Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

42. A9-2: Other Side of the Looking Glass

{|} Chapter 2: Other Side of the Looking Glass {|}

{|} Part 1: Rubble and Ruin {|}

(poke)

Mmm

(paw)

"Hmm..."

(nuzzle)

"five... more minutes..."

(nibble)

"... tickles... that hurts..."

(bite)

"... ow-ow-OW. Alright... alright already, I'm up. Yeesh, Nia; anyone ever tell you that you have terrible bedside manners. Megumin's been a bad influence on you. We'll need to do something about that."

Once I was sitting up, I realized just how stiff my body was feeling. For some strange reason, I felt like I had been sleeping on the roughest of terrain. That's a first for me since my first night of sleeping in this otherwise amazing bed.

I then reach down and take Chomusuke into my hands and I give her a gentle nose nuzzle before saying-

"OK, now that I'm up, how about we get started on some break... fast...?"

I then realize several important details that I had failed to notice till this very moment. For one, it was dark out save for the light being offered by the moon and the stars in the sky. For the other, I was not in my bed or in my room nor was I inside my mansion. I was outside, sitting out in the open amidst the rubble and ruins of a partially destroyed building.

"Just where the hell am I? How did I even... oh, right."

It all came back to me; the craziness that had been the bulk of my day. I let out an annoyed sigh before pulling out my pocket watch. Looked like my mandatory rest leave had come to a quick and troublesome end.

I flick open the pocket watch, checking the time before snapping it shut and sliding it back into my pocket. The hour was late, almost midnight in fact. I then scan the surroundings for a moment before I yell out loudly.

"Anna... Alice... ANNA... ALICE!"

"Here... I'm here..."

I turn in the direction Alice voice had come from, finding that only a simple wall was separating us. After a quick moment, the two of us were standing together and seeing the other not looking any worse for wear apart from some dirt and grime from the destroyed town.

"You doing OK here, kid?"

"Apart from a little stiffness, can't really complain all things considered. You?"

"Same as you, more or less. Now, where did Anna end up?"

As if to answer my question, Chomusuke squirms her way out of my hands and goes racing off. Me and Alice look at each other before following her. This lasted only a moment before we were standing before the remains of what I was guessing was a horse stable.

And the two of us were looking at the still sleeping girl with an exasperated expression for Anna was laying down in the hay, looking perfectly content with her current bedding. Once more, me and Alice give each other a glance before I step forward to wake Anna up.

Using MY personal method on her.

(cough... hack-hack)

"Geez Kazuma, what was that. I thought I was going to die from suffocation. Why'd you go pinch my poor nose like that?"

"Be thankful that's the method I chose to go with here. Trust me, I had a few other options I could have done instead."

"Part of me wants to ask what those were and part of me doesn't ever want to know. Anyways, what happens now?"

"I think the first thing would be to figure out just where exactly we are right now."

I nod in agreement to Alice's words before taking another look around. I then ask her straight up-

"Any chance that you may be able to answer that yourself, Alice? After all, YOU are the local here."

This time, it was Alice's turn to look around. She takes a few moments before staying-

"Honestly not sure here. With the state of this town being what it is; it'll make any form of identification difficult, if not impossible."

"Well, that sucks. So Kazuma, any ideas here?"

After another moment, I respond by saying-

"OK, we have four things we need to do. One is to find out exactly where it is we are at the moment. Two, see if we can find any place here in this ruined town where we can have a proper rest for the remainder of the night. Three, see if there's any food that's actually edible for us to eat once morning comes. And four, see if there's any shops that sells adventurer's gear that I can make use of here seeing as I didn't exactly have time to grab my stuff before things went down."

"I'm so sorry about that."

"Shouldn't only be three things though? I mean, this place seems nice enough to be used as a rest spot."

I quickly veto Anna's words, telling her that we'll only use the stables if there's no other choice available.

"But why, Kazuma? The hay felt comfy enough in my opinion."

"The stables are too close to the main gates of town. Given the state of those gates, I can't help but worry that if we stayed here, it would leave us vulnerable to being ambushed by bandits if any are in the area to say nothing of the local monsters."

"I agree with Kazuma. Finding someplace further in will be a better and safer choice for us than staying right inside the entry gate. So, how long should we search."

After another moment of thought, I say-

"I could be wrong, but I don't think this is an especially big town. In fact, this may have been a fishing village before it became like this. As such, I doubt this town is all that big. Let's split up and take thirty minutes to look around then meet back here. We'll take it from there."

Both Anna and Alice nod before the three of us break and begin our individual searches. Chomusuke, for obvious reasons, had chosen to stay with me.

About twenty minutes later, I was rummaging through the remains of the local store that focused its wears on gear for adventurer's. I had already found a couple of decent looking cords I could use with my Bind skill. I had even found a couple of magic potions laying around as well.

Currently, I had the only decent looking weapons I had found laid out before me for examination.

"Appraisal. Now, let's see what your current conditions are here."

I then let my eyes scan each weapon closely, letting the information the appraisal skill sent into my mind flow freely. After a few moments, I closed my eyes and let out a sigh before reaching out and taking a dagger with a chipped blade into my hands.

"So, it seems you are the best of the lot here. Not in the best of conditions, but at least you won't break after being used a couple of times. At least... I'm hoping that will be the case."

All these weapons, even the dagger I was holding, had seen better days. If I had to guess, these had been weapons that had either been left behind as a form of payment for taking the things that were in better quality. Or maybe it was simply a matter of how much time had passed since this place had been abandoned. Or maybe it was because they were here to get repaired. Who knows?

All I knew was that while some of the other weapons looked to be in better condition, my appraisal skill had shown that they were far more brittle than their appearance indicated. While this dagger had seen better days itself, my appraisal of it made me at least feel it could last me long enough to see us reach the next town and from that, see me to getting my hands on something more lasting.

"I hope Alice and Anna are having success here too with their search's. Hey... Nia, we're heading out. Nia?"

While I had been doing my thing, Chomusuke had wandered off to do her own search of the place. I continued to look around for a few moments more till she popped her head out from behind the counter. When she didn't come immediately, I took a guess that she wanted me to come to her and so, I walked over and followed her back behind the counter.

I quickly realized what it was she was on about as she came to a stop to basket filled with rolled up papers. I walk over and pull one of the rolled-up papers out from the basket and place it down on the counter, rolling it out.

It was a map of the town.

"Good find, Nia. And here I was, all ready to leave. I definitely would have missed this if not for you."

I then scratch her ears, earning a pleased purr before giving my full attention to the map.

This town was larger than I had first assumed, given the size of it shown on the map. This was more than a fishing village, but a full-on port town. And the name of this place was...

"Lairoh... Port City Lairoh. Strange, why does that sound so familiar."

I try to recall the reason why the name was ringing some bells within my mind, but nothing was coming to me yet. Perhaps I need to get some additional information. No matter, I'll save that for another time. Now, let me see here... this must be a grocery store and this place is definitely an inn.

"OK, let's go find the others and we can check these places out."

Chomusuke nods before hopping onto my shoulders. Once I had rolled the map back up, I take a quick moment to examine the other maps, hoping that one of them would be a greater map of the area beyond this port town. Finding nothing but maps for this town, I head out the door and make my way back to the stables.

Just as the stables came into my field of view...

"Kazuma-Kazuma; I found the inn."

Once Alice had reached me, and took a moment to catch her breath, she says-

"It's not in best of shape but the walls and ceiling are more or less intact so it should do for a place for us to stay tonight. Even better, I found a room filled with food. Not all of it was edible but there was enough that was still good that we should be able to have a few meals to nourish us. So, how did you do?"

Once I showed Alice my new temporary dagger and told her about the gear shop, I knelt down and rolled out the map with Alice being quick to kneel down beside me. After a quick moment, she says-

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure the inn on the map is the same one I found. And the name of this city... Lairoh. That makes things easier here."

"How so?"

"The city where we want to be, the city we have been using as a base of operations for our counterattack against the 'Calamity', is about a four day walk from here. There's a smaller town we'll need to pass through or go around along the way but... at least we have a direction to go with now."

Wait, a town between us and our desired destination... Better ask to be sure.

"Out of curiosity, which direction will we be traveling?"

Alice looked confused but still pointed while saying-

"We'll be heading west. Why, is something wrong?"

"... No, I was just... curious is all."

My thoughts after hearing that were all leading me into thinking one specific thing here, but that wasn't possible. Or, at least, it shouldn't be possible. I keep my silence for now, until we reach this base of operations city of yours. But if my private guess here is correct, you'll have a lot of explaining to do here, Alice. But for now...

"Let's go find Anna then we can head back to that inn and get some rest. Sooner we're on the road once the sun rises, the better."

We then begin to walk around, for about ten to fifteen minutes, before Chomusuke sudden hops off my shoulders and sprints over to the window of some curious looking store. Once we had gotten close enough to see the interior, both me and Alice sweat drop at the sight we were seeing.

Anna was inside but instead of looking for the things we had agreed to look for, she was instead stripping so she could try on what appeared to be swimwear; some rather risqué swimwear at that. The kind that would make one wonder what kind of self-respecting girl would be caught dead wearing.

"Has your sister always been such a free spirit? And has she always had such questionable taste too?"

I sight before walking towards the still intact door. I then say as I place my hand on the handle-

"Just wait here. I'll be back in a moment with that idiot."

{|} Part 2: On Our Way to... Where are We Going Again? {|}

That night, I didn't get much sleep. Maybe it was because of the situation I had found myself in or it may have been the crappy state of the bed I was sleeping on. I had taken one room while Anna and Alice had taken another neighboring room.

When the sun had risen, I had allowed myself a quick peek into the girl's room in order to make sure that they were doing OK. After that, I had explored the inn for a bit and discovered a mini bathhouse which thankfully still worked so I allowed myself a quick morning bath.

Once the girls had gotten up and we had breakfast, I had shown them the bath; resulting in them also taking a little time to bathe as well. While they did that, I went ahead and did a little more exploring around Lairoh; specifically hitting up the grocery store as well as several others I had spotted on the map.

As I returned to the inn, I saw Anna emerge into the light, stretch, then make her way over to me.

"Enjoy the bath?"

"Eh, it was passable. Not as good as the one we have back at the mansion but what can you do."

"Gotcha... so, is Alice still soaking?"

"Yeah, she said she likes taking longer baths. Why, thinking of trying to join her?"

"I refuse to answer a question you already know the answer too. On a different topic, I can understand her want to bathe a little longer. Japanese like myself are also fond of taking long baths."

Anna nods before her playful demeanor shifts into being a more serious one.

"Kazuma, I was wondering... Why did we stay here at this inn for the night. I mean, you know how to use teleport so why didn't you just set a waypoint here in Lairoh then send us back to the mansion to sleep for the night. In fact, why do we need to forage when..."

I stop Anna's continued question by placing my hand over her lips. I then say quietly to her-

"Actually, I did try that. After we retired to our rooms for the night, that thought came to me so I tried to teleport to Axel... to see if I could. For some strange reason, my teleport spell didn't activate."

"Do you think that could be some sort of side effect of that weird way we were brought here?"

"Maybe, maybe not. That's not all. Between you, me, and Nia, there's something about the name of this town that feels familiar to me. I just can't think of the why yet."

Anna nods before peeking back into the inn. Still not seeing any sign of Alice, she looks back to me and leans in close to whisper-

"Do you... do you think we can trust Alice?"

"Honestly, I don't know. There's something strange going on, no question about that. The item she had activating in the manner it did... felt like it was intentional. Like it was meant to do that once I was present. You and Nia coming along for the ride must have been a fluke because of you both grabbing onto me."

"And Alice? Do you think she knew that was going to happen?"

"... No, I don't believe so. Judging her reaction, she was just as surprised as we were. Of course, she could be a very good actor or maybe she drank a memory wiping potion designed to suppress specific memories for a certain period of time. Either way, for now..."

"We should keep up some form of guard with her. At least till we know for certain."

"Yeah, there is one thing I do know though..."

I turn my gaze away from Anna as I look into the inn.

"For whatever reason, she hasn't told us everything here."

About fifteen minutes later, Alice finally emerged from the inn. Once together, we made our way to the outgoing gate of Lairoh. After a short bit of walking, we reached a fork in the road with Alice moving onto the western path. She then stops and looks back at us and says-

"If we follow this road, we should reach our desired destination within four days. While I doubt it's in any better shape than Lairoh, we should reach another town, going by the name of Velian, by tomorrow evening."

Velian? Isn't that... Eris, please let the direction my thoughts are heading be wrong here.

"Wait, won't that mean we'll have to do some camping out tonight."

"And on the third night as well as we won't reach our destination till sometime on the fourth day."

Anna deflates at hearing that, then asks-

"Will we be safe? With what you've said about the current state of affairs here on the continent, will it really be alright for us to sleep out in the open."

"I admit that there is an element of danger here. Still, it's probably no more dangerous than what it used to be like. Just a different kind of threat from what would otherwise be common for these parts."

"I don't know. What do you think, Kazuma?"

"What do I think? Hm... Alice, I want you to climb onto my back."

"Eh?"

My words take both girls by surprise as I kneel down, already awaiting Alice to comply. Seeing them looking at me with confused stares, I stand again and explain.

"Look, I can get us to Velian much faster this way. I can use a combination of Sprint and demi-mana to get us there quickly. Possibly even before the sun sets."

Anna pounds her fist into her hand as she gets a look of realization onto her. But then a confused look returns as she asks-

"I can see how that would work here but... um... how will you be carrying the both of us. I mean, it's one thing for you to piggyback one person but to add holding another in your arms like a princess... Demi-Mana might give you a little help with things, but I doubt it can do that much."

"And you would be right. To carry the two of you at the same time as you are, I would tire out way to quickly and way too often. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. Anna, just activate your chibi-mode."

"Huh? My... chibi-mode..."

The moment Anna had said those words, she is surrounded by a sudden blast of smoke that conceals her fully. This is instantly followed by a soft popping sound. After a second, the smoke faded to reveal a now chibified version of Anna who was looking quite surprised by what had happened.

"Ah... what just happened to me? I've... I've been turned into a living breathing doll."

"Yeah, this is what you can call your chibi-mode. Another way to think of it as a kind of travel form you can enter if certain needs are required."

"You mean like our current situation?"

"Exactly. While in this form, you can either grab onto me or onto Alice till we reach our pit stop. You can also shift between your normal form in this chibi state whenever you want to."

"I can... really?"

Anna then closes her eyes and after a moment, another puff of smoke and a popping sound, she reappears in her normal full-sized form then goes back to chibi then back to normal several times, each time earning a bigger and giddier laugh to come from her.

"Amazing, awesome even. I'm so going to have so much fun with this ability in the future. OK boss, let's get this show on the road."

Anna then returns to her chibi form before jumping onto me and latching onto my left arm. We then turn to see Alice standing there; her eyes wide from shock and confusion at what she has just seen.

I then kneel down like before and tell Alice to hurry up and get on already. She snaps out of her confusion, blinks a few times, then runs over behind me then appears to hesitate.

"Ah..."

"What's wrong?"

"W-Well, it's nothing. I-I've just never done something like this before?"

Me and Anna glance at one another then I look back at Alice and ask-

"You've never been given a piggyback ride before?"

Alice shakes her head then says-

"I know how being carried piggyback works but... what if I'm too heavy to carry?"

"Geez, is this a common trope girls like to go with when these things happen? Look, it'll be fine. Now hurry up and climb on board. We're wasting sunlight here."

"Yeah, Kazuma's right..."

I then see from the corner of my eye a dangerous grin come over chibi-Anna's face.

"Just press that body of yours firmly against his back and relax as he grabs hold of your butt. Don't worry about his touch as none of the other girls who live with us have ever complained about it."

"Ah... maybe I should just walk instead."

"(sigh) Anna, seriously. Look Alice, I promise I won't touch your butt. I'll simply hook my arms under your legs."

"You will? Promise!"

"Yes, I promise. Now are we going to do this or not?"

After a moment, Alice nods as she approaches me. She presses herself against me while wrapping her arms around my neck. Once she was secure and I was back to standing again, I ask them if they were ready.

"Yeah, I think so."

"Meow."

"Less talking, more running horsy!"

I really wanted to throw Anna off me for that remark. Instead, with Alice on my back, Anna on my arm, and Chomusuke being held between Alice's arms and my chest, I switched over to my demi-mana then activated Sprint.

"Amazing, I didn't think anyone could move this quickly... run this fast."

"Faster-faster... FASTER!"

With that, we were on our way.

{|} Part 3: Encounter in Velian {|}

I was laying on the ground, panting heavily as I could feel sweat soaking my entire body. If I could see myself, I was sure I would look horrible; all red faced and looking like I could die at any moment.

"You should really do more exercises there Kazuma. You're looking quite pitiful right now."

"Shut... up..."

I can't believe Anna would say that. If anything, I should be thanked for keeping up with that Sprint-ing for as long as I had. I can recall that day when I had helped Megumin with collecting some fruit from several trees so she could eat and the two of us having to run when some guy started shouting for the Knight Guard to come deal with 'fruit thieves.'

Back then, I had only ran for about ten to fifteen minutes, or something like that, before nearly collapsing from all the exertion. Now, I had just spent the last two and half hours running non-stop through the power of a combination of a skill and an ability, while carrying a full-sized girl, a sentient doll, and a cat.

I'd like to think I've come a long way from where I was back then, physically speaking of course.

"How's he doing, Anna?"

"Like he could vomit at any moment. Might want to keep some distance or at least be prepared to move away from him; just in case."

Alice then comes into view as she kneels down beside me. She then produces a damp cloth she must have just wetted using the stream near our little break point and uses it to wipe my face clean of the sweat before folding the clothe up and places it gentle on my forehead.

"Thanks..."

"Thank you for your hard work. We've come much further than I would have imagined because of you."

"Speaking of... wanna take a guess as to how far we are from this Velian place?"

Alice closes her eyes as she thinks then turns to look at Anna and says-

"This is just a guess on my part, but I think we can reach it just by walking before the sun sets. So long as we're on the move within the hour that is."

"Wow, we actually made THAT much progress because of Kazuma?"

Anna then walks over to my other side, kneels down beside me, and starts patting my head playfully.

"Good little horsy. I knew you had it in you."

"Be ready for me to punish you once I'm able to move again, Anna. Be ready!"

Anna just laughs before pulling away to play with Chomusuke. Alice, meanwhile, just stays sitting at my side with her eyes never leaving me for the next while.

After about thirty minutes, I was finally feeling well enough to move again; sort of. At the very least, I wasn't feeling like I wanted, needed, to puke which meant I could finally drink down some much-needed stamina and vitality restoring potion.

After that, I whipped up a quick lunch for the four of us to eat as I was the only one who could. Alice, much to her embarrassment, didn't know how to cook and neither of us felt like we could, or should, trust Anna to handle that detail.

We ended up staying at our little rest stop for nearly two hours; longer than intended but Alice was sure we could still make Velian before the sun began to set. During the walk, as Anna was off in her own little world, based on all the humming she was doing, Alice looked at me and asked-

"Kazuma, can I ask you a personal question."

"Sure, I guess. What's up?"

"Well, I was wondering about those two skills you used before."

"Hm, you mean Sprint and Demi-Mana?"

"Yeah, were exactly did you learn those from. As part of my education when it came to adventurer's and the kinds of skills that exist, I can't recall having ever heard of either before."

Really, that's rather strange if you ask me? Maybe the skill pool hasn't been fully fleshed out and explored over here in Alice's neck of the woods. Also, just what is the name of her kingdom anyways? I'll have to ask once I've answered her question.

"Well, I guess I should say that Demi-Mana isn't so much a skill but instead an ability; one that can be turned on or off at will. Not sure the origin of it but I know it showed up for me to learn after a certain incident relating to me and my friends saving Axel from the Divine... I mean the Destroyer."

I need to get myself to stop calling it a Divine Beast when talking to others.

"Wait, you've had an encounter with the Destroyer? What happened?"

I gave Alice a quick explanation on those events, though I did leave out a few key details like me using Drain Touch and the true nature of the 'Destroyer.'

"Amazing, you really are amazing, Kazuma. To be able to come up with a plan that actually ended its reign of terror."

Alice then looks away and I just barely hear these words comes from her.

"Maybe you can help us with our Destroyer problem."

Help with their Destroyer? Well, I know that there are four total and I have two of the four currently tucked away safely over in Empyria. I guess that means they have been suffering from the movements of good old number three here. Wait, I thoughts old Norse had only gotten one activated before they were wiped out?

I then realize Alice was looking at me again. Probably waiting for me to continue my explanation on my skills.

"Anyways, that's about all I know on how I got Demi-Mana. It's pretty useful as a power booster. As for Sprint? Well... I actually don't know where that came from. It just auto appeared and learned during a rather desperate moment. Good thing too as I would have lost a precious friend to the belly of a giant toad otherwise."

"Hm... I see. (pause) Kazuma, think there's any chance you could teach both skills to MY people. Having them at our disposal would make things a lot easier here going forward."

"I don't mind but I don't exactly know how I would go about doing that."

I mean, it's not like with those special skills I created for the others to use like Dragon Slave and Sakura Storm. Could I transfer the information to Alice's adventurer's card in the same manner as I did with those self-created skills? I've never tried doing that before. Never even thought to do that either.

I then pull out my adventurer's card and tell Alice to do the same. However, she hesitates for some reason.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh... um, well... it's just that... I don't have it with me. Yeah, I wasn't expecting to be gone from home for long so I... left it behind back home?"

"Seriously? That's really not a smart thing to do, you know. How can you record any important information like the monsters you killed, the experience you gained from them, and so on without having it with you? Actually, just how much distance can one have between themselves and their card before that information stops being shared? Or is there even a max distance to keep in mind?"

I just realized that despite how long I have been doing this whole adventuring shtick here, there's still a lot I don't yet know about how these damn things even work. I really need to change that one of these days. I then return my card to my pants pocket before saying-

"Alright, once we reach... wherever it is we're heading, you can grab your card and we can see if I can share the information with you. Keep in mind that neither may be compatible with your current class."

Alice nods, albeit hesitantly which I don't fail to notice. Now that I think about it, the way she acted when I told her to bring her card out was very strange. Once again, she gave me a reason to think she's not telling me everything here. Speaking of...

"By the way, Alice. What is the name of your kingdom anyways? And what about the name of the place you're taking me, and Anna and Nia? And what's your class while we're at it? I can at least check to see if you can even use either skill by bringing up that bit of information on my card."

Once again, Alice goes stiff as she starts to shake a little. Seriously, why was telling me such simple things so difficult for her to do. What exactly was she hiding from me here.

I just keep my eyes locked onto her which only makes her more nervous and just when I was about to ask her why she had become so nervous here-

"Kazuma-Kazuma, look. It's a dear. A Greater Elk I believe."

We both turn to see what it was Anna was going on about. Sure enough, we were in the presence of a Greater Elk; a large and majestic beast one could often see when out here in the wilds. I could see now why people say they have a powerful look to them as I felt it could easily send my flying if it wanted too.

They were also known, like more species of Deer, to be rather skittish and tended to avoid human interactions whenever possible.

"I wonder what it must feel like. Be right back."

Anna then goes running towards, forcing me and Alice to run after her to grab her before she could reach the Greater Elk. Anna naturally struggles and yells at us to let her go.

"You idiot, are you wanted to scare that guy off. Don't you know just how... skittish... they are...?"

Something odd was going on. The Greater Elk was just standing there, sending us an almost lifeless gaze. Was it actually a lifelike statue? No, I could see it was breathing and moving ever so slightly. And yet, it wasn't running either. Yeah, there was definitely something off about this guy.

"I think we should leave everyone. Right now, in fact."

said Alice. Her tone was low and serious sounding, not one to be argued with.

Anna stopped struggling and looked at me. While my Enemy Detection skill wasn't going off, I couldn't help but feel now that something wasn't right with this creature. I felt that Alice was right. We'd wasted no time with making some distance from the creature.

A few minutes later...

"Alice, what's wrong. Was there something wrong with that Elk?"

"Let's just focus on making some distance here. Trust me on this. When the local wildlife starts to act out of character, that means that there's something very wrong in the air. The sooner we can reach home, then safer we'll all be. And Kazuma..."

I turn to give her my attention as she looks at me. After a moment, she finally says-

"Look, I know I have been acting weird here. I can guess the thoughts you have been thinking as well. You're thinking I haven't told you everything and you're right. I have kept some key details quiet. I'm sorry but... please bear with me till we reach our destination. I promise everything will be explained to you then... by people who will be better at doing so. All I'm asking is for you to trust me right now."

After a moment, I reply by saying-

"Alright... but if I find any of the things you've chosen to withhold from me could have made me tell you that I wouldn't be able to help you back at the mansion, then I will be asking for you all to send me and Anna and Nia back home. And I will expect you and your friends to honor my decision."

"... Alright, that's fair."

After that, the next few hours were quiet as a sort of tension filled the air. By the time we reached Veldian, the sun was beginning to sink into the horizon. While the color of twilight had not yet started to appear, it was getting close.

As expected, Veldian was more or less a ruin. None of the buildings were standing. Maybe a wall here and there but nothing that could provide proper cover for us to shelter in. Luckily, the skies were clear, so I was hoping that meant we didn't need to worry about any surprising rains coming down on us during the nights. After all, it was the rainy season. Least it was back over in Belzerg.

"OK, while we still have some light to work with. Let's see if we can find a nice spot to set up a camp for the night. Once morning comes, I'll see if I'm up to using Sprint again to see us the rest of the way."

The girls nod as we begin our little look around the place.

We looked here and we looked there but didn't finding anything that looked stable or comforting to act as a nice spot to rest at for the night and as we looked, the sun began to sink lower and lower into the horizon. And then, just as we began to walk around a particular large still-standing wall-

I found myself coming to a dead stop as a sudden and intense pain exploded into my head. I automatically brought a hand to my head the pain only started to grow worse by the second. In then my vision began distorting as strange sounds began an assault as well.

"Kazuma? Are you OK?"

I felt Alice's touch against my arm, and I look at her as another wave of pain pulses through my mind, almost causing me to fall to my knees. I look at her, seeing concern in her eyes. I try to respond but I can neither respond nor move any more than I had.

"Hey, we're not alone here."

came Anna's voice. Alice stayed at my side for a few moments more before she pulls away and moves over to join Anna, who was standing right at the walls edge, peeking around. Once Alice had joined Anna, she also takes a moment to peek before placing a hand on her sword at her side.

"Stay with Kazuma. Be ready to run if my first attack fails to slay that thing."

Hearing that is enough to help me push back the pain and sounds within my head so I can walk forward and join them. I then look at what they had been looking out myself, finally understanding what was making Alice seek to draw her sword.

It was a Rookie Killer, sitting just a few feet away with its head tilted towards the sky. This was strange as I had never heard of these creatures acting like this before. If they weren't resting upon the ground, then they were hunting for food. Furthermore, I couldn't help but feel something was WRONG about this particular Rookie Killer.

"We're leaving."

"Huh?"

"Kazuma... are you sure."

"Yeah, it doesn't seem to notice we're here and besides, I...AAHHHH!"

A new rush of pain, more intense than before courses through my mind, the sounds I'm hearing even more violent and intense than before. It was to much as I quickly collapse to my knees, shocking the girls and getting the attention of the Rookie Killer.

Despite my current state, I was still aware enough of what was going on around me. Just barely as I heard Anna say-

"Oh crap, it's looking at us. It knows we're... what's with its face, its eye?"

"Anna, grab Kazuma and get him out of here. I'll buy you guys some time here."

I turn my head towards the Rookie Killer, and I could barely make it out despite how its image distorted to me. One side of its face, the side that we had been able to see at first, was normal. But the other side of his face was broken and cracked and in place of its other eye was instead a glowing ball of dark light.

The Rookie Killer then goes from its sitting position and begins to move towards them.

"GO!"

Alice then goes racing towards the strange Rookie Killer as I feel Anna pulling on me, forcing me back onto my feet before sliding up under one of my arms as she tries to lead me in the opposite direction. But we only made it a few steps before we hear Alice cry out, making us stop and look back to see what had happened.

We see Alice hitting the ground a few feet off to the side away from the Rookie Killer. A moment later, her broken sword clatters onto the ground beside her. As for the Rookie Killer, it didn't seem to care at all about her status as it never seemed to stop in its approach.

"Damn, that's not good. Kazuma, please tell me...AAHHHH!"

Before Anna could finish, the Rookie Killer 's body convulses as pieces of its body seem to break off, revealing a long glowing tendril that glowed from the same energy that made up its strange eye. Before either of us could react, Anna was swatted by the tendril and sent flying herself.

"No, Anna... Alice..."

I said as my hand went to my substitute sword only for yet another blast of pain and noise sends me falling back to my knees. I could feel Chomusuke, who had up to this point been sleeping on my head, stir. I hear her then let out a hissing sound, not that it mattered as the next thing I knew, the tendril had shot out and wrapped itself around me...

… then it forcefully pulled me towards it before I could even react to being captured. It happened so fast that Chomusuke was sent flying from off my head; not that I had the time to register all that as I found myself being pinned down onto the ground as the almost possessed Rookie Killer bore down upon me with its large and powerful paws.

"Kazuma..." (x2)

I heard the girls cry as I awaited my death. But it didn't come as the Rookie Killer just looked down at me. It looked and looked and looked; and then the noise and pain that assaulted my mind stopped suddenly. In its place, a single image formed in its place; that being of a figure whose body seemed to be made out of the same dark light that I had seen make up the strange eye and tendril of the Rookie Killer. And then came a voice, one that sounded familiar to me.

[You're... ALIVE?]

"What... did you..."

"Princess, catch..."

came a new voice from out of nowhere. A moment later, I heard Alice shout out-

"Exterion!"

The next thing I knew, the Rookie Killer was hit by a powerful wave of magical energy and then... all that was left was the lower half of its legs and along with it, my mind cleared immediately. A moment later, Alice was at my side as she looked down at me with a terrified expression.

"Kazuma-Kazuma, are you alright."

"Yeah, Kazuma's my name. I think so. What happened and... where'd you get that awesome looking sword at?"

I was talking about a rather fancy looking blade Alice had stuck into the ground beside me. It had a blade as white as snow with shimmering golden lines. Just by looking at it, I could tell that this was a weapon of true power. Something that could be worthy of being a blade of divine origin.

Alice breathed out a sigh of relief as she says-

"When I saw you pushed to the ground by that vessel of 'Calamity,' I thought that... never mind that right now. Luckily, a good friend of mine arrived just in the nick of time."

Alice then helps me to my feet as I spot the strange new arrival helping Anna get back onto hers. She was an older girl, perhaps late teens to early twenty's; it was hard to tell really. She had chin length blonde hair and blue eyes, and she was wearing a blue stripped dress, black gloves, a beret like Alice's and a corset.

She was a beautiful, yet rather plain, looking girl in my opinion.

Once Anna was back onto her feet, and I could feel Chomusuke hop back onto my shoulder, the young woman came walking over to me and Alice and said-

"I'm so glad I was able to make it in time. I take it you must be this Satou Kazuma we were told about?"

"Yeah, I be he... I mean, I'm Satou Kazuma. This cute little girl here on my shoulders is Nia and you've already met Anna there."

"Satou Anna to be exact; Kazuma's sister. Thanks for the save, miss..."

Still calling yourself my sister, huh? Well, whatever. Not like a little lie is hurting anyone here... yet.

As Anna comes to stand beside me, Alice pulls away to stand beside the young woman and introduces her to us.

"Kazuma, Anna, Nia; this here is Rain. She's one of the two individuals I spoke of before. Specifically, she's in charge of my magic and history studies."

Rain then bows deeply before us before turning to look at Alice, who then asks Rain-

"How did you know where to find us? And to bring my family's treasured sword along as well."

"We had been tracking a Vessel within the vicinity of Axel for the last few days when your magical signature came within range of our ability to track... and close to where the vessel had been detected. But why are you and the Satou's all the way out here? Weren't you supposed to to be returned to Axel upon completion of his recruitment."

"I was wondering about that as well. I was hoping you would have a few ideas about that, Rain."

As Alice and Rain talked, I felt my facial features turn into a scowl at a specific word that had been said. Axel, which meant my thoughts from earlier were right after all. Then, what that meant for me, Anna, and Nia was...

I felt a tug on my sleeve from Anna who whispered out-

"Kazuma, did you hear? Didn't they just say..."

I nod at her before looking back at Alice and Rain to see neither had taken notice of our reactions yet.

"Claire wanted to come too, of course. But seeing as I can only teleport four people at a time at present and the trackers were detecting two individuals with you, I had to come without her."

"That must have made Claire very annoyed. Anyways, we should... Kazuma?"

Both Alice and Rain turn to look at me, their faces quickly turning to confusion then nervousness as they unconsciously backed away from me. After a moment of silence on my part, I finally say-

"Tell me something, you two... I just heard the word Axel used... twice in fact. Now, while it's always possible that there could be multiple towns and cities here in this world that share the same name, the fact I'm only now hearing the name of our destination in this manner tells me that there have been certain details about ALL of this that has been withheld from me. And I, understandably, would like to know the full story now... if you would be so kind."

"Milady, did you... did you not tell him anything about our situation?"

"I-I told him... well, I shared with him the bare minimum of information. (gaze) Look, I'm sorry. I just didn't know how to explain things like 'alternate timelines and parallel words'. Stuff like that doesn't make any sense to me. I was hoping that mister Palastori could explain once we arrived."

Rain sighs before patting Alice on the head.

"That's going to be difficult seeing as Palastori had to leave suddenly. Said he had other duties he needed to attend to but that he would be back to check up on us once time permitted."

Rain then turns to me and bows again, saying-

"I'm so sorry about this, master Kazuma. I promise we'll do everything in our power to compensate you for not being told everything properly."

Alice quickly bows as well and echoes Rain's words.

"Rain is correct, I should have told you everything even if I didn't understand it all. And you will be compensated for all the troubles I have caused you."

"Then how about we start explaining things now. No time like the present as they say."

"Master Kazuma, would it be alright if we save those talks till the morning? The day is already drawing to a close and I'm sure you must be both hungry and tired. Please, let us return to Axel... well, OUR Axel so that you can do both. We also need time for Ir... (side poke) I mean Alice to fill us in on current happenings since she left us."

"Sounds good to me. I for one wasn't looking forward to roughing it out here again."

said Anna. After a moment, I finally nod at Alice and Rain.

With that decided, Rain raises a magic staff she had on her person to the sky, and we found ourselves being teleported to Axel... well, this other city called Axel.

{|} Part 4: Belzerg Stylish Sword Iris {|}

The sun was well past it's rising time when I had awoken from a decent night's sleep. Not the best I had experienced in my life, but it was good enough. Beside me, curled up in a little ball, was Chomusuke who still appeared to be sleeping away in bliss.

I swear, sleep comes so easily for her. I'm actually a little jealous.

After getting up and opening the curtains of the massive window my room had, I stepped out onto the balcony of the governor's mansion here in this Axel, which had been converted into a residence for the kingdom's princess, whom I have yet to meet... I think?

I then allow myself a few minutes to look out over this Axel. Layout wise, it was almost exactly the same as my Axel. I could already see many familiar stores I have often visited or at least walked by in the past. I could even see the guild from here though it looked like it had undergone a hasty expansion recently.

Perhaps a necessity brought on by recent events in this place.

Which reminds me. I need to get dressed as I would be having breakfast with not only Alice and Rain, but also with both the princess herself and this Claire woman whom I would finally meet at last. With that, I return inside and begin to rummage through the large cabinet filled with clothing prepared for me.

Once I had found something I felt was closest to being ME here, I started to dress while letting my thoughts drift back to what differences I already knew about that separated this Axel from my Axel.

For one thing, this governor's mansion was located dead center within the city, resting atop an artificially made hill whereas my Axel had the Erisia Cathedral on this spot. According to Rain, there was indeed an Eris church here in town, as well as a church to the Axis faith, but Axel didn't serve as the center of the Eris faith.

Guess that must be an example of how things can differ between timelines. Here's hoping I'll be able to learn more about this stuff from Palastori once I'm able to meet him as Alice and Rain aren't the only ones in the dark where this stuff is concerned.

I mean, all I know comes from the games and anime I've indulged in prior to my first death.

I had also inquired about having to deal with Aldarp once we had arrived. I was prepared to give them a little warning about him, just in case their Aldarp was anything like ours. Luckily, that wasn't an issue as he had already been ousted from power thanks to some guy who went by the name Ranger.

Just as I finished dressing, a knock came to my door. I called for whoever it was to come in.

"Good morning, master Kazuma. I trust you slept well?"

"Well enough, though it doesn't quite match the beds I was able to sleep in during my stay in Veridae?"

"Veridae?"

"I'll explain in a bit. Is Alice not with you?"

"Ah yes... lady Alice. She... she'll be joining us here in a bit for breakfast. Speaking of which, are you ready for breakfast?"

"Sure, I could use a bite. Has Anna gotten up yet?"

I then walk over and pick Chomusuke up who nuzzles my hand as I walk over to Rain.

"I was just about to check in on her. Shall we go together?"

I nod as we leave my room. As we walk, I could feel Rain's eyes taking glances at me, making say without looking her way-

"Liking what you're seeing, miss Rain?"

I then glance her way ever so slightly, seeing she had averted her eyes while she had a very notable blush on her face.

"Ah, I'm sorry. It's just that... those garments really suit you, master Kazuma. I mean... you're looking very handsome right now."

"Thank you. And you, miss Rain, are looking as beautiful today as you were when we first met last night."

I'm pretty sure her blush only got worse because of my words. Once we had reached Anna's bedroom, Rain had regained her composure as I knock. There was no reply, so I knocked again. Still no reply so Rain used magic to unlock the door, allowing us to step inside...

And then immediately we retreated at the sight of the fully naked Anna all spread wide upon the bed. She hadn't even bothered to have any covers over her either. She was in full view for anyone who came along to see if they had.

"Master Kazuma, does your sister... always sleep in the nude... and like that?"

"This is a first to me here too. Just stay here, I'll go deal with her."

"But..."

I ignore Rain's worried words as I step back inside and shut the door behind me. A few seconds later, plenty of noises and complaints began to pour out from the room.

"Kazuma, what are you... can't you see I'm butt naked here?"

"Like I haven't seen all this before, idiot. What are you doing sleeping like this? Anyways, it's time for breakfast so hurry up and get dressed already."

I then step outside to see Rain looking at me with surprise and shock. Once she had recomposed herself, she says-

"You and your sister... have a very close relationship I take it?"

"Technically, we aren't even related by blood. Anna's more of an honorary sister than biological. She's actually one of the few surviving members of the Dawnthorne noble family who used to hold power here in Axel in the past. I mean, OUR Axel that is."

"I see- I see. Hm, Dawnthorne... I'm not familiar with that family."

"Maybe they never rose to prominence in your timeline or maybe they went by a different name here. You'll have to ask Anna later for more information on her family you can use as a research basis."

Rain nods in agreement as we waited for Anna to finally join us. Once she had, Rain began leading us to the dining room.

"Before we arrive, there's something I should warn you both of, master Kazuma... lady Anna."

"What is it?"

"It's about lady Claire. I already know from... Alice that she has told you about how lady Claire is her personal bodyguard and trainer in the ways of the sword. You should also be aware that lady Claire is very prideful and confident in her power and status. So much so that it has kind of gone to her head."

"Let me guess. She's the kind of person that believes herself to be in the right at all times and won't be told otherwise unless those words come from someone she acknowledges to be her better."

"That's one way of putting it, I suppose. Suffice to say, she can be difficult to deal with for... many."

Great, just what my life needs here. Another Duchess of Kessex situation. Hopefully, at least this Claire girl won't have an immediate hateboner for me the moment we meet otherwise... Well, let's just say after what happened with Aberlina, I won't let myself have to endure anything like that again.

"Does she have a superiority complex when it comes to the commoners, Rain?"

I look at Anna who had asked that question, then at Rain who had stopped. After a pause, she says-

"I'm guess nobles back where you're from are also like that? Yes, unfortunately... lady Claire sees commoners as being no better or important than the livestock and other animals. Still, there are worse things to be seen as in everyone's eyes."

What was that about. What could be worse than being seen as an animal? Before I could ask this-

"Anyways, we should hurry. If the princess beats us to the dining room, Claire won't hesitate to chew us all out, no matter the reason."

After a few more minutes of walking, we enter the dining room and are quickly shown to our seats. A few moments later, one of the servant's wheels in a cart covered in both food and drink which is quickly placed upon the table. Anna almost immediately tries to start eating but Rain is quick to stop her.

A few minutes following the food being brought out, the large double doors into the dining room open as a guard enters the room. He whispers something to Rain before leaving while Rain signals for me and Anna to stand. Even Chomusuke moves to the end of the table and props herself up like she was standing. And then-

The doors swing open wide as a young woman dressed in a full white suit enters the room. Like with Alice and Rain, she had blonde hair cut rather short with a tiny braid coming down over her right shoulder while bangs covered her left eye. She also had blue colored eyes and a short rapier-like sword at her side.

"Now presenting... the lady Claire of House Symphonia."

yelled a voice from somewhere I couldn't see, perhaps from just beyond the door.

So, this was the Claire I had been told about by Rain. From the way she walked, the way she carried herself, there was no doubt that she was going to be something of a headache to deal with.

Claire approaches me, Anna, and Chomusuke. Once she was standing before us, she first looks at Chomusuke, then says-

"Tell me... why is this... creature sitting on the table. Surely it has been taught proper manners and knows its place is on the floor like other PETS!"

Anna quickly scoops a confused looking Chomusuke into her arms before sending Claire an angry glare.

"I'll answer that when you tell me why there's a moron acting all high and mighty in front of me."

Claire turns her gaze onto Anna, making me go stiff. While I agreed one hundred percent with what Anna had said, surely as a child of some noble blood, she knew better when to NOT say certain things.

I wondered how Claire would respond.

"Guards, please escort both this girl and the pet back to her room. I will not permit such a... fool to eat at the same table as her highness. She can have some food brought to her later. Food more fitting for one such as her."

"Wait, shouldn't you talk with her highness about this..."

"Rain, I don't recall asking for your opinion here. You shall remain quiet till I do."

I see Rain lower her head while two guards enter the room. I had only just met this Claire woman and I already knew I did not like her. Not only did she seem to believe she was above others, but it was clear she had done something in the past to make Rain subservient to her; making her submit with just a word.

Just as the guards go the grab Anna, who was ready to fight back against them...

I step forward, smacking their hands away as I place myself between them and Anna and Chomusuke.

"What do you think you're..."

"I would ask you the same thing. Is this how you treat your guest? Especially when they have come here from an entirely different timeline for the purpose of saving your asses. Against their will, I might add. If you want my help here, you will show us the proper respect you yourself would expect to receive or else."

Claire stares at me for a moment before leaning in close and doing something unexpected. She sniffs me a few times before pulling away and pinching her nose.

"What is this? Just who are you... SIR?"

"Who am I, you ask?"

Well, seeing as it has already come to this; something I shouldn't be surprised about really, might as well ride this all the way to its destined ending. Wish you were here now, Megumin. You could rate me on if I'm doing one of your clan's famous poses proud or not.

I take on a Crimson Demon style introductory pose as I proclaim aloud-

"My name is Kazuma, first son of the House Satou. And standing beside me here is my adopted sister, Anna; both of House Satou and House Dawnthorne. And in her arms is little Nia. While she may not seem like much to your eyes, she is in fact a sacred beast sent down to serve my house from the heavens. And as we are also of noble blood, I expect you will show us the proper respect due to our stations."

Claire just looks at me with wide eyes before she starts laughing. Not just any laugh, but a long hard laugh. Like she had just heard the funniest joke in the world.

Both me and Anna share a look while Rain looked rather tense as Claire laughed for a few seconds more before stopping abruptly.

"You... and her... of Noble birth? And that creature a sacred beast? Don't make me laugh, boy. Words are easy enough to say but I can smell the stink of a commoner coming from you both. If you're going to try to trick me with a lie, at least make it a believable one."

I clench my fist, ready to send her a retort when the voice that had introduced her suddenly says-

"Lady Claire, her highness..."

"Hm... ah yes, forgive me. I shouldn't have let myself become distracted by this... man, I use that term hesitantly."

"I take offense to that, woman."

Claire ignores me as she tells the announcer to continue.

"And now, I present to you all... her royal highness; the Princess Belzerg Stylish Sword Iris!"

At once, both Claire and Rain move to either side of the entrance and quickly kneel. I notice off the corner of my eye that Anna was kneeling too; either because she had been trained to do such during her first life or was simply following the actions of those two.

Me, I was also going to kneel till my eyes caught sight of the figure walking into the room. She was a young beauty with porcelain white skin. She was wearing a long white dress with an opening that was meant to show off her cleavage though she was too young to have any cleavage to show off yet. A blue ribbon was wrapped around her waist. And she had on a green headband decorated in emeralds shaped like leaves and grape shaped amethyst gems. It took me a moment before I realized that I knew this angel that had just entered the room.

{Insert Image 1}

I was standing before Alice here.

After taking a few steps into the room, Alice... I mean Iris comes to a stop before me then bows before saying with a kind voice.

"You must really have a lot of questions you want to ask me now, huh Kazuma?"

"Yeah, you could say that. I wonder where I should be..."

Before I could say anything more, I found myself being forced down onto the ground forcefully by Claire who had shot to her feet, rushed to my side, then placed her hand on top of my head while using one of her legs to kick my own out from under me.

I couldn't help but cry out from the sudden action and the pain that came with it while everyone else just stood there in shock and surprise.

"See, this is proof that you are nothing but a commoner, boy. Even that girl beside you had enough common sense about her to know when to kneel down before her better. The fact you're just standing there like a fool proves just how uneducated you truly are."

"Wait Claire, there's no need for..."

I see Claire shoot Iris a look, making her immediately go quiet.

"Princess, I understand you wish to make an exception for this man, given the reason for him being here and all. But remember your place in all this. I ask you to remain quiet and trust me to know what's for the best here."

What's this? First Rain and now Iris too. I can maybe understand Rain as she's probably beneath Claire when it comes to ranking. But to talk like that to her own princess... her superior. Man, this Claire must be some cocky piece of work there.

After another moment, Claire finally lets me go and I return to my feet. She then says to me-

"From this point forth, Satou; you shall speak only when spoken too or when you are given leave to do so by me here. Same goes for you as well, Satou's sister. Now then, shall we take our seats and eat?"

Iris looks at me sadly, clearly wanting to say something. She then walks away and takes her seat with Rain sitting to one side of her while Claire sits at her other side. I take my seat and Anna hers with Chomusuke sitting on the table between us.

Claire sends her a stern look before saying-

"Guard, take that creature back to the boys room. Then go fetch it something to eat. Something fitting for a guard dog... or cat as the case would be."

"Claire, that's going a bit too far, don't you think?"

"I agree, I see no problem as to why Nia can't..."

Claire slams her fist onto the table, making both Iris and Rain jump. Claire stares at them for a moment then sighs before saying-

"Lady Iris, I admire the level of kindness and understanding you are trying to give these outsiders. I really do. But please remember that while you are the princess, you are still young and not fully educated in how these matters are supposed to be handled. That's why you must remain silent and trust me, who has both age and experience, to take charge and show you how to properly handle matters such as these."

"Well, you're half right about that."

"What did you just say?"

My mumble had been heard by Claire, which I had honestly hoped it would be. She then sends me an incredibly cold and dangerous glare. Iris and Rain, on the other hand, just looked very scared.

"Oh, I think you heard exactly what I said there. I said you're half right. You are definitely older, if all those wrinkles I am seeing on you are any indication here..."

Anna begins to giggle, having already figured out what I was doing here.

"Experience, on the other hand? Based on how you've been acting, I would have to question that part greatly."

"That's it. GUARDS! I want this man and his companions removed from the premises immediately."

"Hold on, Claire. That's going to..."

"Not another word, Iris. NOT ONE WORD!"

OK, I've had enough of that crap.

I slowly get up out of my chair and make my way around to the other side. Claire also stands, raising a hand to stop the guards as she was curious as to what it was I was about to do here. Perhaps she was hoping I would do something that would allow her to have me executed?

Once I was standing before her, I hold my dominate hand out before her before giving her a big smile.

"What exactly is your game here, Sa..."

"Steal."

Good, I got exactly what I was wanting here. Before Claire could respond, I take the glove I had stolen, reposition it, then send it slapping hard against her face.

To say that everyone present; Iris, Rain, Anna, Chomusuke, the guards, and even Claire herself where all as shocked as they were confused.

"I challenge you, Claire."

It took a moment before she reacts and responds to my words as she slowly looks back at me, a hand placed upon the cheek I had smacked with the leather glove.

"Challenge... you-you challenge me...?"

"Yeah, that's the meaning behind what I just did there. In olden times, in a land not that far from my own, one individual would send a challenge against another by way of slapping them with a glove. Normally, one would use a glove they were wearing but seeing as I don't have any gloves on, I decided to use one of yours. So, do you accept?"

Claire just looks at me for a moment. Probably wondering if I was being serious here. But then a smile forms on her lips.

"A challenge, huh? A duel I take it. Am I right to assume that the winner will receive a reward?"

"That's the idea here. If I win, then I expect you to start treating me, my sister, and our familiar with the same degree of respect and honor that you yourself would expect to receive. And you will stop acting like you're superior to your princess like you have been doing."

"I have done no such thing here, but fine. However, when I win, you and yours will leave Axel immediately and not set foot within her walls again."

"Now wait a second, Claire. What about what both mister Palastori and the fortune teller told us? Despite his background, Satou Kazuma is still our best hope for beating the 'Calamity.'"

Argued Rain. Claire scoffs as she says-

"He doesn't need to be here alongside us to achieve that goal. All we'll need to do is finish explaining things to him and tell him where to go. What happens to him after that will be of no concern to us. Only if he can succeed or not. Nothing more. Now Rain, please see these three back to their rooms. They will not be joining us for breakfast after all."

And with that, Claire returns to her chair and begins eating like nothing had happened here.

Rain only nods sadly before walking over to me as Anna and Chomusuke joins us. I then look at Iris who was looking at me, clearly wanting to say something but not having the courage and confidence to do so. As we begin to leave the room, Claire suddenly speaks up and says-

"We will be having our duel this afternoon, after lunch has passed. Do make sure you'll be ready, lord Satou."

As we walked down the hall, Rain finally sighs before saying-

"Well, that could have gone so much better."

"Honestly, with all that you said about Claire, that went about as well as I was expecting it would."

"Yeah, seriously. Tell us why she's been allowed to have done that to Alice there. I mean, from how quickly both Alice and you give in to Claire's opinion, it's like you've both been brainwashed or something."

"Please don't say that. I know Claire can be... but she is a good person and does have lady Iris's best interest at heart."

"Clearly!"

"Anyways, I'll be sure to have some food brought to you both here before the duel takes place."

I stop with the others following my action. I then look at Rain and ask her-

"Tell me. The duel I'm going to have with Claire; is it going to be an anything goes kind of duel. Like using magic and such?"

"I'll need to ask Claire myself once I get back, but I believe so long as you don't kill your opponent, then anything shall be permitted. Why?"

"There's a few items I would like for you to get for me, if possible. The sooner the better..."

{|} Part 5: Kazuma vs Claire {|}

There was a tension in the small room I had been brought to where I would wait till it was time to emerge onto the training field where me and Claire would have our fateful duel. I confess I was feeling a little tense here, what with the stakes being what they were and all.

But the real source of the tension was Anna who was walking back and forth while chewing on her fingernails. Didn't know she had a habit of doing that from the past. It was kind of cute actually.

However...

"Anna, will you please stop pacing all over the room. You're starting to make me feel all jittery here."

"How can I not feel jittery, Kazuma? In fact, why aren't you nervous here. You heard what that Claire woman can do from Rain just as much as I did. Shouldn't you be an even greater mess of nerves here?"

"(sigh) Look, I am nervous but if I start letting it get to me, then it could impair my judgment at a critical moment which is something I don't need now. An important rule of thumb to know, never enter a battle with nerves out of control as that will make you your own worst enemy."

"I understand that... but... what if you get hurt? Even if this is a 'no killing' spare, she's likely still going to not hold back and try to bring some serious injuries onto you before it's over."

So, Anna was really worried about me, huh? I get up and move over to her and pull her into a hug. It takes her a moment to respond but she finally returns my hug which then last for a few moments. Once we had parted, I say-

"I'll be fine here. Remember, I've survived worse than this Claire woman in the past."

"Yeah, that's true. But you had the others with you to act as a back-up when you needed them also."

"And this time won't be any different. While the others may not be here physically, I know they're with me in spirit. Besides, both you and Nia are here so that alone should be enough to get me by."

"Kazuma..."

Anna had begun to blush; so much so that she had to avert her gaze from me. I couldn't help but worry now though. Had I just caused her to actually start 'liking-like' me too. I'm not sure if I can handle another one of the girls in my life suddenly doing that as I already had enough on my plate as is.

Just then, Chomusuke hops onto my shoulder and starts nuzzling my cheek which helps me to push that worrisome thought out of mind for now. I reach up to rub her ears as a buzzer goes off, telling me that it was time to step out onto the arena.

I then hand Chomusuke off to Anna then say confidently to them-

"Don't worry, I'll be alright. After all, I do have my secret weapon to use here IF I really half too."

I then pull the little ball I had just managed to finish making with the materials I had Rain bring me to show them before putting it back into my pocket. Hopefully, I won't need to actually make use of it here, but it never hurts to be too careful.

With that, I open the door and walk down the hall with Anna and Chomusuke right behind me. I soon reach a double door which auto-opens and leads us out onto a decent sized battlefield; perhaps three times as big as the one we had situated behind the mansion back home.

We then see Iris and Rain who wave Anna and Chomusuke over to them. Anna goes to walk away, but then stops as she comes back over to me and pushes herself up so she could plant a kiss on my cheek. She then gives me a big smile before running over to join those two. I watch her as she joins them and then-

"Eyes forward, Satou."

I turn to look directly ahead of me to see Claire had appeared from out of nowhere. She had a smug smile present on her face with one hand resting casually upon the hilt of her blade.

"FYI, I could have slashed you about two dozen times in the time you spent watching your companion head over to join mine. Luckily for you the match hasn't started yet otherwise you'd already be lying unconscious upon the ground."

You know what, screw nerves here. Someone needs to put this self-important bitch in her place, and it might as well be me here.

"So, ready to suffer some embarrassing humiliation... Satou?"

"Are you? Need I remind you that I'm supposedly the only one who can save you from this 'Calamity' or whatever it is. I get you're very confident in your skills here but even a fool would know enough to be at least a little wary here."

"You're probably right. I should be a bit more worried... or I should say I would be worried if I didn't believe that our princess made a mistake when she picked you up. I knew I should have gone along with her that day. It's obvious that she's still too young to do anything without me."

I scoff at her words as I allow myself a quick moment to glance over at Iris, seeing her hanging her head low from those words. OK, now I really need to bring this woman's ego down a notch. And once I'm done teaching her a lesson here, I'll personally start working on getting all that 'brainwashing' she's done to Iris, and maybe Rain too, out of their systems.

Though the buzzer hadn't gone off yet, I go ahead and pull my short sword out before quickly realizing something. I was still using that damaged blade I had picked up over in Lairoh. I wonder if there's enough time for me to...

(BUZZ; Let the Battle Begin)

The next thing I knew, Claire was right before me, her rapier-like short sword already drawn as she sends it thrusting directly at me. She had moved so fast, so precisely, that my mind didn't have time to even process what had happened till I felt a stinging sensation on my left cheek.

I automatically reach up and touch the source of the sting, finding blood coming from a cut she had inflicted. I then look to see her standing back where she had originally been; her smug smile even bigger than what it had been before.

"Didn't even budge an inch to counter. I knew you were nothing special. You're not even anything at all. Curious about what just happened, Satou? It's rather simple, really. I used what is called a Skill against you just now. Goes by the name Instant Strike. Impressive, huh?"

I scowl at Claire in response. To think that she believes that I don't even know when a skill is used against me. To think that she would talk as if I don't even know what a skill even is.

"Kazuma, it's me... Rain."

Rain? But how... why am I hearing your voice inside my head?

"A skill called Telepathy. Any mage can learn it. Listen, Claire's Instant Strike skill allows her to immediately go from where she's standing to being right on top of her opponent so long as she has a clear few of them and there are no obstructions situated between her and her target."

I see; that's a scary skill to have. Once I get back home, I'll have to ask Darkness if such a skill is available for her to learn... not that she'll ever learn it given how she is and all.

"Be on your guard, Kazuma. Claire knows many high level Knight skills and she'll use all of them to break you down into nothing. No doubt at all about that."

"Has Rain finished giving you the four-one-one yet, Satou?"

I return my attention to Claire which I must confess I made a boo-boo here by allowing Rain's voice within my head to distract me. Seriously, I need to stay focused.

"I gave her permission to explain things to you using her Telepathy skill... but no more. You hear me, Rain. Outside help is now forbidden till the fight is over. One more thing. I was being kind before, only cutting your cheek. I could have easily taken you down with my first attack but where would the fun be in doing that? However, from this point forward, I won't be holding back... "

Claire then takes up a battle pose but doesn't make a move towards me. Was she waiting for me to attack first or was she simply preparing her next attack. Either way, it's time I show her what I can do. First, a little Demi-Mana... and then activate Sprint.

And once again, Claire was before me, having already activated her Instant Strike skill. But this time, my Sprint allowed me to dodge her forward thrust that had been aimed at my chest... just barely. This had clearly caught her off guard as her eyes go wide while turning to look my way.

But thanks to Sprint, her movements were a bit slower, so I bring my own blade around to mirror her previous actions by cutting her cheek...

Only to find my right hand slashed as droplets of blood appeared in the air. She had somehow managed to not only meet my speed with Sprint but was actually outpacing me ever so slightly as my weapon was sent flying and she begins rapidly thrusting her blade at me over and over.

"She's using Continuous Strikes now."

came the voice of Rain in my head. I was glad to know her will was strong enough to not follow every command Claire sent her way, or had Iris actually overruled Claire's words? Either way, it was at least a hopeful sign for them both. No further explanation was given about this skill not that one was needed as it was fairly obvious what it was about; a never-ending barrage of forward thrust against one's target. Even so, there had to be a limit to how long it could last for.

While I waited for her to stop, I began to use Heal to close my wound while doing my best to avoid being cut again, which wasn't easy. Claire was moving ever so slightly faster than I was here, but I was just barely managing to avoid getting cut proper. Just nicks and scratches though she was getting more accurate with each hit.

It was then I saw it, the blade of her rapier was starting to glow. She must be building up to unleash another skill while still in the middle of using this current one. I had heard of that being a thing; having pairs of skill that could combo into one another instantly, but I had never seen it done before.

"Kazuma, watch out. Claire's about to unleash..."

"Wind Cutter."

Claire, within a split second, had gone from her rapid thrusting to sending a vertical slice my way. Somehow, I just barely managed to avoid being hit directly though the pressure of that attack had destroyed the sleeve on my right arm. If that had hit me directly, I would have been...

I push that thought from my mind as I notice Claire wasn't still coming at me; instead having come to a stop and was standing still. Was it because of that combo? Does using a combo leave one open and vulnerable for a few seconds? Now that I think about it, I recall hearing one should only use combo skills when either in a one-on-one fight or when you have allies with you when in a group battle.

Either way, now was my chance. I quickly pull out a cord from my pocket and activate my Bind skill. But before Claire could be bound up by the cord, she had finally recovered and used her rapier to slash the cord in half. She then reorients herself as she probably was preparing to do another Instant Strike. But this time, I had a little surprise for her.

While I had sent a Bind her way, I had actually expected it to fail. Rather, it was meant to be a distraction so I could... Claire suddenly appeared before me again as I hold my other hand out open before her.

"Create Earth... Wind Breath..."

I go to blind her but before the ball of dirt and dust could be sent her way, I find her sending a powerful kick into my gut which sends me flying back. I see, her proficiency with Instant Strike was such that she didn't just have to use a weapon with it; she could also use it with simple punches and kicks as well.

As I sail back through the air, I was already ready to fire off another spell. I point my index and middle finger at her and shout out-

"Lightning."

Claire, who had been running after me, comes to a stop as she bring her rapier up to catch my Lightning spell which she quickly diverts off to the side with a quick slashing motion. I then notice my spell had done something else there too; it had caused her blade to start glowing.

Did she just use the power of my spell to immediately charge up her next attack? Can you actually do that?

"Piercing Blade."

It was like a flash as energy shoots from the tip of her rapier right at me. For a split second, I think I must have whited out there as the next thing I knew, I was down on one knee panting and breathing heavily as I felt a sharp pain both from my forehead and from my arm.

I realized I was bleeding; I was bleeding badly from a deep cut right above my right eye and all over my right arm. Luckily, I could still move my arm... sort of but I was forced to keep my eye closed as the blood was stinging my vision.

"KAZUMA?"

I heard Anna cry out which was quickly followed by Iris saying-

"Claire, stop... that's enough. You said you wouldn't use that skill in this fight."

"I did, didn't I. Don't worry, princess. Once he's down on the ground properly, this fight will be over. In fact, my next attack will end this."

Damn, as much as I hate to think this, I have to acknowledges that this woman is good. I guess she would need to be in order to get her position as the personal guard and trainer to the crown princess. But still, I had one last ace in the hole and you're about to wish you'd ended this fight with that last attack there, Claire.

As Claire begins to walk towards me, probably because she was that confident that she had already won; I dig into my pocket and find that special item I had made earlier. I had really hoped I wouldn't need to use this but now...

I put all my strength into my hand before smashing the item onto the ground, creating a massive blast of smoke the quickly surrounds me. Hopefully, I had done this correctly and I was now fully concealed within the smoke. Either way, it was time for a little...

(3rd person POV)

'What is he trying to pull now?'

wondered Claire as Kazuma was completely hidden from her field of vision. While she would never say this aloud, she did have to give him some credit here. That combination of Create Earth and Wind Breath was actually a smart maneuver. Using Basic Magic spells in such a way was quite clever. Even this sudden smoke screen to hide what he was doing was also smart.

'Perhaps there is more to this guy than what's on the surface... however; Mana Sight.'

Almost immediately, a glowing outline of Satou Kazuma appeared to her despite the smoke. Mana Sight is what was considered to be a 'secret' skill; one only known to exist to those in the royal and noble families of the kingdoms. It wasn't shared with commoners unless under the most extreme of circumstances and any who knew it were sworn to keep the existence of 'secret' skills secret.

In the case of Mana Sight, it allowed someone to see the mana flowing within the body of another. With this skill, using things like a smoke screen, stealth skills, and even illusion magic were negated. One could even see the mana signature of another through walls and doors though the thicker those were the hard it was for the mana to be visible.

'You haven't moved yet? Are you wanting me to run in their 'blind?' Very well, but you're about to find out that I'm not as blind as must be wishing for.'

Claire then runs towards the field of smoke, having chosen to do this without any movement skill. She would end this with a simple slash of her sword. As she drew closer, she noted something was happening with Kazuma's mana, not that she felt the need to stop. After all, she had already won this fight in her mind. What need was there to hesitate now?

She passes into the smoke and for a second, there was a tense air in the room as Iris, Rain, and Anna all held their breathes. And then... came the scream. But it wasn't Kazuma who had screamed out suddenly.

It had been Claire who had screamed.

After a moment, the smoke had finally started to clear. Anna figures that it had to be Kazuma's doing; the smoke finally being pushed away. She along with Iris and Rain waited with baited breathes so that they could see what had happened to make Claire scream out like that.

And then, enough of the smoke had finally been blown away to reveal the outcome of the duel. Claire was lying motionless upon the ground while Kazuma was kneeling beside her; one hand resting upon her forehead.

As Iris and Rain run out there to check on them both, Anna is momentarily kept motionless as she looked at Kazuma. It had been only a moment, a split second really, but she had seen it; that little hint of gray in Kazuma's hair before it had returned to its proper and natural brown. She then follows after Iris and Rain who by now had reach those two.

(1st person POV)

"Kazuma, are you... and what about Claire?"

I heard Iris say as she and Rain finally reached us. I could see Anna with Chomusuke in her arms following right after them. I stand as I say-

"Yeah, I'm fine... or I will be once I'm finished healing myself up here. As for Claire... she's fine too, at least physically speaking. Can't say anything about her mental state and especially her pride."

Rain kneels down and examines Claire herself before looking up at Iris and gives her a confirming nod. She then says-

"Forgive me, mister Kazuma. I-I just can't believe it. You actually beat Claire here. I never would have thought it possible."

"Shows just how much you all underestimated my big brother here. There's a reason why so many Generals of the Devil King in our timeline were defeated because of him. Just like there's a reason why he was the one that had to be brought here."

proclaimed Anna who was beaming with pride at the moment. I really wanted to tell her to tone it down a little but who am I trying to kid here? I wanted to toot my own horn after pulling off that victory.

"I knew he was going to win. I didn't have any doubt at all."

said Iris. I couldn't help but wonder how true that statement was but I'm not going to say that aloud.

"Anyways, if it's alright with you all. I'm going to head back to my room, catch a bath and get myself a change of clothes. Then I'll be heading out into Axel for a few; to look around and see how things differ between this Axel and the Axel I'm familiar with."

"Great idea, Kazuma. I'll come along for the ride."

"I'll come too. Just give me a few minutes to get into my Alice attire and I'll personally show you around."

"Thanks for that, you two. But I want to be alone for a little bit. Need to collect my thoughts and such."

Both Iris and Anna try to change my mind, but I tell them that I had already made my decision here. I ask them to please let me have this time to myself. As I go to return to my room, Rain says-

"Mister Kazuma; what about our delayed talk?"

"I'll be back before dinner. We can have that talk after dinner if that's fine."

Rain looks at Iris who gives her a silent nod and Rain then nods at me as well. I continue on and just as I go to leave the arena-

"Wait, Satou Kazuma..."

I stop again and look back to see Claire had finally stirred and was trying to stand with Rain's support.

"Don't try to push yourself, Claire. You're not in the best of shape right now."

"Tell me, Satou Kazuma. Just what exactly did you do to me there? I was going to win our duel, even you know that. No, I had won our duel. But then, you did something there... please, tell me what it was you did in that moment. I need to know."

She said 'please' to someone she sees as beneath her station. Maybe there's hope for her after all.

"You really want to know, huh? I'll tell you... more than that, I'll show you all tonight after dinner. For now, just be content with this bit of information."

I then take a few steps back towards them; two or three tops, then say-

"I have faced off with many powerful foes since that first day when I arrived in MY Axel, and they were all quite challenging. But none of them were as challenging as you, Claire. Your skill and how quick you were to go from one attack to the next without letting your opponent have a chance to try any form of counterattack. You pushed me into a corner and forced me to use IT. The very power I believe to be the reason why I was needed to be brought here to your timeline. If nothing else, you should take pride in that."

And with that, I left the arena and returned to my room.

{|} Part 6: A Tale of a Fellowship {|}

After returning to my room, I took a quick bath before dressing in new attire with the addition of a cloak and hood. I then headed out and while my ultimate destination was the guild of THIS Axel, I decided to head there in a roundabout way as there was someplace else I wanted to check in on first.

The purpose for me to bring a cloak that had a hood was simply from a desire to conceal my face. After all, odds are that there had to be a counterpart to me here in this timeline running around with my friends... assuming I had even found myself coming here to begin with. Who knows, maybe in this timeline, I never died and I'm still living my life in Japan. And then there was my friendship with Megumin and Darkness and the others. Maybe in this timeline, I had never met them even if I had come to this world.

Maybe I can find out once I reach the guild. I just need to figure out how to go about asking about myself here.

But first, the other destination on my mind. I soon found myself standing outside her shop, Wiz's shop. At first, I was concerned seeing as there was a closed sign hanging clearly upon the entrance. At first, I feared that maybe it was a sign that she had gone out of business in this timeline.

I dismiss that thought as the place wasn't boarded up like one would expect to see with a failed shop. No, it was just closed. I guess Wiz had been called upon by the Iris' father to aid them with their big mission to retake the capital. I'll ask those three once I get back to the governor's mansion.

Once I was back to walking towards the guild, I took time to observe what's what here and there. For the most part, everything seemed to be the same; familiar looking stores in the places I can recall them being at back home. But there was a different air about this Axel.

I wonder if this is what a real war time environment must feel like?

I soon found myself outside the guild and I take a moment to take it all in. For the most part, it did look like the guild I was familiar with. But as I had been able to see from my bedrooms terrace, there had been several additions added on to expand the guilds overall size; these additions being very obvious as brickwork stood out. Clearly, no one had bothered to plaster the brick to make it at least blend in a little here.

I then go to head inside, only to find myself having to move off to the side with my head lowered in order to maximize the hoods covering of my face. My reason for this was because I spied two very familiar faces heading my way from within the guild.

Taylor and Keith; two faces I hadn't seen for a while, walked past me as they headed off somewhere here in Axel. I watch them as they go, wondering if I would find Lynn and Dust still inside the guild.

Well, only one way to find out. I take in a deep breath and walk into the guild.

The inside of this guild was very similar to my guild, the only difference being that the main room had been greatly expanded and there appeared to be new hallways that led to even more side rooms. Possibly additional bedrooms for the various adventurers to make use of.

Because of the expanded size, it wasn't too hard for me to find an unoccupied table to sit at. It was a smaller round table located near the entrance set inside a small groove like cut out. Possibly meant to be one of those 'private' tables one would see inside fancy clubs.

Even better was the fact that if offered a surprisingly decent view of the rest of the room.

"Can I take your order, sir?"

asked a waitress who had approached me before I even had a chance to get comfy.

"Hm... how about some Crimson Beer and whatever you'd think I'd like as an afternoon snack."

The waitress nods before turning and walking away. While I wasn't one for drinking anything alcoholic, I figured one drink wouldn't kill me. Besides, with all that's happened over these last few days and all that's going on now, I could definitely use something more impactful than water or tea.

As I waited for my order, I took a moment to scan the room. I couldn't see any sign of Dust or Lynn anywhere. Either they weren't here or maybe they were currently inside their own rooms... or room? Maybe in this timeline, those two were in a more than just friends' relationship.

Lynn had recently admitted to me that in the early days of her being with Taylor, Keith, and Dust, she had felt an attraction to Dust and wasn't against the idea of them being a couple, even if his scent wasn't anything special. But Dust antics eventually made her decide against such a pursuit with him. Maybe here in this timeline, things had gone differently for them both?

While Lynn and Dust were nowhere to be seen, I did see a few familiar faces amongst the gathered adventurers. No one I had been especially close too but still familiar faces. Heck, one of the faces was that new female thief that had caused trouble for the girls not too long ago. What was her name again... Ran?

It was about that time my order was delivered; the food being a small helping of fried frog meat. As I ate, I made certain to listen closely to all that was being said by the others in here in the hopes of maybe getting some critical details. Most of the banter was of nothing important, but there were a few interesting bits.

"Think his majesty and the prince can actually take back the capital with the forces they have with them?"

"Of course. He has the kingdom's best and brightest at his side. With an army filled with so much amazing fighters and powerhouses, there's no way they're going to lose this fight."

"Yeah, and don't forget they had the Devil King himself, his daughter, and some of their best warriors at their side too. I'll bet they're already celebrating their victory and we'll soon be getting the good news here."

Not far from those voices, I heard-

"What was the king thinking; letting those guys from the Devil King's army just walk around like they own the place. It's bad enough that several of the Generals have stayed behind to 'protect' the city is bad enough, but to expect us to just eat and drink and share space with them..."

"Yeah, I agree. But desperate times call for desperate measures as they say. Don't worry, I have no doubt this shit alliance will only last till this current situation has been resolved and then his majesty will take swift action to bring the Devil King down before he has a chance to react."

Why am I not surprised to hear such talk from some of these people. Taking another good look around, I do indeed see some individuals that stand out for being clearly not human. Three goblins and a moblin looking guy who I had somehow missed with my previous scan of the room. They were chatting happily with a few other adventurers from the looks of it but were they unaware of the feelings some of these people were doing a piss poor job at hiding... assuming they wanted to hide it that is.

"Still, better to have those guys around than that blight upon the world. That mistake of the gods. What was his name again?"

"Don't blame you for remembering. Wish I could forget as well, honestly. I think it was... Satou Kazuma."

Eh? What was that about me... I mean, this timelines version of me?

"Yeah, that guy. At least those Devil King guys have some worth to them, unlike Kazuma. How did someone like him live so long and score himself three beauties as his party mates? Surely, they must have heard about him being a Void and all. Wonder how his condition was missed for so long? He should have been killed at birth like the law demands for Voids."

"Just forget about him. I'm betting those three only joined up with him out of desperation. Don't forget, they did have their own form of infamy about that. All that matters is that they eventually saw him for what he was and left his worthless ass. And even better, he went and..."

I fail to hear what was said next as I had quickly gotten up and was walking over to them; ready to give them an earful about badmouthing me... a version of me I mean. And just when I was about to reach them.

"I would ask you guys not to go around insulting that man like that. Especially given his current status."

"But why, Luna. Everyone knows what he was. He was a Void and the laws all the kingdoms share where Voids are concern pretty much encourage this kind of thing. Worse yet, he was calling himself a Satou which is even worse. To think that he would dare try to sully the noble name of the legendary hero like that."

"Just leave it man. You know as well as I that Luna here is a bleeding heart. Always feeling bad for the guy. Can't say I blame her there. After all, think about all the stuff he had to have missed out on because of his condition."

"Guess you're right. Must have sucked to be forever disconnected to the gifts this world gives us."

I just stand there as Luna looks at the men for a few more moments with disdain in her eyes as they had already gone back to doing their own thing. She then sighs before walking away back to the front. While I wanted to have my own words with these guys, I decide to instead follow after Luna.

Once we had reached the reception desk area, I quickly make sure we were alone before quickly moving forward and tapping Luna on the shoulder before she could walk back behind the counter. She stops and looks back at me while I decide to take a chance and pull my hood down.

"Yes, is there anything I... can... Kazuma?"

"Yeah, I'm Kazuma... in a sense. Mind telling me..."

I'm stopped as Luna suddenly silences me with a finger. Her eyes were wide, clearly confused before she quickly runs back over to the edge of the wall that divided the reception desk area to the main room of the guild. After checking around for something, she runs back over to me and quickly slides my hood back on to cover my face. She then says-

"What's going on here? Kazuma, you're suppose... you're supposed to be... well..."

"Yeah, about that. I was hoping you could answer a few questions I have here concerning that little detail. And in turn, I can answer a few for you as well. From the look on your face, I'm guessing you have one or two questions for me."

"It's going to be a little more than one or two there. Alright, let's talk... but not here."

Luna then carefully takes my hand and guides me back into the main room. As we go, I notice she makes a curious motion with her free hand while leading me down one of the darkened hallways. We soon reached a room that lacked a lit light. She opens the door and leads me inside.

No sooner had we taken a seat, the door opens and curious figure comes walking inside. He was tall, perhaps a little taller than I was. He was dressed head to toe in all black; his tunic and long-sleeved undershirt, his pants and boots, his gloves and cloak and hood with a mask that hid his eyes. The only visible skin on him was around his mouth and chin which had the early stages of a beard being grown.

Seeing as I had already dropped my hood, the newly arrived figure was looking at me; what I could manage to make out from his reaction being he was clearly taken aback my seeing me. He then turns his attention to Luna and says-

"I had been told he had died."

Say what? I'm supposed to be dead. Why am I suddenly being killed off here?

"I know, which is why I need to ask him some questions. Could you stand guard outside the door, Ranger. Make sure we aren't being spied on here."

The man called Ranger nods as he turns and leaves the room. Once the door was closed, I look back at Luna and ask-

"Friend of yours?"

"In a way, yes. Ranger is a, how do you say... a 'special agent' for the guild. He does things no one else can do. Things that we would like to keep out of the books and off the official records if you catch my meaning there. It's enough to say that he's someone I trust. Now, we have some things to talk about."

"Yeah, I guess we do. Mind telling me why those guys back there were saying such things about me, like calling me a Void? And what happened between me and my party to make them leave me?"

"You don't know... not even the meaning of the term Void. That's strange seeing as you can't use magic."

"Says who?"

I then hold out my hand and use a few Basic Magic spells as an example that I could use magic. Luna was clearly taken aback by this before finally saying-

"You... you actually can use magic spells. Who are you?"

"I don't mind telling you, but first..."

"No, I insist that you go first... if you want me to talk here."

"Yeesh, you're going to be more of a hassle than the Luna I know. Fine, guess there's no harm in telling you. Not like I was told to keep any of this secret anyways."

And so, I recounted the story of my life to Luna. Well, sort of. I didn't tell her about my life growing up in Japan or even about how I first came to Axel. I started my story right at the moment I first entered the guild from my timeline for the first time. How I met those who I would eventually form a party with and come to call friends... family.

I talked about our many adventures and accomplishments. While I didn't go into one-hundred percent detail on everything, I said just enough to get the overall point across. As I talked, I couldn't help but wonder if that Ranger person could also hear me out there. Didn't matter, I guess. If Luna trusted him then that was good enough for me here.

"... and so, while the others went off to take care of some special quest from the guild, I found myself being kidnapped by this Alice girl... unintentionally, I'm sure. We arrived in the ruins of Lairoh and after some walking, we reached your Axel. I got to meet with the princess Iris, and I decided to take some time to explore your Axel to see what was different which led me to the guild and our current situation."

I decided to leave out the part where I learned that Alice and Iris were one and the same as that may be one of those need-to-know basis kind of things here.

Luna nods as she takes time to process my words, then she asks me-

"Kazuma, I must admit I'm finding this all rather hard to believe here. I mean, I don't even understand this alternate timeline thing you spoke about."

"I honestly don't quite get it either, but I think if it's anything like what I've seen on... things from back home, I'd guess that it must work like this. Imagine a different timeline as being where things could have happened differently than what we know. These differences could be minor and more subtle or massive and world changing. For example..."

"One timeline could see you getting out of bed on the right side while another could be from the left side. You could also make use of the bathroom first then breakfast while another sees that reversed. As for an example of a more massive change; think of the world you know which has a very medieval like setting to it. Now imagine if your world was more futuristic without the presence of magic but instead everything was all about incredibly advanced technology. The kind of stuff that could make the Destroyer look a simple horse drawn wagon by comparison."

I'm not sure if I was doing a good job explaining it all to Luna but considering she was nodding as I spoke, I hoped she was understanding me here well enough. Once I was done, she says-

"Hm, not sure if I fully got what you were saying there but I'm confident I get the gist of it. Anyways, long story short is that due to some prophecy from the Crimson Demons and the words and aid of some mysterious guy, this Alice girl was sent by Iris to collect you and bring you back here to save us from the 'Calamity.' Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you, mister hero."

"Don't remind me. Anyways, I'll need to do it quick before my party gets back from their quest and finds me missing. You can't imagine the hell they'll raise if they can't find my quickly."

"I'll bet... something is weird to me though."

"What's that?"

"Well, the idea of the Crimson Demons sending us something their fortune teller isn't that hard to believe, even if the clan has gone missing as of late. Still, is it actually possible for them to see the source of our hope being located in an entirely different timeline than our own?"

Honestly, I've also been wondering about that. I mean, is that even possible; to find a chosen hero who's not even a part of your timeline? And what's this about the Crimson Demon's here being MIA? I'll need to ask Luna to tell me more about...

"Well, you've told me about your life, so I guess it's time for me to share with you the details I know concerning... well, YOUR life here with us."

"First, I think I should explain what it meant to call someone a Void. The term 'Void' is a derogatory term used to describe a person who lacks the presence of mana within their bodies. Because they lack mana, they can't use any form of magic, they can't make use of any skill. They can't even gain levels or skills points, nor can they even have a class card made up for themselves. All Healing magics won't work on them nor will any support and assist magic like Teleport. Some potions can work on them but in a very limited and specific capacity. In a world where one's mana level is a key factor to determine their individual worth within society, to have no mana at all would seem them being treated as being lesser than even the lowest of beast."

I see; because my counterpart here in this timeline was sent here without having their body adapted so that he could use mana and such, he was seen as being beneath all else in this world. I wonder why I was sent down here without being gifted mana. Perhaps in this timeline, no one from Earth is actually given mana but instead make up for that fact with the power of a Divine Relic or Sacred Power?

"Is being born a Void a common problem in your timeline?"

"It's rare; really-really rare actually. In fact, until I met the other you, I didn't even know a Void was an actual thing that could happen. I just assumed it was some old fable meant to make people feel blessed to have what they were born with in life."

Makes sense, I guess.

"Honestly, I felt bad for you when I found out. You see, the kingdoms of this world have some old law in place that concerns how to deal with Void's should they ever appear. If one is fond when they are still an infant, they are to be abandoned out in the wilds and left to die... for their own good, of course. As for older Void's, they are forbidden from engaging in certain rights everyone else has. They aren't allowed to marry or have families, nor can they get work in the city. If they wish to survive, they have to do so under their own power. If any are found to ignore this law and aid them will see those individuals punished greatly."

"Geez, what the hell? No offense, but this law your timeline has is really messed up, Luna."

"Honestly, I agree. Especially seeing as you had achieved so much good on our behalf. I had felt that something was strange about you when you were unable to forge your own adventurer's card; but I never could have guessed it was because of that. Back then, you had your party who could keep count of the monster kills with their cards as well as collect the rewards and when they left, I did what I could for you in secret as best I could until..."

"Let's wait just a bit before we go there. Despite how much its nagging at me to know what happened to me, seeing as it's a safe assumption that I dead. Please tell me about my party first. For one thing, why did they leave me? Was it because of me being a Void?"

"Maybe, but I think there was more going on as they knew you were a Void long before I found out, yet they stayed with you for a good while despite that truth. Give me a moment to recall what I can."

The wait was a short one.

"OK, let me first say that I don't know everything is full here. Just bits and pieces. If you want to get more context, you'll need to either speak to Darkness once she returns from helping his majesty with retaking the capital or maybe see if you can find Megumin though that may be hard, given her clan, while still maintaining regular communication with his majesty, have gone missing in the physical sense. You could also try to track down a thief named Chris. She was close to their group as she and..."

"I know who you're talking about. So, she and Darkness are all buddy-buddy here too."

"Right, anyways... it began with just you and Aqua. You came off as being a comically cynical guy while Aqua loved to party and drink and complain a lot. Usually about you for some reason. Megumin and Darkness soon came along, and you formed your famous... or should I say infamous party."

Honestly, I think both would work well. Glad to see I was friends with Megumin and Darkness here in this timeline too. Can't believe I got stuck with Aqua though. I must have really pissed someone off up there in Heaven to suffer that punishment. I wonder if I ever met Yunyun and Cielo and if so, did they join us as well?

"You four did many quests together and found yourselves having no small amount of... interesting adventure's, let's leave it at that. While your party experienced plenty of chaos, you also achieved a surprising number of victories too. Especially you, Kazuma; despite your Void status."

"Any examples you can give me?"

"Hm, let me see... ah. Well, there was a time this demon general was going to kill everyone in Axel because he felt he was being harassed by attacks on his base by someone who can use Explosion magic. (I smack his head) Somehow, you were able to talk him out of it and leaving us in peace."

"Then, when we learned that the Mobile Fortress Destroyer was approaching Axel, you found a way to get inside it, an act none have ever successfully achieved before and reprogrammed it to follow a path that would see it never come into contact with any village or town or city again."

"And then, when a mysterious illness appeared within the Crimson Demon village; a disease that caused the very mana within one's body to become like a lethal poison, you alone were able to head into the place where this sickness was coming from and not only did you save the Crimson Demons, but you also saved the whole world as everyone would have been infected eventually if nothing had been done."

Guess being stuck as a Void does have its uses after all. Who would have thought.

"You'd think these acts alone would at least make the masses be willing to give you a pass in life. Instead, it only made their disdain for you greater. Many have even said you arranged those incidents as a way to try to make everyone see you as a hero. Luckily, I've heard that you did become a hero in the eyes of the Crimson Demon clan at least. They don't follow the laws set forth by the kingdoms of the land. Being rebellious makes them feel special or so I recall hearing Megumin brag once."

Sounds like the Crimson Demon's. Glad to see they're just as crazy here as they are back home.

Now, for the big questions.

"Why did they leave me, Luna?"

"(sigh) Not long after you four returned from the Crimson Demon village, a famous adventurer named Mitsurugi Kyouya returned from an extended quest; one he had left on prior to my first meeting with you and Aqua."

Think I know where this is going.

"While catching up with some of the other adventurer's, he became aware of your party and became intrigued. A priestess who's healing power was said to be God-like in nature, a mage who could wield the devastating power of Explosion magic, and a Crusader who could tank any hit. Mitsurugi, in my dealings with him, always came off as a confident and cocky man who had a very high opinion of himself... not that it was well deserved. Since the day he had arrived, he was capable of killing any enemy he faced without issue. Hearing about those three, he decided he needed to add them to his team."

Sounds about right. I wonder if this Mitsurugi is as arrogant as the one I know or if he is even worse?

"He met with those three and had a talk with them. Not sure what he said to them but Aqua seemed to cave pretty easily, which is funny. Before he showed up, Aqua was known for saying things like "It has to be Kazuma who helps me defeat the Devil King or I can't go back home" and other such things. But after meeting with Mitsurugi, she started singing a different tune."

"I'm not sure about how Darkness and Megumin were talked into it, but I'm guess Darkness had her duty as a Knight used to convince her. As for Megumin; she was the most resistant and I'm told that it took a lot of arm twisting, guilt tripping, and no small amount of mind games to see her to ultimately agreeing. Between you and me, I believe Megumin may have been a little sweet on our Kazuma despite the law forbidding such a relationship."

"Anyways, they eventually left with Mitsurugi, and you tried to make do on your own. Something must have happened with them and Mitsurugi as they returned to Axel a few weeks later, having been 'fired' as I recall Aqua ranting. They tried to make a go of it as a three-person team. That didn't go well. They tried bringing in some new people to be their fourth. The newbies always left after doing one or two quest with them."

"Ultimately, they decided to break up and go their separate ways. Aqua ran off to Arcanretia to be with 'her people.' Darkness decided to accept an old offer she had received back when she first became an adventurer; that being to join the royal guard under the command of prince Jatis. And Megumin, from what I've been told, actually tore up her adventurer's card and quit this life, choosing to return home to her people."

"That brings us to the present. You already know about Darkness here. She's currently with the main force being led by his majesty and the king, alongside the Devil King and his daughter, on a mission to retake the capital and hopefully end the 'source of the Calamity.' Aqua's fate is unknown as she was in Arcanretia when the 'Calamity' first arrived. Currently, all who were there are missing, possibly dead. And as for Megumin? I'm assuming she's still with her clan, wherever they are right now. Just to let you know, there are some who think the Crimson Demons are the cause of this 'Calamity' which is why they're currently in hiding; doing so out of guilt or something."

"I see..."

I close my eyes and take a long moment to think about this. All of this as there was a lot to take in. I really wish one of them was here so I could get some additional context as I have so many questions. Maybe when Darkness returns or perhaps, I should ask Luna if she knows where Chris is. Maybe she can answer at least some of my questions? But, before that, there was still one more thing I needed to ask about.

"How did I die, Luna? What happened to me, and do you know if I was still alive when they came back after leaving me?"

Luna hesitates for a moment before finally saying-

"Yeah, about that. You see, Kazuma... what happened to you... it was..."

A sudden alarm sound rings out loudly in the air followed by an announcement-

[Attention-attention, a large number of 'Calamity' have appeared just outside the north gate. All Knights, Adventurer's, and able-bodied fighters please proceed to the north gate to defend the city.]

"Looks like we'll need to continue this later."

Luna nods as we both get up. As soon as we stepped outside, I found myself being joined by Ranger as the two of us headed out along with the other fighters present to join with the north gates defense.

Once we had arrived, Ranger had me follow him up a flight of stairs. We soon emerge up atop the city's walls where several others had gathered while many more awaited the actions down below. I look at Ranger and ask him-

"Why'd you bring me up here?"

"It'll be a good idea to see if we can determine the numbers of our enemies' forces. From that, we can decide if we'd serve everyone better up here or down there."

Makes sense, I guess. I then turn my gaze towards the enemy, finally getting to see these 'Calamity' for what they really were. Imagine seeing the outward shape of a creature but with no regular detail. Instead, they had a core of dark light that had a violet hue coming from the core that gradually turned into a dark purple by the time it reached the edge of their individual shape and glowing violet purple eyes.

I then scan the fighter we had on our side. I see Taylor and Keith again. Ah, there's Lynn and Dust and... wait, it can't be.

"Verdia and Hans? What are they doing here? Shouldn't they be..."

"Why wouldn't they be here? Our boss ordered them to stay behind and protect this city and that's what they'll do... what we all will do."

I go stiff as the voice I had just heard was also a familiar one to me. I look back and sure enough, it was...

"Say, don't you I know you from somewhere? You look familiar, stranger."

"Sylvia, glad to see you come out of your little research station. So, can you give us an idea as to how many we have to deal with here?"

Thankfully, Sylvia is quick to look away from me as she does as Ranger asked and gives the field of enemies a long, hard look. I really hope she doesn't recognize me as... well, ME here. I don't know what her history with the other me was, if there was anything, but I know I don't want to be tentacled again.

"Hm, I'm counting well over a thousand. Unexpected given our forces should be attacking the capital now. Perhaps they were sent here to attack us while we were in a more vulnerable state?"

"Who knows... but with a force this large, then there must be an 'avatar' somewhere within that group who's leading those 'vessels.'"

"Avatar?"

"LOOK, SOMEONE'S STEPPING OUT THERE."

came a shout that made the three of us turn to see that there was indeed a figure emerging.

It wasn't like the other creatures. No, this figure; the 'avatar' most likely, was very much human in appearance except their skin was stone gray with hair of jet black while the armor this person wore seemed to be corrupted in some way; covered in all manner of veiny looking growth.

And worse of all... this person was very familiar to me.

"Well, guess we know how the attack against the capital is going, assuming it's even still going on now."

said Sylvia as Ranger shakes his head.

"This is definitely going to make things more complicated now."

I myself could only look on in shock and sadness as I subconsciously said the name of this person aloud.

"Darkness..."

{Insert Image 2}

{|} to be continued... {|}

Image 1: Princess Iris standing nervously before Kazuma

Image 2: Darkness (Avatar) walking out into view from the forces of the 'Calamity.'