Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

43. A9-3: Princess and Adventurer

AN: The title of this chapter is inspired by the title of the poem: 'The Walrus and the Carpenter' but to any who know the nature of the poem, rest assured that the title is the only thing being inspired here.

{|} Chapter 3: The Princess and the Adventurer {|}

{|} Part 1: Avatar Darkness {|}

The air was tense outside the Northern Gate of Axel.

On the side of the city were the gathered adventurer's, city guards, and the forces of the demon army that had been left behind to help aid in the protection of the city from any sudden attacks by the forces of the 'Calamity.'

And opposite them, was a large number of those very forces; at least a thousand strong. With bodies of chaotic energy with a core of white that shifted to violet then purple while taking the shape of various creatures: such as Lycans, Kelpi, and Wendigo beast just to name a few.

And from out of their numbers walked no other than Darkness herself. Once known as Dustiness Ford Lalatina, the once noble heiress now slave to the mysterious 'source' that commanded the 'Calamity' approached the gathered defenders before coming to a stop as if waiting for them to make the first move here.

To those who knew her by reputation, the sight of lady Dustiness having been turned into a thrall for the enemy was unthinkable. How she must be weeping inside at the knowledge that she had been made into one of the 'sources' subservient vessels; an avatar for it to control.

And for those who knew Darkness the person mentally wondered and quietly debated amongst themselves the likely hood that this hopeless crusader was seriously getting off in this whole affair, despite the shame she would also be feeling at this time.

Above, standing from a safer position alongside the more ranged defenders, was no other than myself, Satou Kazuma here. I know I was wondering just how much Darkness was secretly enjoying being someone's unwilling slave despite the situation... assuming of course this Darkness was anything like the Darkness I knew.

I then realize something important here. There are a few missing individuals for this defense of the city.

"Sorry, dumb question here. Has anyone seen the princess Iris anywhere? What about her two bodyguards as well? Will any of them be joining us?"

Not surprisingly, both Ranger and Sylvia turn to give me a surprised look before Sylvia says-

"Why would any of them bother themselves with aiding in the defense of this city. Don't you know anything about those snooty blue-blood types? They're only going to focus on keeping themselves safe. That's one of the reasons why the previous war was started to begin with."

Wait, seriously? That can't be right. I mean, sure... there are likely many within both the nobility and the royal family that might feel that way, but I doubt either Iris or Rain do. Also, didn't the king and the prince go off to slay the big bad not too long ago?

Perhaps she had properly guessed my thoughts, Sylvia quickly adds-

"If you're thinking that the king and prince's current actions prove my statement wrong, just consider that maybe what they're doing is just wanting to retake their capital, their castle, their home from the enemy. While going after the source is important and all, don't you think it would serve us better to liberate other places that have fallen into the 'Calamity's' hands first?"

I honestly couldn't think of a retort for that in the moment. Luckily, I didn't have too as Ranger said-

"You're not wrong, Sylvia, but let's try to keep in mind YOUR king and his daughter have opted to aid OUR king and prince with their mission to retake the capital and all that lies within. That means they are of the same mindset when all is said and done when it comes to priority and importance."

"Or they just went along to babysit your people."

Ranger stares at Sylvia for a moment more before looking at me and says-

"Just so you know, I'm confident both princess Iris and lady Rain would like nothing more than to be out here with the defenders. But... you have met with lady Claire earlier."

"Say no more. I'm guessing she's having them hang back so as 'to protect the populace should we defenders fail at doing our job here?' Something like that."

"Pretty much that."

That figures. Oh well, at least the people inside the walls will be in good hands then. Hopefully, Anna will stay with the princess and Rain. If she were here, I hate to think the trouble she might cause as she isn't exactly ready to assist in something like this.

It was just then that I heard-

"What the... is that Darkness; the shameful perverted disgrace of a knight?"

"And here we have someone being an idiot."

said Sylvia in a deadpan tone. I also heard Ranger let out an annoyed sigh as I turn my gaze out onto the battlefield where I see someone from within the gathered forces walking out into the open. Behind him, several others try to stop him and pull him back, but he shrugs their attempts off while beginning to walk towards Darkness.

His was a familiar figure; the one adventurer who was always saying things that pissed Megumin off. Seems like this version of him was just as stupid as the one from back home.

I could hear Dust yell something out, meaning he was here somewhere within the crowd though I couldn't see him. He was asking if the fool had a death wish or something. Like with the physical attempts at stopping him, the idiot ignored Dust words.

"Say, shouldn't someone... I don't know, be running out there to stop him and drag him back."

"And give the 'avatar' a reason to commence the attack? If he wants to suffer the same fate as others who acted so foolishly, then let him. A few extra moments will be to our benefit here."

said Sylvia which makes me look at here. Ranger then says-

"Just watch. If you really are the one that's meant to end this threat, then observe and see just exactly what it is you're up against."

As much as I wanted to disagree, I understood and kept my eyes on the scene.

On a personal note, if not for the fact this was one of the people from back home who was on my shit list, I might have jumped down there to save him myself. But because this version of him seemed to be a lot like the one I knew; I figured let him reap what he sows and all that.

The guy finally reaches Darkness, giving her a long hard stare before saying-

"What's wrong, pervert knight. Not going to say anything there. What about I talk smack about your family, huh? About how your mom was weak, and you dad was a fool. How about that you are a total disgrace to your name and your class."

"Moron, what are you thinking? She has the authority to have you killed on the spot, you know."

came a shout from the gathered defenders.

Instead of an immediate response, he instead does something really unexpected. He reaches out with both his hands and presses them against the metal plating that covered her breast upon the armor. This gets more than a few screams of him being a true idiot.

"Damn, you really do have some nice ass tits on you. Shame this armor is in the way here otherwise we could have some real fun. Between just the two of us, I've always wanted to molest this vixen body of yours. What do you say, want to give the audience behind us a little show instead of a battle?"

"Idiot, are you drunk? You are, aren't you. Just how many drinks did you have before the alarm went off?"

The guy rolls his eyes before looking back at everyone.

"How many? Um... I stopped counting at five. No matter, check it out. She must have really been done dirty by the enemy if she's letting me do all..."

The guy didn't get to finish as a blast of dark energy explodes against his back. His eyes go wide from shock as he collapses to his knees and would have likely fallen to the ground if not for Darkness grabbing him by his long and greasy hair.

She then uses her free hand to grab him from under his chin before tilting his head upwards, so he was looking directly up at her. She then uses his other hand, the one that had previously grabbed his hair to force open his mouth and keep it propped open.

And then the scary and disturbing part happened.

A line appears upon Darkness' forehead that opens like a third eye. But instead of a normal looking eye, this one has the darkest of energy making it up as she tilts her head downwards and from what I could see, lines up this third eye so it is hovering right over his open mouth.

And then an ooze like excretion in the form of tear drops leaks out from the third eye into his open mouth. One drop, two drops, three then four and five, six, and finally seven. Once the seventh had entered his mouth, and probably forcibly swallowed, she lets him go and he collapses onto the ground in a coughing and hacking fit.

And as all of this was happening, it started to come over me again; that sensation in which my head started to hurt. A pain that was growing stronger and stronger with each passing moment till I had to bring my hand to my head in an attempt to bring some comfort and relief to myself.

Just like what had happened when we encountered that possessed Rookie Killer in the ruins of Velian.

"You OK?"

asked Ranger, his hand resting upon my shoulder. While his face wasn't something I could get a read on, the concern in his voice was more than enough. Before I could answer...

That fool of a man let out a horrendous scream as his arms hug his body tightly. He writhes and spasms violently on the ground as everyone on both sides watch on. Glowing cracks appear on his body, spreading quickly. He then looks to the other defenders, his glowing eyes pleading for help.

And then his body explodes in a blast of dark energy, leaving nothing of him behind.

Darkness looks at the spot he had been at for a few moments more before looking at all of us and finally speaks for the first time. Her voice was hollow and empty and had a feeling like someone else was speaking through her to address us.

[He wasn't worthy. Perhaps some of you will be!]

And with that, the beast behind here... the so called 'vessels' began their attack.

{|} Part 2: The Battle for Axel Begins {|}

"Fascinating; to see an actual attempt at a corruption being made by a servant of the 'Calamity'... I'm so glad I came out here to observe this battle now."

"Is now really the time for that? We do have a rather serious situation going on here after all."

I shouted at Sylvia who ignores my words as she was too busy being inside her own thoughts to care.

"That's not exactly how it happens."

said Ranger, getting the both of us to turn our attentions onto him. Sylvia then says with curiosity-

"Explain."

"In my travels for the guild, I have seen several instances where normal beast have been attacked and converted into mindless 'vessels' for the 'Calamity's' use. In those instances, the process was done though the act of biting them and letting some kind of venom be introduced in that manner into their bodies through the bite wounds. The question to consider here is can an 'Avatar' convert a humanoid like ourselves in the manner we just saw or was that outcome already doomed to fail."

"I see. A most curious question that is. Can an 'Avatar' corrupt someone, or does it actually have to be done directly by the source? This will require much research to answer."

"If I had to guess, I'd say with these 'Avatar' things there would be a possibility of failure in the corruption whereas the 'source' itself can probably convert anyone and anything without issue."

A noticeable vein had appeared on me, I could feel it, as I shouted out to those two-

"Can't you both ponder and speculate on this topic later? Right now, we have more important things to be worrying about."

They both give me a look, not that I really cared as I had already turned my attention back to where it needed to be; the enemy force that was preparing to attack us. But even more than that, I gaze was being focused specifically on one piece of that force... Darkness.

I had so many questions here; like why was Darkness with them? Wasn't she supposed to be with the army being led by the king and all, having gone to confront the 'Calamity' directly and retake the capital, possibly even end this problem if everyone was lucky.

Is the fact Darkness being here now, looking like she does, mean that the attack had not only failed, but that the king, the prince, and everyone else had been captured and converted? Even the Devil King himself?

Just as I was about to voice that question... a new and rather potent blast of pain comes into my mind; hitting me so hard that I nearly collapse onto the ground. Actually, if not for Ranger taking notice and reacting quickly enough to catch me, I probably would have.

"Hey, you OK there... Satou Kazuma?"

"Satou Kazuma? But isn't he supposed to be..."

I heard Sylvia say in confusion. Despite the pain I was feeling, I could still see... sort of if having one's vision being all blurry and distorted like mine was at the moment. And from what I could see, I knew Sylvia's gaze was shifting from me to Ranger here, probably looking for an answer from one of us.

I then finally heard Ranger say to her-

"Don't know the full story myself but from what I overheard him say before; it seems some stranger showed up and sent the princess to another timeline and recruited him and brought him back here to help save the world as one does. According to that stranger, and the fortune teller from the Crimson Demons, he has some kind of power inside him that can counter the 'Calamity' or something."

"Interesting, I don't suppose you would mind if you came back with me to my lab later for a detailed examination, would you? I would love to see what this so-called power of yours is all about."

"Sorry, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. No offense, but let's just say I can't bring myself to trust you, lady."

Can anyone blame me here? I mean, after what I had to put up with from the Sylvia in my timeline, there's no way I'll ever trust any Sylvia from any timeline. Even if I hear that she's the nicest of people, there's still no way I ever would.

"Hm, such a pity. Perhaps it's for the best. After all, with how you're reacting right now..."

Hate to think this but you do have a point. Why am I having this reaction here? And this isn't the first time either. Back when we encountered that 'Vessel' Rookie Killer, I also suffered a severe and painful headache. Is there something about me and this 'Calamity' that are connected to cause this to happen.

Can't believe I'm thinking this but maybe I should...

"Heads up everyone. Something's happening?"

came a shout from one of the defenders below. The three of us turned to see that I wasn't the only one who appeared to be having issues here. Darkness also seemed to being suffering a little as her body swayed back and forth while both hands were gripped her head firmly.

"What's wrong with her?"

I heard the voice of Lynn say loudly. To help me out here, I activated my Enhanced Hearing skill. I then hear Keith suggest-

"Is it possible that Darkness is fighting against the thing that's taken over her body?"

"No, that's not it. There's something else wrong here."

came Verdia's voice as I was able to see him come to stand before them. I then turn my attention to Darkness and focus hard to see if I could hear her say anything.

[What is... an interference? Something is here that's... agitating me]

Darkness then stands tall as she steps back a few steps before holding out her dominate hand.

"Everyone, get ready. The battle is about to begin."

shouts Hans as Darkness balls her open and outstretched hand into a fist. The moment she did that...

All the 'vessels' charge forth. No sound was made; perhaps because their current status didn't allow them to do so but no matter. Hundreds upon hundreds of beasts pushed forth, heading towards the gathered defenders who all shout out a battle cry as they go to meet their foe in battle.

By now, I had managed to get myself together; having braced myself against the railing of the outer wall so Ranger could grab a nearby bow and had joined other archers and mages who had gathered up here to perform long ranger attacks as support.

The battle quickly turned chaotic as I saw many adventurer's and city guards get cut down quickly. Likewise, many of the enemy were also being killed, if you could call it a death. From what I could see, it looked like the place to hit was as close to the 'core' within their strange body so you could pierce it.

Verdia was doing an especially amazing job, using his Over Gaze to slaughter multiple foes at once. And in between usages, both Taylor and Dust would join him to make sure he was being taken down before he could act again while Keith and Lynn offered additional help from a little bit behind them.

I wonder why they aren't up here with the rest of the mages and archers. Perhaps it's because they would rather be close to their friends if they had the option to choose. I then turn my attention to Hans, seeing he had made plenty of space with the other defenders so he could morph into his 'Slime King' form. Currently, he was consuming hordes of enemies with little effort... however...

I was noticing that his massive slime body was beginning to change color. Before, it had a red-violet and blackish hue but now there were parts of him that was slowly shifting to a grayish color.

"That's not good."

"Hm, what is... supposedly Satou Kazuma?"

Supposedly? What do you mean by... never mind. Now's not the time to get distracted.

"It's Hans. I can see he's absorbing those 'vessels' into himself, eating them if you will. But it looks like the act of doing that is slowly causing him to change color. I'm hoping I'm wrong here, but I'm worried that he's..."

"That he's slowly being corrupted as a result of his actions. Is that what you're thinking?"

"Pretty much, yeah. Guess there's no reason to worry seeing as you aren't here."

"Oh, there's plenty of reason to worry seeing as your observation is quite on the mark there."

"Come again?"

"Poor Hans is risking himself by eating them as digesting them within his body has that risk present. Don't worry, I'm sure so long as he doesn't go overboard, he'll be fine as he can just segment a piece of himself off from the main body in order to escape a full corruption here."

Yeah, I'm so confused right now. Maybe that's why Sylvia then says-

"Slimes aren't like you or I here. Their consciousness is spread over their entire being. Should the main body be in danger of being destroyed or, in this case, corrupted, they can splinter a piece of themselves off from the main body and continue living on. It'll take both time and a lot of consuming on their parts but give them enough time, they'll eventually return to their previous forms. In other words, this isn't the first time he's done this, and I doubt it will be the last."

I see... I think. Does that mean the Hans from my timeline could actually still be alive as well? If so, then I owe him not only my thanks for what he did for us but also a knuckle sandwich to the face for making us think he did a heroic sacrifice there.

I then hear Sylvia, who had returned her gaze onto the battlefield, say-

"Strange, why hasn't the 'Avatar' done anything yet?"

Curious, I look to see that Sylvia was correct. Darkness hadn't appeared to have moved even in the slightest since ordering the attack to begin.

"Is it possible that, as the leader of the force, she needs to hang back and do some sort of mental commanding of them like a general does in battle?"

"Possibly... but I don't think that's the case here. Look carefully. Doesn't it seem like she's searching for something. Perhaps trying to determine what caused her little freak out just a few minutes ago."

Was that the case here? If that's what she was doing, then what would happen once she found it.

A sudden realization comes over me. Both me and Darkness had both suffered at the same time. Was it possible that what was happening to me and what happened to her were connected somehow? If so, then what could that mean here?

Was it possible that perhaps this 'source' I keep hearing about could somehow be...

"You're having some interesting thoughts right now, are you not? Wish to share them with me."

"I could do that, yes. But how about instead of telling you, I show you instead. That is the reason you came out here, isn't it. To watch and observe? I believe that's what you told Ranger earlier."

"Correct. Well then, I'll be sure to watch your actions closely then, supposedly Satou Kazuma."

I send her a quick scowl before saying-

"And when I'm done down there, I'll be back to have a little talk with you about that supposedly shtick you're going on about. Anyways, care to help me out here... Ranger?"

I quickly notice that while me and Sylvia were talking, Ranger had suddenly gone all MIA here.

"Don't be surprised by that. After all, there's a reason why that Runa... I think that's her name, the girl from the guild looks to him to handle all the covert and sneaky quest that the guild needs done. The sorts of things they'd rather not become known to the public. And trust me, he is VERY good at his job. So much so that his name had become known to us of the Demon Army prior to the 'Calamity's' first appearance."

"OK, good to know, I guess. Anyways... time to go say high to good friend of mine."

I then do something rather rash, perhaps even foolish. I jump down to the ground from atop the wall. Not the smartest action in hindsight as I need to take a few moments to heal several broken bones because of that action.

Luckily, that only takes a few moments before I was back on my feet and even luckier for me, no one had seen me be an idiot there. Good thing too as that would have forced me to die from embarrassment.

I then run out onto the battlefield, passing both ally and enemy by as I head towards Darkness.

"Wait, was that... Kazuma?"

I'm pretty sure I heard Lynn say those confusion filled words, but I didn't have time to stop and explain anything to them. Once I had cleared the combatants, I came to a stop a few feet before Darkness and the two of us were finally face to face again.

{|} Part 3: Kazuma vs 'Avatar' Darkness {|}

'Avatar' Darkness, upon seeing me, immediately stopped her search of the battlefield and locked her gaze solely onto me. She was now looking at me intently, studying me closely. Was it because something within her mind recognized me or was it something to do with this 'source' I had been hearing about?

Just as I go to open my mouth to say something to her-

"Say, what's going on? Why have all the monsters suddenly stopped attacking?"

I wanted to look back and see if what I had just heard was true, but I would be an idiot to turn my eyes away from an opponent; especially as one as dangerous as a mind-controlled Darkness. Besides, I made that little goof earlier when facing Claire. If nothing else, I don't make the same mistake twice in a single day at least.

"That's not the strangest thing here. Check out who's got the balls to go up against the leader there."

"Is that... hey guys, check it out. That Void guy is still alive."

"Impossible. He did the world a favor and died, remember. That guy must be a look-a-like or something."

"Sure looks like 'Void-boy' if you ask me. Anyone wanted to place bets on just how quick he's going to die this time?"

I found a twitch had developed for me as I listened to what was being said though I try to ignore it. At least I wasn't hearing any familiar voices talking smack about me; the other me I mean, behind my back so I could easily ignore it. Yeah, I could easily...

"Hey Darkness, we know you're all possessed and all right now. But if hurry up and kill that magic-less, skill-less, talent-less, mana-less, useless THING there, we'll be willing to work out a deal with your..."

By now, my whole body was shaking with an ever-building rage. The more that I heard said, the more I not only felt bad for my poor dead counterpart here, but the more I wanted to give them something new to talk about.

"Guys, now is not the time to be talking like that. Instead of focusing on that guy who looks like Kazuma, how about you hurry up and help us with killing the enemy while they're just standing here doing nothing and letting us do as we please."

I heard Lynn say... I think? My mind was honestly right at the razors edge and only needed a little push to-

"Guess the rumors were true, after all. The freak girl with the tail really was giving it to void-boy. We all know what that..."

OK, that works as the push. I honestly didn't hear anything else that may have been said, like the possibly embarrassed reply that Lynn would have made or her team coming to her defense or anything else. All I could hear were my own thoughts and feelings and they were all telling me to do one thing now. I raised a hand directly towards the cloudy sky and shout out as loudly as I could-

"LIGHTING!"

Perhaps it had been because of the pure rage roaring through me or perhaps I had tapped into my demi-mana without realizing it... or it may have honestly been both. Regardless, I had unleashed a massive blast of lightning magic into the sky causing the clouds above to surge with power, possibly for miles all around us.

There was a pause mixed with a long stunned quiet before I heard Dust's voice asking the obvious-

"Did... did Kazuma just unleash a magic spell?"

"Yeah, I think so. And a pretty powerful one at that."

adds Keith. A third voice then chimes in, one of the ones that had started the whole pissing me off rage.

"But... but... that's impossible. It goes against everything we as a society know about Voids."

"Yeah, what he said. Voids can't use magic. That defies all Void born rules."

Not wanting a repeat of all that again, I spin around and look at everyone as I shout out-

"Maybe I was never actually a Void to begin with? Did anyone ever think about that, huh? Maybe I was just keeping my power about as low-key as anyone could ever hope to do here. Now, do me a solid here, all of you. Just shut up, focus on killing the army of invading monsters then you can watch as I knock some fucking sense into Darkness here."

I'm not sure what most of them were thinking and feeling, but I could see some looked embarrassed while others seemed to be taken aback to really do anything without something to motivate them. But they finally started working on killing the so called 'vessels' which was doing something at least.

Side mental note: I can't help but find it weird that those 'vessels' have spent the entire time just standing there, looking at me. It's honestly a little creepy.

No matter; at least my counterpart can rest a little easier now that I have given his disgraced name a new lease on life. Actually, that's not a bad idea while I'm here. I'll see if I can change how history, or at least the people currently alive, view him before it's time to return home.

[Satou... Kazuma... is it really you?]

And then I recall what it was I had just done. I turn back to look at Darkness, probably with an embarrassed and sheepish looking expression on my face as I had ended up doing the very thing I said I wasn't going to do again today... and just moments after having had that thought too.

[I had heard... that you had died.]

"Sorry to disappoint you. As you can see, reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated (sort of)."

[So it would seem. You will... return with me at once.]

Return with you? And where exactly would I be returning too, I wonder. To this 'source' I would imagine. While that could make things a little easier here, to say nothing of accelerating my ability to get back home and all, I'm afraid that's a risk I'm not ready to take here yet.

After all, I still have a few days available before the girls get back. Plenty of time really.

"Your offer is a tempting one, Darkness. Here's a counteroffer, you give up and come back with me and we'll see if we can't get you back into being your old self. No offense, but you're looking all pale and mind controlled here."

[I never said... you had an option. You WILL come with me.]

Darkness then holds her arm out before me, the gauntlet of the strange armor she was wearing glowing before this ooze like substances leaks out, moving into her open hand where it takes on the shape of a blade. To be more specific, a rather massive broad sword; the kind that would make certain MC's in Japanese style RPG's blush and feel giddy at the prospect of wielding.

She then takes up a battle stance but otherwise, just stands there; possibly awaiting me to draw my own weapon and perhaps allowing me to make the first move here. If that's the case, then I really must thank her properly for that.

"A fight, is it? Sure, we can do this like that. Darkness, if you're still in there and I personally know that you are, and can both see and hear me, then I must apologize ahead of time as I'm going to have to get REAL rough with you here. Knowing you, you're probably going to like it that way."

Perhaps it had just been my imagination here, but I could have sworn I saw her arm shake ever so slightly. Anyways, while my current weapon was hardly fit for a fight like this; I'm pretty sure it'll be snapped in half if I allow a blade against blade moment here. No matter as I don't need to fight in a direct way. She has power on her side, but I have the speed advantage, so I just need to get in close and...

I then realize something as I go to grab my temporary short sword; I don't have it on me right now. But why wouldn't... GOD DAMN IT!

I left that damn thing back in the little arena me and Claire had our dual in.

[Did you not bring a weapon with you? How... unlike you, Kazuma]

"Shut up. I... I did that intentionally. For someone as powerful as I am, there's no need for a weapon."

Yeah, I also have my magic. Seeing as everyone sees me as a Void here, I can catch this Darkness by surprise and...

[Going to use your newfound ability to use magic against me? Please... show me how you're grown]

Eh, but how do you know... oh GOD DAMN IT! I grab my head as I scream out in annoyance.

"Seriously, what is going on with me here? I'm not supposed to be this forgetful and stupid here. I'm the smart one in the group, the guy who comes up with those last-minute strategies that saves us when the girls go do something stupid. Damn it, I need my girls here so they can be the ones making the mistakes again."

Seriously, was I really so hopeless without them around? This feeling is almost as bad as having a girl tell you that you're small... not that I have ever had that happen to me before. Nope, never... not even once.

Seeing that Darkness was still standing there, waiting for me, makes me quickly and forcibly refocus my thoughts in order to cool my head down a little.

OK, let's think about this. I have no weapon and the main advantage I could have used here I was an idiot and revealed just moments ago. I know I still have three cords left I can use with bind alongside my currently available magic spells and non-weapon required skills. There's also my trump card but I would rather save that for my eventual fight against this 'source' if possible, if only to keep it in the dark about my full capabilities here.

And then there's Darkness, having been turned into an 'Avatar' by this 'source.' Is the 'source' controlling her, is Darkness a brainwashed puppet, is there anything of Darkness still inside her body? I don't know but I shouldn't go for the kill here if I can avoid it. Alright, I think I'm ready.

"Let's do this, Satou Kazuma..."

OK, let's... How should I play this? If this Darkness is anything like the Darkness I know, then she can't hit anything to save her life though I must consider that in her current state, that may no longer be thing. Also, I must assume her defensive capabilities are as strong as the Darkness I know. Guess that leaves me with just one option here...

I need to restrict and contain her. I grab onto the first of the three cords and...

"Bind."

Immediately, the cord flies from my hand and quickly wraps itself around Darkness who simply looks down at it then back at me with a look that pretty much said "Are you serious?" Least I think that's what the look she sent my way was, not that it mattered as that was only the start to this combination.

"Create Water... Lightning."

Darkness is quickly doused by the torrent of water I had blasted her with. I then immediately follow that up with Lightning; the hope here is that the combination of the two would trigger a paralysis state, It may not last long if it does, but I didn't need to to either.

Seeing sparks of electricity traveling across her body, I assume that must have worked. But I wasn't done yet as I send off a second blast of Create Water to once again leave her soaked, then shouting out...

"Freeze."

Darkness, or the 'source' controlling her, goes wide eyed before the ice spell slams into her, entrapping her within a Darkness shaped block of ice. But that wasn't the end of it as it was time to try out another intermediate level magic spell but with a bit of a twist to it. A Satou Kazuma original one could say.

"Create Earth: Coffin."

Under normal conditions, one would use this spell to create a golem like entity to either attack, defend, or perform a very specific action or set of actions. But I had learned from the old man who had taught me both beginner and intermediate level magic that golems weren't the only option when it came to Create Earth. The only limitation was in the mind of the user and their ability to manipulate their own mana to help give the thing being created its specific shape and function.

I watch as the earth around the frozen Darkness came to life; rising up to cover the ice in a combination of ground and stone till it had taken on the form of a giant coffin, hence the name. Now, for the most crucial part.

I take the remaining two cords and send them out to Bind the coffin of earth. And now, for the final piece. I make a quick motion with my hands, doing as Chris had shown me before leaving for her most recent venture had pulled her way. She had told me that this little trick was to be used in combination with Bind; the function being to add a little seal that would amplify the power of the binds exponentially. And the name of this skill, not surprisingly, was...

"Seal."

I watch as the magical seal forms at the point where the two cords crossed. I just stare at the earth coffin I had trapped Darkness in for a few moments before I realize I hadn't breathed in who knows how long. I then take in a deep breath as I feel my knees try to give out beneath me.

While I doubted that this was a permanent fix for this immediate problem, maybe it would hold Darkness long enough for someone to find a way to save Darkness from the influence of this 'source.' I just wasn't sure if I wanted to put any trust into Sylvia here as there was no doubt she was going be involved with giving Darkness a little look over.

I look back at the other defenders, happy to see they were doing pretty good with taking down all the 'vessels' Darkness had brought with her. From what I could tell, there were less than a hundred left: definitely less than two hundred. Despite that, I call out to everyone and say-

"If anyone's available, I could use some help with..."

The sound of cracking makes me stop as I quickly turn back and watch as my little temporary prison for Darkness shattered like glass. She then looks at me, the slightest of smiles appearing on her as she says-

[That was interesting. Anything else you want to try before... it's my turn.]

Darkness then reforms her weapon which had dispersed, when I had starting entrapping and sealing her, if I had to guess. She then brings her weapon up to the ready. She was probably planning on attacking me the moment I made my next move...

Or now as at the very moment, Darkness charges at me; moving towards me with a speed that made it look like she wasn't wearing the bulky heavy armor that she was wearing. For a second, a split second, I consider just staying in place as I was counting on her famous ability to never land her attack would shine through here once again.

Instead, I dodge at the last second and a good thing too as I would have been sliced clean in half otherwise. As I go to make some additional space between me and Darkness, she turns her head my way; a small yet intimidating smile forming on her. To be honest, it scared me something fierce.

She then goes swinging her blade at me relentlessly, forcing me back and further back still. And yet, each swing would never actually land a hit. It would come close, sometimes much too close to my liking, but it was always just managing to miss hitting me. Despite that, Darkness never lost the smile on her face which could only mean one thing here; she was toying with me.

I needed to think quickly. I did have an idea on what to do next and while I was already prepared to turn this idea into action, there was just one problem. I couldn't take action while we were standing so close... at least not for the first part anyways. But just how do create some needed space between us?

Just then, a Fireball impacts the back of Darkness' body, causing her to jerk forward ever so slightly. I turn my head and see that the source of the Fireball had been Lynn. I give her a thumbs up before pulling back from Darkness, creating some much-needed space as she was momentarily distracted.

I then bring my hands together as I concentrate my mana between them, then slowly pull them apart ever so slightly to reveal a small orb of spiraling black and white light. This little number I had here was one of my, sort of, original creations. Specifically, the spell I was creating to be given to Komekko once she was older and prepared for the responsibility that came with this.

Of course, being Megumin's little sister, I can't help but question if Komekko will ever be truly prepared for that responsibility but what can one do. Anyways, I better make sure to hold back the power of this thing. Even if that situation was creating an optimal testing ground for the spell, to use it at full power could kill Darkness or so my previous test of what this spell could do had indicated.

I then call out to Darkness, making her turn to look at me again.

"Darkness... please don't let yourself get killed by this."

I then launch the small ball at her, making her cock her head in curiosity. I'm guessing she, and the 'source,' had never seen anything like this. She then brings her sword up and sends it slashing outwards with the likely intention of... doing something, striking it, blocking it, batting it away. Who knows? Didn't really matter as the moment the ball of magic and the blade impacted together...

The ball of magic grows into an ever-growing sphere of magic; a sphere of pitch-black filling with an uncountable number of little lights moving around within the sphere at such a speed that it looked like the motion of stars when a spaceship was traveling at light speed in many sci-fi shows and movies.

The ground crumbled as the sphere touch the ground, growing to be around fifteen to twenty feet in diameter. I just stand there; watching and waiting as I counted down the time limit I had built into the spell before it would end. I also allow myself a moment to marvel at the spell in action in this manner.

No doubt Komekko was going to love this spell here in the future when it came time for her to inherit it.

And then, at the right time, the spell dissolved to reveal Darkness who had collapsed down onto one knee. She was looking rather ragged with the dark armor mostly destroyed, revealing bare skin save for her most personal areas and a few other spots on her. And... she was bleeding though not with red blood but some kind of purple ooze in place of actual blood.

I hated that I had done this to her, but I couldn't think of anything else. And now, for what I hoped will be the last move I have to play against Darkness. I run forward, placing my hand onto her surprised face as I activate...

"Drain Touch."

{|} Part 4: A Talk with "Her" {|}

I was sitting in what I was assuming was some kind of waiting room here inside a local medical facility. Of course, I use the term 'medical facility' rather loosely as, given the fact Sylvia was the one in charge of this place, I'm sure this place is more of a laboratory than an actual hospital like structure.

Currently, Darkness was being examined by Sylvia, Rain, and several other highly skilled arch priest and doctors. As I had expected, Claire hadn't allowed Iris to come join in the defense of the city; instead having her take shelter alongside the rest of the populace in order to "protect" them should the enemy get past the defenders and breach the city walls and find the civilian shelter.

And, of course, Claire had remained by the princess' side in order to "keep her safe." In my personal opinion, she just didn't want to join in the fight unless she had no other choice. Rain had pretty much in in the same boat as Iris; being made to take join the civilians in order to "protect them."

Now I'm not saying that Claire is a coward here. Not at all especially as I can think of so many other things to say about her; things I could call her. In fact, I think I can understand where her mindset is on this matter. Also, perhaps her actions had been due to orders she had been given by the king or the prince before they had left on their campaign.

Though I'm sure I can be forgiven if I decide to add the word coward to my ever-growing list about her.

But right now, as I sit here by myself inside this lonely waiting room, my thoughts and attention weren't on that little matter, nor was I thinking about Darkness' current status either though I know I should be. Instead, there was something else that plagued my thoughts at the moment. Something that had happened there in my fight against Darkness.

I stared at the palm of my open hand as I allowed the memories of what had happened, and the connected feelings, play on repeat inside my mind.

"What was that? Just what exactly did I feel back there? And that voice in my head... had that been you... Entropy?"

I was so lost in thought I failed to notice a shadow come over me. It wasn't till I heard a soft and familiar sounding "meow" that I was drawn from my thoughts. I then turn to find Anna standing off to the side next to me, with Chomusuke in her arms; both were giving me worried looks.

"Oh... Anna and Nia. You two doing OK?"

"We're fine. But what about you, Kazuma? No offense, but you've seen better days if how you were looking now is any indication. And your hand too... did something happen out there?"

"Something... yeah, you could say that. Might want to sit down as there's a lot to tell you two."

Anna does as I suggest and takes a seat beside me. Immediately, Chomusuke escapes her hold and jumps onto my lap before curling into a little ball. I then begin to stroke her fur as I explain everything that happened to Anna.

After explaining the bulk of the encounter, I began to explain what happened when I had used Drain Touch on Darkness. In a nutshell, I had felt like I was absorbing what felt like cold fire into my body. Because of this, I had immediately stopped and stumbled back as my hand spasmed and twitched painfully.

When I looked at Darkness again, I saw for a second that her natural color had momentarily returned to her before reverted to the monotone like colors that had become the current her. I had also heard a voice inside my head. Not the voice that had spoken when we had that encounter with the Rookie Killer 'vessel.' Instead, it had been a familiar voice, one I had thought I would never hear again. It had been Entropy's voice and what I had heard her say was...

("This power... it's almost like...")

Darkness had then gotten back onto her feet though she appears to be having trouble maintaining her balance. She then said to me-

[What did you just do there? You... are dangerous. A threat to my ORDER. I must remove that threat.]

She then charged at me with a new blade in hand and I knew I had to do something. I think I heard Entropy's voice speak to me directly this time, telling me to drain all the corruption out of Darkness so it could confirm something.

While I was hesitant to do as I was being told, the additional point that I could save Darkness by doing this made me decide to take the risk. And so, I also charged at Darkness and managed to avoid being sliced in half by going under then up to grab onto her face again, this time with both hands. And then I sucked all the corruption out of her despite the pain the action caused me.

In the end, I collapsed onto the ground as did Darkness. Lynn and her party then came over and Lynn helped me back onto my feet and assisted me with heading back into the city while Taylor, Keith, and Dust carried Darkness. Sylvia directed us to this place where Darkness was then taken to be examined while I have been here ever since, awaiting any news about her condition.

"And what about Lynn and her team?"

"After Lynn gave me a little health restoring potion, they headed back to the guild. Said they needed to make a report to Luna seeing as they were the ones to bring both me and Darkness here. I told them I would swing by the guild once I heard anything about Darkness' condition."

"And have you yet? Heard anything about her status, I mean."

"Not yet unfortunately. Rain is in there as well so I'm sure we'll be hearing something soon. So, what's Claire and Iris up to right now?"

Before Anna could speak, the sound of a door opening could be heard, making us turn to see Rain walking into the waiting room. Sylvia was following her though she quickly made a turn and headed off to somewhere else. Possibly her private workroom I assumed. Rain, upon seeing us, comes over before collapsing onto a chair opposite me before letting out a tired sounding sigh.

"You doing OK there, Rain?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just really, really tired here."

"Was the examination that exhausting?"

asked Anna.

"Not the examination but having to work with Sylvia. Seriously, that woman has some major issues."

"I can sympathize. Trust me as I have had dealing with her counterpart over in my timeline. Suffice to say, none of those dealings were positive. Anyways, how's Darkness doing?"

"Physically, she's fine. Not a trace of the 'Calamity's' corruption could be found within her body. However, she is still unconscious. To be more exact, it's like her mind isn't within her body. Sylvia thinks that it's because of 'source.' As long as it remains in existence, anyone who has been corrupted, even if freed, will remain trapped by it."

"So, in other words, we'll need to defeat this 'source' in order to save everybody. Kinda already knew that."

"Anna, don't be rude."

Rain sighs again before getting up.

"Sylvia said she'll try to figure something out where Darkness is concerned. While it's likely that she will only awaken once we defeat the 'source,' she still wants to see if she can awaken her before that as Darkness could give us a lot of valuable information on many things."

"Like whom this 'source' could be?"

Rain nods then adds-

"Anyways, I need to get going. Claire and princess Iris are going to want an update here as well and I can tell you Claire isn't the most patient of people."

I take hold of Chomusuke before standing myself.

"Is it OK if I go in and check in on Darkness myself. While it's a long shot, maybe there's something I can do to help with getting her to wake up."

"Yeah, I think it should be alright. Just don't expect to stay to long in there as Sylvia made come back in for more samples. Anyways, I'll see you at dinner tonight, Kazuma. After all, there's still a lot we need to tell you."

Yeah, that is true. I nod to Rain who bows before leaving the room. I then hand Chomusuke back over to Anna and tell her to head on back to the governor's mansion. She tries to argue and say that she wanted to go too but I shoot her down; saying that I may need some alone time. And I ask her to trust me here which she finally relents and nods though with great reluctance.

I then walk down the hall, getting a little help from one of the healers as to which room Darkness was in. Once I had stepped inside, I walk over to her and take a moment to look at her. On the surface, she looked like she was having a pretty nice rest; all serene looking. You would never think that she was effectively in a coma at the moment.

I then carefully, for some dumb reason, reach out and run my fingers through her hair as I send her a sad and regretful expression. If I hadn't been resolved before, I was surely feeling the resolve now as I tighten the fist of my free hand. I then swear to myself. No matter what, I would meet with this 'source' and I would end its threat upon this world. No matter what.

But for now, there was something else I needed to do. I close my eyes and say with a most serious voice-

"Entropy..."

Immediately, the room felt like time had come to a standstill as all the colors seemed to fade from everything, save for myself. While my eyes remained locked onto Darkness and thus, I couldn't see her, I knew she was here in the room with me, once again standing at my back like when she had come to talk during Yunyun's time of need.

("I can guess what it is you are wanting to ask me. Is this 'source' behind the 'Calamity' ME; my main body to be more exact?")

"That is one of the questions I have on my mind right now. Well, is it you?"

Entropy laughs. It was a soft laugh but a laugh all the same.

("No, this 'Calamity' has nothing to do with me. If I was behind all the troubles this timeline was suffering from, then little princess Iris wouldn't have been able to come to seek your aid. I would have already finished my business here and been on my way.")

"You say that but how can I be sure you aren't lying to me?"

("Ah, to not be believed by you... hurts. Seriously though, if you want proof, then take this into consideration. This enemy has apparently been around for months with this 'source' having turned the royal capital into its home base. I would never bother to do such a thing. I would be focused on finishing my business here and then be on my way.")

"You say that but so far you haven't done much with me here. I know you're after me and yet all you've done is send two pieces of yourself after me to say nothing of this aspect of you that's currently hanging around inside me as if you were Kurama or Hollow Ichigo; just to name a few examples."

("True but understand that my main body is presently unable to enter your timeline directly. I'm sure you would like to know the reason but there's no need to tell you. At least... not yet. The point is that the threat to this timeline isn't coming from me... though maybe I should contact my main body and have it pay this timeline a visit. After all, considering how they treated THEIR Kazuma...")

I refrain from saying anything more as I was already getting tired of this conversation. At least I wasn't dealing with Entropy directly which was a good thing as so far, my prior encounters hadn't ended in a positive way. And that was when I had my friends by my side to have my back. Sure, I had Anna and Chomusuke with me, but Anna wasn't a fighter, at least not yet. And Chomusuke was a cat, a special cat but still just a cat. Just what exactly was it she would do against Entropy? Scratch her to deaf?

Seriously though, it would be funny to see if THAT ended up being Entropy's weakness.

I was just about to tell Entropy I was down with the talk and that she could go back to wherever it is she goes within my psyche she goes when she isn't interacting with me when a new question comes to mind that I decide to ask her.

"So, the enemy I'm expected to defeat here isn't you. Have to admit that I am feeling no small amount of relief at knowing that. That aside, is there any chance you may have an idea as to what it is I am up against here. From the way you reacted when I first used Drain Touch on Darkness, it sounded like you found something that seemed familiar to you."

("So you noticed. Yes, that energy... that corruption you absorbed into you was indeed familiar to me as it is the same kind of energy that makes up my existence.")

"Wait, are you saying..."

("Correct, this enemy you're facing is another Entropy like enemy... but with a catch.")

"That catch being?"

("What you're dealing with here is most likely a proto-Entropy. Believe it or not, you have heard of this entity before. Recall the back story that girl you recently became friends with; Lia I believe her name was, told you about. The one that concerned what happened to her old party and how she developed partial amnesia.")

Yeah, I remember that. So, that... THING that attacked them was a proto-Entropy.

"But wait, what Lia found herself encountering back then and what these people are dealing with right now feel like entirely different things. Besides, how can you be sure the entity Lia ran into is a proto-Entropy anyways?"

("I have my reasons for thinking that. Let's leave it at that for now. As for the differences? I believe that while this 'source' is a proto-Entropy, I also believe that this one is far closer to being a perfect Entropy than the one Lia encountered. Not perfect like myself, but much closer than the other one. Clearly, that man has been busy in his attempts at trying to replicate me.")

"And who is this man you're talking about?"

("His name is... Rubrikt. The very individual who set me on this path I am currently on. However, I have evolved far beyond his ability to control. Because of that, it seems he is trying to create a second perfect Entropy. Possibly for the purpose of destroying me as it is no longer possible for him to do so himself.")

"Rubrikt... why do I feel like I've heard that name before?"

("I suggest you remember it. Should you ever encounter anyone with the name Rubrikt, then you would be wise to not trust anything he says. While he enabled me with the power to come find you and bring you home, he never does anything for another without some form of personal gain for himself as well.")

"Oh, I'll remember that name alright. You can count on that. Now, care to explain to me what it is you mean exactly when you say that you and I are connected. Just who are you and what are you to me?"

("Oh, how I wish I could explain it all to you now, Kazuma. My heart so aches to be able to share all that I know with you and to help you remember the truth of who you really are. But I'm afraid you have to wait for now, until the day the true me can finally come for you and bring you back home. But for now, I shall return into the deep that is your psyche... until such a time comes when we need to speak with one another again. Don't worry though. Never forget that I am here within you and shall always be so.")

And with that, I felt Entropy's presence behind me fade and the world regain its color. I take a moment to reflect on her words before I look back down at the sleeping Darkness. I then take her hand and give it a comforting squeeze.

"Rest Darkness and don't worry... I'll save this world of yours, this timeline. I swear it."

{|} Part 5: A "Minor" Issue {|}

I stepped outside the building, seeing that the sun had begun to set on the day. I let out an exhausted yawn before I began to walk back towards the governor's mansion, ready to see this day come to an end. I had only taken a couple of steps when-

"Will Darkness be OK?"

I jump at the sudden voice as I hadn't seen anyone nearby when I had stepped outside. I then turn to see Ranger leaning against the wall right outside the entrance with his arms folded over his chest. I place my hand over my heart as I take several calming breaths while wondering just where he had come from as I didn't recall him being here when I had emerged.

"Geez, give a guy a warning before you speak up. I nearly had a heart attack there, buddy."

"One needs to have a heart before they can have the attack!"

His smile along with the cheeky sound present in his voice made me feel annoyed; almost like I was talking with... never mind.

"Funny guy. Anyways, just where did you come from? I didn't see you there just a moment ago."

"Sorry, professional trade secret. There's a reason why Luna looks to me when it comes to doing the secret hush-hush quest for the guild. The kind of stuff better not talked about out in the open. Now, about my question to you?"

While I wanted to ask this guy more questions about these 'secret' quest for the guild, I had a feeling he wouldn't say anything at all to me no matter how hard I tried to push him to do so. Instead, I sigh before telling him what Rain had told me about Darkness' condition and the chances of her waking again in the future.

Once I had finished, Ranger was quite for a few moments before he finally says-

"I'm sorry to hear that. Darkness... she deserves better than this fate."

"Well, if it makes you feel better. She'll most likely wake up once this 'source' has been taken care of. Of course, Sylvia is planning on doing what she can with helping her awaken sooner but... I don't know if I would want to trust her with something that important."

"You're not the only one, friend. Like you must have some less than positive history with a Sylvia from your home, know that I too have some bad history with our resident Sylvia. Despite that, if anyone can find a solution, it would be her. Anyways, now that I know how Darkness is doing, I need to go get into contact with Chris as I have no doubt she'll want to know what's happened to her dear friend."

"Chris? Wait, you aren't talking about Chris the thief by any chance?"

"One and the same. I'm guessing you also know Chris; albeit the Chris from your timeline... now that I think about it, I do recall you saying such when you and Luna were talking with one another before."

Guess that means this guy really was listening in on our talk. Can't blame him, I guess. I would have done the same if our roles had been reversed.

"Yeah, me and my Chris have an... interesting relationship. Let's leave it at that. Is Chris here in Axel by any chance?"

"Not at the moment, no. She's... somewhere here on the continent. Always on the move, that one. Going from here to there, going from one troublesome adventure to another. Just thinking about it makes me sweat nervously... if I'm being honest. I would appreciate that remains between the two of us."

I chuckle before telling him that I was in agreement with his remark.

"Well, when you do get into contact with Chris... how would you go about doing that anyways?"

"A little item she gave me. A device that allows for long range communication between two individuals when the need arises. She'll want to hear about this turn of events. In fact, she'll probably skin me alive if I don't tell her."

"Well, when you do talk to her, could you ask her if she can also take a little time out of her busy schedule to swing by Axel and have a little talk with me. With Darkness being in a coma, and both Megumin and Aqua currently being MIA on us here, I feel that talking with Chris will be my best chance to get some actual answers about what happened to me and how things between me and those three went so wrong here."

"And what makes you think she'll take time out of her busy schedule to come have a chat with you? No offense, but that girl can be pretty damn stubborn when it comes to her 'job.'"

"Just tell her that Satou Kazuma wants to talk with her. That will get her to come here alright."

"Because you're supposed to be dead. Actually, that will do it alright. After all, she was the one who announced that he... you were dead after all. Alright, I'll let her know you want to talk."

Ranger then begins to walk away while I just stand there for a moment, my mind on this new bit of information. So, Chris had found my dead body then, or at least had found the evidence that confirmed my death. I'll need to ask her about that as well. Oh yeah, that reminds me...

"Ranger, one more question. Before, during the battle... you disappeared for a bit. Mind telling me where you went off too."

He stops and looks back at me and says-

"Simple, my style of fighting is more focused on a stealthy first attack. I was planning on getting such an attack off on Darkness, in the hopes of bringing her down from the shadows... without killing her of course. But that ended up going know where because of your actions. Anything else?"

I shake my head as his answer made sense based on what I know about him. He then sends me a silent nod before walking round the corner and like that, he was gone. I then continued on my way myself, once more heading towards the governor's mansion.

I did have a run in with Lynn and her party and I ended up chatting with them for a fair bit. While I wasn't sure if I should keep my status as being from another timeline a secret or not, I decided to go ahead and let them in on the truth as it would help to explain to them certain details about my life.

They also promised to keep quiet on my origins for the time being as they hoped; Lynn especially, my actions here in the coming days might change how people choose to see Satou Kazuma in the future.

While we were talking, I decided to ask them about that little thing I heard before, about me and Lynn's relationship rumors? Taylor and Keith understood my curiosity, Dust laughed, and Lynn blushed a little, but they all agreed to let me know what that was all about.

In a nutshell, Aqua and Dust had played a little game of cards with one another one day and Aqua lost BIG time against him. Because she didn't have any eris to pay Dust his winnings, or perhaps she just didn't want to fork over any of her drinking money, Aqua begged him to ask for something else.

That was when Dust asked that he take my counterparts place as the leader of the team. Essentially, he wanted to switch parties with me as he felt he deserved to be the leader and sole guy in a party filled with beautiful women to fulfill his harem fantasies. With no other option she could go with, Aqua used her famous, or perhaps infamous, ability to talk Megumin and Darkness into doing anything she wanted them to do, and my counterpart was sent to join Lynn, Taylor, and Keith.

And none of those three were happy about the exchange. Well, Taylor said they had mixed feelings about it as they were actually happy to be rid of Dust as he was quite the troublemaker, especially when it came to certain degrees of sexual harassment. But to have Dust be replaced by a Void of all people... Let's just say they were very much concerned on how this would make their team look now.

That would all change soon enough as while doing their first quest together; they decided to break up into two teams of two in order to make it go by quicker. Lynn ended up losing the game they played to determine the teams and was stuck with me. She was so annoyed that she tried to ditch me the first chance she got... which was nearly the end of her.

While Lynn didn't go into any real details about the incident, it was enough to say it had a deep and impactful effect on her and if not for my counterpart's last-minute arrival and saving her, she dared not think what would have been her ultimate fate then.

Keith then chimes in and says she had probably run afoul of a 'love' monster, possibly even an assumed to be extinct male Orc as when Lynn and Kazuma had joined up with them, Lynn was wearing alternate Kazuma's green/black track suite jacket to help cover herself with. which Lynn ends up yelling at Keith and says-

"Shut-Just shut up. That wasn't what happened... at least not it exactly."

I wonder if that means my other half saw her in the nude or not? Good for him if he did.

Dust then makes an additional, unneeded comment here by speculating aloud that maybe it's because Lynn falls into the loli-type category that whatever happened went down. That little remark resulted in him getting a well-deserved kick to the groin.

Anyways, this quest changed their opinions about me, especially where Lynn was concerned as they remained friendly with my counterpart for the remainder of his time being alive. And when he... I died, they had felt really bad about me, Lynn especially as she had actually cried.

Like with Luna, they will occasionally take time to remember me on a regular basis.

Oh yeah, on a side note. About how things with Dust and the girls went down. As soon as we got back to Axel, Dust was quick to beg me with switching back. Turns out those three had made their first quest with him so bad, so horribly terrible, that it had left him emotionally scarred for life... or so he claimed at least.

Not all that different from what happened over in my timeline to be honest.

After that, I parted ways with them and by the time I had reached the governor's mansion, night had already fallen. No sooner had I entered, I found myself running into Claire.

"Cutting it kind of close there, weren't you Kazuma? You do know dinner is in half an hour, right?"

I send her an annoyed look before letting out a sigh then saying-

"Yeah, I know. I had a run in with some... well, I guess you could say friends even if it's their alternate timeline selves and we ended up having a little talk about things. So, any chance I can have enough time to take a quick bath here before dinner and the after-dinner talk."

"Yeah, that should be fine... but just to let you know, I'm afraid we'll have to wait till the morning before we have that talk now."

"Has something happened?"

"The princess is... well, with the sudden appearance of lady Dustiness here with the enemy has brought forth many concerns about the current status of his majesty's forces that went to the capital. As I'm sure you can understand, her thoughts are currently... elsewhere."

Can't blame her, I guess. I nod and tell her I didn't mind waiting as I honestly was also not feeling like having that talk tonight now either. All I wanted at the moment was a bath, some food, and a good night's sleep. Claire nods before turning to walk away, but she stops and adds-

"Also, thank you... for bringing Lalatina back to us, even if she's currently in a deep sleep. I'd rather her be in that state than a thrall for the enemy."

The dinner that followed had been very awkward to say the least. Iris never once said anything; instead keeping her head hung low. I had expected Claire to speak up about showing proper table manners when entertaining guest, but she didn't. Perhaps she could be considerate at times when it was needed.

Anna did try to make the mood in the room better with offering up plenty of chit-chat on her part. It really didn't go anywhere but points to her for at least trying to lighten the mood a little.

My sleep that night wasn't the best as I would occasionally wake up and have trouble falling back to sleep, but I did have Chomusuke at my side, I was at least able to sleep enough for the coming days events. And then, when morning came, I felt something resting atop my chest. Something heavy; far too heavy to be Chomusuke.

I open my eyes and after a moment to let them focus, I was finally able to see what it was that was on my chest. It was a book... a very familiar book.

I take the book into my hands before sitting up in order to look at it better. Sure enough, it was the...

"Know-it-All. But how did you..."

["You know, Kazuma. You gave me quite the scare when you just went and disappeared from the timeline. I don't think you have any idea how hard it was to find you. After all, considering the number of timelines is uncountable, finding the one you were spirited off to is life trying to find a needle in a haystack... and that haystack is the size of the physical universe."]

"Wow, that big, huh? Sorry about the trouble but if you really 'know-it-all' here, then you'll know that I didn't exactly come here by choice. I was kidnapped... even if the act wasn't an intentional one."

["Yeah, I know. And don't worry about the trouble either. I'm just complaining for the fun of it. So, what's happened since you arrived here in this timeline?"]

"Huh, what's this. Don't tell me the great and all-knowing Know-it-All doesn't know the answer to that?"

["Don't go being cheeky now. This is the first time I've visited this timeline. I'll need time to properly connect myself to this timelines Divine Archive before I'll have access to all knowledge that pertains to what's happened within this timeline. That includes you, Anna, and Chomusuke as well."]

"Seriously? Damn, that has to be so annoying for you, huh."

["You have no idea."]

I then give Know-it-All a quick explanation on all that had happened and what I had learned so far. Once I was done telling her, I then ask-

"So, how long will it take before you're connected to this timelines Divine Archive? There's a whole lot of information I'm going to need you to get for me if at all possible. And not just the stuff pertaining to the 'Calamity' and the mind behind it, be also what happened to this timelines version of me if you're willing to look into that."

["At the most, forty-eight hours though I'm confident I can be connected within twenty-four here. And don't worry, I'll tell you everything that I can learn as I am also curious about what happened to your counterpart. Perhaps I'll be able to find an alternative way to help out this timelines Darkness too; so that she doesn't have to wait for this 'source' to be defeated before she can awaken. Oh... right, I didn't come alone. I made sure to bring gifts with me."]

"Gifts?"

Know-it-All then directs me to look to my left which I do, and my eyes go wide at what I was saw. Off to the side, leaning against a desk, was Chunchunmaru. And sitting on the desk itself was the new, perfected Sheng Biao as well as my adventurer's attire.

I quickly get up and examine them as Know-it-All says-

["Given the nature of your sudden departure, I figured you would be wanting these brought along for the ride when I brought myself here. Sorry I didn't bring that new bow of yours as I wasn't sure if you would be able to put the finishing touches onto it here in this place. Same goes for those Sheng Biao attachments you've been tooling around with."]

"Don't worry about it. Just having what you brought with me is enough comfort. Now then, time to get ready."

Once I had finished getting dressed, I strapped on the Sheng Biao onto my left hand, then slide the bracelet that dangled at the end of the chain of my blade onto my right before unsheathing Chunchunmaru and letting the metal shine in the morning light. I then put it at my side before noticing my adventurer's pouch had also been brought along. Once I had attached it to my belt, I slid Know-it-All inside before walking towards the door. Just as I was going to open it...

The door flies open as Anna comes running into my room, making Chomusuke, who was currently still sleeping on my head, to jump in surprise.

"Anna, what's wrong. Why do you look so panicked."

"Kazuma, we have a problem. A seriously big problem here."

"Why, what's wrong?"

I said, becoming worried. Just then, Rain comes running into the room looking quite terrified herself.

"Kazuma... good, you're awake. No doubt your sister has told you that we are suffering a major issue."

"She did. What's going on, Rain. Don't tell me... is Darkness..."

Rain shakes her head before saying-

"It's worse than that. It's the princess... princess Iris has disappeared. I think she's heading towards the capital to save her father and brother."

I just stand there for a moment, letting my brain process that information before I finally say-

"God damn it. Always has to be something troublesome. Why did she have to go become a major issue too?"

"Actually, I would say that this is more of a 'MINOR' issue. Get it, because Iris is only twelve years old and thus a minor... seriously, no one's getting it?"

Me and Rain send Anna an annoyed look. Now wasn't the time for jokes... even if it was kind of funny.

{|} Part 6: Follow that Princess {|}

"Do we have any idea what time she left?"

I asked as we walked through the halls of the governor's mansion, heading towards the front doors. Rain had already told me that the rest of the mansion had been thoroughly searched for Iris before she had paid Anna and me a visit.

"I can't be certain yet, especially seeing as I'm still waiting for the guards that were sent out to see if anyone had seen anyone matching the princess's description earlier. But if I had to guess, it would have been early morning, possibly right at sun rise when she left the mansion if not Axel itself."

"But how can you be sure Alice left to go save her family? While would she even feel the need to head on some kind of rescue mission here. No offense, but maybe she just went out for a morning walk or something."

asked Anna getting Rain to look at her as we reached the front doors.

"Because of Darkness. The fact that she was captured and turned into an 'Avatar' by the 'source' heavily implies that the force being led by the king and the prince has failed and were probably either captured or... well, you get the idea. Anyways, didn't either of you take notice of how the princess was acting during dinner last night?"

Yeah, I remembered. She never once said anything, barely even ate anything. All she did was for the most part was to just sit there with her head lowered. Clearly, she had been lost in thought. Not surprising that her thoughts were on what might have happened to her family and everyone else that had been a part of this counter force.

"OK, so assuming that she has indeed left to go on some insanely dangerous rescue mission, what's our plan here? I'm guessing it's going to be about going after her and bringing here back to Axel, even if she doesn't want to come back."

"Yeah, that's pretty much it exactly. I hate to ask this of you but could you..."

Great, as if I didn't have enough on my plate already to deal with here. Oh well, I was going to be heading to the capital sooner or later anyways. Might as well take the time to find and link up with the troublesome princess while I'm at it.

Wait, there was still one little detail that was missing here.

"What about Claire? I'm guessing she's already left to follow after Iris?"

"Can't imagine she took the whole Alice running away from home bit well either."

Rain then averts her gaze from us as she begins to nibble on her fingernails nervously. I was also surprised that she wasn't reprimanding Anna for continuing to call Iris by the fake name she had given us. If this was Claire we were talking to here, then she would have definitely would have chastised Anna for continuing to do that.

"Yeah, about Claire. You see..."

A few moments later, I found it hard to not start laughing at Rain's explanation.

"Iris drugged Claire using a sleep potion? I didn't think she had it in her, given the fact she's totally submissive to anything and everything Claire tells her to do."

"Geez Kazuma, she only spent a few days with you, and you've already become serious influence on her. You are good!"

"Shut up. Any idea when this might have happened? And is Claire still sleeping by any chance?"

"While it's true that Claire does indeed have a great deal of... influence over the princess; perhaps way too much. She is also very open with the princess when it comes to certain matters. For example, our princess knows that before Claire goes to bed every night, she always has a drink of milk. Last night, I heard that Iris personally made the milk that Claire enjoyed. My personal guess is that she spiked the milk with the sleep potion. And yes, Claire's still sleeping. In fact, unless the healers I've called can undo the effects with magic, she'll remain asleep for quite some time."

Why am I feeling so relieved to hear... never mind that...

"OK, so long story short; I need to head out and find her. Has anyone else been sent out already?"

"With what happened yesterday, I'm afraid..."

"Forget that then. I'll be heading out at once... though I'm don't really know the way to the capital. Never been there before in my timeline."

Rain quickly tells me the route to go, reminding me that Iris has likely taken her personal horse when she left which is known for being exceptionally fast. She then hands me a small bracelet like item and tells me-

"Keep this with you. Once Claire has reawakened, I'll be able to use this portable 'tag' in conjunction with teleportation magic I know to bring the two of us directly to your location. Make sure you don't lose this item. They're pretty hard to make."

Just don't tell me if this item came from a certain individual from the Crimson Demon village. I doubt the version of Megumin's father here in this timeline has received the same degree of help from my counterpart as my version did from me in the past.

"Understood. Don't worry, I will find her, and I'll make sure she doesn't go do anything stupid here."

Rain nods before wishing me luck, then turning to reenter the mansion. I then quickly make my way to the north gate of Axel. As I go, I realize I was being followed.

"Anna, take Nia and head back to the mansion."

"No way. I already had to miss out on seeing you in action once. Not going to miss getting in on the action now."

"Meow."

"Look, while I appreciate your..."

Anna quickly quiets me with a finger and gives me a serious look.

"I... WE ARE COMING WITH YOU! No discussion."

Guess that settles that then. Why am I so weak when it comes to telling the girls in my life no.

It didn't take long before we had exited Axel and quickly made our way down the road. Anna had already morphed into her chibi form and was hugging onto my shoulder tightly while Chomusuke held firm on my other shoulder. It wasn't long before Anna finally said-

"Question, when do you plan on beginning your little Sprint after Alice? Also, do you think you can keep it up long enough to reach her? I know it should be easier for you this time, seeing as you don't have any significant weight on your back but..."

"I'm not going to be using Sprint. Now that we're far enough away from Axel, I'll be making use of another mode of transportation to catch up with Iris."

"Really, and what would this alternate mode... oh, so I'm going to see 'that' all up close and personal. Aw, this is going to be another fun first for me."

"Yeah, I'll be using 'that' so you better make sure you hold on tight. Both of you."

Once I was sure that they were ready, I call upon 'that' power and with that, we we're on our way.

(Iris POV: about two hours earlier)

As I finished dressing in my 'Alice' adventurer's attire, I step over and peek around the curtain that covered the glass door that led out onto the terrace of my bedroom.

While it was still dark outside, the first hints of dawn had just begun to emerge from over the horizon.

I turn away and take a few moments to make sure my royal armor was successfully placed inside my adventurer's pouch before strapping it on around my waist. I then carefully and quietly make my way outside my bedroom.

Moving with caution, I walked down to the next room over from mine and slowly enter the room. Sure enough, Claire was snoozing away in her bed, snoring quite loudly at that. I wonder if she knew that she was the type who snored. Doubt she'd ever believe me even if I ever told her.

I also found it somewhat annoying that she always insisted on having her room right next to my own whenever we ventured away from the castle. I was well aware that she had a strong 'fondness' for me and while I did appreciate that, I really did; she would need to accept one day that I didn't see her in that way, and I doubted I ever will.

She's my friend; an important... and very controlling friend and perhaps someone I can see as an older sister, but that was the extent of my interest and feelings for her.

Anyways, I make my way over to her bedside and try several times to wake her up. Despite my efforts, she did show any signs of waking anytime soon which means the sleep potion I had found during my search of Lairoh the other day. I'm glad I decided to take it with me, despite seeing it was a little out of date, yet never imagined I would have ended up using it for this particular reason. And despite being out of date, it was still doing its intended job at the moment.

I wonder just what I might have ended up using it for if not for this?

I then exit Claire's room and proceed down the hall. Avoiding the guards was an easy task as I had come to know their patrol routes by heart here within this place. I soon find myself coming to a stop outside HIS door and I find myself beginning to debate on if I should ask him or not.

Satou Kazuma; he was a very interesting man. While I had only known him for a few days now, I couldn't help but feel like it had been longer for some reason. Also, and this would probably sound strange to hear if I ever said this aloud to anyone but...

It feels like I was destined to meet him.

Back in his timeline, after we had parted ways that first time, he had remained in my thoughts as I walked all the way to his Axel to get the information I needed to aid in my mission. As I had been heading to the mansion, I confess I had entertained the idea of seeing him again as I walked and even asked myself what I would do if it turned out HE was the one I was looking for.

If nothing else, I found myself feeling things I had never felt before. I wonder if this is what it feels like to... (shake my head furiously to rid myself of the memory) No Iris, don't let your mind start to wonder onto that topic again. Like when that thought came to you before, I need to remember that he's from a different timeline and will have to go back there once this is all over.

There's no way he would ever choose to stay here with you, nor could you ever have the option to throw everything you have here away and run away to live in his timeline with him. Maybe it could be possible in a fairy tale, but this isn't a fairy tale. This is reality and I need to start accepting that.

I bring my hand up to his door, ready to knock and perhaps even let myself in, assuming he didn't lock his door. Not that it would matter as I had 'borrowed' Claire's master key that allowed her access to any and every room in the mansion without restriction.

Side note, maybe I should play it safe and keep this key on my person from here on out. Just in case Claire ever has a moment where she's feeling especially bold and decides she wants to join me in bed. I doubt she would try anything funny with me when I'm asleep... at least I hope she wouldn't, but all the same...

Quit being distracted by needless things, Iris. I go back to my mental debate here. Should I knock or not? After several minutes, I'm walking through the entrance of the governor's mansion; alone.

I wanted to ask Kazuma to come with me, I really did. But would he have agreed to join me on this mission I'm giving myself here; especially seeing as he has to go to the castle eventually himself to fight the 'source,' or would he try to stop me from going?

I know that if he did tell me to not go, I wouldn't go. And right now, I just can't let myself NOT go.

It was so annoying as I really wanted to spend more time with him. I know he had to go home eventually, but that's all the more reason for us to spend time together now, right? I wonder if there's a version of Kazuma that lives here in my timeline and if so, perhaps I should seek him out once this is all over in order to meet him and see if he's like this Kazuma at all.

Making my way through the early morning streets of Axel was easy enough. Very few people were actually out and about and given my current attire, I was able to give off the impression of being an adventurer who had simply wanted to get an early start with their day.

I soon reach stables where my personal steed; Starlight, was housed. Despite my slightly different appearance here, Starlight recognized me straight away. I then made my way to the north gate and beyond before mounting her and with a simple word, I was off on my personal mission.

I would travel to the castle, find and save my father and brother as well as anyone else that I could if possible. And maybe, just maybe, I could gather vital information on the enemy for Kazuma so that he could have as much information on our foe when it came time for him to finally face off against it.

I just hope my willfulness doesn't end up causing everyone trouble.

{|} Part 7: My Vengeance and You {|}

The last several hours had done wonders for my mental health. With the wind blowing in my hair and the thrilling sensation I always experienced when riding upon Starlight, I had been given some degree of freedom from my worried and concern filled thoughts on the force that had gone to the capital.

Especially where my father and brother were concerned.

Soon though, I needed to bring this personal quest of mine to a momentary pause as Starlight was in need of rest here. As she took time to eat and drink and allow her legs a chance to rest, I pull my magic map item out to see exactly where it was we were at right now.

I then walk over to Starlight and run my hand through her mane before rubbing her ears affectionately.

"Thank you for your hard work these last few hours. You truly are a wonder and I'll make sure to properly reward you once this is all over."

According to the map, we had already covered nearly half the distance between Axel and the capital, which was an amazing feet all things considered as it normally was a three-day travel by carriage in order to reach the capital.

Granted, those carriages were usually traveling at a more casual speed so as to not tire the horses out too quickly. But for any normal horse, it would normally take well over a full day to reach the capital when traveling at top speed.

But my Starlight was anything but normal. She was a rare breed; a child from a long line of divine steeds that had been gifted to an ancestor of mine by the gods. Or that's what big brother Jatis had told me when I had first been gifted Starlight back in her pony days.

She was so fast and capable of maintaining that speed over the long term if need be, assuming that there were no delays, then we should have little trouble reaching the capital before the sun began to set.

But until we get back onto the road again, I might as well take some time to take care of a few things; like having lunch seeing as it was about that time as well as getting changed from my adventurer's attire into wearing my royal body armor. Something told me I was going to need it and that I wouldn't have the time to change once I had reached my destination.

I then take a careful look around the area, seeing nothing and no one for miles. Not that I would expect to see anyone, given the current situation the kingdom was facing but one can never be too careful. I then walk over to Starlight and ask her-

"Sorry girl, I know you have your attention on other, more important things at the moment, but could you use those amazing senses of yours to make sure that it will be safe to change my clothes for the coming mission I'm on."

Starlight looks at me for a moment before turning her head and moving her body in a slow circle. Once she was looking back at me, she shakes her head. I give her a hug before breaking away and pulling my royal armor out of my adventurer's pouch before I began to strip.

Soon, I was in nothing except for my low thigh length leggings, my bra, and panties and just as I was going to slide on my black combat skirt, I felt it in the air. A sort of wrongness; a kind of defiling force of nature. I instinctively move and take my sword, Calibur, into my hands, readying myself for an attack.

As I carefully and cautiously turn around and examine the area, I have to give whoever or whatever this incoming threat was some credit. After all, it takes some real skill to be able to get around Starlight's senses. And then, from out of the very ground itself, the creature arose slowly.

It was... a wolf? Why would a wolf... ugh, what's with that stench it's giving off?

It was rank and putrid. So strong in fact that had to struggle to not gag on the spot. And then there was the look of it, mangled flesh and exposed muscle and bone on the creature. It was so disturbing that I came close to vomiting from just the sight of it to say nothing of its smell. Moments later, more similar looking creatures began to rise from the ground; bears, large eagles, salamandoes, and so on.

"I shouldn't be surprised by this. It was inevitable that I would run into a 'vessel' out... no, that's not what this is."

This wasn't a beast consumed by corruption. This was something else, something that some would argue was even worse. It was a zombie, but not of the same caliber as the undead that would normally be seen roaming around. For one thing, they were out in the open in broad daylight. The only time one would see an undead was either at night or within the confines of a dungeon or a crypt.

But this creature, this thing... wasn't just undead. It was a necrobreed. And that meant...

"There's a Necromancer nearby."

"Correct, Belzerg blood."

I spin around, seeing a person appearing from out of thin air. Unlike the zombie beast that are now surrounding me, this new arrival was clearly a person; a woman at that. And... she was a familiar face.

"General... Seresdina?"

"Been a while hasn't it... little princess."

she says in response, not even trying to hide the venom and spite in her tone when she said 'little princess.' I take a moment to look her over. She wasn't looking all that great, if I was being honest.

She was still wearing her white long coat like attire though it was hard to say that it had once been white, given how dirty and grimy it currently was. There was also plenty of tears and damage all over, including a missing right sleeve. Her face was haggard and her hair wild and frazzled. There were dark circles around her eyes, one of which was... was glowing like that of one who had been...

"You've been corrupted?"

"Not quite, ch-child. I confess after I parted ways wi-with the Devil King, I had pl-planned on how I would get my revenge for all that betr-trayal. While doing that, I had an unexpected encounter with an Ava-Avatar of the 'Calamity.' It tried to make me like it-it but as you can see, it didn't suc-succeed."

I wonder about that, given how her body was jerking and spasming every few seconds, to say nothing of the weird sounds and resets happening with her voice. I decide to change the subject and say-

"If you're wanting to speak to my father and the Devil King, then I'm afraid you're in the wrong place. They're currently waging war upon the 'Calamity' over in the capital."

"Oh, I already know that. I had act-actually been on my way there to have an-an audience with them, until I sa-saw you riding like you had the devil at yo-your back. And seeing as you are alone, I decided to offer my ser-services to you on whatever errand you are on-on."

"I doubt that."

Seresdina, a onetime general in service of the Devil King. A follower of the dark Goddess Regina, she is a master of death magic. She also had a grudge against my father and family as it had been on my father's orders that her home village, which had been a secret cult to the goddess of vengeance, was destroyed. From my understanding, she had only allied with the Devil King on the promise that he would help her with her desire for vengeance.

But then the 'Calamity' had happened, forcing old grievances to be pushed to the side in favor of mutual survival for all. Seresdina didn't approve of that; understandable I guess and had argued against such an alliance happening. And then, she had learned another important truth.

It had been an agent of the Devil King himself, on the orders of the Devil King, that had made my father aware of the existence of the village filled with death cultist. And as for the reason behind the attack that wiped them out? It was because they were preparing to make a trip to Axel of all places in order to perform a dark ritual, one that would have seen everyone within the city's walls be made a sacrifice in order to see Regina restored in both power and prominence.

But there was something that didn't make sense to me.

"Tell me something, Seresdina. When did you learn necromancy? I wasn't aware that this was one of the skills you Regina followers were capable of using."

"And you would be right, princess. Necroman-mancy isn't part of our usual skill se-set. But thanks to having some of this corruption with-within me, I have gained access to a few new ski-ills."

I see. That explains that. But to say that she actually does have some corruption within her...

"And what's going to happen to you because of that? Even if you've managed to maintain your free will for now, what about the future? Do you really think you can keep this up over the long term?"

"Your concern is touching bu-but not needed. You are right, tho-though. In time, I will either become enslaved by this or I-I will die. But so long as I can get my revenge, then I really don't care either wa-way. And now..."

She then extends her dominate hand and snaps her fingers, making the necrobreed jerk violently before they come charging at me to attack.

I strengthen my grip on Calibur as I spin around, slicing the first few that reached me clear in half. The next few were also easily ended by my blade. Perhaps it was because of the fact my sword was a holy blade gifted to an ancestor by the gods and the fact these poor creatures had been turned into the undead and thus the antithesis of my sword's nature...

That 'killing' them all... again, was as easy as slicing through butter with a hot knife.

It didn't take long before I had finished off all the zombies that Seresdina had summoned, which only left...

"Not bad, princess. Your reputation as a mast-master swordswoman is well earned. But now, what do you say we-we try a different game."

"Yeah, I can agree with you there... Exterion."

With Calibur's blade igniting with holy light, I swing Calibur outward in a wide arc, a crescent shaped wave of energy flies out, racing directly towards Seresdina. She grins wide as she moves her body off to the side just enough to avoid being sliced in half though she still ends up receiving a deep cut onto her cheek.

And immediately, I feel a sharp pain come into existence on my cheek. My hand reaches up automatically and touches the spot that hurting, finding something wet there on the spot. When I pull my hand away, I find my fingers covered in blood... MY blood. I then look at Seresdina who says-

"What, didn't you know? Any injury I sustain will be mir-mirrored upon the one who injured me to be-begin with? In other words, you might want to be careful when it comes to-to attacking me."

Now that I think about it, I do recall hearing that Regina cultist had an ability like that. Terrific; I mean just how does one go about fighting someone who has an power like that? I wonder what Claire would do in a situation like this. Or what about Rain, or my father and brother?

I wonder what Kazuma would do if he was here with me? I really should have asked him to come after all.

"That isn't all, my princess. Thanks to the added perks having a little cor-corruption within my body, I have gained access to a few other nice powers that aren't nor-normally possessed by one of my calling. Please allow me to show you-you my favorite one."

I didn't like that sound of that as she brings both her arms up and out before her; fingers twitching in a violent manner as one of her eyes begins to emit a disturbing glow. And then...

I felt pain; a most intense and inhuman pain explode across my whole body. Every hair, every cell within my being screamed out in agony and I was unable to stop myself from mirroring their actions. My scream must have echoed out across the whole area, perhaps even the whole region.

Without realizing it, I was on the ground writhing in agony. Calibur had slipped out of my hand at some point though my mind really wasn't able to realize that in the moment. I'm not sure how long this lasted, but it felt to me like an eternity. Finally, the source of the pain did end but the echoes of that pain lasted for quite a while longer.

"Must be hurting quite a-a lot. I wish I could feel sorry for you, but... I'm really-really enjoying this."

And once again, the pain had returned as did my screaming. Once again, I didn't know how long this lasted but I was sure it was far longer than the first round of torture. Once Seresdina allowed me another moment to rest and recover, she said with no small amount of glee in her voice-

"You know, little princess, I could really do-do this all day. However, I know I'm on a time limit here so please for-forgive me if I just cut to the ending. I'm going to kill you now then I will use necromancy to reanimate your bod-body and then I will use you against your family... as a bit of fun before I-I kill them too."

I then see her walking towards me. Despite the pain, I try to power through as my search desperately reach for my sword. Just as I finally feel the hilt of my blade with my fingertips, Seresdina's foot comes down hard onto my hand though I manage to stop myself from crying out.

She then looks down at me, pointing at me with the index and middle fingers of her dominate hand.

"Thanks for the satisfaction, pri-princess... Dea..."

The next thing I knew, she was suddenly gone from my sight as I feel a whooshing sensation in the air. My vision blurred for a moment before a new figure was standing before me. I then hear his voice which makes my eyes start to tear up.

"Don't know what your game with Iris here is but you can forget about it because I am he... Serena?"

{Insert Image}

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

Image: A confused Kazuma looking at a ragged Seresdina while Iris has a look of both surprise and relief on her face.

AN: I know there wasn't much Iris in this chapter but don't worry, she'll have her fair share from here on out. Anyways, in the next chapter, expect to see-

Standing before the front gates of the capital, an unexpected trip to Arcanretia and with it some answers as to what happened there, learning what happened to the Crimson Demons, and the biggest question of all... just what happened to the Satou Kazuma of this timeline.