Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

44. A9-4: Path of Reveals

{|} Chapter 4: Path of Reveals {|}

{|} Part 1: "I'm the Loophole" {|}

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

Seresdina cocks her head in confusion as I call her by her 'other' name. I could only imagine what must be going on inside her head in this moment as I knew that I had a whirlwind of questions within my own.

I mean for one thing; was I really even looking at Serena here? I mean sure, she had the same face even though she looked like she hadn't bathed in weeks and the same style of clothing I know her to wear even though it was all tattered, torn, and ragged.

Her hair was a mess, and she had this smell I don't think any self-respecting woman would ever let herself walk around in public with. And then there was one of her eyes, looking all... she's been corrupted or at the very least she's on her way to being corrupted right now.

My hand, which had been ready to draw my blade when I had first arrived had gone slack when I saw who it was I was up against but was now gripping the hilt of my sword once again as I prepared to fight if I had too here.

I then feel Anna let go of my shoulder as she drops down to my side and quickly reverts to her normal appearance. She then quickly says-

"Serena? Isn't that the name of that nice priestess lady who helped everyone out with saving you back during the Arcanretia trip, Kazuma."

That's right, Anna has never actually met Serena until just now hasn't she. She's only ever heard us talk about her as she's never paid an actual visit to the mansion before.

"Yeah, that's her... at least I think it's her. We need to be on our guard here though. One of her eyes has the look of one who has the corruption within her."

Hearing me say that makes Anna nod as she changes her position slightly; hiding herself mostly behind me while peeking her head out to keep an eye on our friend slash potential foe here. She also grabs Chomusuke from off my shoulder and holds firmly onto her.

Serena, for her part, continued to look at us with a blank expression. Her mind probably thinking over what she had no doubt heard us say just moments ago. Once we get back to our timeline, I should really look into that special skill that let's individuals communicate with one another with just their minds. Would be so helpful in times like these.

Finally, Serena says-

"You called me Serena before. How do you know that name? Only a few individuals from back home have ever been allowed to know it."

I take a moment to consider my options and finally decide to just go with...

"Would you believe me if I said we've met before, near Arcanretia? You helped save my life and in turn I helped you save time with making a trip to Axel."

"... ? … What nonsense are you talking about. I have no memory of any such events ever happening."

"Would you believe my brother if I told you it all happened in another timeline?"

"What... Another timeline?"

"Anna, let's try to ix-nay the whole alternate timeline-say."

Anna uses a free hand to conk her own head playfully while Serena keeps looking at us in confusion as well as wariness. I was about to try to explain what Anna meant without telling her everything when I finally recalled something important.

"Forget about that for now. Mind telling me why you're attacking the princess just a moment ago."

"Huh, the princess...?"

Anna quickly looks around and as soon as her eyes catch sight of Iris, she breaks away from me and runs over to check on her condition.

"Princess? Ah yes, that's right. Your sudden arrival made me forget my primary objective... Suffer."

Serena quickly raises her hand and the next thing I knew; I heard Iris scream out in pain. I turn to see her on the ground with her body jerking and spasming violently while Anna tries to stop her from suffering further injury because of her own actions.

"Stop this now, Serena."

I shouted as I quickly turn back to face her, Chunchunmaru already out and at the ready. When the response she sends me is a cold smile, I charge at her having decided to not let my debt and maybe friendship with the Serena from my timeline stop me from cutting this one down.

"Kazuma... wait..."

cried Iris, fighting through the pain she must be feeling just enough to shout those words at me. While it wasn't enough to stop me from thrusting my blade at Serena's chest, her voice did cause my aim to falter just a little so as to insure I would pierce a lung instead of her heart.

And then there was pain. Pain that I was feeling in my chest for some reason.

I look down and see my adventurer's tunic turning red as I find the act of breathing to have suddenly become harder. I then look back at Serena to see that despite the fact my blade was penetrating her chest, there was no blood, and she had an expression that wasn't at all looking pained.

"What... what's going on..."

I said in a raspy voice as Serena delivers a hard kick to my stomach that sends me flying back so that I was lying beside Iris. Chunchunmaru had followed me which meant either the kick back had pulled it free from Serena's chest or she had pulled it clear herself.

As I lay there, with Anna and Chomusuke now looking me over, I bring a hand up and begin using healing magic to repair the damage. As I do this, I look at Serena and see that my weapon had indeed pierced her clothing, but I couldn't see any sign of damage having been done to the exposed flesh within.

Serena, perhaps feeling both overconfident and maybe even a little chatty, explains to me what just happened moments ago.

"Wondering why when you stabbed me, it was you and not I who was injured. It's rather simple really. One of the blessings I have been given by my patron deity is the power of Vengeance Any injury I am inflicted with by someone they shall also suffer. For example, just now you stabbed my through a lung. Because of Vengeance, you also suffered the same injury as punishment for harming me."

"And yet you don't appear to have been injured in the slightest. Does your Vengeance actual cancel out the attack done onto you?"

shouted Anna, saving me the trouble of having to ask that question myself.

Serena shakes her head before saying-

"Originally no. But ever since getting a little upgrade thanks to having some corruption forced into my body, I have found that Vengeance has undergone a change. Now instead of sharing my injuries with the one who made them, I can instead pass them onto them solely... so long as they are still living of course. For some strange reason, it doesn't work if I'm injured by the dead."

So that explains her weird power and why I'm the one needing to heal up here.

"Damn it, why is it even the bad guys get access to these amazing cheat level powers, yet I was stuck with nothing beyond my own natural self when I first arrived in Axel all those months a..."

I didn't finish as I sudden found myself screaming out in pain as Serena, clearly having become bored with the talk, had taken it upon herself to torture me, and Iris as she was also screaming, again.

"Damn it, stop hurting them you bitch."

screams Anna as she charges at Serena. Surprisingly, Serena does as Anna demanded though it was probably because she sends one hand slamming into the 'untrained for combat' Anna's stomach then uses another hand to swat her off to the side which leaves her unmoving upon the ground.

I then see something unexpected as Chomusuke leaps at Serena and starts scratching her face before Serena grabs her and flings her off over beside Anna. While I was concerned for them both, I couldn't help but notice that the scratch marks Chomusuke had made on Serena's face were still there.

Was there something special about our resident mascot that allowed her to bypass Serena's weird power?

No matter as Serena walked over to me and Iris and once again made us suffer intense, agonizing pain for a few moments before finally letting up and allowing us to take a moment to catch our breaths.

"Now, what should I do with you two?"

"Seresdina... please, I'm the only one you want here. Let Kazuma and his sister go. They're the only ones who have a chance at saving all of us from the 'Calamity.'"

"Is that so? Well then..."

I felt myself being forced to endure a new blast of pain all over my body as I hear Iris scream at her to stop. It came at a bad time too as I had almost been able to activate my new power after getting enough of that pain induced haze from my mind to be able to think possibly.

I'm not sure what happened next; perhaps Iris had tried to attack Serena in some form or fashion. Didn't matter as after hearing Serena yell out something, I heard Iris once again scream out in pain. I was pretty sure this round lasted a good while before we were once again released.

Though from the way I was feeling in the moment, I sure as hell didn't feel like it had stopped yet.

"So, this guy here is supposed to save us all then? What a joke seeing as he can't even save himself or you from me. And besides... why would I want to see the 'Calamity' come to an end now? Not with what its corruption has given me here."

"Don't act like... it's a blessing all on its own. Sooner or later, it will take control of you and make you into its loyal servant."

I said in response. Serena's reply-

"... or it will be the death of me. I'm already aware of those possibilities; both from my own intellect and the very words of our dear princess here. To be honest mister hero, I really don't care either way what will ultimately happen to me. So long as I can get my revenge against the Belzerg royal family and that traitorous Devil King, nothing else really matters anymore."

What was all that about? Anyways, now's not the time to be asking as it provided me just enough time to prepare myself. I was really wanting to save this for when I met with the 'source' but I can't afford to be stubborn right now.

"You won't get what you want, Seresdina. You may kill me... kill us this day, but you won't get the full satisfaction that you're seeking in the end."

"Forgive me, princess... but I must strong disagree with that belief."

"Lich..."

"SUFFER!"

Before I could fully activate it, both me and Iris were once again made to scream from the unbearable pain we were forced to endure; this time for what felt like an eternity. Despite that, I could feel 'her' making her way to the surface. Perhaps 'she' was getting tired of seeing me suffer here.

Finally, the pain came to an end as Serena looked down at us.

"I believe I said this before; just moments before this guy here arrived in fact. While I could do this all day, I do have a schedule to keep here. And now, it is time for you both to meet your end. De..."

Serena didn't finish as he body jerks violently and I could see the tip of a blade piercing out of her chest with blood quickly following. Serena had a shocked look on her face as she turns her head to the side to see who it was that has actually managed to injure her so seriously.

While my vision was quite blurry, it was obvious who it was that was currently standing behind Serena.

It was Anna.

{Insert Image 1}

"But... how?"

"Like you said before, bitch. Only something dead can hurt you now. Guess what, that means I'm the only one here who can finish you off... seeing as I've been dead for technically one hundred years."

"You're dead... then how can you..."

"Thank my brother for this. He was ever so nice enough to go have this new body made for my poor little soul to inhabit so I could walk the world once more and enjoy life to the fullest... though I guess I'm still consider dead here. Understand what that means..."

"I'm the loophole for someone with powers like yours. The antithesis against Vengeance"

Anna then pulls the blade she was holding out of Serena's back, allowing me to see that it was the temporary blade I had found back in Lairoh. Guess she must have picked it up after I forgot about it; probably with the intention of giving it back to me but ended up forgetting herself.

Serena stumbles back, coughing up blood as she looks at Anna and us before falling onto her knees. I'm pretty sure she tried to cast whatever spell it was she had tried to cast before but her voice had failed her as all traces of life faded from her eyes and she collapsed onto the ground.

And she didn't again after that.

{|} Part 2: "By My Command" {|}

"You going to make it, Kazuma?"

asked Anna with a playful tone as she hunches down beside me and rest her hands on her knees and her head in her hands.

For my part, I remained laying there for a few moments more while I finish healing my damaged lung as well as allowing some additional healing energy to circulate throughout my body to help quicken the recovery from all that additional pain I had been forced to experience.

I then sit up, slowly, and say-

"Unfortunately. What about you? Just how did you manage to kill her without killing yourself in the process? I mean, from what she was saying about how her powers even worked there..."

Anna takes on a thinking expression as she also considers that mystery before finally shrugging and says-

"Beats me, big bro. I think the key word to remember is that she said, "nothing living could hurt her." Seeing as I'm not exactly a living being despite that awesome new body, I can only guess my true status either protected me or there's something extra special about this new body that made Vengeance get rebounded off of me and back onto her."

"I'll have to ask Vanir if he has any ideas once we get home. Make sure to remind me to do that once we are back, alright?"

Anna gives me a salute before she begins to think about something else. Just as I was going to ask her what was on her mind, I feel a little tap against my leg. Looking, I find Chomusuke looking up at me with worried eyes, so I wasted no time with scooping her up into my arms and send some healing magic into her body.

"Are you doing OK there, Nia. That mean woman was being very cruel towards you after all."

"Mew..."

"That's good to hear. By the way, you were really amazing back there, you know. Attacking her and managing to scratch her face up something fierce which is impressive that her power didn't reflect onto you either. Who's my special little girl? That's right, it's you."

I then began to playfully rub Chomusuke's belly, making her mew in a laughing like way as her tiny legs kick the air wildly. I could feel Anna eyes fall onto me which is followed by her saying with annoyance in her tone-

"Has anyone ever told you two that you both act like a father-daughter combo sometimes when together?"

"Would it surprise you if I said I have had that thought a few times since meeting this little one. I look at her and for some reason feel like I'm looking at my own daughter."

"You're a weirdo, Kazuma. Anyways, what was the deal with that Serena... Seresdina... whatever her name is. We know her from back home and we find her counterpart is some messed up psycho woman. Does that mean our Serena is also secretly some kind of psycho too?"

"Good question. I've already found out before that Hans the slime guy that helped us out during our Arcanretia trip, remember him, may still be alive due to an ability his kind have access too. And now there's Serena as well. I'll need to get some additional information on this timelines version of her before we head home."

"Perhaps I can shed some informative light on that subject if you want me too, Kazuma... while you're healing me, of course. My body is still aching all over after all those torture attacks from her."

Both Anna and I jump at the sudden voice speaking up before we look, see, and are reminded that someone else was here. And given the looks we must have had on our faces, Iris' own face sours in a huff as she says-

"Don't tell me you both forgot I was here too?"

I'm honestly afraid to admit to her that I did.

A few minutes later, Iris was sitting in front of me, so close in fact that she was practically sitting on my lap, as I had my hands resting on her shoulders while sending healing magic into her.

Iris was busy telling us about her timeline's version of Serena while Chomusuke had chosen to jump on top of my head where she was currently sleeping, and Anna was sitting opposite us while sending Iris a rather amused look though I wasn't sure quite why yet.

In fact, I feel my brain, which was focused on taking in all this new information I was hearing about Serena and healing Iris, had failed to register something rather important in the moment. But what?

Finally, Iris concluded her explanation before leaning back to rest against me. Perhaps she was just tired, and I made for a good chair or at least I hope that was the case. I then repeat what I was told aloud to myself in an effort to help let the information sink into my brain completely.

"So, your Serena was from a village that saw this dark goddess Regina as they're patron deity and they were planning on going to Axel during a specific period of time so they could enact a ritual to see their goddess fully revived and returned into the world."

"That's right. Their faith claims Regina was the true creator of this world, not Eris. Also, there's supposed to be this massive city under Axel that once served as a seat of power for the followers of Regina. I'm guessing that's the reason the citizens of Axel were chosen to become sacrifices for her revival."

That sounds familiar. Thinking about it, I can recall that when Darkness was away, visiting her sick father and getting herself mind controlled by Aldarp, we had taken a special request by the faith to explore those catacombs beneath the cathedral. There was that one passage Keele said was filled with so much dark energy that even he couldn't explore what lay beyond.

Is it possible that it led down into this forgotten underground city? Yet another thing I need to keep in mind for when we return home. I then say to Iris-

"Is it true that the Devil King himself had sent a message to your father warning him about the attack as well as the location of this village the Regina followers come from?"

Iris nods then says-

"As strange as it sounds, it's true. The Devil King had been keeping a close eye on the Regina cultist as their home was close to his kingdom's borders. Despite the... differences between the two powers, he didn't hate humans enough to see Regina's revival as being a better option, so he warned my father."

"And after that? Why did the Devil King allow Seresdina to join his forces as a General?"

"That was simply to keep an eye on her as well as he hoped that by letting her join him, he may be able to find a work around when it came to dealing with her special powers. As the sole surviving follower of the Regina faith, she was the sole inheritor of the power of Vengeance which made it especially strong and dangerous with her."

I can imagine. So, I'll need to come up with a way to deal with our Serena should the need arise. I should talk with Eris about this once we're back if only to let her know what's up. Maybe I'll even see what Know-It-All has to say on this subject as well once time permits.

A new question then comes to mind.

"Out of curiosity, can you tell me why this long war between your kingdom and the Devil King was even started to begin with? Maybe even tell me what the Devil King is like as well. The information could help me in the long run especially as the Devil King in my timeline seems to want to meet with me for some reason."

"Sure, I can tell you... at least as much as I know. Honestly, the Devil King is a much nicer guy than one would think, given the name he's known by and all. I daresay he's a better man than most nobles though don't tell Claire I said that. As for the reason why this war was even started? It's actually really funny. You see..."

Iris stops and I immediately felt it; an intense gaze upon both of us. We both look and see that gaze was coming from Anna which made me start to sweat as I'm sure it did with Iris too.

"Is something wrong, Anna?"

"Yeah, you've been so quiet while looking at us with such intensity for a while now."

We both wait nervously as Anna keeps looking at us for a moment more. She then smiles happily at us before saying-

"Oh, it's nothing really. I was just wondering when all this needless talking was going to get replaced with Alice trying to seduce you, big brother."

Eh? Trying to...

"Why would she ever try to seduce me, Anna?"

"Yeah, what Kazuma said. What makes you think I was ever going to be doing that here?"

Anna's smile gets even bigger and more mischievous before she finally points at Iris and says-

"Haven't either of you noticed a little detail here yet. Alice, you do remember that you're practically naked right now?"

We both freeze as our heads naturally tilt downwards to see that Anna was indeed correct as Iris was only wearing a bra, some panties, and her lower thigh length leggings. I then realize this was the reason I felt something was off about this scene just like I realized Iris, at some point during the talk, had gone from almost sitting on my lap to very much sitting on my lap.

My brain immediately goes into overdrive; trying to think of something to say to help stops this situation from going where many anime and manga have trained me to expect it to go too.

Didn't matter as before I could come up with anything, Iris screamed out loudly from embarrassment.

Fifteen minutes later-

"So, you almost dressed there, Alice?"

"Shu-Shut up. I can't deal with being talked too right now?"

Anna giggled while I was busy looking the other way. I still couldn't believe that had happened. In fact, why did that even happen to begin with? How could I have not noticed her state of undress before Anna finally spoke up. For that matter, how could Iris have forgotten about that too?

I am so glad Rain and Claire hadn't shown up in that very moment as there's no question I would be dead now by Claire's own hands otherwise as she would have totally taken that scene in the worst possible way.

"So, big bro... mind telling me what's on your mind right now?"

Don't go lewding the loli's... on second thought, I'd rather not, think you. Anna leans in closer and closer, looking at me with her playful eyes which only makes me feel more embarrassed here. Finally, I decide to say something to her if only to shut her up.

"I'm... I was just thinking how we should proceed from here. I mean, should we escort Iris back to Axel or should we send her back on her own while we continue on to the capital ourselves and see about ending this threat here and now."

Luckily, that seemed to work as Anna took on a thinking pose.

"Good question. Whatever should we do here... wait, are you saying you'll actually let me come along now? I thought it was too soon for me to be doing this because of my lack of combat skills."

"That was before you proved yourself at being rather sneaky when it comes to stealth attacks and other things."

"Aw, that's such a sweet thing to say, Kazuma."

"I'm finished..."

came Iris, making us look back to see her as she finally emerged from behind the tall bush she had been using as cover so she could get dressed.

She was wearing a white shirt and a short black skirt cover in blue armor with pauldrons and greaves. There were also a few other types of armor pieces I didn't know the names of. At her side was her fancy holy sword.

It was strange. Seeing her dressed like this made her look so much more mature than she had looked before when dressed in her princess attire. Side note: the attire she wore when she was going by Alice made her look freer and more adventurous. I guess the clothing one wears really can sell an idea on what kind of person someone is.

She then approaches us... me specifically and says while blushing nervously-

"So Kazuma... how do I look?"

"Like you're ready to take on the world here."

I'm guessing that must have made her happy as she was beaming from my words. She then looks at Anna and asks-

"So, what were the two of you talking about just now?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just if we should see you back to Axel ourselves before heading to the capital or trust you to go back on your own while we continue onward."

"What...?"

Iris was shocked as her eyes went from Anna to me and back again. Clearly, she had figured we would all be going there together. In response, I say-

"Iris, I know you really want to come with us, but given the dangers that await us all at the capital..."

"I-I know, but I was hoping..."

"I can guess what you were hoping, Alice, but you need to remember one very important thing here. Claire will literally KILL US if she ever finds out we let you come along with us to such a dangerous place."

"...Yeah, I guess that's true..."

I really hated seeing Iris looked so crushed here. It was obvious she really wanted to come along and save her family herself. At least, I think that's her sole reason for wanting to come. I wish there was something I could do for her to make her feel...

A thought comes to mind in that moment, making me wonder if I had actually thought it or if it had been sent my way by one of the other minds within my body. I shake my head, knowing that this was a very bad idea and would surely lead me to being lectured at least in the days to come.

"You know, Iris... you ARE a princess, after all while me and Anna are currently considered measly commoners by Claire. Technically, you COULD order us to take you with us to the capital."

"Huh? But you two aren't actually members of the kingdom... I mean, you are not citizens of my kingdom and..."

Anna, who had quickly understood my line of thought was quick to speak up and add-

"But what if you were so forceful and direct with your command that it made us forget that little detail. After all, we are just lowly commoners in the eyes of Claire here."

Iris looks at the two of us for a second before her eyes light up and she smiles happily. She then nods and says in the most commanding tone she could; probably trying to sound like Claire.

"Satou's Kazuma and Anna... by my command, I order you two to act as my escorts and see me safely to the capital as well as aid me with performing my royal duties within those great walls."

Me and Anna look at each other before bowing deeply towards Iris while saying together-

"As you wish, my princess."

We all have a nice laugh there before I walk up to Iris and say-

"Seriously though, if Claire finds out about this..."

"Don't worry about that. I'll take the blame for 'forcing' you both into taking me along with you. Now then, shall we get going?"

Iris then leads us over to her horse who appeared to be taking a nap. After waking her up and giving her mount a scolding for not helping her out earlier, Iris climbs up before offering her hand to me.

"What's wrong, Kazuma? Never ridden a horse before?"

"One time, when I was a kid... didn't end well."

"Don't worry about it, just get on up behind me, hold on tight, and trust me to handle the rest."

Once I was up, sitting behind Iris; I wrap my arms around her waist which she didn't seem to complain about. Anna reverts to her chibi form and grabs onto my shoulder again and with a word, the horse began its fast gallop off towards the castle.

"By the way, Alice. Have you decided on the reward you're going to give Kazuma here for doing all this for you? You know, saving your timeline and now letting you come along with us to do that?"

"Anna, now's not the..."

"A reward, huh? Actually, I do have something in mind. Not sure if it's what I'm going to do as the reward but it's under consideration. Be patient for now and wait till I make my final decision."

While I wasn't really worried about getting a reward for this... for any of this really, I was still a little curious as to what Iris had cooking inside that head of hers right now over that very subject.

{|} Part 3: The Guardian of the Gates {|}

"I'm don't like this. I'm really, really not liking this at all?"

I couldn't help myself but cry out in terror as Iris's horse, Starlight, tore across the land while moving at a speed that could likely make race car drivers envious.

"What a sad sight you are, Kazuma. After everything you've faced before, after everything you've been through and experienced... to think that your great weakness would be horseback riding."

"Shut up, Anna. I don't need your color commentary right now."

Iris had a bemused expression on her face, perhaps even a mischievous look in her eyes which would explain her next action. She directed Starlight to make a slight turn towards a tall looking fence. The horse clearly understood what she was wanting as it increased its speed and leaped over the fence like a true champ.

Not that I could marvel at it being able to jump so high as I had quickly closed my eyes and increased my hold on Iris while shamefully screaming like a little kid.

"Seriously, if only the others could see the way you're acting right now. I wonder if you would lose any of their affections for you. Also... be careful with how tightly you're holding onto Alice there. You don't want to go squeezing her to death here because of you being all 'bawk-bawk-bawk."

"I don't really mind. In fact, you can be a little tighter if you really need too."

For some reason, the implications that come from what Iris just said was making me feel very worried now.

We ended up taking another early break on our trip; mainly because the outline of the outer walls of the capital was just becoming visible in the distance. I was busying myself making us all an early dinner as a way to get that nightmare that was riding on Starlight out of my mind.

Iris and Anna were sitting off to the side having themselves a little chat while Iris was getting a chance to stroke Chomusuke's fur for a change. As for Starlight, I honestly didn't care what she was doing right now.

After eating dinner, which both Anna and Iris really loved, we decided to make preparations for the forthcoming assault on the castle.

"Thanks for the meal, Kazuma. It tasted really amazing."

"You think that was good. Do you remember how dinner tasted back in the mansion before this whole whirlwind of events began? Imagine having THAT experience with each meal each day, every day."

"I do remember. It really makes me want to throw this whole life as a princess away and run away with you both back to your timeline when the time comes for you two to leave. If I'm being honest with you two, I'm really beginning to feel like I was born, not only into the wrong life, but also the wrong timeline."

"As that even an option for you though? I mean... giving this all up and coming back with us when all is said and done. What do you think, Kazuma?"

"I think we should focus on the task at hand before we find ourselves having any unexpected guest showing up."

Both Iris and Anna avert their gazes sheepishly as I stare at them. To be honest, I wasn't happy with having to put the brakes on that topic. I mean, having Iris come back with us, coming to live with us and join our crazy family...

That actually did feel rather nice and not because it could mean me adding another girl to my imaginary harem. I honestly did want her to be able to live the life being a princess denied her. But the choice wasn't ours to make and possibly wasn't hers either.

Like it or not, she was the princess of this kingdom which brings many responsibilities. Filling her head with ideas, even if it was the right thing to do, was something we really shouldn't do. At least not at this point and time.

Honestly, I really didn't know what was the right and the wrong here, so I shake my head to clear my thoughts before focusing on the task at hand.

"Iris, what can you tell us of the capital. Seeing as we'll definitely have to sneak both into the city and through the streets in order to reach the castle, we'll need to know as much as we can even if you'll be leading us every step of the way."

"Wait, can we even be sure the 'source' behind the 'Calamity' will be in the castle? And what about the king and his forces? Just because Darkness was captured and turned into an 'avatar' doesn't mean everyone else was captured and turned as well."

Anna did have a good point, so I stand and activate my Farsight skill. I then slowly and carefully examine the area around the front gate.

"Can you see anything Kazuma?"

asked Iris. After a few more moments, I deactivate the skill and look at the girls before saying-

"I can't see any sign of life, but I can tell that a fierce battle did happen outside the main gates. Can't be sure how long ago that was though."

"Are you sure, Kazuma?"

"Sorry Iris, but I couldn't see anyone."

Iris was quite for a few minutes; her eyes closed, which makes me and Anna look at each other with worry. Iris finally opens her eyes, then reaches into her armor and pulls out a map which she unrolls for us to look at.

"Alright, listen closely and make sure you pay attention..."

Over the next fifteen minutes, Iris detailed every nook and cranny of the capital city and the castle layout; especially the castle layout as she was especially familiar with that for obvious reasons.

Once she had pointed out the key details, I then racked my brain and with a little input from Iris and a few surprising suggestions from Anna, we had a battle plan to work with though if I was being honest here, I doubted that plan would see us all the way to the end with needing some serious adjustments.

After that, we once again took to Starlight which I wasn't happy about. I honestly wanted to just use Sprint to see me the rest of the way there, but I knew I needed to be in tip top shape for what was coming. Besides, riding on horseback allowed me to focus on 'other' matters.

Like the fact as we drew closer to the front gates, we took notice of the dark clouds hovering over the castle. And also...

"There's something strange within the walls."

"What do you mean, Kazuma?"

"Don't know, honestly. It's well inside the walls so those are blocking my Farsight skill. And also... there's also some kind of distortion surrounding this strange object. I think it's meant to keep outsiders from seeing whatever it is."

"That doesn't sound at all ominous there, big bro. Do you think that whatever it was is this 'source' we've been hearing about?"

"Maybe... either that or it's where the 'source' is located at."

Soon, we reached the main gates to the capital, or maybe I should say the southern gates. Either way, we dismounted Starlight and Iris instructed her to make some distance from us for her own safety. Once that was done, we all looked at the massive double doors for a moment before Anna asks-

"So, how are we going to be getting inside those walls. Thinking about it, I don't recall that being part of our strategy planning session earlier."

I was also curious about that as Iris had said she already had something in mind when it came to sneaking in past the outer walls.

"It'll be a short walk for us, but we'll make for the exit to the secret passage the royal family would use just in case there was ever a need to make a quick exit."

"Too bad we can't just walk up to the gates here and do a little knock-knock and be let in directly."

And then, before either me or Iris could say or do anything here, Anna walks forward and taps her fist against the metal doors. After a moment of tense waiting, Anna sighs before looking back at us and says-

"And nothing... not too surprised by..."

"You idiot. Are you trying to ruin our surprise attack and get us all killed here?"

I yelled at Anna who just averted her gaze in response. And then we all froze in place as we heard the creaking sound of metal as the front gates slowly began to open.

We all quickly move back a way, finding a nice sized bush to hide behind before we all peeked out and looked on to see who or what would be emerging from within the capital. Once the gates had opened up enough, a tall and massive armored figure comes stepping outside.

"Oh no, this is bad, Kazuma. This is really, really bad. Of all the guards for the front gate, why did it have to be HIM!"

The armored figure was around seven to eight feet tall. The armor itself was dark and demonic looking and covered in cracks that pulsated with the energy of the corruption. And from the eye sockets of the helmet came a dark glowing light and what appeared to be smoke or steam leaking out.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry... I didn't think anyone would actually hear me knocking on those metal doors."

"We'll talk later, Anna... IF we survive this encounter. Iris, just who is that we're looking at here."

"He's the kingdom of Belzerg's onetime enemy. The man everyone feared to face off in battle..."

"The Devil King!"

{|} Part 4: Escaping the Devil King {|}

The Devil King? The DEVIL KING? This imposing and intimidating giant before us is the freak'n Devil King. I'm suddenly NOT looking forward to meeting my timelines version of him if his very presence is anything like what this version is giving off.

The Devil King continued walking away from the main gates for a few steps before finally coming to a stop, then he began to slowly and meticulously scan the entire area that made up the southern section of the capital's outer walls.

[I know you're here. I could sense your approach from far off. Why don't you come out so that we can get to... know one another.]

That was the same sounding voice that had come out of Darkness before... sort of. Instead of it being a mix of the 'source's voice' and Darkness' voice, this one was a mix of the 'source' and what I was assuming to be the voice of the Devil King himself.

"Kazuma, I know this is a real bad time to say this but... I think I just pissed myself here. What are we going to do?"

"That's information I really didn't want to hear from you, Anna. Iris, anything you can tell us about this guy... just in case we do have to fight him in order to escape."

Unlike Anna, who didn't think to keep her terrified sounding voice low when she had spoken, I was making sure to keep mine low. Luckily, the Devil King didn't seem to hear Anna nor me as he continued walking around in his search for us.

"The Devil King... also known by the name Yasaka Kyoichi."

Eh? Yasaka Kyoichi. But isn't that a Japanese name. Please Eris, don't tell me that this guy is another person sent here to this world by Aqua. I may have to kill her when I next see her if that's the case.

"I really don't know all that much about him beyond what my brother Jatis told me; things he learned when the Devil King and my father had their little sit-down talk after the truce was called. We also have to keep in mind him being corrupted like Seresdina may have also altered his powers... strengthened them to some degree."

[Come out, come out, wherever you are. No need to be shy here... dear friends.]

We both look back out at the Devil King, seeing him walking away from us to possibly start a more walk around search of the area. I then look back at Iris and say-

"We'll stay right here for the moment and see if he'll continue walking further away from us. Regardless, be prepared to run... both of you. Also, be ready to summon Starlight if we need her."

"That won't work. I know Starlight well and I know with his dominating power filling the air will keep her from approaching, no matter her person desire to come to my aid. A survival instinct if you will. That's the reason she didn't come to help me out when Seresdina was torturing me."

"Then she's a coward, right Kazuma?"

I ignore that comment from Anna, even if I did sort of agree with her assessment. Instead, I ask Iris to continue explaining what she can about the Devil King.

"Well, he's old from what I understand. Nearly seven hundred years old to be exact. Don't ask me how he's lived that long. He's actually not all that much stronger than the average human."

"And yet he's considered to be a nightmarish encounter. Why is that, Alice?"

"Because of a special power that he has, a power he apparently inherited from an ancestor of his called Power Up. My brother didn't tell me if anything had been said about that ancestor, but he did tell me about the nature of Power Up... just in case there was a betrayal from their side."

Power Up? Wait a minute, that sounds like a... oh GOD DAMN IT!

"As I'm sure you can guess, Power Up can, as the name implies, power up the user's offensive and defensive stats. And I'm not just talking the usual buffs one can apply to oneself with magic or potions either. The degree of enhancement that Power Up can offer is said to be almost..."

"God like, am I right?"

"Yeah, that's more or less it, Kazuma."

I have SO many complaints I'll need to lobby with Eris when I see her again and I feel bad for doing that to her as I know it's not her fault.

"So, he can essentially make himself invincible using Power Up then. Is that it, Alice."

"Not invincible, but very close to it. And that's not the worse part of it either."

Here we go.

"It's not just with himself that he can make use of Power Up on. He can also Power Up others as well. In fact, brother told me all the monsters that roam the world have been receiving a power up from the Devil King for many hundreds of years. He also said that there was a curious reason behind why that was being done but our talk got interrupted before he could tell me, and we never had a chance to continue it before they all left to retake the capital."

I have such a headache now, I really do. Can I just go back home, crawl into bed and just forget all this craziness for... well, forever if I can.

"Question Alice. If the Devil King can Power Up not only himself but his allies and all the monsters in the world, then doesn't that mean he was likely powering up everyone who came here to the capital, and they still lost. And does that also mean that the 'source' and its forces are now being blessed with being powered up, seeing as the Devil King is on its side and all now?"

Anna, why did you have to go ask THAT question. It's only making feel more nervous here.

Iris also didn't seem too happy with that question as all the color from her face had drained away the moment it had been asked.

"I didn't even think about that. We're in trouble, aren't we?"

"OK everyone, new plan. We are going right back to Axel, and we are going to stay there until that Palastori guy returns. I am then going to ask him to send me back to my timeline so I can get my party and bring them back here with me. I don't care what he said or what that fortune teller from the Crimson Demons said. There is NO WAY IN HELL I'm going to be able to do this without my team backing me up and the serious fire power they can bring with them."

"Kazuma-Kazuma, perhaps now would be a good time to have Lynn cash in that trip to meet the Devil King in our timeline too. See if we can bring him and his forces back with us to offer some additional back-up for this mission."

For once Anna, you offer up a sound suggestion. I am worried about what would happen if our Devil King was also corrupted... what are the odds of that happening.

I then look and see the Devil King off in the distance, making me decide that the time was now.

"OK, let's get out of here. Iris... Anna, grab onto me and don't let go. I'm going to use Lurk and sneak us away. Iris, as soon as we're far enough away that you can summon Starlight again, do so."

Iris nods before grabbing onto my right arm. Anna reverts to her chibi form before grabbing onto my shoulder. When then carefully and stealthily make our way away from the gates and it was all going good too... until it wasn't.

[Aw, how cute. To think you thought you could actually sneak away like that.]

We freeze in place before looking back to see the Devil King was standing right behind us, baring down on us with all his intimidating might.

[FYI, I knew all along where you were hiding. I was just having a little fun by making you think I didn't.]

He then moves with unbelievable speed by slamming a fist into the ground, creating a massive pressure blast that sends us all flying. My landing was pretty rough with chibi-Anna and Chomusuke landing a few feet behind me. Iris's landing was just as rough as mine though she was quicker to recover with her Calibur already in hand.

"Kazuma, I know this is a bad time to add this detail but I... well, I might have forgot to mention that the Devil King is also insanely fast, even without the aid of Power Up."

"Yeah, you're right. This is a bad time to recall that little detail. Anything else you want to recall while there's still... AAAHHHH!"

I squealed out as I was forced to jump back while grabbing onto Chomusuke and Anna in order to avoid being smashed by another fist to the ground. No doubt about it, this guy was fast alright.

"Exterion."

shouted Iris, sending a wave of energy blasting from her sword at the Devil King who responded by simply extending his other hand up and grabbing onto the attack like it was some physical thing and then crushes it in hand like it was a twig.

Iris pales even more before going on the defensive as he turns his attention to her. I, meanwhile, turn my attention to the two I was holding. Chomusuke was still sleeping soundly which I'll admit did irritate me just a little. She could literally sleep through anything if she wanted too.

And as for Anna?

"Anna, I know this is risky but is there any chance that you could... are you... pretending to be a lifeless doll right now?"

Chibi-Anna wasn't moving though I did see her open one eye just enough in order to 'peek' before going back to acting lifeless. I honestly wasn't sure if I should be angry with her or jealous that I didn't have that option available to me here as well.

"Kazuma, help..."

I heard Iris call out, making me quickly turn back to looking at her. She was on the ground, Calibur laying a good way away from her as the Devil King's hand was filled with lightning magic.

I curse under my breath before quickly stuff both Chomusuke and chibi-Anna into my pouch. I then build up my own magic before shooting a fireball out at the Devil King's back. Not surprisingly, I didn't do any damage, but it got him to turn to look at me which allowed Iris time to scramble over to collect her weapon.

[Tell me something. Why do you look like Satou Kazuma yet have the ability to use magic as well? Who are you, stranger?]

"Sorry, but I'm not in a talkative mood right now. How about instead of sending a flunky out to fight me, the REAL you can come out here and maybe then I'll feel like chatting."

[Or, how about this. I'll beat you to within an inch or your life then bring you inside where I'll get my question answered... using my new favorite means to get my questions answered.]

Well, if that's how you want it. I would rather not use my secret weapon here if I can help it, but I may not have a choice now. Still, I'll need a few moments before I can start using it. Hopefully, this will buy me those few precious moments.

I throw both my hands up as I shout out-

"Lightning."

[Cursed Lightning.]

Was the reply as the Devil King fired off his counterattack. Our two attacks collide and at first seemed even in power, but I knew that wasn't the case. On top of what I had been told by Iris just moments ago, there was also the fact I was firing my Lightning out using both hands while the Devil King was only using a single finger.

The even appearance of our magics only lasted a moment before the Cursed Lighting overwhelmed my Lightning, slamming back into me with such force that I was sent flying back in a smoking dominated mess.

{Insert Image 2}

Had I been killed by his attack? I didn't think so but for a moment, everything was silent and black around me. It wasn't till I heard Iris scream out my name that I was able to confirm that I was still alive. And then I got another clue, the intense pain that rivaled what I had felt from Seresdina's attack.

"That's it, time to show you the power of my bloodline, Devil King."

I heard Iris shout. I was able to tilt my head up enough to see the Devil King had turned away to look at her again. I then turn my head enough to see Iris holding Calibur out before her, the blade aglow with a tremendous amount of energy.

She wasn't preparing another Exterion attack. No, whatever this was is an attack that was going to be truly next level. Without a doubt, this was her ultimate attack.

[So, will this be the legendary attack I've heard so much about? Will this actually be a threat to me?]

"Let's learn that answer... together. SACRED EXPLODE!"

Iris swings Calibur and the energy is unleashed. The Devil King immediately brings both his arms up in a guarding fashion as the attack hits. What follows is a massive blast that was comparable to some of Megumin's best Explosions.

What was even more surprising was the fact that the energy, and the Devil King or so I assumed, were sent flying back to impact against the outer walls and the front gate. Due to the smoke that was created by the time the energy had started to fade, I couldn't be sure what state either the wall of the Devil King was in, but it had to have done something to him... right.

"Kazuma, are you alright?"

said Iris who was already by my side, hand resting against me. She helps me with sitting up.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Anna and Nia are also fine as I stuffed them inside my adventurer's pouch."

"Huh? You can actually do that... oh no."

We are both forced to look back at the outer walls as the Devil King emerges from the smoke. His armor was clearly damaged, but he was still alive and still looking like he had plenty of fight left in him.

"We need to get out of here... NOW."

I can agree with that, seeing as more Cursed Lightning was being prepared to be unleashed.

[That was rather impressive. If not for the enhancement that the corruption can offer, he might have even lost a limb back there. Those stories about you are well founded, Belzerg princess]

Sprint won't work, even with the addition of demi-mana. I guess I'll need to use...

["Use teleportation, Kazuma. I can't allow you to use 'that' until we reach the 'source.']

Seriously, hell of a time to become all selective. Not much choice then.

"Iris, grab on tight. I'm going to use Teleport to get us out of here."

"But I thought you couldn't use Teleport, Kazuma?"

said Anna as she and Chomusuke's heads come popping out from my pouch.

"Not a teleport to a fast travel point but I can still use a random teleport... at least I think so anyways."

"Then you better do it now because..."

[Don't worry, I won't seek to kill any of you. That said, this is REALLY going to hurt. Cursed Lighting.]

"Teleport!"

{|} Part 5: "May I..." {|}

The building we had found ourselves appearing in following the random teleport was small and dark save for the small fire I had managed to start within the fireplace. There was no light coming in from outside which meant that it was exceptionally cloudy tonight.

In fact, it was so dark outside that it was impossible to see if there were any other buildings around. Also, this building appeared to have been abandoned at some point in the past and rather quickly at that, given that a lot of the furniture had been left behind.

After giving the place a careful look over to make sure that we were the only ones in here, we set up little mini beds downstairs by the fire and had made dinner before settling in for the night. Anna, understandably, wanted us to make use of the beds that we had found upstairs but Iris agreed with me with having us all stay close together. Just in case someone or something happened to find us before morning came around.

Right now, I was staring up at the ceiling, watching the shadows that were being cast by the fire dance around. I wanted to sleep, I really did, and I knew I should sleep as who knows what was coming once the sun had risen and we could actually take a look around wherever it was we had arrived at.

But I just couldn't get sleep to come my way and no, it wasn't because of Anna's loud snoring.

I was instead being kept up by my thinking over the last few encounters over and over. Facing off against Serena and then the Devil King had shown just how out of my league I was here. Maybe I was being too hard on myself, seeing as I had been fighting a priestess that made use of death magic and the big bad boss of the other side himself, both being powered up by the corruption of the 'Calamity.'

But it still was still making me feel like I wasn't this chosen one that could save everyone here now.

And that made me feel weak and worthless. Maybe it's time I just stop being hesitant with using THAT and go get this over with.

"Kazuma, are you still awake?"

"Yeah, I'm awake... unfortunately. Seeing as you're asking me that question, I'm guessing sleep isn't being kind towards you either."

Though I couldn't see her, I knew Iris had shaken her head before sitting up. She then carefully crawls over away from her bed beside Anna and comes to sit at my side. I sit up as well and look at her.

"So, what thought is making sleep impossible for you?"

"What thought isn't playing a role in keeping me awake. Sigh, I need to get my mind on something... Kazuma, did you by any chance ever meet the ME from your timeline by any chance? If you did, can you tell me if we, the two of us, had been friends?"

I had a feeling this question was going to come up sooner or later. Honestly, I was hoping that it wouldn't be seeing as it had, I guess I should tell her everything. I just hope it doesn't bum her out any.

"No, we never met in my timeline. Not because fate never brought us together until WE met, but because... well, because you were never born in my timeline."

"What?"

I then explained everything I knew about the incident. How the king, her fathers, uncle, the Duke of Kessex, had secretly been poisoning her mother which had left her body in a weakened state so that when it came time to see her second child born, the labor had killed both her and the unborn child.

The goal had likely been to break the king and make him surrender the throne to the duke as the prince was still too young to become the king. Instead, the king had continued on even if he was a shell of his former self while the duke would soon suffer divine retribution following what he had done to that potential hero who had the Dragon Scale Armor sacred power. Can't recall his name at the moment.

Once I had finished, Iris was quiet for a bit before she finally asked-

"What of my father and brother in the present? Are they doing OK now?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure as I have never met them in person. I've heard the two of them have been leading the charge in the fight against the Devil King in my timeline. It has been said the king has lost his drive to rule and your brother doesn't have a desire to become the next king. Currently, I believe the high council are dealing with the leadership duties for the king while he's away."

"That sounds about right; how I would expect them to act, I mean. Father has often told me that mother is his strength, his sole reason to keep on leading us during these dark times. As for Jatis... he's often told me he'd rather be out here and plans on gifting me with the crown when it comes time for father to step down as the current king."

"I see. Out of curiosity, where's your mother now? Is she..."

Iris shakes her head then smiles, saying-

"She's fine but she's neither back in Axel nor did she join the main force in their mission to retake the capital. She's currently helping out with her sister who's the queen of the kingdom of Parble. It's a small kingdom, the smallest on the continent actually, but it's still an important location that needs help."

I think I had heard of Parble. If memory serves, much of the manatite crystals that people make use of here on the continent, especially mage class adventurer's, comes from the mines of Parble.

"Kazuma, do you think... if the me in your timeline had been born and we had been fortunate enough to have met one another... do you think we would have become friends?"

I take a moment to look at Iris, seeing the need to hear my answer to her question in her eyes.

"I think we would have... no, I mean I know we would have become friends. After all, we're friends now, right? So long as the you in my timeline was anything like YOU you, then I know we would have become friends like we are now. Although, I'm sure the Claire of my timeline might have tried to stop that from happening assuming my Claire and yours are of the same mindset as well."

We both laugh at that happily. Iris then smiles while a blush appears on her cheeks.

"Yeah, I know we would become great friends too. Who knows, maybe I would have even started to see you as my honorary brother... if not..."

"If not?"

Iris shakes her head then quickly says-

"Sorry, but that's my little secret for now/ Maybe I'll tell you one day but for now... I think it's time we really try to focus on sleeping, don't you think?"

"Might as well. To be honest, I do feel like I'm ready to fall asleep now."

"Yeah, me too."

I then return to laying down and I was planning on turning onto my side as I usually slept on my side but before I could do that, Iris suddenly does something unexpected by laying down beside me. No, not just beside me. She actually places her head on my chest while wrapping an arm around me.

"Um... Iris..."

"Is this OK? I mean, can I-we sleep like this tonight. Maybe you'll see this as me being childish and all that but... I feel like I can sleep better tonight if I do this."

I'm really not sure about this. I mean, I know quite a few people who would be out for blood, to say nothing of my hide, if I let this happen. I need to be stronger here and tell Iris...

"Alright, but if Claire finds out about this then you have to tell her you did this AFTER I had fallen asleep, alright?"

Why am I doing this? I know it's going to come back to bite me in the ass.

Iris nods before hugging me tightly which makes me blush in embarrassment.

"Thank you, Kazuma... I mean, big brother... is it OK if I start seeing you as my honorary big brother now. It would really mean a lot to me."

"Yeah, yeah; now go to sleep. We'll probably have even more craziness to deal with come morning."

My arms then reach up and hug Iris like she was hugging me. I'm not sure why I was doing this but seeing as I've come this far, might as well see it to its natural ending. Besides, only the two of us will likely ever know about this little moment, right.

"Heh-he, wait till the others back home hear about what Kazuma's doing with an 'outside his strike zone' girl!"

Don't make me kill you in your sleep, Anna.

{|} Part 6: Memories from the Water {|}

Sun had risen by the time we had finally awakened. After a quick breakfast, we stepped out of the building and found ourselves in the ruins on a fairly large city.

"Man, talk about lucky, huh. We teleported into what must be one of the VERY few buildings in this place that's still standing, to say nothing of being intact."

Anna wasn't wrong as I could count the number of buildings still standing with one hand with there being hundreds that had been demolished. Guess that means that these few standing structures had been located on the city's outskirts. But that wasn't all though.

As far as one could see, there were these strange purplish colored crystals of various sizes spread all over the city, mostly coming up from the ground in the spots that the destroyed buildings had once stood.

We all look around and my eyes happen to pan down when I see something that looked like a sign which I walk over to in order to better examine. Meanwhile, I could hear Anna and Iris having their own little conversation.

"And here I thought those other two places got trashed by the 'Calamity.' But this place, it looked like the aftermath of an all our war with the locals being the losers in that fight, big time. Alice, any idea on what this place used to be before it became... THIS!"

"I wish I could answer that question, Anna. But in all honesty here, there doesn't appear to be enough left behind to even offer one a hint."

"I know where we are."

I stand, having needed to kneel down for a moment in order to brush some dirt and rubble off the sign. I then look at the girls who were awaiting me to tell them what I had discovered.

"We're in Arcanretia now."

"Arcanretia? The first place the 'Calamity' appeared at and attacked?"

"This is great, Kazuma. You've been talking about wanting to come here in the hopes you could find something out about the 'source' that maybe others failed to find. Guess that random teleport was a blessing for that desire. You really do have good luck, huh?"

"Maybe... let's start looking around and see if there's anything that stands out... besides those crystals I mean. And be on your guard also. While my Enemy Detection skill hasn't gone off once since we arrived last night doesn't mean that there isn't any 'vessel's' and avatars' in the area."

Iris and Anna nod as we began walking around the ruins of Arcanretia, making sure to stay close together as we look. On a whim, I go ahead and touch a few crystals in order to see if that triggered anything of interest but nothing happens, so it was likely there was nothing to learn from them.

At least, there was nothing to learn that we four couldn't figure out.

We spent the next several hours looking everywhere only to find nothing and just when we were thinking of heading back to the building we had stayed the night in for lunch and to decide what we were going to do next...

We found something. Or perhaps I should say something found us.

"Kazuma."

"Find something, Iris."

"Yes and no."

said Iris, pointing to a rather strange sight. The was a bubble floating through the air that had a violet hue color to it and was strangely aglow as well. There was no source for the bubble anywhere that I could see either.

"A bubble? Wait, there's more in the air."

Anna wasn't wrong. There wasn't just one bubble but multiple. They were fairly well spread out, but they were all the same. I look to Iris and ask her what she meant by "Yes and no."

"These bubbles were found floating around in the air when the team that was sent to investigate what happened in Arcanretia right after the 'Calamity' happened. They couldn't determine anything about them on sight and when then tried to bring a few with them for research, they would pop the moment they were taken outside the Arcanretia city limits. Long story short, we don't know anything about them like where they come from and what their purpose is."

"Understood. It may not be necessary but let's just avoid touching..."

["Touch them, Kazuma."]

Entropy? What are you talking about and why do I need to touch them?

Entropy didn't respond and while I consider ignoring her words, I suddenly felt a strong desire to do as she asked me. And so, with both Iris and Anna giving me a confused look that quickly turns to shock, I walk over to one bubble and touch it with a hand.

My hand remains on the surface for a moment before sinking in. This doesn't cause the bubble to pop, instead making it start to glow brightly as my mind is suddenly filled with... something.

The next thing I knew, I was standing in the middle of the busy streets of Arcanretia. The buildings were still standing and the people who lived here were going about their day without a care in the world. I didn't need to ask what was going on as I just somehow knew.

These bubbles were, believe it or not, recorded memories from the people of this city. But memories of what? That answer came quickly as I find myself suddenly looking up to find the sun filled skies quickly become dark and cloudy.

If that wasn't ominous enough, then came a sound like a wailing shriek and then my eyes turn towards what was obviously the main church of the Axis faith as a pillar of pulsing violet-purple light comes exploding out into the sky. I could hear screams of terror and people begging Aqua to come save them as the pillar then races outward and everything that it touches is absorbed into it.

I had just witnessed the 'Calamity' as it first happened.

I then find myself being pulled back into reality as Anna and Iris had grabbed onto me and had pulled me away from the bubble.

"Kazuma, are you alright?"

"What were you thinking, idiot brother... and after you told US to not touch it."

I then feel Chomusuke lightly scratch my head, probably as a form of punishment for my sudden and rash action. Can't say I blame her or them for their responses.

"Sorry about that. I... let's just say that little voice in my head made me do that."

"What do you mean, Kazuma?"

asked Iris though Anna clearly understood, and she quickly tried to change the subject.

"Forget about that. What happened just now, Kazuma. Did that weird bubble..."

"It showed me the day, the very moment, the 'Calamity' happened. It also showed me something else."

Iris and Anna look at each other then back at me and ask in unison-

"And that is?"

"I think I know where to look for some answers here."

Soon, we had found the ruins of what had once been the main church of the Axis cult. In a strange way, it had been rather easy to find. Not because the building was still intact. Quite the opposite as it literally had nothing left to even indicate that it had once even existed. No, the reason finding it was simple was because of one simple detail.

Those crystals that we had seen all over the place were most prevalent where the church had once been located, replacing it like some new crazy looking structure.

"Sooo, any ideas how we're getting inside?"

asked Anna. Before Iris could ask, I reached out and placed my hand upon one of the crystals which caused it to open up like a door. Anna and Iris look at me with a dumbfounded expression before Anna finally asks-

"How the hell did you do that?"

"Because I'm just that good."

was my reply but in all honesty, I didn't know either. If I had to guess, I would say the door had also been thanks to Entropy as I'm sure she had manipulated my hand into touching the door. Now that I think about it, can the Entropy inside me control my body whenever she wants too?

If so, then I have so many reasons to be afraid for my future, to say nothing of everyone elses futures.

We then carefully and cautiously step inside finding that the interior still more or less looked like the inside of the Axis church which meant the one in this timeline was pretty much identical to the one in my timeline. The only difference was the fact that EVERYTHING inside was also made out of the crystal.

"Creepier and creepier, huh?"

"This is strange. Why would the inside still look so much like the actual inside for a place like this."

"I hate to say this, but I think whatever the 'source' actually is may have once been an ardent follower of the Axis cult. Someone who held the church especially with great importance if they went to the trouble of recreating it with these crystals."

"So, the 'source' could have once been a follower of the goddess Aqua. You must really be loving THAT thought, Kazuma."

"You have no idea, Anna. No idea at all. Anyways, let's get this over with."

I then began to lead them through the room, passing into another room that I'm guess was the personal chambers of the cults high priest. And from there, we find a hidden passage that led us down deep below the ground. As we went, Iris finally asked-

"Kazuma, how do you know where to go here? And do you know where it is you're leading us too?"

"No idea on where we're heading. As for the how... would you believe I'm being guided by a higher power?"

In other words, I'm pretty sure Entropy was guiding me here too. Not with words in my head but with these powerful impulses that I couldn't help but not follow. Finally, we emerged into a decent sized room that had a deep pool filled with water glowing in the same pulsing violet-purple light that those bubbles had as did the pillar I had seen from the vision. We come to a stop, and I say aloud-

"So, does anyone want to take a guess as to what this room could be all about?"

"I think this may have been the Chamber of Purification at one point or another."

Surprisingly, the one who said that had been Anna. Both me and Iris look at her as Iris asks-

"And you know this HOW?"

"One of my tutors growing up had been a follower of the Axis cult. She was actually a very nice person who never tried to convert me. Guess you can say she was one of the few reasonable followers of the goddess Aqua."

"Is such a thing even possible... never mind that for now. What purpose did this room serve, Anna?"

"Hm, let me see... if memory serves, followers of the faith who felt like they have lost their way would be allowed to submerge themselves within the waters in order to find themselves again. Also, to any who were believed to have been traitors to the faith would be forced into the waters and made to stay under in order to test the strength of their faith."

"And how did they get their answer, Anna?"

"Simple, all followers of Aqua have the favor of the waters placed upon them. They could never drown when under the water and they were protected from being poisoned by way of drinking. To test one's faith, they would be forced to remain under the water for seventy-two hours with some powerful force preventing them from ever surfacing for air. Only the truly devoted would survive those seventy-two hours."

"... I seriously don't know how to respond to that bit of knowledge."

"So, what are you going to do now, Kazuma?"

"Only one thing to do..."

I said before I hand Chomusuke over to Iris, then I run forward and jump into the water. I could hear the girls cry out in shock as I sink down to the bottom of the pool. I then just sit there waiting for something to happen. I wait and wait and wait and...

["Are you really sure you want to do this? I mean, someone of your status needing to make use of..."]

["I'm sure, high priest Zesta. Due to recent events, I have become aware of my personal flaws and failings. In order to continue forward and be what everyone needs me to be, I need to gain clarity. True clarity otherwise how can I begin to make amends for all my sins.]

["I understand all that. I just can't believe you of all people would ever need..."]

I see a hand come up to quiet the high priest Zesta, then I hear the person I was seeing through the eyes of say-

["Even one such as I can make mistakes. There is no one in existence that is without fault. I have regrets and remorse and have made my fair share of mistakes just like everyone else. I believe now is the time to finally start correcting that negative about myself, not continuing to ignore what it so obvious."]

["Very well. How long do you think this will take? When should I come to release you?"]

["Forever if it needs too. When I'm ready to be released, you will know. Now, if you will..."]

I see Zesta nod before turning and exiting the room. I then see the figure whose eyes I was looking through begin to strip off their attire before entering the waters. The figure then does something which I assume was activating the sealing power that would make exiting impossible until the time was right.

The scene then shifts as I see nothing but an endless ocean around me. Was this what it looked like when submerged within the waters of penitence? While I couldn't see them myself, I knew whoever this was seeing their painful memories flow through the water around them. And I could feel the tears falling and mixing with the waters.

["I'm sorry, I'm so-so sorry for everything. If only I could go back in time, I swear I would do whatever it takes to make things right for everyone. Most of all, I would do right by you..."]

["Why wish to go back when you can make right all your past sins in the present?"]

I find myself snapping back to reality, looking here and there for several moments before I'm guessing this person decided it had been just a voice within their head and goes back to their original position only to find a figure floating just outside of arm's length.

["Who are you? How did you get in here?"]

["Who am I? No one of true consequence but if you really need a name to call me, then call me... Rubrikt."]

["Rubrikt."]

Rubrikt? I think I've heard that name before, but from were.

["As for how I am here, in this place that I obviously shouldn't be. Sorry, professional trade secret. Let's just say I have my ways. Now, what do you say we get down to business."]

["And what business would you have with me?"]

["I'm well aware of the reason why you of all people are here. It's sad what has happened to you, truly it is. I wish to help you correct that... if you will."]

The person who's eyes I was looking through narrows said eyes before saying with a rather cold tone-

["You're here to make fun of me, aren't you. Just who are you really? Never mind that. Just leave me alone. I don't need anyone to tell me how I so badly screwed up my duties. I know that now better than anyone, thank you."]

I then see Rubrikt bring his hands together before pulling them apart to reveal a small pulsing ball no bigger than a grape or a pomegranate, glowing with that pulsing violet-purple energy. Like with the person I was seeing through, I knew this strange object held power within it, as well as something else.

Something dark and dangerous.

["What is that mister Rubrikt?"]

["Power, of course. The very power that would not only see you restored to all that you have lost, but to make you even greater than you could have ever hoped to be."]

Once again, the mystery person's eyes narrow; perhaps even more so than before. They looked at the object with doubt before saying-

["Do you think I'm dumb? Scratch that, I know I'm dumb and so much more but even I have my limits, believe it or not. I can sense the darkness within that thing so why would I take such a risk by using it?"]

["If you don't want it, then you don't have to accept it. I'll be on my way as I'm sure there are others who would love to have the opportunities this power can bring them."]

Rubrikt then turns and begins to move away which causes-

["Wait..."]

Rubrikt stops and looks back while saying-

["Yes?"]

["That power, can it really make it possible for me to correct ALL my past mistakes? Even make things right with HIM?"]

["All that and more."]

["And the risk?"]

["Once you eat this, there will be a... period of transition you'll have to undergo before the power becomes yours to use. Think of it as a form of rebirth for yourself. It won't be easy; it'll be quite dangerous and painful, in fact. So much so that you could die before the process is complete. But if you can endure and survive the transition, you will obtain TRUE power."]

["Why me? Why offer me this power and what's in it for you?"]

["Because you are the one with the most need of it right now. Because I believe that ONLY someone like yourself has a chance at gaining control of this power and making proper use of it. As for me? There may come a time someday when I come and ask you to use the power you'll gain from this to aid me with dealing with a certain issue that has arisen. Now, you DON'T have to help me if you don't want too. I would ask only that you at least give it my request some serious consideration should that day ever come. Well, what will you do? Eat this and gain power or..."]

Rubrikt then holds his hand out with the object resting on his open palm. The person I was seeing through looks at it for a moment and I'm pretty sure I felt hesitation from them before they finally reached out and after a final moment of hesitation, takes the item into their hand.

["Are you certain... certain that this will do all you said it will?"]

['So long as it is what you truly want, and if you can survive to be reborn, then yes."]

After looking at the item for a few moments more, they finally make up their mind and eat the item.

For a second, there was nothing. And then came the pain; pain that felt like their entire being was being burned alive and ripped apart.

I knew this person was grabbing onto their sides hard as they began to sweat and spasm.

["What... is this pain. You didn't say..."]

["Didn't I? I said that the transition wouldn't be easy, that you could potentially die. For the next seventy-two hours, you will feel all this and so much more. Now, do me a favor and don't go dying on me. I would rather not see another failure happen. Now, I shall take my leave. I wish you luck and hope you will become my second great success, my little potential Entropy in the making!"]

The vision I was experiencing finally came to an end and I was immediately greeted by a serious and desperate need for air. My lungs felt like they were on fire, and I wasted no time with getting my head back onto the surface. I then start taking in deep breaths while the girls cry out my name.

"Kazuma, you're alive... thank Eris for that."

"Geez bro, do you have any idea how long you were submerged for?"

Once I had regained enough air into my lungs and had gotten myself out of the water, I look at them and ask how long I had been under for?

"About two hours."

Iris had said. I then ask them why they hadn't jumped in to pull me out. Anna replied by saying-

"We tried but every time either of us tried to jump in, some force blasted us away."

"So, did you learn anything, Kazuma?"

"Yeah, you could say that. I also think I know who the 'source' behind the 'Calamity' is but I'm really hoping I'm wrong about that part."

Anna and Iris look at each other while Chomusuke makes her desire for wanting me to pet her known. Before anyone could say anything however, I felt it; my Enemy Detection skill came alive, and it was going crazy within my mind.

"Kazuma...?"

"I think we have company coming our way. The worst kind of company at that."

{|} Part 7: Escaping These Masters of Explosion {|}

We wasted no time in making our way outside the now crystallized Axis church. As we ran towards the nearest exit out of Arcanretia, I take a quick glance over to Iris and ask-

"What are the odds that you can summon that steed of yours to magically show up and get us as far away from Arcanretia as possible?"

"Not good. I can communicate with her regardless of the distance between us but given the distance between her and us, it will take a good while before she'll be able to be here at the earliest possible time."

"That's what I thought you'd say. Anna, be ready to go chibi the moment we exit the city then grab onto me. Iris, be ready to get onto my back. As soon as we leave the city, I'll use Sprint to get us as far away as possible."

"Why not use it now, Kazuma? And why not just try another random teleport before that?"

asked Anna.

"The ground is too uneven here for me to safely use Sprint. Hopefully, the ground beyond the city limits will be more forgiving. As for the teleport? Because of just how random a random teleport can be, I'd rather avoid relying on it unless we have no other choice."

"Are you still sensing danger nearby, Kazuma? Does your Enemy Detection skill allow you to know where the danger is coming from?"

"Yeah, and the sense is getting worse. And unfortunately, I currently not skilled enough with it to have that level of awareness. For all I know, we could have danger all around us. Just focus on running and be ready to get onto me."

Both girls nod while I feel Chomusuke dig in with her paws. While I couldn't feel her cutting into my flesh with her claws, she was still surprisingly good at holding on tight. A few minutes later, we had reached the still intact bridge that crossed a large river that passed before the southern gates of Arcanretia.

It only took us a moment to cross it and I then come to a stop.

"OK, hurry and hop on."

Moments later, Anna was hanging onto my arm and Iris was on my back. I then begin to channel my mana into my legs while saying-

"Hold on tight, you two. I'm really going to give this little sprint my all here."

They nod as I feel their hold onto me tighten and just as I start to move, the ground before us explodes which sends us flying back as a massive blast of fire erupts into being. As we work on a quick recovery, I hear a rather familiar sounding voice speak loudly at us.

[Thank you for leaving Arcanretia for me. As I didn't wish to bring harm to the city of my birth, I needed you vacate the area before I could take any particular actions against your group.]

Damn it, why didn't I consider that sooner?

"Guess that explains why despite the amount of danger you were sensing before, the enemy wasn't taking any action against us, huh big brother."

"I was wondering about that little detail myself if I'm being honest."

"And the two of you couldn't have taken a second to bring that matter up with me?"

They both look at me with sheepish expressions before Iris nervously says-

"Um... well, I figured you had also had that thought but figured it wasn't important enough to be worth talking about aloud."

"What Alice said. You're supposed to be the smart one here, not us."

"Why you... forget it. Hurry up and get back into the city."

I shouted as we all scramble to cross back over the bridge, but before we could get halfway through...

A massive wall of ice comes into being, ripping across the bridge and the water below, not only blocking our path but destroying part of the bridge from the looks of it.

[Sorry, but I'm afraid retreat won't be an option for you... THIS TIME!]

My mind goes blank as I hear another voice, also familiar. But unlike the first, I knew who the owner of this voice was. I slowly turn back as I see not one but two figures standing a few steps away from the bridge.

It was Wiz and... I know that other person from somewhere; but from where exactly?

"What, isn't that miss Wiz, Kazuma? I can't believe that she's here."

"And she isn't alone. General Wolbach of the Devil King's army is with her... and they've both been corrupted by the looks of it. Guess I shouldn't be surprised as they were with my father and brother's forces."

Yeah, that's right. Her name was Wolbach. I remember now, seeing her alongside Hans back in my Arcanretia. To think that she was a general also. Wait, did I already know that or not. Ugh, I can't remember to much about that night, apart from that amazing make out session with that Crimson Demon girl I met there in the hot spring.

I must have been blushing as Anna yells at me for letting my mind wander into perverted territory. She then says-

"Still, I can't believe I'd ever see Wiz turned into a mindless servant of the 'Calamity.' I honestly was hoping that being a Lich would have given her some kind of immunity against the corruption."

"Lich? Wait, are you saying miss Wiz is actually a Lich? I can't believe it. I mean, she seems so lively and kindhearted, the exact opposite one would expect to see from a Lich."

"Wait Alice, are you saying you didn't know that she was a Lich?"

"No, not really. I've only ever known her as Ice Witch Wiz, bane of the Devil King's army."

I see, then maybe she never became a Lich in this timeline... or maybe she just never shared that information with anyone outside a select few. I'm hoping that's the case as otherwise, my trump card may not be as reliable as I was hoping it would be once I'm actually facing off with the 'source.'

"Stay focused, you two. Just facing off with a corrupted Wiz is bad enough but to have an unknown like Wolbach at her side..."

[Yes, you should listen to the boy. We are, after all, a dangerous duo to have to fight against.]

They said in unison before Wolbach raises her hands and sends a blast of lightning out at us. Iris grabs chibi-Anna then dodges. I also dodge to the side before launching a Fireball in retaliation. Wiz responds by using an ice spell which freezes my spell solid. The now iced Fireball hits the ground and shatters like glass.

"OK, Wiz's ice magic is so powerful and cold that it can freeze fire itself. That's both impressive and scary at the same time."

"Now's not the time for being impressed, Anna. Kazuma, any suggestions here?"

"No choice, we'll have to random teleport out of here. Hurry and get over here to me."

Iris comes running towards me while Calibur begins to glow. But before she could reach me, a wall of fire separates us which is quickly followed by Wolbach charging in close and attacking me more directly with some strange magical claw like attacks.

I find myself being forced back while Chunchunmaru to counter Wolbach's swipes until I was pushed back against the wall. As this is going on, I could sense great agitation coming from Chomusuke. I didn't know why, but I could feel a sort of resonance happening between her and Wolbach.

And then I felt Wolbach wrapping her hands around my neck as she begins to strangle the life out of me. I could feel Chomusuke's desire to do something, anything, in order to help me but she was unable to move. Was it because of fear or was it something else that was stopping her from acting.

And then, Wolbach spoke-

[What's this? This body is having a curious reaction to that strange cat resting on your head. Could it be possible that they are... connected with one another? Perhaps I should corrupt her too in order to find out.]

Wolbach then pulls one hand off my neck as she begins to reach out to take hold of Chomusuke.

"Don't you dare... touch my DAUGHTER!"

I shouted as I instinctively activated Apathy. Despite the sudden rush of pain that hit my eyes, I was able to power through it by breaking free from Wolbach's hold before grabbing onto her and using all my strength, I push her over to the railing and flip her over so she was falling down into the river below.

I then pant and take several deep breathes. I then reach up to check on Chomusuke, feeling that she was starting to calm down. I then realize I had called her my daughter just moments. That was rather strange, now that I think about it. Perhaps it was because of Anna saying we were like a father and daughter not too long ago.

"What am I doing? I need to go help Iris and Anna out."

I then turn and create a few ice blocks of my own to use as platforms which I hop up till I was standing above the wall of fire. Looking down, I could see Iris holding her own against Wiz while chibi-Anna was holding on desperately to her.

I then jump forward and deliver a roundhouse kick to Wiz which catches her by surprise, do to her having not noticed me before. My surprise attack sends her stumbling over to the side and before she could recover, both me and Iris grab onto her legs and flip her over the edge of the railing too.

Without wasting time, Iris hops onto my back and I activate Sprint, leaving the bridge within seconds and moving further and further away from Arcanretia. I can feel Iris looking back followed by her saying-

"Kazuma, move right."

I don't hesitate to heed her words as I jump to the right which was a smart move as just a split second more would have seen all of us frozen in ice.

"Go left... Right again... A little ice hopscotch..."

I followed every suggestion Iris sent me, managing to just barely dodge getting us frozen each and every time. Anna also spoke up by saying-

"They're coming... the both of them. I think they're going to overtake us if we don't do something."

"Iris, can you do another one of those Sacred Explode attacks?"

"Yeah, just say the word though I'll need you to turn back and face them."

"Understood, as soon as I give the signal, make your move then I'll use a random teleport. I'd do it now, but I won't risk us being in motion with such a risky action."

Iris nods and after a few moments more, I jump while spinning around. The moment I landed; I told Iris to make her move.

"Sacred Explode!"

[Barrier... Counter...]

Sacred Explode impacts against a barrier made by Wiz while Wolbach's counter sends it flying right back at us. It doesn't hit us directly, thankfully. But it hits the ground right before us which sends us flying back. Iris and chibi-Anna are separated from me as we all hit the ground hard.

[Bottomless Swamp.]

The next thing I knew, the solidness of the ground beneath us was gone and I was beginning to sink downwards. Looking, I can see Iris was also sinking while chibi-Anna had scrambled to get on top of her head. I then look back and see those two come to a stop.

[What to do with you? Hm, I know. Let's see if you can survive this. If you do, then I will accept you all as my... family too.]

And then they both began to chant, a chant I was intimately familiar with. I knew what they were preparing to do and it made me turn pone white with fear. Iris must have seen this as she quickly asked-

"Kazuma, what is it? What's wrong."

"Explosion, they're both about to cast Explosion on us."

Hearing that makes Iris pale as well. I then begin to struggle with all my might to free myself, at least enough so that I could hopefully reach Iris and Anna. Iris too was desperately trying to get to move so I could use teleport to get us out of here.

But I knew it would be in vain. While we were inching closer and closer to where we would be able to reach out and take each other's extended hands, we didn't have enough time to connect with one another.

"No choice this time. Guess I'll have to give those two a little..."

Before I could finish, I feel someone grab onto me from behind. Looking back, I could see a person dressed like a ninja who was actually standing on the swamping ground while another figure was grabbing onto Iris.

And what's more, the two of them were clearly female as they were dressed like kunoichi. The one with me was wearing a maroon-colored top and black skintight knee length shorts and a cloth covering her mouth. The one with Iris and Anna was wearing the same outfit, except her outfit was lavender colored. And the two of them were, well... let's just say that they were very well developed.

"Who are..."

"Be grateful that we keep a close watch on Arcanretia. Chief, I have this one ready to go."

"Same here. Let's get out of here before..."

[To late, newcomers. EXPLOSION!]

"Teleport."

{|} Part 8: The Village Hidden in the Crimson {|}

The teleport had been just slightly faster than the double Explosion. JUST BARELY FASTER!

Having arrived at our destination, that being a heavily wooded area, we all take a moment to catch our breathes and bask in the relief of having actually gotten out of there alive.

"Are you alright, princess Iris?"

asked the kunoichi looking girl standing beside her. Said girl then offers up her hand which Iris takes and is helped up. Iris then gives the girl a confused look while asking-

"How do you know who I am?"

"You're well known to us, princess. Truth be told, what was said before, that we keep an eye on Arcanretia, is only a half truth. The reason why the two of us arrived to save you both was due to us being told by our villages fortune teller of your plight and thus we came to save you both."

"I see. You have my thanks, strangers. Tell me, just who are you people anyways? You're style of clothing... I'm unfamiliar with its origin."

"It must be a Crimson Demon thing."

said Anna suddenly, making the ninja girl beside Iris jump in surprise. The girl who was standing beside me was also caught off guard as she looks at me, who had to help myself up with my own power. Just as I got back on my feet, she says-

"Did that... did that doll just talk?"

"Yeah, she has the ability to do that. If you really want to know the secret, be warned that it will be a short and very boring story."

"Wait a minute, Kazuma. First things first, how do you know these two are Crimson Demons, Anna?"

"Simple, their eyes."

Anna wasn't wrong. Looking at the girl beside me more closely, her eyes were visible, and they were definitely crimson eyes. Wait, does that mean that the Crimson Demons of this timeline are more ninja's than mages? I thought, from what was said about Megumin, that she was still an archwizard?

I then notice something else. Both ninja girls were now looking at me with wide eyes filled with surprise and shock. Iris was looking at them then at me on repeat.

"It can't be. You're... but Satou Kazuma is supposed to be dead."

came the girl beside Iris, making Anna let go of Iris's shoulder before reverting to her normal size which makes the two go even more wide eyed, if that was even possible. Anna then says-

"So, we've been told. The truth is... well, how should we go about explaining that little detail, big brother?"

"Iris?"

"Like you say, it can't be helped. Let's go ahead and tell them everything, Kazuma. But before that, you know who we are..."

"Not all of us. I'm Satou Anna, sister to that guy over there... sort of."

"OK, now you know who we are. Mind telling us who you two are before we explain why Kazuma is still alive despite being dead."

The girl besides me looks to the girl beside Iris and Anna who sends her a nod. The girl beside me then reaches up and pulls her mask off before saying her name while doing the oh so familiar Crimson Demon style pose.

"My name is Nerimaki; Archwizard Ninja and master of advanced magic; daughter of the clan's foremost brewer and she who will one day master the way of the sword."

"And I... I really hate having to do this in front of others... I mean, my name is..."

"Yunyun."

Yunyun freezes while Nerimaki looks at me dumbfounded, as does Iris and Anna. Yunyun then reaches up and pulls the mask off her face, revealing that it indeed really was her beneath it. Anna gets all excited before looking back at me and say with excitement in her voice-

"Kazuma-Kazuma, how did you know that it was Yunyun under that getup? Thinking about it, her voice did sound familiar, but I didn't make the connection. What tipped you off?"

"Um... well, it's be-cause I... because I just know Yunyun that well, naturally. What, were you expecting something else as my answer?"

"Wow, that's amazing?"

"Hm, I wonder about that."

said Iris and Anna respectively. Iris looked amazed while Anna had a mischievous look about her.

Truth be told, the REAL reason why I knew it was Yunyun beneath that mask hadn't been her voice. It had been her boobs. I'd know those beautiful melons of hers anywhere, even though I haven't actually seen them in the flesh yet. (Megumin and Cielo, on the other hand.) But I did know them well enough from both their size and shape.

Of course, I would NEVER EVER say that aloud. I am neither that stupid nor do I have a death wish.

Nerimaki clears her throat then says-

"Never mind that. I'm more curious about... holy, can I have a look at that sword of yours, Kazuma? Is that really the legendary Chunchunmaru I've heard so much about? Despite the sorry name Megumin forced onto it, I've still heard that it is a one-of-a-kind blade."

"Sure, I don't mind... I guess."

I then hand Chunchunmaru over to Nerimaki who immediately begins to fan girl all over it; holding it as if she was holding a newborn baby in her arms. I guess I also managed to have my own katana forged here in this timeline. Probably had a little help from Darkness in that department.

And I'm also guessing Megumin helped herself to naming it for me too. Guess I should at least be happy that Megumin is still Megumin, regardless of the different timelines.

"Sorry to hurry things along but could someone explain to me why Kazuma is still alive. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see you still alive and kicking, Kazuma. I also know Megumin will be really happy to see you again too. But could you go ahead and tell me where you've been all this time."

And so, I told them. Not everything, mind you. Just about how Iris had shown up in my timeline and had brought me here to help save everyone with Anna and Chomusuke being brought along for the ride. Iris also said a few things, like how it had been the prophecy the Crimson Demons had sent there way alongside the words and assistance of Palastori that had made my being here possible.

Once done, Yunyun and Nerimaki look at each other before Yunyun finally says-

"I see, that explains a lot. I guess I should have known that you being alive came with a catch."

"So, what should we do, chief?"

"We'll go ahead and take them back to the village. There's more questions I'd like to ask this Kazuma as well as princess Iris."

"But what will we do if anyone else in the village recognizes him? Even worse, what if Megumin..."

Yunyun nods before walking over to me and offers me her mask. She didn't need to say anything as I understood immediately what she meant by this action. I take the mask from her and cover my face with it, then bring my hood up to cover my head as well.

"OK, follow me. The entrance to the village is close but it's not obvious."

Yunyun then begins to lead the way while Nerimaki walks beside me and Iris while Anna walks slightly beside and behind me, having a big grin on her face. Iris looks at Nerimaki and asks-

"So, about your curious attire."

"Before that, can we address the elephant in the room? Is no one going to say anything about how my brother is now wearing the mask Yunyun was wearing just a few minutes before."

"Why would anyone need to say anything about that?"

asked Nerimaki as Iris looks at Anna, as did I. While Yunyun kept leading us forward, she did slow down a little while looking back at us in curiosity.

"Simple; because Yunyun wearing it then Kazuma right after means they've just shared an indirect kiss with one another. Isn't that so wrong, everyone?"

Thank you for making things weird, Anna. Yunyun freezes, Nerimaki smirks, Iris blushes madly, Anna cackles, Chomusuke yawns, and I smack my head in annoyance. Anyways, once we had recovered, though Yunyun definitely was affected by Anna's sudden revelation, Nerimaki finally answered the big question here.

"Believe it or not, but the origin of our current lifestyle actually came from... Satou Kazuma. You see, it all started when..."

And then Nerimaki explained how after the whole Mana Plague incident happened, the Crimson Demons were riding on their Kazuma love high, calling him the destined hero of the clan. During some talks with Yunyun's father and a few others, the other me had brought up the topic of the ninja.

Intrigued, they asked to hear more so he... I drew up some pictures for them on top of describing various things. They loved what they saw and heard... immensely so. In fact, they were so taken that apparently after our group had left to return to Axel, the clan had held a vote which saw everyone voting in favor of changing the clan's very lifestyle so match the ascetic of the ninja.

As such, their style of clothing became ninja like, both battle attire and casual wear. The village, the new village that is, was built to resemble the hidden villages of a ninja in the most literal sense of the word. And according to Yunyun, who had finally recovered enough to join the conversation, the clan was currently doing research to create a whole new kind of magic spells that could have a ninja's jutsu like feel, minus the whole hand sign schtick common with ninja stories back home.

And once the explanation was done, Anna whistles and says-

"Damn, after hearing all about that, I really want to give the whole ninja lifestyle a go myself."

"Isn't this wonderful, Kazuma. Despite all the issues your counterpart had because of his status as a Void, he still ended up becoming beloved by the Crimson Demons and has influenced the very future of their clan's way of life."

I scratch the back of my head nervously as I sheepishly say-

"Yeah, that's... actually, I'm not sure if that will be a good thing or a bad thing."

I mean seriously, these people were already crazy enough as mages. Now that they were turning into ninja mages, they were likely to become even more of a headache to anyone not of the clan when they interact with one another.

And then, Yunyun comes to a stop at the edge of a lake. She then points to the waterfall on its far side.

"Beyond there is our new village. Princess Iris, I ask that you keep this a secret from others, even your own family... at least till the day comes when we're ready to reveal all this to those we deem worthy."

Iris nods before Yunyun begins to lead us around the lake. As we walk, I decide to ask-

"So, am I right in assuming that the reason why your clan went all MIA on everyone is simply due to the fact you've decided to truly embrace the lifestyle of the ninja, which includes being hidden from the world, only known to exist by a select and trusted few."

"I wish we could say that was our sole reason... but..."

Nerimaki, who had been the one to answer, goes quiet as she looks at Yunyun. There was silence for a moment before Yunyun finally said-

"I'm afraid there's another reason behind why we needed to disappear like we did. I'll go into more detail if my father gives the OK but for now, just know that a 'time of change' may have finally come for us Crimson Demons."

"A time of change?"

said Iris as Anna cocks her head in confusion. Neither Yunyun nor Nerimaki said anything more as we walked and soon, we were standing before the waterfall. Anna is told to reach her hand out and feel beyond the falls which she does then says she felt only stone beyond the falling water.

Yunyun then does a chant, and a circular hole opens within the falls and the rock wall beyond crumbles away to reveal that it was actually a hidden gate which we step into. Once making sure the gate had closed behind us, the lead us through a cave and we soon emerge from the other side...

And find the most breath-taking view I have ever seen. I'm sure, based on their reactions, Iris and Anna were marveled as well. Chomusuke, not surprisingly, didn't seem to care as she continued to slumber as she was hidden under my hood.

The village looked like one would expect, except spread out over many spots, some higher and some lower than we currently were. There was also plenty of green; grass, trees, and such. There was also open crop fields and lakes, rivers, and additional waterfalls those these were much smaller.

{Insert Image 3}

I walk up to Yunyun and say-

"I so need to know the exact location of this place before I return to my timeline, so I can share it with my timelines Crimson Demons."

"That can be arrange. Anyways, just follow me, stay close, and let me do the talking. And Kazuma... no matter what, don't let anyone know that you are you beneath that mask."

I nod as Yunyun leads us down the path into the village, having decided to give us the scenic tour before we head to her home to meet with her father and continue the conversation on things. As we walk, I recall that Nerimaki had called Yunyun chief and so I move a little closer to her and ask with a quiet voice-

"Yunyun, before... Nerimaki called you chief. Does that mean your father is...?"

"Hm? Oh no, father is fine. He's still alive and kicking. He's just retired from the leadership role. Decided that with our clan having started a new era required us to have a new leader to usher it in and as a result, I became the chief. To be honest, I think he only made me chief when he did so he could be lazy and perv on all the girls when they're wearing their ninja attire."

"So, your dad is just as much a perv as my timelines version of your dad. Must be a handful for your mom to keep him in check too."

"Wait, my mom... she's alive in your timeline?"

That was when I learned that this Yunyun had seen her mother die when she was still young. We spent the next few minutes talking about Rikarika which made Yunyun both happy and sad; the sad being because I knew she wanted to ask me if she could come back to my timeline for a little bit so she could see her mother again, even if she was an alternate version of her mother.

Honestly, I wanted to grant her desire but seeing as traveling between timelines wasn't a power I had... at the present. Maybe one day, someday, I could do something for her in that regard.

As we walked through the streets of the Hidden Crimson Village, as I was calling it mentally, we got plenty of stares and people asking questions. I made sure to keep quiet and let Yunyun and Nerimaki do most of the talking with Iris and Anna saying a thing or two here and there.

And then, as we walked through a small yet surprisingly diverse open-air market, I heard-

"Sister... sister, over here. I want to get this for dinner tonight."

"Alright, Komekko, alright. Just give me a moment to finish grabbing these items."

I came to a dead stop as I looked and saw Komekko who looked exactly the same as how I remembered her looking, save for her now being dressed in her own kunoichi attire and right beside her, with her back mostly to me, was Megumin.

Megumin was wearing a stylish feudal era inspired kimono and she had grown her hair long, having it almost reaching her lower back. I then hear Yunyun say-

"Megumin's kimono was something you made for her with your own hands. It's one of her greatest treasures; something she's very fond and protective of."

"And she's grown her hair out too. I know our Megumin has been talking about it but hasn't fully committed to it yet."

says Anna, walking up to my other side and taking hold of my hand. Yunyun then says-

"She grew her hair out because Kazuma said that he felt long hair would look better on her than her old short hair style... or something to that effect. Megumin doesn't really do magic anymore but she's our foremost expert when it comes to all things Japanese. She really learned a lot from him... she really misses him."

I then, without realizing it, begin to walk towards Megumin only to be stopped by Yunyun before I could take my third step. I look back at Yunyun who shakes her head then says-

"I can guess what you must be thinking but you can't reveal yourself to her. If she sees you, she'll think that you are OUR Kazuma which will only hurt her when she learns the truth. There's also the chance she'll either ask you to stay here with us... with her or she could ask if you can take her with you."

"And I would have to reject her regardless. Still, I wish that there was something I could do for her. Give her a chance to say what she wanted to say to your Kazuma so she can finally have some degree of peace with my... his death. So that she could maybe finally move forward with her life."

"Yeah, I know. Anyways, let's keep going... before something unwanted happens."

I nod as we turn away and continue on our walk. However, from the corner of my eye's line of sight through the mask, I saw Megumin look our way as we were turning though that didn't stop us from walking away. And then I just had to hear these words be said-

"Sister, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Huh? Oh... that's weird. Where did this tear come from? So strange... Anyways, what were you wanting to get, Komekko?"

I clench my fist tightly, fighting with all my might to resist the urge to look back and walk over to Megumin, to reveal my face and tell her everything. But Yunyun was right. For her sake, I couldn't let her know about me as knowing would only lead her to suffer even more pain.

I'm so sorry, Megumin.

{|} Part 9: The Fate of Satou Kazuma {|}

"... zuma, ...Kazuma, … wake up, Kazuma."

My eyes open quickly from the strange dream I guess I was having though I couldn't recall any particular detail about the dream, apart from the fact I could hear someone calling out my name.

Weird, huh?

I sit up in my temporary bed as I felt it will take some time before I could fall back asleep. The room I had been given was dark, so much so that I could barely see anything. I'm guessing that the hour was really late, perhaps even past midnight.

I then begin to think back to the talk we had with Yunyun's father and a few other choice members of the clan. To say that they had been just as surprised to see me... I mean, see Satou Kazuma still alive as Yunyun and Nerimaki had would be an understatement.

Iris told them about how I was from another timeline and that she had been able to go collect me with the aid of that Palastori guy on top of Soketto's words that had been sent her way. This had surprised the Crimson Demons present as they didn't know that any vision of prophecy was so powerful that it could see hope being found in a completely different timeline.

Naturally, the prospect got them all excited for some reason. Yunyun suggested I meet with Soketto tomorrow in secret, if only to make sure that it was indeed me she had saw in her vision.

I ended up also needing to tell them more about myself and my timeline. Iris had asked if that was really needed and even Anna seemed nervous about me doing that. I went ahead and did tell them things though not EVERYTHING. In truth, I left quite a few details out of my telling; especially concerning my relationship not only with Yunyun but also Megumin and the other girls in my party.

I had a feeling Hiropon would kill me if he found out I had technically slept with both Yunyun, and Megumin together... twice actually, without anything too sexual happening apart from both girls kissing me when they had been drunk. I think Yunyun suspected I wasn't telling them everything, but she didn't press the matter; probably because she didn't want her father to know the details on that either.

Iris then asked if there was anything the Crimson Demons could do to help with defeating the 'Calamity' and at first, they seemed hesitant to offer us aid. I wonder if there was anything special behind the reason why. It was then I spoke up and made my suggestion.

"How about this. Instead of having you people launch a direct attack against the enemy, could you launch a series of quick assaults on the outer walls around the capital; try to draw out as many of the 'Calamity's' forces while we use this secret passage Iris talked about to get in and make our way to the 'source' and end this once and for all."

"Oh, like how we usually went about harassing the Devil King and his forces by going over to his castle several times a week, blast away at the barrier till his forces came after us, then make a hasty retreat."

"Something to that effect. I was thinking something a bit longer here like having one group start with one section, then another hitting their section when the get the signal, over and over in the span of a set amount of time. Say, thirty minutes or so if possible."

"Thirty minutes? Something like that we could do easily for hours, kid."

In the end, it was agreed that the clan would aid us as, in all honesty, it sounded like a good time to them. There was also the fact that the clan owed me, well... the other Kazuma, an eternal debt of gratitude and even though I wasn't their Kazuma, they still wanted to aid a Satou Kazuma if it was possible.

They would need about half a day in order to prepare for this mission so it was decided that we would move out after lunch time tomorrow... guess I should say today as I'm pretty sure it was past midnight right now.

Anyways, as I was awake, at the moment, I decide to check in with Know-It-All and see if she had finished her connecting with this timeline's Divine Archive. I ask her and in response, she creates text within her pages which I read quietly to myself.

["Sorry for using text to reply, Kazuma. I'm needing to give the bulk of my focus to the task at hand. To answer your question, forming a link with the Divine Archive is taking longer than expected. For some strange reason, there's a lot more security I have to get around with this one. I'll be curious to find out the reason why once I've finished. FYI, I should be finished sometime tomorrow."]

"Here's hoping that'll be before we begin our assault on the capital."

I then close the book and place it on the table beside the bed then I turn my attention to Chomusuke who was still asleep on the second pillow place on my bed. I reach out and carefully rub her ears and back for a moment, smiling as I listen to her purr happily.

"How do you do it, little one. How can you sleep so much all the time. I'm actually a little jealous..."

CLINK

The sudden sound startled me as I quickly look back and look around. It takes me a moment before I realize the sound, I heard had been something softly impacting against the window. I then get off my bed and walk over to the window, looking out to see if I could find the source.

That didn't take long.

There was a cloaked figure who gives me a wave, then makes a motion with their hand that beckoned me to come out there and join them. Now, under normal circumstances, going out there would be the stupid thing to do. However, I think I had an idea on who this cloak person was as I could just barely make the body out from where the cloak was open.

I quietly open the window and exit my room. The figure then turns and begins moving away from the house with me following close behind. Soon enough, the figure passes into a darkened cave, and I follow them in though there was a moment's hesitation. Once inside, I slowly walk till the little light coming from outside was almost gone and I suddenly find myself being forced back against the rocky wall... with a dagger pressed against my throat.

""I was told that a "Satou Kazuma" was wanting to see me. Based on your looks, I'm guessing you must be the guy."

came the voice of the figure, clearly a girl not that I needed to know that as I already knew who it was.

"Yeah, that's correct. Gotta say, Chris. You always seem to have most... unique ways of announcing your arrival."

A light then comes into being, in the form of a magical lantern like item Chris was holding in her free hand. She then pulls the dagger away, steps back a few steps before clinking the lantern which causes it to start hovering in the air the moment she lets it go. I wonder if there's such an item back in my timeline.

"So, you know who I am. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, seeing as Ranger told me everything he overheard you say to Luna back in Axel. Question, why are you here with the Crimson Demons right now and more importantly, how could you be here in this timeline?"

"Is me being here really that big a deal, Chris?"

"Well... yeah, actually. Not sure if this is true of your timeline though I would think it would be but in ours, it's a BIG no-no for anyone to go off and tamper with other timeline's. Even we... I mean, even the gods themselves are, for the most part, forbidden from indulging in such actions."

"Makes sense. In my defense, I didn't come here by choice but seeing as I am here, might as well do what I can to help until I can find a way to see myself back home."

"So I was told by Ranger. As for you going ahead and helping out... I guess that makes sense."

"Exactly. And as for why I'm here right now, you can blame that on having to chase after a run away princess, a random teleport, and being saved by two Crimson Demons... and maybe a few other choices that were probably the wrong ones in hindsight."

Chris actually smirks at that before saying-

"That sounds like something MY Kazuma would say."

She then takes on a thinking pose while I just look at her. I then recall that this could be a good chance to get some questions I have answered.

"Out of curiosity, Chris. Mind if I ask you..."

She places a finger over my mouth to quiet me then she says herself-

"There's something I need from you, Kazuma."

She then quickly closes the distance between us and for a split second, I thought she was going to kiss me. Nope, turns out she just pressed her forehead against my own and I felt a strange feeling come rushing over me; specifically in my mind.

As quickly as it began, it ends as Chris pulls away and brings a hand up to hold her chin. I'm guessing she must be mulling over in her mind whatever it was she was doing. And seeing as being patient isn't one of my strong points, I decide to ask her what that was all about.

"Want to tell me what you were doing there, Eris?"

I also decided to use her TRUE name in order to add emphasis to how serious I was being.

"Just looking into your mind. Figured it would help answer my questions faster than words could do. And don't ask me how I did that. That's a secr...et? Wait, how did you know my true name?"

Guess she didn't pay attention to that detail when reading my memories, huh?

"Because you told me, when we were undertaking a little trip that saw us needing to visit Arcanretia."

"I see, then I guess there's no need to beat around the bush here."

Chris then adjust the way she was standing before snapping her fingers. A burst of light follows, filling the cave and forcing me to look away. When the light fades and I was able to look at her again, I was shocked to find that I was no longer looking at Chris...

But the goddess Eris.

"That's right, the girl known as Chris is just a disguise. My true self is that of Eris, the goddess of fortune who oversees this world. Guess that means you now understand how I was able to read your mind before, huh?"

I stare at her for just a few moments before I was finally able to speak.

"Wait, are you telling me that you are ALSO the goddess Eris. When you revealed your secret to me before, you said that you were from another world like me. From a place called Arbel to be more exact and that the name Chris was inspired by your dead twin sister."

"Huh, but I thought..."

Chris, I mean Eris, quickly closes her eyes as she likely was scanning my copied memories within her carefully. And she must have found the specific memory as her cheeks suddenly turn bright red and her face becomes one of sheer embarrassment as she quickly goes into a panic attack.

"Oh no, what have I done. I just seriously revealed a major truth to another me's Kazuma before she could build up the courage to do so. Oh god, I'm in so much trouble if the higher-ups find out."

I spend the next several minutes working on calming Eris down from her insane panic attack. In truth, a panicky boss is really-really cute to behold. She looked so helpless that you can't help but want to hug her and protect her from all the evils in the world.

Soon enough, we were sitting opposite each other and she had her head hung low.

"I'm so sorry about that, Kazuma. I really should have reviewed your memories more carefully before saying anything."

"Don't worry about it. Honestly, I had my suspicion about you... I mean her for quite some time. I was just waiting till she decided to talk to me herself. In truth, this little adventure I've found myself on has revealed a lot of things to me I didn't know before. Things I'll need to keep in mind and investigate once I've returned home."

"I can imagine. Well, I guess seeing as we're both here and I do pretty much know everything about YOUR life leading up to this moment... sorry, by the way. What you've had to suffer and endure I mean. I know that my counterpart must be very angry with herself for not doing a better job with preventing that from happening, like with the whole being charmed by that Alonzo guy or being better at saving you from that undesired trip down into Hell."

"Don't worry about it. While those... events were not the funnest to suffer through, it still served a purpose and helped to make all of us better people... at least I'm hoping that was the case. If nothing else, I'm aware of the existence of that Charisma Choker and I'm keeping an eye out for it and the trip to Hell did have a positive gain to come from it."

Chris nods, then says-

"Anyways, like I said before, I think it's time for me to return the favor and tell you what I can here. Guess you're wanting to know more about... well, yourself and the life you lived in this timeline."

"You could say that. I'm curious about his relationship with the others, what they went through, and such. For starters, how did I... he die, Eris?"

She didn't respond immediately. In fact, I could tell my question had made her very uncomfortable. It takes several minutes of silence before I finally said-

"Boss...?"

"Sorry, it's just... talking about that is difficult for me."

"Because you and I-he had been close?"

"Yes, I guess you could say that we were. I was the one who reported to the guild that you were dead. Even bringing proof in the form of your blood-soaked green track suit jacket."

"Guess I shouldn't be surprised to hear that. You must have been the one to find my dead body. Finding me dead have been hard for you, huh?"

"It was... but there's more to how I found you than that. You see, Kazuma. I... I was there when you..."

"When I died. Even though you were a goddess, you were unable to save me. Guess that means even the powers of a god couldn't help in saving the life of a Void, huh?"

Chris was quite for a moment more before finally saying-

"... No, anima can work on anyone from the mortal world, regardless of if they have mana within them or not."

"Really? Then why weren't you able to save me, Eris."

The moment my question was asked, I swear the lighting in the room grew dimmer. More than that, the very air seemed to become heavy and breathing became a little harder as Eris, who had averted her gaze, finally looks back at me as tears started to fall from her eyes.

"Because... I'm the one that killed you!"

{ to be continued... }

Image 1: Image is surprised and shocked Seresdina being stabbed by a determined looking Anna's blade. Kazuma and Iris also look surprised and shocked.

Image 2: Image of Kazuma's Lightning and the Devil King's Cursed Lightning impacting and clashing against one another's.

Image 3: Image is of Kazuma, Iris, Anna, Chomusuke, Yunyun, and Nerimaki gazing out over the Hidden Crimson Village.

Next time: The assault against the 'Calamity,' facing off against the 'source,' and a Kazuma x Megumin moment.