Kunihito-san will be okay." the girl said with apprehension, keeping her eyes fixed on the arena.
Anya stood on tiptoes, trying to get a better view of the fight. "Relax, Kuni-nya wouldn't lose to that annoying dog." she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
Mama Mia watched the fight with a shrewd smile. "Who would've thought we'd have a show like this today?" she commented, appreciating the action.
Ryuu, normally calm and reserved, narrowed her eyes, analyzing every move of the warriors. "Kunihito-san's technique is impressive, but his opponent is adapting incredibly. This won't be decided easily," she said, anticipating a prolonged fight.
While the crowd expressed their emotions and analyses of the fight, the battle in the center of the arena continued to evolve. Bete, propelled by a mix of brute force and cunning, kept the pressure on Kunihito, who, panting, tried to catch his breath while dodging Bete's furious attacks. The full moon still shone in the sky, witnessing the intensity of the battle.
Bete showed no mercy. His blows were like storms, raining down on Kunihito from all directions. The half-elf, despite all his skill, was at a disadvantage against the werewolf's brute strength and fury.
Every punch from Bete was accompanied by a fierce growl, echoing in the arena like thunder. Kunihito, as agile as he was, began to show signs of exhaustion in the face of the brutality of the attacks. His initial nonchalance gave way to a more serious and focused expression.
Spectators who had initially admired Kunihito's technical skill were now caught in a mix of shock and fascination with the unexpected turn.
Ais observed with keen eyes, Lefiya had her hands over her mouth, and even experienced warriors like Finn and Riveria were surprised by the twist.
While Bete continued to mercilessly pummel Kunihito, a mysterious shadow began to form in the half-elf's eyes. Something silent and dark, even amid the storm of blows raining down on him.
Strike
Blood
"What is all this?" A thought crossed the mind.
Strike
Strike
Blood
"It hurts…"
Blood
Blood
Strike
"This sucks." This thought jolted him awake.
Bete's angry roar cut through the air as he charged at Kunihito, sending him flying like a projectile. The crowd watched, momentarily silent, as the werewolf ran towards the fallen half-elf, determined to end the fight once and for all.
However, as Bete was about to reach Kunihito, he felt a threatening presence…
…
!!!
It was an intensity that froze him in place.
A sinister aura hung in the air, and Bete felt as if he were being crushed by an invisible force. His eyes were fixed on Kunihito, but what he saw made him tremble.
The half-elf, who moments ago was lying on the ground, now rose slowly. His once confident and relaxed gaze turned into something disturbing. Bete could swear he saw a dark figure behind Kunihito, a presence that seemed to emanate pure malevolence.
The atmosphere in the arena became tense. The crowd, previously divided between enjoying Bete's savagery and admiring Kunihito's skill, was now united in a mix of horror and fascination. The spectators' expressions ranged from shock to terror as they witnessed the frightening turn of events in the battle.
Kunihito, still standing, began to flex slowly, ignoring the terrified looks around him. He spat a tooth on the ground, with a subtle smirk of disdain. In whispers, he repeated to himself that he needed to control himself, as if he were fighting an internal battle.
This change in Kunihito's attitude did not go unnoticed. An assassin's intensity contaminated the air, as if something dark was about to be unleashed. Ais, who had been restrained by Loki, seemed even more restless, her eyes fixed on the half-elf.
Bete, despite feeling the overwhelming pressure, tried to gather his strength and move forward, but something stopped him. A sense of fear, a presence that transcended the fight itself. As Kunihito rose, his figure seemed distorted, as if shrouded in shadows…
The whispers continued, each word uttered by Kunihito echoing in Bete's mind. "I need to control myself… I need to control myself…" A mantra that only increased the restlessness in the arena.
The dark figure behind Kunihito seemed to take shape, a tangible manifestation of something beyond everyone's understanding. The battlefield became a stage for a dark force, and the full moon witnessed the rise of something beyond mere physical ability.
In the center of the arena, Bete finally managed to move, but now his expression was mixed with a sense of fear. He was no longer facing just Kunihito; he was facing something much greater, something that transcended the boundaries of reason.
"Well then, let's end this once and for all." His voice, now, was more than a mere intonation; it seemed to echo in a distorted way throughout the arena, creating a chilling atmosphere that permeated the place.
"Spin, spin, the aura reveals itself, Strength increases, like a shining star." Kunihito advanced fearlessly, his words forming a kind of incantation. His steps were precise, as if he were dancing to the rhythm of a dark melody.
"Resilient bodies, succumb to your hand."
Bete, even wanting to retreat or counterattack, found himself stuck, an invisible force immobilizing him. His golden eyes expressed a mixture of frustration and helplessness in the face of the situation.
A yellow energy began to form on Kunihito's right arm. "Wise king in spirals, a spell without equal. Arms like swords cutting through the air, Precise destruction like bursts."
The concentration of energy reached its peak when Kunihito, now facing the werewolf, extended his arm over the opponent's torso "Roses bathed in crimson sea, tear everything in front of you, Little Flower!"
KABOOM!!!
An explosion of energy erupted from Kunihito's fingertips, engulfing Bete in a wave of destructive force. The explosion not only echoed in the arena but reverberated in the minds of everyone present, as if the very essence of the spell had left an indelible mark.
As the smoke began to dissipate, a chaotic scene was revealed. Arena debris scattered, and Bete's figure lay fallen and motionless at the epicenter of the explosion. However, Kunihito's sinister aura had not diminished; on the contrary, it seemed to have intensified.
Kunihito, with his presence shrouded in an almost palpable energy, remained standing, observing the result of his magic. His expression now was darker than ever, as if a dark part of his essence had been unleashed by the explosion.
"You're more resilient than I thought." Kunihito murmured to himself, watching the spot where Bete lay. "But the fight is not over yet…"
Kunihito looked at the fallen body. "Get up!" He urged, but there was no response. An irritation grew within the half-elf "Come on, the fun is just beginning. You really got me excited back there. Let's fight more…" Silence persisted in the arena, and the lack of response only intensified Kunihito's frustration.
…
…
"Wait, I had said I was going to end it, so I used my magic… Why do I want to continue? This is the time I should spare him or kill him?" Kunihito pondered, placing his fingers on his nose and squeezing.
"I think I drank too much mead… Hey, you! Bete, right? Are you still alive?" Kunihito called again, but once again, there was no response.
"Honestly, it's not fun when I fight without control. You really annoyed me back there. I'll need a new tooth. You can improve. I hope to fight you again in the future when you're stronger, but there's a way to go. Next time, I'd like to use Balmung against you." The half-elf turned away from his opponent's knocked-out body.
"We can consider this fight a draw for now. See you soon." Kunihito declared, dissipating the sinister aura that surrounded him. The crowd, once contained by tension, now began to deflate, disappointed by the lack of a definitive outcome.
Kunihito, with a relaxed expression, started to move away from Bete's fallen body. However, his path was blocked by members of the Loki Familia, led by Finn.
"Are you satisfied with what you've done?" Finn questioned, observing Kunihito seriously, likely gauging his character.
The half-elf looked at Finn, and his eyes conveyed a mix of disinterest and dissatisfaction. "Rejected." was all he said, a term that reverberated through the battlefield like a shadow of disapproval.
Finn understood the meaning behind the word. Kunihito expected more; he wanted a challenge that could test his limits. In the end, the fight made it clear that he was holding back… For heaven's sake, he wasn't even using his sword. It was a rejection of the fight that, for him, didn't meet expectations.
The other members of the Loki Familia approached, Tione and Tiona exchanging intrigued glances. Loki, the Goddess, watched the situation with a slight smile, while Gareth maintained his calm but attentive expression.
Meanwhile, Ais and her companions approached Bete, who was lying injured. Ais had a serious expression, and Lefiya was clearly concerned about the condition of the werewolf.
The members of the Loki Familia remained silent, processing Kunihito's words and attitude. Finn, after a moment, gestured to the other members, indicating that they should take care of Bete.
"Come on, we need to get him medical attention immediately." Gareth said, taking the lead while Loki observed Kunihito with interest as he returned to the pub.
(Fertility Hostess)
Back at the pub, Kunihito distanced himself from the other members of the Loki Family and found a more secluded corner. His distant gaze revealed a mix of discontentment and discouragement. The shadows cast by the pub's dim light highlighted the tension on his face.
In his thoughts, Kunihito revisited the confrontations in Xing, where death was often the inevitable outcome. There, when facing warriors, the conclusion was often fatal. Either the opponent died, or they ended up taking their own life, guided by a code of honor that permeated those lands.
Today, however, something had changed. Kunihito hadn't delivered the final blow, and the feeling of not having completed the cycle of his typical combat experience bothered him. It was a strange dissatisfaction, a sense of imbalance in his own fighting philosophy.
As he sank into his thoughts, Finn approached, followed by other members of the Loki Family. The Captain observed Kunihito for a moment before speaking.
"You're not satisfied with the outcome of the fight, are you?" Mama Mia asked, sensing the frustration in the half-elf's expression.
Kunihito looked at Mama Mia, his eyes revealing a mix of emotions. "I wanted more." he admitted, with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "That wasn't a fight that challenged me the way I'm used to."
Mama Mia crossed her arms, pondering Kunihito's words "You have a peculiar way of seeing things. Most would be relieved to come out of a fight in one piece. But you… wanted more pain, more challenge?"
Kunihito nodded, his words revealing a dark aspect of his nature. "In my land, the fight is a deadly scenario. The conclusion is inevitable, and it's more honorable for both sides. Today was different, and I don't know how to feel about it."
Mama Mia understood the complexity of Kunihito's code of honor, which significantly differed from the traditions of the city of Orario.
"You need to understand, things here don't always follow the same path as in your land. Fights can have unexpected outcomes." The half-elf nodded, but dissatisfaction still hung in the air.
While Mama Mia and Kunihito talked, Bell, who was watching from a distance, decided to approach. The young adventurer's expression was a mix of nervousness and gratitude. He felt the need to thank Kunihito for the intervention, even though the half-elf insisted it had nothing to do with Bell.
"Kunihito-san, I… I just wanted to thank you," Bell began, hesitating. "You defended me back there, and I… I wouldn't have made it without your help."
Kunihito, irritated by the boy's persistence, gave Bell a cuff on the head. "Don't bother!" he interrupted, "Listen, Tomato-boy, I've already told you this had nothing to do with you. There's no need to thank me for anything."
Bell still insisted, explaining that he wouldn't have defended himself, and he was grateful for the half-elf intervening in Bete's words, even though he had his own reasons to fight. Kunihito, with an annoyed expression and averted gaze, crossed his arms.
"You're too weak for my liking. If you want to thank me, do it by becoming stronger, so no one has to do it for you, or better, so no one spits truths about you. I want a good fight next time, understand?" Kunihito said with a sharp tone of voice.
Bell, a bit taken aback by the half-elf's direct approach, accepted the condition with a nod. Kunihito, in turn, seemed both irritated and embarrassed at the same time, a duality of emotions that did not go unnoticed by Mama Mia, who observed the scene.
Mama Mia couldn't help but chuckle softly, recalling Syr's words about Kunihito's "Tsu-Tsu" manner in the most inconvenient moments. Bell then bid farewell, probably to the relief of the half-elf.
"Anyway, Mia, I want a few more mugs of mead; my body is all sore." Kunihito stated.
"Go to a doctor, idiot." Mia replied dismissively but went to get the mug.
Kunihito ran his hand over his jaw. "Doctors… What do they know?" As he spoke to himself, a couple of mugs slammed on the table; a figure with a sly smile greeted the half-elf.
"Hello, Kunihito-kun ~" It was none other than the Goddess of Mischief, Loki, her mischievous tone irritating Kunihito. "It seems you got involved in an interesting situation there in the arena. Defeating one of my 'children' is not for everyone, and that eerie, spine-chilling feeling ~"
Kunihito responded with an indifferent look, uninterested in formalities. "Rejected." Loki laughed, understanding Kunihito's not-so-subtle message.
"I understand, you expect more. I like that. But, setting formalities aside, let's get to what really matters."
"So, you're new to Orario?" Loki asked.
"Old enough," he replied dryly.
"Do you belong to any family?" The redhead inquired.
"Do I look like I belong?" He then took a sip from his mug.
"What are your current goals?" She asked.
"Drinking." Kunihito replied simply.
Loki felt slightly irritated; he didn't seem to want to talk.
Finally, after a series of questions and answers, Kunihito decided to be more direct. "What do you want, Goddess Loki?"
The Goddess smiled intriguingly. "Well, Kunihito-kun, I was thinking… could you become a member of my family? The Loki Family always welcomes talented and interesting people, and you seem to fit that description."
Kunihito, initially, fell silent, evaluating Loki's proposal. He wasn't the type to easily join groups, especially considering his independent nature. However, something in Loki's expression seemed to intrigue him.
"To be honest, I'm tempted to accept; after all, there's something in your Family that piques my interest." Kunihito spoke while taking another sip of his mug.
"Oh, would it be Bete… Or maybe we have beautiful ladies, and depending on your taste, virile men!" Loki said mischievously.
Ignoring the goddess's antics, "You're right, it's one of your girls, the Sword Princess, to be specific." Kunihito could easily admit that he didn't expect the reaction that followed.
Loki, with a shrewd look and a mischievous smile, opened eyes that resembled those of a fox. Kunihito, in turn, stared into the crimson eyes of the Trickster Goddess without blinking. The atmosphere around them became tense, as if they were testing invisible limits.
"Sorry, half-elf, but Ais-tan is mine and no one else's." Loki's voice sounded serious and possessive, a clear warning.
Kunihito, however, didn't seem shaken. A smile appeared on his lips, and he responded equally seriously, "Well, in that case, it wouldn't make sense for me to join the Loki Family, after all, I have a keen interest in Wallenstein-san.
And not even a God could come between her and me."
The exchange of looks between Kunihito and Loki carried a palpable electricity. The unspoken words floated in the air, outlining a clear boundary.
However, instead of remaining serious, Loki burst into hearty laughter. "Ah, Kunihito-kun, you're more fun than I thought. I love it when people have the courage to challenge a Goddess. But know that you've officially become my number one enemy for Ais-tan's heart!"
Loki's expression was a mix of playfulness and determination. Kunihito, in turn, couldn't help but laugh at the Goddess's extravagance. He raised the mug, casually toasting, "Well, then, prepare yourself, Loki. The competition may be fierce, but I'm unbeatable."
Loki, surprised by the half-elf's laid-back attitude, "Oh, don't underestimate the cunning of a Goddess, Kunihito-kun. You might be surprised."
Kunihito, still smiling, replied with a friendly mocking tone, "Even being a lovely Goddess, Loki, you can't compete with me. I'm simply irresistible."
Loki blushed slightly, momentarily losing composure at the spontaneous compliment. Now more recovered, she patted Kunihito's shoulder, showing that she was back in control of the situation. "Well, I hope all this irresistibility doesn't go to your head. Anyway, it's time for me to bid farewell, my new enemy. Until the next battle, Kunihito-kun!"
Having said that, Loki walked away with a mischievous laugh, leaving Kunihito alone with his mug and thoughts. As he watched the Trickster Goddess move away, he couldn't help but think that despite all the playfulness, there was something genuinely intriguing about Loki.
The half-elf's eyes had followed the Goddess's silhouette. "She's quite cute for someone so frighteningly cunning."
The atmosphere in the pub was becoming more relaxed as the night progressed. Kunihito, now visibly drunk, continued to drink without stopping. Some pairs of adventurers approached him, greeting him and praising his performance in the battle. Kunihito, with a nod of agreement, accepted all the compliments, but his mind was wandering to other thoughts.
Looking around, he noticed that Ryuu's curious glances were persistent. It was starting to bother him, like an annoying buzz that wouldn't leave him alone.
With his typical impatience, Kunihito decided to confront the source of his irritation. Slightly staggering, he headed towards Syr, who was busy organizing some things behind the counter. With a gruff expression, he asked the question that had been nagging at him, mixing up the words due to the effects of alcohol.
"Why is that Elf so interested in me?" Kunihito's voice carried anger, and his narrowed eyes betrayed his state of drunkenness.
Syr, always calm, looked at him with curiosity before responding, "Well, you put on quite a show today. It's not surprising that everyone is curious about the new face in town." Syr replied calmly.
Kunihito grumbled discontentedly, "I don't need the unwanted attention of those pompous elves. Let them stick to their foolish questions." The anger in his voice was evident, and Syr raised her eyebrows, sensing that there was more behind the half-elf's irritation.
Curious, Syr took the opportunity to inquire, "Is there something against Ryuu or elves in general?"
Even in his intoxicated state, Kunihito picked up on Syr's direct question. He hesitated for a moment but then, with a bitter laugh, responded, "Elves... they are nothing but... I wish I could cut them all... those upturned noses and silence their unbearable voices." Kunihito murmured, his voice muffled by both drink and the bitterness that transpired in his words.
Syr watched him with a mix of compassion and curiosity. "Don't you think you're generalizing too much? Not all of them can be as bad as you describe."
Kunihito made an imprecise gesture with his hand, as if trying to dispel an invisible cloud. "You don't understand. They always look at me as if I'm inferior. Even that elf, if you look closely, will notice she's no different. They all have this superior air, as if pure blood runs in their veins and we, the mixed-bloods, are just dirt."
Syr tried to argue gently, "Not all elves can be like that. Maybe you've met them in the wrong way."
Kunihito laughed scornfully, "There's no right elf. They're all the same. They talk, talk, but when it's time to act, they run. They're all arrogant hypocrites."
The waitress tried to continue the conversation, perhaps hoping to discover more about Kunihito's past and experiences. "Have you never met someone better? An elf who was different."
Kunihito's expression softened for a brief moment, as if a memory touched his heart. "My father... he was different. A good man. Didn't understand, but he was kind..."
Syr was about to say something more when she realized that Kunihito was falling asleep. The half-elf, with his head resting on the counter, snored softly, enveloped in a mixture of alcohol and melancholy.
Syr sighed, collecting empty glasses and watching other adventurers having fun in the pub.
Kunihito, still drowsy and affected by alcohol, observed Syr moving behind the counter. His gaze didn't go unnoticed by the girl, who could feel the intensity of the half-elf's stare even without directly seeing him.
Suddenly, he made a brusque comment, surprising Syr, "You... accompany me tonight, girl."
Syr's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned to face Kunihito, visibly embarrassed. "How can you be so rude!?"
Kunihito, however, maintained an indifferent expression. "Rude? Let's get straight to the point. The night can be productive for both of us."
Syr, embarrassed, tried to reprimand him. "You should be kinder to ladies; that's not how you talk to a girl!"
Kunihito, however, had already fallen asleep again, resting his head on the counter. The waitress, unaware that he had fallen asleep, continued her scolding.
"Really, you can't treat women like that! It's disrespectful..." She paused, noticing his regular breathing and Kunihito's soft snoring. "You... are you sleeping?" Syr murmured, surprised by how quickly Kunihito had fallen asleep.
Syr, frustrated and at a loss for words, stared at the sleeping half-elf. The situation, in a way, was comical. She sighed, thinking that perhaps it would be better to deal with Kunihito's eccentricities when he was completely sober.
"It's better to take him to his room..."
(With Kunihito)
I opened my eyes slowly, aware only of glimpses of my sleep fading as I struggled to emerge from the darkness. The dim light of the room penetrated my eyes, and slowly, reality began to take shape before me. I realized I was being carried by a smaller figure, whose hands were firmly on my shoulders.
The figure moved with surprising dexterity, and my groggy mind tried to understand how Syr had the strength to carry someone as large as me. A fleeting question crossed my mind but was soon replaced by the awareness of a sweet scent that lingered in the air around me. It was Syr's perfume, something comforting amidst the confusion that was my mind at that moment.
We walked towards my room, each step feeling like a monumental effort. I was aware that Syr followed with gentleness, but my mind was too busy trying to reconcile the haze of drink with reality. It didn't take long for me to feel the stop of the walk, and then I was moved to my bed.
I felt a strange urgency in her movements, a disordered impulse that made me pull the girl by the arm, causing her to fall onto me. My thoughts became a fog of desires, obscuring the thin line between reality and illusion. I advanced, seduced by disconnected thoughts about the sweet smell that surrounded me.
In my intoxicated mind, I kissed and left light bites on her neck, enjoying the softness and silkiness of the skin. My hand traversed the torso, still dressed in the waitress uniform, but her touch was an invitation to imagination. Lips met, and the sweet taste was a celebration of the moment. I couldn't stop, each bolder advance on the green-haired girl was like a frenzied dance.
It was when I opened my eyes wide that the illusion crumbled. "Green hair?" he thought, a sentence that cut through the desire haze. That's when he realized the figure in front of him. It wasn't Syr, the kind and concerned waitress who had helped him. Instead, a woman stood there, her face flushed red. Ryuu, the Elf, looked at him with a mix of shock and surprise, not fully understanding what had just happened.
Ryuu's eyes reflected confusion and shame, and Kunihito, now more sober, quickly stepped back, realizing the gravity of the situation. His scrambled thoughts began to unravel, and he blinked several times to understand the reality around him. Ryuu was there, witnessing something that should never have happened.
"I... I..." he stammered, not knowing how to explain what shouldn't have occurred. Ryuu, still stunned, took a few steps back, murmuring something inaudible. The awkward silence that followed was deafening.
A sharp cry from Ryuu echoed through the room, merging with the sound of a sudden blow. She didn't have time to ponder how to deal with that embarrassing situation, so, acting on instinct, she delivered a swift blow to Kunihito, hoping to erase the surreal scene from her mind.
Kunihito, stunned by the combination of screams and blows, fell to the floor. Ryuu, still in shock, looked at the fallen half-elf with a mix of disbelief and indignation. She rushed out of the room without looking back, leaving behind a prone Kunihito and a trail of confusion.
"That hurt..." Kunihito said from the floor, then ran his fingers over his lips. "Sweet..."
The half-elf allowed himself to fall asleep after this long day...
(To be continued...)