Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

45. A9-5: Reap the Corruption

{|} Chapter 5: Reap the Corruption {|}

{|} Part 1: "Will You Help Us" {|}

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

Eh? What... what did you just say, boss?

You... you're the one who killed...

I then began to laugh, earning a confused look from her. I laugh for several moments before finally saying-

"Anyone ever tell you that you have the worst jokes, Chris? I mean seriously, joking about something like that... I'm guessing you were trying to lighten the mood in here, seeing as the atmosphere had gone all dark and tense there for a second. But to go say something like that as your joke isn't something..."

I stop talking as Chris pulls off the long gloves she was wearing. It wasn't till this moment that it occurred to me that she had been wearing long, almost elbow length gloves. Once the gloves on both her hands were off, she holds her hands out for me to see and what I saw made me intake a painful breath.

Her hands, her wrist, and parts of her lower arms were stained a blood red color.

"What... Chris, your hands and arms."

Chris nods, confirming where this sight had led my thoughts. As more tears escaped from her eyes, she brings one of her hands up to clear the tears away before she finally says-

"As you can see, Kazuma. My hands, and lower arms, have been stained with blood, YOUR blood. You may be wondering why I haven't washed the blood away yet. That's because I can't. This stain will remain soaked into my flesh for eternity."

"But why?"

"Because this is MY sin, Kazuma. For a god or goddess, to kill a mortal with our own hands; that mortal is a good person at heart and soul will see their blood etched into our flesh in order to be a permanent reminder of the sin we committed."

I found myself clenching my fist and narrowing my eyes at her without realizing it. What I said next was filled with as much anger as there was confusion in my tone.

"That's not what I meant. I want to know WHY! Why did you kill me, Chris? What exactly did I do to warrant such a fate, especially by your hands at that."

Chris didn't respond at first. I stare at her, waiting for her to say something; the anger within me building as I wait. And then, Chris cracks a smile which really got my blood boiling.

"I did what I did because... because I... I did it because this was not a world that would ever be kind to him."

"Come again?"

"Surely you've gotten a good idea of the kind of world this is by now. Kazuma was a Void and this world of mine abhors Voids. No matter what he did, how much he risked and sacrificed and how many people he saved, they still saw him as being a worthless existence; a mistake born into this world."

"That's not true. I mean, Luna came to accept me. Taylor and his part came to accept me. The Crimson Demons as a whole came to accept me and even my own party came to accept me. While I admit those numbers are few, it was still a start and definitely better than nothing."

"Are you really so sure about that? Luna only really started to see the value in your existence after she learned of your death. Taylor, Keith, and Dust came to tolerate you because of you saving Lynn but that doesn't mean that those three accepted you. As for Lynn? Well, you did... never mind that. I guess you can say that she came to accept you but only because she saw how you and she suffered similar circumstances and that treating you poorly just because of your condition would make her a hypocrite."

"Then there's the Crimson Demons. Did they really accept you or were they more in awe of you, intrigued by your status and what being a Void allowed you to do. As for your party? Sure, they accepted you... because they had nothing else to latch onto. Didn't stop them from leaving you behind when a better option came their way. And yes, they did come to regret that choice but was it because they truly felt remorse or was it because they felt bad more for themselves than for you?"

"Long story short, what I did that day I did for HIS sake. I saved him from further pain and suffering."

As I sat there, listening to Chris speak, I found myself at a loss for words. Was this really Chris-Eris-my boss actually saying all these things. What's more, did she actually believe the words she was saying?

And that's when I saw it. As she was talking, I could see she had clenched her fist tight, so much so that I'm pretty sure I could see blood, her blood, dripping from her hands onto the ground. She was also shaking ever so slightly as well.

It was because of that I finally believed what the truth here was.

"You're lying. Everything you're saying... it's all for the sake of some mystery narrative you've chosen to go with. Either way, I can tell; it's as plain as the morning rising for me. You ARE lying, Chris."

"Kazuma...?"

"If you don't want to tell me the REAL reason behind why you killed, well... me, then that's your business. I'll learn the truth behind it all soon enough anyways."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Sorry boss, but as you always say... That's-A-Secret!"

I then make the same pose Chris often makes when saying those words to me which makes her look at me with blinking eyes for a second before she averts her gaze and huffs while crossing her arms over her chest.

"So that's what being on the receiving end of that feels like. No wonder he's always so grumpy with me."

OK, that's a curious thing to say. Guess I'll go ahead and...

Chris suddenly stands, catching me off guard.

"Guess it's time for me to be on my way. Have my duties as a goddess to attend too. Kazuma... look, the truth is I did try to do more for... well, for you. I went to the higher-ups and asked permission to see you given access to mana. They not only turned my offer down, but I found out that they knew all along that Aqua failed to give you mana. Despite that, they chose to let you remain manaless as they were curious what someone who was a Void could do in my world. As much as I wanted to make things right with you, I can't go against the orders of my superiors. Anyways, I guess this is goodbye."

Chris then quickly looks away. She then begins to walk off which makes me shout out-

"Wait... boss, there's one more thing I want to ask you."

Thankfully, Chris does stop walking as she looks back at me.

"I want you to join us in taking down the 'source' and ending the 'Calamity' once and for all."

"Huh? But Kazuma, that's..."

"Goddess Eris, is this not YOUR world? Are you NOT the one who's in charge of watching over this world and its people."

"Well, yes I am but..."

"Then is it NOT your duty to join in this battle, especially seeing as this enemy isn't exactly the type of enemy us mortals can easily take on. Considering what this foe can do, isn't this the type of enemy that only a god can properly deal with. Please... boss..."

"Will you help us?"

I could see the conflict on Chris' face as I look at her, waiting for her to reply.

"Kazuma, what you ask... I'm sorry, but I can't. For something like that, I also have to have the consent of the higher-ups in order to act. I've already talked to them, and I was told that this threat hasn't become such a threat to warrant divine involvement yet."

"So, you're just going to sit there and watch as everyone is either killed or corrupted by this thing. Tell me, just exactly how bad do things need to get before you gods are willing to get off your lazy butts and do something for us mortals?"

"I... Kazuma, it's not that simple. There's..."

"It is that simple, Chris. Trying to come up with an excuse is... You know what, if you're really going to be like this, then go. Just know this, Chris. I'm so glad that you aren't my Chris. MY Chris wouldn't let things like that stop her from helping others in a situation like this, no matter the price she'd have to pay after."

My words had left Chris stunned. In truth, I hated myself for saying that to her, that was glad that she wasn't my Chris. It's just that I was so angry with her right now that I couldn't help myself but not say that to her.

Also, I know I was making a big assumption with the Chris I know when I said that she would step in and take action if this was to ever happen in my timeline. I just had this feeling was all, that the Chris I know would do it should the need ever arises.

I then turn my attention back to this Chris, seeing that she had opened a portal but had yet to step through it. She was instead looking at me, tears rolling down her cheek. Her eyes remain locked onto one another for a few more moments before she finally says-

"Goodbye Kazuma, and... I really am sorry."

A moment later, I was alone inside the cave.

{|} Part 2: "You Have a Role in This" {|}

"Kazuma, are you dressed and ready to head out?"

Following my meeting with Chris, I had returned to my room in order to get some much-needed sleep. While I had gotten some sleep, I was still feeling pretty tired when it came time to get up this morning.

Right now, I was heading out with Yunyun in order to have a quick and private meeting with Soketto in order to determine if I truly was the one she had seen in her vision. Chomusuke was back in my room, sleeping like always while Anna was off exploring the village with Funifura and Dodonko acting as her escorts slash babysitters. Anna was also really enjoying the ninja attire she had been given by Yunyun.

Once I made certain my face was hidden behind the mask I had been given, a different mask than the one Yunyun had loaned be the day before, I step out and with Yunyun leading the way, we exited her family's home and began our walk towards the home of Soketto.

"So, are preparations for the little diversion coming along alright?"

"They are. Assuming nothing unexpected happens, we should be good to go before lunch time with our departure being set for once lunch is over."

"I see... I'm sorry for asking you and your people to risk yourselves like this, Yunyun. Know that this really means a lot to me."

"Don't be. If anything, I don't think I've seen my father or the others who will be joining us this excited about something in a long time. Ever since we relocated and went all incognito with the world, everyone's been rather bored and looking for something "fun" to indulge themselves with."

That sounds about what I would expect from the Crimson Demons. Strange, I can't help but feeling comforted at knowing these Crimson Demons can be just as wild and chaotic as the ones I know.

For the next few minutes, there was silence between us as we walked along. During this time, I did my best to look like I belonged here, that I was just another one of them. And I was seeing some rather curious things as we walked too. Because of this, I failed to notice it at first, but it did catch my eye soon enough. And that something was the sight of Yunyun having started to fidget nervously.

I guess she must be rather nervous walking beside a guy. Perhaps she was worried that anyone who sees us would misunderstand the reason why she was alone with a guy. Perhaps...

"You doing OK, Yunyun? Worried that everyone that sees us may think that we're on a date or something?"

"N-No, that's not... I'm not worried about anything like that, Ka...I mean, Hirohiro."

Hirohiro? Guess she's giving me temp name just in case she needed to introduce me to anyone.

Yunyun then comes to a stop and after several moments more, finally says-

"Um... the thing is, I was wondering... after you told us about yourself yesterday. I confess I'm curious about the relationship between the two of us... I mean is there anything between you and your timelines version of me."

"Oh, wondering if there's something naughty going on between us, are you? Perhaps maybe even thinking of asking me to give you a little taste if there is."

"NO, that's not my reason at all for asking about our relationship. It's just that when you were talking with father and the others, I couldn't help but feel that you were not sharing everything with them about the relationship the two of us shared. Not that we're alone here, I was hoping that... maybe you could..."

"Tell you about the two of us. Sure, I can do that, Yunyun. But first, would you mind telling me if the two of us had any sort of connection with one another. I mean, did we know each other or did you really only know me through Megumin."

Yunyun nods, then guides me off over to the side a way so we could have some privacy. Once we were in a nice, secluded spot, Yunyun began to tell me about her relationship with the other me.

"We never interacted much; something that I regret in hindsight. I remember the first time I heard about you. I had just returned to Axel after having spent three months traveling abroad. While having a meal at the adventurer's guild, I began to hear about the party Megumin had managed to join. I also learned that one from her party was currently in jail on the charge of being an agent of the Devil King."

"The origin of that charge came from the fact that it had been you who managed to talk one of the Devil King's Generals; the Dullahan, into sparing Axel after Megumin and that archpriestess girl from your party had seriously pissed him off. I'm guessing everyone figured that it had all been your doing, a sad and sorry attempt at trying to earn the favor of the citizens of Axel."

"Anyways, we would finally have a proper meeting with one another after the trial was over. You know about the trial the other you had to deal with, right? It was that day when I saw you for the first time. And our actual introduction came when I was finally able to reunite with Megumin a few days later."

"Being honest, you really shouldn't have gotten that one month reprieve to prove your innocence that you were given during the trial. I'm not saying that you should have been executed, just that with the way the system is set up and how the trial was handled in my opinion. If not for the words that raccoon tailed girl spoke in your favor having a surprising effect on the judge and prosecutor, you probably would have been put to death."

"We would interact with one another a few times here and there, usually whenever I came around to challenge Megumin to a duel. After the Destroyer incident and because of that, you finally earning your pardon, I had a talk with Megumin about going home to visit our families. Megumin suggested we bring you and those other two with us as it would make a nice vacation for them. While we were here, you and I had a chance to talk a little more. And then came the Mana Poison Plague that nearly killed us."

"Because of you, the Crimson Demons... no, the entire world was saved. It was then that I decided that I wanted to get to know you more. Megumin, you, and those other two soon left to return to Axel while I stayed behind a little longer to act as a temporary chief while my father recovered as he had been in a worse state than I had been. My plan had been to make an effort to talk with you more when we next met, to get to know you better... but when I finally returned, I learned that Megumin and those other two had joined a new party and that you were dead."

After that, Yunyun was quite for a few moments while I take that moment to process all that she had said. Just when I was ready to finally talk, Yunyun adds-

"At first, I thought Megumin and those two had joined a new party following your death. When miss Luna had told me that it had been the other way around, I was honestly shocked. While I couldn't speak for those other two, to be told that Megumin would abandon you just because she had received a better offer. To be honest, I just couldn't believe it."

"You're not the only one, Yunyun. I can't believe Megumin would have ditched me for that reason either. Not with what I've heard about our relationship."

Yunyun nods then adds-

"Megumin doesn't like to talk about it, for obvious reasons. I know she really didn't want to leave your side but that archpriestess was really convincing with her arguments for leaving you behind for another leader. She said both she and the crusader really regretted being so easily convinced. And on a personal note, here, I regret not having taken the time to get to know you sooner as well. I feel that if I had, then the two of us would have become good friends."

I give Yunyun a nod, letting her know that I agreed with her. I guess now it's my turn to tell her about us.

"Let me see, we met in much the same way as you did with your Kazuma, shortly after I had been on trial. After that, we ran into one another a couple of times before I invited you to join our party. You were worried about how Megumin would feel but I came up with an idea that saw Megumin ultimately agree that having you with us would be a good thing. Now a days, the two of us are fairly close. In fact, after Megumin, I'd say that you are my closest friend out of our crazy little family."

"I see, so are we just... friends? Or are we..."

I sigh as I was really hoping what I had said would be enough for her.

"That's a complicated question to answer, Yunyun. I mean, as a thank you for inviting you to join the party and talking Megumin into being OK with it, you came to me that very night, your first night living in our home, wearing a rather adult looking night dress with plans to... well, to sleep with me. Maybe even a little more than that though you've never told me what your exact plans were."

Hearing that makes Yunyun go all red faced as she begins to sputter nervously.

"You mean, the two of us... we had..."

"No-no, we didn't. We instead talked and you ended up returning to your room once the talk was over though I've always wondered if you had thought about asking me if you could go ahead and stay with me that night after all. The next day, I helped you find some new clothes as the attire you currently had, for both your nightwear and your adventurer's attire, were a little more revealing that what you were comfortable with. Dust had said dressing in clothing like that would help you make friends. I countered by saying that you really don't want to be friends with the kind of people those garments would bring around."

Hearing that makes Yunyun breath out a sigh of relief. She then thanks me for being so considerate of her other half. While I wasn't going to say this at first, I just couldn't help myself, so I said-

"I did receive your first kiss though, and Megumin's too... I'm assuming it was the first kissed you both experienced. You both were drunk and pushed me down onto my bed then you both got on top of me, then you both kissed me before telling me how much you both love me. And then you fell asleep while hugging yourselves against me. And then, a few days later, you both came back to sleep with me again except this time, you were both sober."

Yunyun ended up burying her face in her hands to hide just how embarrassed she was.

We soon reached Soketto's place after a quick introduction, or should I call it a reintroduction, Soketto asked me to join her inside but stops Yunyun from following-

"Sorry chief, but you know the rules. Unless the purpose of the reading is meant to determine if two individuals are meant to be together, only one person at a time... unless you're wanting me to go ahead and see if there's a future for you both here."

"No-no, that's quite alright. I'll remain out here. See you in a bit."

Once the door had closed, Soketto told me that it was safe now for me to remove my mask. Once done, she led me into a small room that was really dark save for the glowing crystal ball resting on top of a round table. To be honest, it made me think I was having a reading done for me by a gypsy.

In fact, Soketto's choice of attire when it comes to doing her readings looks like what a gypsy would wear.

"So, we're wanting to determine that you are indeed the one that is meant to save the world from the 'Calamity,' is that about right?"

"Yeah, that. Heropon and the others present when I told them about myself were surprised that you were able to see a savior who lives in a completely different timeline. There are others who feel the same as well."

"Hm, if I'm being honest here, I'm also surprised by that. I was told many things about this gig by my mother when she was training me to succeed her, but this wasn't part of what I was told. I would ask her about this topic but she's... let's just say she's gone on a journey, and I don't know when she'll be back."

I would learn later that this 'journey' Soketto's mother was on was relating to some, how do you say, interesting mushrooms.

"Well, let's not waste any time here. Place your hands on the crystal ball and I'll then place my hands over yours. Once this begins, don't move your hands off the crystal ball until I say so. Doing so will make the both of us suffer a nasty headache."

I give her a nod before placing my hands upon the orb. Soketto then places her hand upon mine before she begins a chant. I look at her for a few more moments before the moving light from within the crystal ball draws me to look at it instead. I watch it as it spins around and around, taking on many curious shapes.

And then, the world around us felt like it was beginning to shift and warp. This caught me off guard and almost made me pull my hands away. I instead fight against doing that as I keep my hands pressed against the crystal ball. I kept my eyes focused on the light and I felt like I was being drawn into it.

And then I'm shown a scene, one of me, with Yunyun on my back, as we move through a cave like structure as Yunyun sends spell after spell flying at these strange looking monsters. Another scene the appears to me, showing Megumin firing an Explosion at a dragon who somehow deflects it towards... And then a new scene plays with the girls standing around a girl with blonde hair and dressed in the grab of an Axis cultist, looking like they were protecting her from... me? And then I see a scene with me and Chris moving through the ruins of a city as a heavy rain falls. And after that...

I find myself snapping back the room me and Soketto were in as I feel her take her hands off mine. I then pull my hands off the orb while looking at the panting girl. Concerned, I ask-

"Are you OK?"

"Huh... oh, right. Yeah, I'm fine. That... that was more intense than I was expecting. More than what I've experienced in the past. Perhaps I should take a break for the rest of the day."

"You look like you could use it. So, what did you see? Am I... am I the one you saw before?"

"I... I don't really know, Kazuma. I saw you in battle with the 'source,' using a most curious power while doing that. Having said that, I'm not sure if it'll be by your hand that will see the world saved. However, I can say this much..."

"You have a role to play in all this; of that I am certain."

If I truly do have a role to play in saving this world, then I better hurry up and start playing that role.

After that, Soketto walked with me outside then asked Yunyun to come inside for a quick minute. I ended up waiting for ten minutes before Yunyun finally returned, looking lost in thought. Curious, I ask her-

"Did Soketto tell you something interesting in there?"

"Something interesting... yeah, something like that. What about you?"

"Only that I have a role to play in all this. So, what do you say to getting some lunch."

Yunyun nods before the two of us began our walk back to her family's home. Upon arriving, I felt like something had vanished from touching my right hand. It takes me a moment to realize that Yunyun had been walking rather close to me as we returned here. Had she... been holding my hand and I failed to notice it till the very moment she had let go of it?

Probably over thinking things. Anyways, I just remembered that I needed to ask her something.

"Yunyun, before we leave for the capital, there's something I'll need your help with."

{|} Part 3: "Have Fun Storming the Castle" {|}

"OK, once I press this button, the hidden door will open, and we'll be inside the city walls."

said Iris as she looks back at me and Anna.

After lunch, all who would be going had gathered outside the chief's house and I was surprised to see that so many were coming along. Yunyun told me it was because there were so many who were feeling the itch to go out and cause a little chaos, something they hadn't been able to do in months.

Scanning the crowd, I could see Megumin's parents but no sign of Megumin herself which made sense, I guess. From what I've been told about her current mindset, I doubt that even having permission from the crown princess to blow up a part of the outer wall was enough to motivate her these days.

Yunyun and her father then went over the pan with everyone, instructing them on what to do. As for me, I tried to talk Anna into staying back here in the village and keep an eye on Chomusuke but she was adamant in her refusal. She said that she was going to stay with me, no discussion.

So now, here I was with Anna standing behind me with Chomusuke on her shoulder while Iris was waiting for me to contact the Crimson Demons and let them know it was time to begin. Just as I was about to make a mental connection with Yunyun, Anna asks-

"I know that this a bad time to bring this question up, but wouldn't it be safer if we had a few Crimson Demons coming inside with us, Kazuma? I mean, having their magical fire power assisting us inside would definitely make things easier."

"I considered that but there's a limit to how many people I can conceal with my Lurk skill. Also, we're trying to be really stealthy here and trust me when I say that being stealthy isn't something a Crimson Demon can normally do."

"Also, master Heropon has said that they may enter the city to create some further havoc for us if they're feeling comfortable with doing that. After all, I did give them permission to go crazy if they have too."

"Yeah Iris, I wouldn't have said that to them if I were you. Telling a Crimson Demon something like that is like one begging to see a city wiped off the map."

Hearing me say that made Iris pale just a little bit. While I know she would be fine with the city suffering a little damage here and there, the idea of it being completely destroyed wasn't something she was wanting to thank about. To make Iris feel better, Anna says-

"Think about it like this, Alice. The Crimson Demons are insanely fast when it comes to construction. If they destroy the capital, just have them rebuild it for you. Knowing how fast they can work; it would probably only take them a week or two to rebuild the whole thing; castle and all."

Anna did have a good point there though I question if even they could work that fast here. I'd say at least a month to rebuild the whole capital including the castle and outer walls.

OK, enough wasting time here.

"I'll go ahead and give the word for the assault to begin. Be ready to open the door, Iris."

Iris nods as I make a mental connection with Yunyun, telling her it was time. I'm guessing Yunyun and her father then sent the word to the other teams that it was time so now we wait till Yunyun contacts me and lets me know we're good to go.

I then look at Iris and seeing her shaking ever so slightly so I reach out and place my hand on her shoulder.

"You doing OK here, Iris?"

"Yeah, of course I am. I'm... no, I'm actually really nervous. Who knows what awaits us once we begin to make our move through the city towards the castle. What if I encounter my father and brother and we have to end up facing them in battle."

"Don't forget the Devil King guy. Unless he's one of the ones that goes out to deal with the Crimson Demons, there's a good chance we'll encounter him along the way to our meeting with the 'source.'"

"Don't remind me, Anna. Look Iris, even if we do run into your father and brother, don't forget that the reason why we're here now is to save them. To save everyone actually. If we have to fight them, we will but we'll make sure to not harm them. Do yourself a favor and think nothing but happy thoughts, like once this day is over, you'll be with them again."

"Yeah, and not because you got turned into an 'avatar' too."

Seriously Anna. Alright, once we return to our timeline, I'll be putting this girl through some serious training regiments as her punishment for her doing and saying stuff before thinking about it.

Well, at least Iris seemed to be happier now as she was smiling a genuine smile for us.

"Kazuma... Anna and Nia, thank you for being here with me for this."

Iris then comes over to me and hugs me tightly. While I was a little nervous about her hugging me, mainly because of the excited look Anna had on her face as she looked at us, I decide to return to hug as I felt maybe doing this would also help in making Iris feel better and more confident here.

["Kazuma, can you hear me?"]

"I can hear you, Yunyun. We're good to go here. Are things going good for you all too?"

["Yeah, I think it's safe for your group to proceed. This 'source' must not like what we did out here as there are a lot and I do mean A LOT of 'vessel' and 'avatar' corrupted rushing out from all the holes we've made. Tell Iris we'll help repair the damage once this is all over."]

"Sure thing, Yunyun. Make sure everyone stays safe and don't take any unnecessary risk, alright."

["Not a problem, my clan knows when to..."]

["Don't worry about us here, kid. Stuff like this is what we live for. Anyways, you all have fun storming the castle and don't worry. We'll be sure to come join you all once we're done knocking some sense into these weak-minded idiots."]

["Dad, you said you would leave all the communications with Kazuma to me here. Sorry about my dad butting in like that but like he said, we'll be coming to back you up should you need it once we're done out here."]

"So Kazuma, what's the word?"

asked Iris who had been watching me closely as I had my talk with Yunyun, and her dad apparently. I then look at them and give Iris a nod.

"The word is given and like boss Heropon said, let's have some fun with storming the castle while we're here."

{|} Part 4: "Look Me in My Eyes..." {|}

"A question, big brother. Why exactly are we going about our sneaking around like THIS again?"

asked Anna, making me let out a sigh. I swear this must have been the third or fourth time I've explained it to her.

Currently, I was the one doing the walking while Iris was being piggy-backed by me and chibi-Anna holding onto her arm while Chomusuke was, like usual, resting atop my head.

"Like I've told you before, MULTIPLE times, Anna. I'm having Iris keep watch to both our sides while you keep an eye on things behind us. Nia's keeping watch on the skies above while I'm focused on watching our front while keeping us hidden with Lurk."

"Yeah, I know that. But why the need for us to be like this now and why continue relying on Lurk. I mean, we have barely seen any 'vessel's' walking about the area and those we have seen have always been patrolling the streets, not the back alleys and we haven't seen any 'avatars' walking about either."

"Just because we haven't seen any 'avatars' yet doesn't mean we won't see any. Same with those 'vessel's' only being present on the main streets of the capital. As we're getting closer to the castle, we should expect to see more threats which could appear from anywhere."

explained Iris, making me silently thank her for at least understanding my thought process here.

"On that subject... Iris, any idea how close we must be to where the castle is situated?"

"Hm, given the fact the ground has started to rise upwards, I'm going to guess we shouldn't be far from there now. I'd say another ten minutes of walking or so."

I nod before coming to a stop then quickly conceal all of us behind the corner of a building as some strange floating eyeball looking sentry floats into the alley we had just about passed into. It hovers in the air for a few moments, carefully looking around before turning back to do its usual patrol.

We all breathe out a sigh of relief before I carefully, cautiously, and slowly inch my way forward before peeking out from behind the corner and wait till the sentry creature enters another alley then I quickly walk over to the next one.

"That was a close one, huh Alice."

"Yes, it was and to think it only happened after you tried to jinx us back there."

"Yeah, you're right. I'll keep my mouth shut where that stuff's concerned from now on."

I'll take the Vegas odds on that being true. We continued on our way and as we get closer and closer to the castle, I ask Iris-

"Still doing OK back there, Iris. Legs not falling asleep on you at all?"

"Still all good here. Honestly, I could get use to you carrying me around like this, Kazuma. Your back especially... I know this is going to sound weird and all, but... let's just say that your back is really relaxing, like I could close my eyes and just fall asleep without fail while resting against a back like yours."

Sounds like you and Megumin have something in common. I wonder which of them enjoys it more. Actually, let's not go asking that question. I have this feeling that if Megumin found out about this, she would definitely be giving me an earful about carrying another girl around in this manner.

"I know I said I wouldn't go raising anymore flags here, but does anyone else feel like we're being watched?"

asked Anna, making me wish I could actually cash in my winnings for having won that bet. Still though, she wasn't wrong. I've also been having that feeling that we're either being watched or followed. I wonder if Iris has also...

"I've been having the same thoughts. I think... no, I know we're being followed here."

"And how can you be sure, Iris?"

"Six sense, maybe. Strange, I only ever feel like I'm feeling now whenever I'm trying to sneak away from my studies and..."

Before Iris could finish, I find something shackling my legs, causing me to trip over myself and fall to the ground, but it was really just me, Anna, and Chomusuke that hit the ground as Iris had been saved from joining us by a sudden mine-cyclone of wind that pulls her off my back and carries her through the air and into the awaiting arms of Claire while Rain was standing right beside her.

Side note, that same mine-cyclone had knocked Anna off Iris, hence why she had fallen onto the ground with me and Chomusuke.

"Are you alright, princess?"

asked Claire, showing some serious concern for Iris which makes Iris blush a little.

"Yeah, I'm fine. But why did you have Rain..."

Iris didn't finish as Claire's face shifts to looking very angry which is quickly followed by her doing something I never thought I'd see her do to the princess.

She headbutts Iris hard, and I mean HARD. So hard in fact that it left a clear bruise where the impact had been.

"I have SO many words I'm going to be sharing with you here in a few moments, but first..."

Claire then puts Iris down beside Rain and tells her to keep a hold of Iris. Claire then comes storming over to me, who was working on trying to free myself from these damn magical shackles. Claire then grabs my collar and forces me up close to her so she could glare right into my eyes.

"What exactly were you doing back there with the princess, Satou Kazuma? Carrying her around like that, having her pressing her young and developing body against yours. You were forcing her to endure some kind of sexual harassment, weren't you. Admit it and I may make your death a quick one."

"Glad to see you too, Claire... Rain. So, finally decided to awaken from that little power nap you were having, huh Claire. Was wondering what was taking you two so long to come join us. Between you and me... and them here, I was beginning to think you were playing hooky, and enjoying it too."

"Why you..."

Claire looked like she was about to punch me, mainly because she had brought her fist up and was preparing to send it my way, until...

"That's enough, Claire. Kazuma wasn't doing anything perverted to me. In fact, this whole thing was..."

"Not now, Iris. Can't you see I'm about to punish this degenerate scum here."

Claire then goes to strike me, as she was about to do before when...

"Strike MY BIG BROTHER and I will be sure to have father demote your entire house as punishment."

shouted Iris with such force that it not only made Claire and Rain freeze from shock, but also made me and Anna go stiff as well. Chomusuke, meanwhile, just yawns before curling herself into a ball and falls asleep. That little...

Claire looks back, stunned, as she asks Iris-

"What did you just say, my princess. And did you just call this man your... brother?"

Iris then stomps forward and matches Claire's actions from before by grabbing onto Claire's collar so as to make the older woman look her in the eyes.

"Yes, I did call Kazuma my brother. While it isn't official yet, I have every intention of having father name Kazuma as an honorary member of the family when all of this is over. Think of that as being just one part of his reward for what he will be doing for us this day."

""But princess... Iris, you can't be serious."

"Look me in my eyes and tell me if I'm being serious here or not."

Claire does look for a moment before averting her gaze nervously. Me and Anna can't help but smiling at one another, seeing just how far this little princess has come in so short a time with us. And then, there was a light laughter heard and it was coming from Rain. We all look at her as she explains-

"I always told you this day would come, Claire. That one day, something would happen that would see all those years you put into making Iris into the person she was become mute. The only question was the when and how and it now looks like we know the answer to both."

Iris nods in agreement as a big smile forms on her face. She then looks back at Claire, letting go of her collar, then says to Claire while the older woman was standing up-

"Don't worry, Claire. This new me here will still need you to remain by my side. Just, from now on, let's try to be a little less controlling and a little more willing to listen to me and my viewpoints for a change."

Claire nods nervously and then, after a moment, she lets out a sigh then says-

"Funny, I though this moment would be an annoying one for me when it came and yet... I'm feeling strangely happy instead. I wonder if this is how a parent may feel at seeing their child growing up."

"Hey, what about me here? Would like to start walking again sometime here soon."

Claire looks back at me with a frown while Rain releases my legs from the spell. As I stand, Iris explains to the two older girls why she was being carried around by me and that it was her idea. This makes them both bow with Claire saying-

"I was hasty with my assumptions back there, I... I... I apologize, Satou Kazuma."

"Yeah, you better apologize, lady. Or have you already forgotten the sudden ass kicking he gave you when the two of you had your little duel back in Axel. If you don't want a repeat of that, you better..."

I shut Anna up before she could say more, even though I did agree with her words. Claire, for her part, quickly jumps behind Rain fearfully which makes me guess she had forgotten. After a laugh from Iris, the princess asks-

"By the way, I'm sorry about what I did before; running away, I mean. With what happened to Lalatina and all, I... I just couldn't help but not head out and see what happened to my father and brother."

Claire nods before coming forward and hugging Iris, telling her that it was OK and that she actually understood the reason why. Didn't mean she wasn't still upset about it, but she forgave Iris all the same.

Rain then tells us-

"We were finally able to wake lady Claire up by early evening. Once she learned what had happened, oh how she was livid. Remember that time when that commoner tricked Claire into thinking he was a crown prince from a far-off country who wished to meet with you, lady Iris..."

"Rain please, don't remind us of that day. I'm still... I'm still not fully over that incident."

As curious as I was to learn more about that, we had more important things to be doing here. Before I could speak up, Anna asks-

"OK, so you woke up right around the time we... never mind that. Why didn't Rain teleport the two of you to where we were at? I thought that had been the game plan here."

"And it was but when I tried to use my Teleport skill, it wouldn't work."

"Maybe there was some sort of interference? Kazuma did have to use a random teleport to help us with making a quick exit from being killed or captured by the Devil King."

Hearing that made Claire yelp in shock before asking us to tell her what that was about. Instead, Rain cuts in and says-

"Before we hear about that, you should know I tried multiple times to use teleport and it didn't work. I doubt it was due to some kind of interference as the item I gave to you came from the Crimson Demons most reliable magic item maker... and their only magical item maker, I guess."

Hearing that makes me freeze as I immediately knew who must have been the creator of said item. Iris takes notice of my reactions and asks me what's wrong.

"I think I know who made that item. If he's anything like his counterpart in mine and Anna's timeline, then you should know that his creations, while powerful, always have a defect present within them."

"A defect... hm, give me a moment to look at the information card that came with it."

Claire then reaches into a small pouch at her side and pulls out a card. After making sure it was the right one, she then scans the card with her features quickly turning pale as her eyes move with the flow of the text. Iris and Claire look at each other before back at Rain, with Claire asking-

"Well, what does it say?"

"It says "Warning, this item has a range limit of fifty miles. Please make sure to keep this in mind before using." But that's..."

"That's more or less the distance between Arcanretia and the Crimson Demon village before they went missing. That's barely worth producing at all."

"I hope the kingdom didn't order those on mass from that guy because trust me, you won't be getting your eris back from him."

I said, making Claire cry out in pure sorrow.

After that, we all continued on are way towards the castle. As we went, Iris explained to Claire and Rain what had happened after she had left. Claire wasn't happy that I had decided to bring Iris along with me to the castle, but she was at least glad I knew when to listen when given orders by my betters.

Rain was also happy to hear that the Crimson Demons were doing OK and had actually come along to keep the enemy busy outside the out walls. In turn, we learned that Claire and Rain had arrived earlier this morning and had been sneaking around the city, taking a rather long-winded route to the castle in search of us and had only just spotted us by chance sneaking around.

How did they see us? Some magic item Rain has that can bypass the Lurk skills effects, or so she said.

After a few more close calls, we had done it. We had finally reached the castle but...

{|} Part 5: "Well, I Figured... What the Hell" {|}

"The castle... what has been done to it?"

asked an astonished and aghast Claire as we looked at the current state of the royal family's home.

In truth, it was technically still a castle, at least along the ground floor. But as you went to its second level and third and fourth, it started to look less and less like a castle and more like some kind of strange plant like entity with glowing pulsing vine looking tendrils creeping down onto the ground.

Capping this whole image was what appeared to be a giant, violet-purple colored flower that seemed to be growing out from the castle proper and the plant-looking growth growing from the sections of the castle that still remained.

The flower's petals were in a closed state through from the pulsing lights present upon them that came off looking like veins, it wasn't hard to think that it was only a matter of time before those petals would finally move; opening to reveal a new horror within that would bring fresh torment onto the world.

"Is that... is that really supposed to be a flower growing out of the castle?"

asked Anna, her eyes jumping all over the place; going from Iris to Claire to Rain and to me before going back to Iris and the wait for someone to say something beginning once more. After a moment, Rain finally speaks up by saying-

"That's what it looks like but... the energy I'm sensing coming off of it. There's no question about what it is."

"Corruption; possibly even the very 'source' behind the 'Calamity.'"

said Claire, her rapier-like blade already out and at the ready. Iris looks at me and asks-

"Kazuma, what do you think? Have you ever seen anything like this before in your timeline?"

"Not even close. But I think I can..."

I really didn't want to do this as our interactions always left me feeling... strange; let's go with the words strange. Still, if anyone or anything would know what this is, it would most certainly be you...

"Right, Entropy?"

I could see Anna go stiff as I had said that aloud while the rest just give me a confused look. As Iris goes to ask me who Entropy was, her words rapidly slow to a halt as the world around me goes monotone. And then the shadowy image of Entropy appears before me, having emerged from within me with her eyes already gazing out upon the 'flower of corruption.'

["Hm, interesting..."]

"Yes, I'm really sure it is. Mind telling me what makes it so interesting to you?"

Entropy keeps looking at the flower for a moment more before turning back to look at me while giving me my answer.

["That flower like growth is a mass of pure corruption that's being built up. While it has yet to reach critical mass, I can sense that the time for that is drawing close. Perhaps even as early as the coming dawn tomorrow. And when it does reach critical mass, it will finally blossom and bloom."]

"And what will happen when it does blossom and bloom, Entropy?"

["It will unleash a pulse of pure corruption across the entire world. Anyone not corrupted already will become corrupted and this 'source' will finally have made this whole world into her own personal... something. In truth, even I cannot guess as to its current plans. That will require a more direct meeting with the 'source.' If you do intend to save this timeline, you will need to do it today."]

With that, Entropy flows back into me and as the world becomes active again, I realize something that I failed to notice until just this moment. Entropy could actually project itself outside my mind and body. That prospect left me feeling rather unnerved.

"Who's Entropy, Kazuma?"

asked Iris, reminding me she had been asking that question the moment the world came to a standstill.

"Long story; one I'd rather not talk about if I can avoid it. Anyways, we have a bigger problem to focus on."

I then explain what I had learned from Entropy which definitely wasn't taken well. Iris then says-

"That thing... will corrupt the entire world once it opens?"

"That's... that's not... how can you be so sure about that, Kazuma?"

asked Rain. Luckily, I didn't need to explain as Claire was the one to speak up and say-

"That isn't important right now. What's important is the fact I believe what Kazuma has told us about that thing. Having said that, there's no longer any doubt in my mind. We have to end this threat today. No if-and-or-buts about it."

"Agreed." (x2)

said Rain and Anna together. Iris nods as well then looks at me and asks-

"Kazuma, will defeating the 'source' really see the world saved from that giant flower thing?"

"Honestly, I have no idea though I would assume so. If nothing else, defeating the 'source' should weaken it and slow it down long enough for us to figure out a way to end it as well."

"Let's just hope that flower thing itself isn't the 'source.' Otherwise, this could become even harder for us."

said Anna, Claire then stands from her crouching position, and we quickly follow her actions. Claire then says as she leads us out into the open-

"Let's stop wasting time then. Time to end this. Iris, I know you're strong but please stay behind me and be ready to run... just in case things go beyond salvation. Satou Kazuma..."

Claire stops and looks back at me with the most serious expression I had ever seen her show me.

"I have a request of you. If things truly become bad and it's clear that there is no saving our timeline, I ask that you take the princess back with you and your sister and pet... familiar to your timeline and become her protector. I know I have no right to ask this of you after how I treated you but... please."

Claire then does something I really never expected her to do. She gets down on her hands and knees and takes on a begging stance. Iris and Rain were caught off guard. Honestly, we all had been.

But then I see Anna look at me with a warm smile forming while giving me a nod. I return her nod before lowering myself down as well, placing a hand on Claire's shoulder, making her look at me. I then offer my hand which she takes as I help her up, all the while saying-

"I promise, if the need for it comes, I will take Iris back to my timeline... though the method of getting back is still needing some working on. Not that it's going to matter as I... no, WE are going to stop the 'Calamity' today and save your world, your timeline. I swear it."

Claire looks at me for a second before nodding, sending me a genuine smile for once. When then look to see both Rain and Iris were tearing up which makes us both say together-

"Bunch of softies."

After that, we resume our walk towards the castle entrance, our walk becoming faster and faster till we were practically running; getting closer and closer and closer and just as we reach the stone steps that served as the final leg of our approach to the castle...

A pillar of smoke and energy erupts before us, forcing us to back away yet already prepared for a fight. And then, he emerged from the pillar stopping our advance; his presence alone forcing us back even further as he slowly walks toward us.

Once again, we were facing off against the corrupted Devil King.

[So, once again we have come face to face. I must thank you for coming so close to me, my friends.]

"Seriously, we have to face this guy again?"

complained Anna as she quickly hides herself behind me. Honestly, I agreed with her, but I was also expecting to do this. However, this time won't be like the last as I had already decided to not hold back should we find ourselves in a fight before reaching the 'source.'

As I go to walk forward while telling everyone to keep back...

"Bottomless Swamp."

shouts Rain, causing the ground beneath the Devil King to be replaced with the purplish bubbling poison looking waters. He quickly sinks down till his knees were partially visible, making the Devil King look down before back at us and say-

[Really, you actually think this alone would be enough to]

"Chain of Sealing."

"Chain of Restriction."

shouted both Rain and Claire together, causing chains that appeared to be made from the swampy waters to shoot out and wrap themselves around the Devil King, slowly pulling him down even deeper into the Bottomless Swamp and now, the Devil King was actually starting to fight back. All the while, both Claire and Rain maintain their focus, looking like they were putting everything they had into keeping this up.

"What in the... what kind of spells are those?"

asked Anna with Iris quickly answering while Calibur began to glow with power.

"Chain of Sealing and Chain of Restriction are both considered secret skills; only available to those of royal and noble blood and even then, only if it has been approved by the current ruler of the kingdom. They are meant to be used to deal with incredibly powerful foes but against the corrupted Devil King, a little more will be needed."

With that, Iris suddenly rushes forth then quickly jumps into the air and coming to be positioned directly over the Devil King and then she shouts out-

"Lord Yasaka, I don't know if you can hear me but if you can, please forgive me... forgive us for what we're doing and for what's about to happen. Exterion... Sacred Explode!"

Iris sends out a blast of Exterion which helps to fully push the Devil King into the swamp and the Sacred Explode is sent in right behind him. The moment that was done, Rain ends the Bottomless Swamp with the blast of the Sacred Explode being heard a split second before the swamp was gone.

"OK, I confess that I'm really impressed from seeing all that."

"Be impressed later, Satou Kazuma. Focus on the task at hand."

said Claire though she had a smirk on her face as she and Rain run towards Iris who had safely landed before the main doors to the castle. Me and Anna follow after and just as we start to head up the steps, the ground behind us explodes outward, sending us all flying back against the door.

It takes me a moment to recover; probably the same for the others too, and I look to see the Devil King arising from the hole in the ground. And from the aura he was giving off, he was not happy... well, the 'source' probably wasn't happy.

[I don't know if I should be furious that you almost took this valuable child from me or impressed that you nearly removed him from the game. While that wouldn't have been the end of him, it would have kept contained for a good while. No more waiting, it's time for you to accept your fates... Corrupt Doom.]

As the Devil King had been talking, the cracks across his armor which had previously been pulsing with light had begun to emit smoke which then comes blasting out, quickly covering the area including all of us. We are left a coughing and hacking mess as I hear Rain say-

"Did... did he say Doom? That means..."

[Not quite. This isn't the normal Doom spell, but Corrupt Doom. Instead of cursing you all with a countdown to death, you have instead been giving a countdown to becoming one of my precious children. You have less than ninety seconds now before you finally join the family.]

I see Rain and Claire and Iris quickly look at the palms of their hands, making me do the same. I find a countdown timer had indeed appeared with the current time being eighty-eight seconds left. I then hear Anna say with her voice sounding terrified-

"What's going on? What's happening?"

"We have less than ninety seconds to defeat the corrupted Devil King... no, not just defeat him. We may need to kill him otherwise we'll become corrupted too."

explained Iris as Rain and Claire both stand, already preparing to go all out against our foe.

"Not on my watch, we won't. Everyone, get back and Claire, here's your chance to see the power I used to defeat you before. Looks like it's time for a little Lich..."

Without warning, a ray of holy light comes slamming down from the skies above, hitting the corrupted Devil King, making him howl out in pain while forcing us to cover our eyes in order to avoid being blinded. And then, a saw a figure appearing between us and the Devil King.

A figure I knew very well, making me smile. A moment later, I felt a strange feeling come over me as it seemed like the light all around us changed till it was just me and Eris floating within the light with no sign of anyone else. I didn't need to ask I I had already guessed that this must be some special kind of field where we could talk in private.

Eris looks back at me and smiles before saying-

"Sorry if I was a little late, Kazuma."

I was about to tell her to not worry about it; that I was actually expecting her to show up sooner or later. However, I decide to instead say something a bit cheekier to her.

"What happened to all that talk about you needing to have the consent of your superiors from before?"

"Well, I figured... what the hell."

I send her a smirk before going back to having a serious look, saying-

"Eris, about before... what I said. I'm sorry for saying all that to you. I know I was being unfair and..."

Eris suddenly appears before me, a finger resting against my mouth to shut me up. She then shakes her head before saying-

{Insert Image 1}

"What you said was the very thing I needed to hear. Thank you, Kazuma, for reminding me of what really matters in times like these."

"Sure... so, what's going to happen now?"

"Now, I'm going to remove the Devil King from the board. Not permanently, mind you. Just long enough to make the battle easier for everyone while I work to free him from being a puppet of the 'Calamity.'"

"Good luck with that. While you're doing that, I'll get to ending the 'source' behind this all so this world will be safe once again. Well, safer than it is now."

"Thank you, Kazuma. Look, do me a favor when you face off against the 'source.' Please, try to understand why this happened with her to begin with. And make sure you can give 'him' the opening he'll need to end this once and for all."

Before I could ask for an explanation to all that cryptic stuff I had just been told, Eris vanishes, and I find myself snapping back to reality and find both the Devil King and the smoke he was releasing from his body were gone. I then hear Anna say-

"Holy shit, big brother. That was awesome."

"What did you just do, Satou Kazuma?"

asked Claire as she, Iris, and Rain were looking at me with stunned looks while Anna looked thrilled.

I sheepishly scratch the back of my head before saying-

"Yeah, you're... not going to believe me."

I tell them and I was right, they didn't believe me. Guess I can't blame them as I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen Eris in the flesh.

{|} Part 6: "Let Me Roleplay as a Sadist Today" {|}

The large metals doors let out a creaking sound as they slowly open and we step into the castle. Immediately, we see the same crystals growing out from all over the place, mainly the upper walls and ceiling. There were some coming out of the ground too but there were fewer and far between.

"This is some... interesting design choices the architect and the decorator made with the castle interior. While the ambiance is... OK, got to say it's not quite fitting my taste in style."

said Anna with Claire making a quick response.

"I'll be sure to let them both know that you don't approve of their work."

Wasn't expecting Claire to join in on the sarcasm but maybe she was just trying to keep everyone in high spirits. I look at Iris and ask-

"So, where's the throne room at, Iris. While this is just an assumption on my part, the 'source' is most likely to be located in there."

"Head up the grand staircase ahead of us and pass into the large doors at the top. Once we walk through the long hall, we'll reach the guest waiting room. The throne room is just beyond that."

"That seems overly excessive if you ask me."

"Our king is of the same mindset from what I've heard. In his youth, he has been quoted to have said that if he can see the war between humanity and the Devil King brought to an end, he would start a massive remodel project with the castle."

said Rain. I then ask everyone if they were ready for this. With nods all around, we then began to make our way up the stairs but ju8st as we reach the halfway point, I come to a quick stop and bring my arms up to stop everyone else as well.

"Hold tight everyone. I think we have one final obstacle coming our way."

"Makes sense. Having the final defender being located outside the castle, even if that defender was the Devil King, seemed way to confident for our enemy."

said Claire, already prepared to launch a quick first strike. Anna then asks the obvious question.

"But who or what would serve as the last line of defense for the 'source' if not the Devil King himself?"

That was a good question, and it only took a few seconds more of waiting before we found out as the large and ornate double doors just beyond the stairs slowly opens and three figures came walking into view. Upon seeing them, Claire was taken aback as her stance wavered ever so slightly.

"It's him; Belzerg's very own legendary hero... Mitsurugi Kyouya ."

"And behind him... his two longtime friends and party members, Clemea and Fio."

adds Rain. Iris grips the hilt of Calibur as she adds-

"This may be even more difficult than fighting the Devil King. His weapon, Gram. No foe that has ever faced off against lord Mitsurugi has ever been able to beat him. Because of that, he's earned the title of 'the invincible hero.'"

Me and Anna look at each other before we both burst out laughing, making the other look at us in confusion. Claire then asks what it was we found so funny. Anna was the first to answer by saying-

"Oh, nothing really. And here I was thinking the final obstacle would be a challenge. What a joke."

"Anna, what are you talking about. Do you not understand the danger we're in right now. Is there not a Mitsurugi Kyouya back in your timeline?"

"Of course there is, Alice. He's pretty well known I guess, and I have heard he was rather unbeatable. That is, he was... until he faced MY big brother. Believe it or not but Kazuma here was the first to lay his ass out on the ground following a fight."

"Say WHAT?" (x3)

I chuckle as I step forward while saying-

"While our fight back then was a little more... let's say complicated, Anna isn't wrong. To be honest, I've been waiting for such a day to come when I could own this guy again. Now, everyone get back and leave this to me because he and I have some past issues and I've been waiting for a chance to knock him off his high horse."

"Do as my brother says. I'll explain their history while he's kicking ass."

Or getting my ass kicked? Honestly, I was talking a big game here, but the reality was I was on autopilot back then and Mitsurugi was feeling cocky at the time and thus hadn't been prepared for what ended up happening. Add the fact that not only was this Mitsurugi not being caught off guard like the other one, but he was also being given a power up by the corruption.

Guess I should have asked Eris if the corruption can affect Divine Relics if their owner's been corrupted. Too late to ask that now. The others retreat to the bottom of the stairs while I look up at Mitsurugi as he looks down at me. If I was going to have a chance here, I'll need to rely on the tactics that have served me well up until now.

And that would be cheat like hell.

I make sure the others had backed off a fair bit before looking up at Mitsurugi. I then scowl before telling him-

"Look what you've let yourself become, Mitsurugi Kyouya. How you have shamed your devotion to the goddess Aqua."

He stares at me for a long moment, his glowing eyes narrowing into a glaring gaze. And then he speaks in reply to me.

"Satou Kazuma, shouldn't you be dead now. Gone and forgotten to the winds?"

Eh? Did he just... speak with his normal voice instead of that mix of his own and the voice behind the 'source' as was the case when I heard Darkness and the Devil King speak before. And I wasn't the only one to take notice of that as Claire quickly shouts out.

"Lord Mitsurugi, are you... still you here? Are you telling me that you still have full control of yourself?"

Mitsurugi didn't respond to Claire's question, instead pointing his blade towards me. I guess he was saying that he would let me make the first move here. Fine by me as I just had an idea on how to play this fight out.

I push my left arm out before me while aiming my right arm at the intended location as I shout out-

"Create Water."

As water goes blasting from my left hand, soaking Mitsurugi and hopefully obstructing his field of vision as I fire off the grappling hook from my Sheng Biao while quietly saying "Bind" to myself. A moment later, I instantly switch from Create Water to using Lightning, sending a powerful shock into Mitsurugi while being thankful the cord I was using was shock proof.

As sparks of electric current surge and pulse around the soaked Mitsurugi, he lowers the arms he had been forced to bring up to cover guard his face and sends me a hard stare.

"Did you just use a magic spell against me? I was under the impression that you were a Void, Satou Kazuma. Tell me when and where you gained access to the power of magic."

"First, I think you should be more self-aware of your current state of being, mister hero. In other words, look down."

Mitsurugi looks at me as if I was an idiot and asks-

"How stupid do you think I am here?"

"I'd tell you but you're too stupid to understand."

Before he could respond, I grab onto the cord with both my hands and yank it towards me with all of my might. The sudden action, combined with the now wet and slippery ground, causes Mitsurugi's feet to be pulled out beneath him which sends him crashing down the stairs.

My plan on using Create Water to not only soak the ground and make him more susceptible to shock while also letting it distract him from seeing me Bind his legs appeared to work. As Anna and Iris both cheered, I rush forward to meet Mitsurugi and kick Gram from his hands. Had it been because of the partial paralysis he was suffering, assuming that had actually happened, or was it the sudden and unexpected fall, or both, that had made this possible?

Honestly, I didn't know, nor did I care as this wasn't over with yet.

I look down at Mitsurugi with a smug grin on my face; one he returns with the angriest scowl as he tries to make a move to counter. Sorry, but I'm afraid this is over for you. I quickly grab onto his face with both hands and shout out-

"Drain Touch."

Mitsurugi screams out as I begin absorbing all the mana and corruption from within his body. Perhaps I was being a little too rough and violent with him, considering I was giving the drain my all here. But honestly, I didn't care to be kinder with him. Given the fact he seemed to have been allowed to retain his sense of self, I didn't feel like holding back at all.

"Master Kazuma, above you..."

came a shout from Rain. I look up just in time to see Clemea and Fio leap down at me with their weapons in hand. With no other choice, I'm forced to leave Mitsurugi as he currently was and pull back in order to avoid being cut down by those two.

"Kazuma, are you alright?"

asked Iris as she comes running up to me. The others join us as well with Claire saying-

"That was a good strategy you had there, Kazuma. But I have to ask why you didn't consider Mitsurugi's two party members into your strategy?"

I sheepishly scratch the back of my head and tell them-

"Honestly, I didn't think they were going to be an issue here. In my timeline, I've never known them to actually participate in combat. From what I've been told about them, Mitsurugi's the one who does all the fighting while those two hang back and cheer him on while handling the supplies."

"We've heard similar things said about our Mitsurugi as well. Those two have always been watching him from the sidelines. That's one of the reasons why I've never really liked him that much. The whole 'I seek to have only woman at my side, yet I'll do all the work while they hang back to cheer me on and look pretty.'"

said Iris. We then look to see Mitsurugi being helped back onto his feet by his two hangers-on. I could see that half his body had been restored to normal but that was quickly changing as it seemed the corruption within those two girls was flowing into his body to 'restore' him.

As this happens, both girls look at us and say together-

[So sorry for the interruption but I cannot allow my chosen Knight to be taken from me.]

So, those two are talking with the voice of the 'source' in unison. Wonder if that means they aren't as loyal as their hero is.

Once Mitsurugi had fully returned to looking corrupted, he walks over and retrieves his weapon, making me curse that I didn't use my Sheng Biao to pull it over to us. Once it was in his hand again, he once again aims it us and says-

"I do not know how you managed to gain magic, Satou Kazuma... nor do I care. Princess Iris, ladies Claire and Rain... and whoever it is you are, kid. You shall soon be joining my goddess as her beloved children. The same won't be true for you however, Satou Kazuma. I'm afraid I must kill you."

"And why would you feel the need to do that? Because I almost ended you if not for those two."

"I will kill you... because of all the trouble those three girls I took from you caused me. Because you didn't properly warn me about them."

Geez, talking about self-absorbed. How about saying an apology for doing that or maybe reflect on taking them without getting to know them first. I can't help but wonder if this Mitsurugi is even more arrogant than the one I know. At least my Mitsurugi isn't this bad... I hope, anyways.

Mitsurugi then raises his weapon high into the air, the blade glowing with corrupted holy power. Clemea and Fio then both hold out their hands as dark strands of corruption shoots out which then flicks like whips that knocks everyone else back away from me. With them having been knocked away from me, Mitsurugi then says-

"And now, begone with my ultimate technique... Gram Slam!"

I snort, fighting back a giggle and failing as I say-

"Seriously, you call your ultimate move the Gram Slam? Well, that's definitely the kind of name I would see someone who worships Aqua coming up with."

"DIE!"

he shouts, sending the blade slashing down upon me. I go to dodge but find myself being pushed out of the way before I could act by someone from behind me. But it wasn't Iris or Claire, nor Rain or Anna that had pushed me. Instead, it was a new arrival no one had noticed that had pushed me to safety.

Gram strikes against the blade being held by the new arrival. The newcomer's blade should have shattered immediately when Gram impacted against it, but it didn't as the newcomer's blade was glowing with magic energy that resembled the Shield spell.

Mitsurugi quickly cancels his attack before jumping back at the newcomer was quick to go from a defensive stance to an offensive one. It only takes me a second before I finally realized who it was that had arrived. Her hair had been cut short and the armor looked like something a warrior from the Devil King would wear, but there was no doubt in my mind who it was.

{Insert Image 2}

"So, finally decided to get out of bed and join the fun, Darkness."

Darkness looks back at me, a look of shock at seeing me. That shock quickly shifts to the happiest smile. It made me feel a little bad as I knew I would have to tell her I wasn't the Kazuma she knew.

"What can I say, I live for this sort of thing. And I'm so glad to see you're still alive too."

Iris quickly arrives at my side with the others just a second behind her. Iris tells Darkness-

"Lalatina, about this Kazuma here..."

"I know already. Ranger told me everything. I know he isn't OUR Kazuma. Still, to be able to see him again, to be able to talk with him despite that little detail... I don't know, there's a comfort in that."

"Lady Dustiness, I'm glad to see that you're here. Are you..."

Darkness shakes her head to Claire's question then says-

"I didn't come alone. I brought a bunch of friends with me from Axel. They're currently helping the Crimson Demons deal with things outside and once they're done, they'll be coming to help us in here."

"It won't matter, Darkness. No matter how many come, none can fight against the power of the goddess."

We all look back at Mitsurugi, sending him a hard stare. I wonder why he didn't attack us during our moment of distraction. As if reading my mind, Darkness says-

"Guess even after being corrupted, your lame named ultimate attack keeps you immobile for a few moments after its use. Everyone, please go ahead and head to the throne world. I'll hang back and deal with these three idiots."

[I'm afraid I can't let that happen]

said Clemea and Fio as they jump at Darkness, for some reason. Instead, Darkness quickly reveals a weird looking cord and throws it at them. Before either could react, the cord turns into a glowing net that entraps them, leaving tightly contained and laying on the ground.

"A little toy Sylvia gave me to test out. Glad to see that it works. And now, for you..."

Darkness then charges at Mitsurugi, their two blades colliding which surprised me. I guess this Darkness has actually improved her accuracy. I wonder if that happened during her time with Mitsurugi or did she do it in preparation for this fight?

"Be careful, Lalatina. Even with your defense, it won't be easy taking him on."

"I will, my princess. Also, you should know... unlike the rest of us, he willingly let himself become corrupted by the 'source.' And then Clemea and Fio chose to become corrupted so they could remain by his side."

That didn't surprise me in the slightest. In fact, it made sense if my guess on who the 'source' is was accurate. I could tell the others were shocked though. Still, I wanted to ask her-

"Darkness, tell me... is the 'source' behind all this... is it really...?"

"Kazuma, I don't know what you are going to feel when you see her but... do what you need to do. Now hurry up and do your thing. As for me... let me roleplay as a sadist today."

I nod as I feel Claire place a hand on my shoulder. I give her a nod before leading everyone up the stairs and into the long hall. We then emerged into the waiting room and from there into the massive throne room. Inside this room were many 'avatars' kneeling on the ground, all looking towards the figure sitting on the throne.

She had a body made of pure corruption, given a physical form and shape; a shape I knew right away. While there was still a part of me that didn't want to believe it, there no longer was any room for doubt. I then step forward ahead of the others a few stops before stopping and calling her name-

"Aqua."

{|} Part 7: "Submit" {|}

At the sound of my voice saying her name, all the gathered corrupted Axis cultist that were kneeling on the ground in reverence quickly turn to looking at me with a snap. As for Aqua herself, she had been sitting crossed legged in the thrown with her head resting against her hand like she was bored.

Her closed eyes slowly open as she sends a look my way, aimed directly at me. I'm not sure if she saw Iris or the others behind me or if she was just looking at me here as the words she then speaks aloud didn't quite make that clear.

[Submit]

The meaning was clear. She didn't believe herself in any danger and thus felt to let us know by telling us to not even bother trying to fight her but instead give in and accept our fates. Claire then steps forward and says-

"I remember meeting you once. The archpriestess with exceptional healing powers and the ego to match. Is this all because of you? Are you the reason and the source behind all this pain and heartache?"

[Submit]

Aqua said again, this time with some amusement in her tone. I stare at her for a long moment while I quietly say under my breath.

"To think it really was you all this time. I've never had much of a good opinion about you, given how our first meeting played out. But even I could have never imagined that you would let yourself become like this, Aqua."

["What you're seeing before you is NOT the goddess of water, Aqua."]

Entropy? Tell me, what do you mean by that.

["Look up, Kazuma. Above both this creature and the throne."]

My head automatically tilts upwards, either under its own power or because Entropy was doing this for me. I then see it, the glowing and pulsing sphere of corruption. While it was faint, I could just barely make out the shape of a person floating at the sphere's center.

["Within that sphere is the body of the real Aqua. Perhaps it is because of her status as a goddess or maybe due to some other fluke but it appears Aqua wasn't fully corrupted herself though she is undoubtedly the 'source' behind all this corruption, even if unintentional."]

I see, then what is this creature of corruption that has her shape supposed to be then?

["It is precisely that; pure corruption given shape and mass. Nothing more, nothing less. The very will of the corruption within Aqua itself. As for the personality it has. Most likely taking from Aqua ALL of her worst traits and pushing them to the extreme. I wonder if it even knows its truth."]

As I consider this new information, Aqua... no, Corruption finally stands and says with a more forceful tone-

[SUBMIT]

"Sorry, but we're going to have to refuse. We didn't come here so we could become your latest thrall. We came here so we could end you, end all of this, once and for all."

"Yeah, what Alice said."

Iris, Claire, and Rain were already prepared to go on the attack while Anna, with Chomusuke in her hands, quickly gets behind them as she really couldn't do much here unless she could get off another sneak attack like she had with Serena. Not that a sneak attack would work here, that is.

Corruption comes to a stop, it's calm and passive face contorting into being one of annoyance and impatience as she practically roars out-

[I SAID SUBMIT!]

Without warning, all the corrupted Axis cultist had gotten to their feet and had quickly tackled us, pinning us down. Despite our own individual strengths, the sheer numbers were enough to give them the advantage in this moment.

"Damn you, take your hands off the princess right now. And watch where you're touching her too. Can't you see that she's underage."

"We're dealing with the Axis cultist. Case you didn't know, they don't much concern themselves with pointless details like a person's age or even if they consent of not. It's all about them and what makes them alone happy in the moment. Everything else doesn't matter."

explained Anna in response to Claire's words. Iris then says-

"I'm fine Claire. None of them are touching any of my personal areas yet... though this one female Axis cultist with a lusting look to her is creeping me out big time."

Rain tried to say something, perhaps she was going to try using a spell, but she finds a hand quickly covering her mouth to keep her silenced. All the while, Corruption keeps coming closer and closer.

["Listen Kazuma, this is what you must do if you truly want to end this."]

Entropy then reveals to me her thoughts and I had to admit that it could work. But it was also risky too. I then ask her about the real Aqua, about if I managed to free her would that be the end of this or if I would have to fight her too.

["Her current status is uncertain, even to me. All I can tell you is to be ready to do what you must."]

I was hoping you wouldn't say that. I let out a sigh and then say directly to Corruption=

"Alright, I'll do as you ask. I'll submit."

"What did... Satou Kazuma, are you betraying us too?"

"Wait, Kazuma. Please, don't give in so quickly."

"Don't do it, brother."

shouted Claire, Iris, and Anna. Rain tried to say something too, but she was still being silenced. Corruption, meanwhile, comes to a stop as it gives me a curious and doubtful look.

[Are you serious, Satou Kazuma]

"I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't serious. Come on Aqua, isn't this what you've been wanting? You and me, together again... like old times. Come on, I know you'd rather have me at your side than mister high and mighty Mitsurugi, right?"

Corruption looks at me for a moment more before s smile appears on her face. I then feel the cultists that were holding me down release me and I stand and begin walking towards Corruption.

"Kazuma... brother, please don't do this."

I heard Iris say, making me look back to see that she was crying. I send her a smile then say-

"It'll be alright, Iris. Trust me. Claire, make sure you watch to because you will now get the answer to your question from the other day."

I then turn back to look at Corruption and I finish walking towards her before bowing. Luckily, she neither noticed nor cared about what I had said. I then feel her reach down and place a hand under my chin, tilting my head up so I was looking at her.

[Relax, Kazuma... for you are home now]

No, I wasn't home yet. Instead, I was just perfectly positioned to do this.

"Lich Reap!"

{|} Part 8: "A Lich REAPS" {|}

(Iris POV)

The moment Kazuma had spoken, a powerful blast of energy had burst out from within his body. It luckily didn't seem to hurt us though we found ourselves suddenly free as all the corrupted Axis cultist had shrieked out from what I assume was pain and fear, making them all back away and go to cowering off to the side.

As we get back onto our feet, I can see this girl names Aqua, having been corrupted as well, sent flying back against the throne. Whatever this Lich Reap my new honorary brother had called out was all about, there was no question that it was strong.

"Anna, tell me... what did Satou Kazuma do?"

asked Claire, beating me to the punch. I look at Anna, seeing the biggest smile forming on her face. She looked really excited which filled me with hope here.

"Whatever he's doing, I can sense a tremendous amount of power coming from master Kazuma... wait, it this... am I detecting arcana coming from his body?"

Arcana, but isn't that the dark powers of Hell? What does it mean for Kazuma if Rain's assessment was true.

"Don't worry about that, you guys. Trust me when I say this will all be over in an instant. Seriously, I can't believe I'm finally going to get to see what all his midnight training had accomplished."

Anna sounded so confident that I couldn't help but feel confident now too. I then look back as the spirally arcana around Kazuma began to shrink while I could see the corrupted Aqua finally pick herself up before asking-

[What is this, Kazuma? I thought you were going to join me]

"Yeah, about that. You see, Corruption. I'm afraid giving myself to you freely isn't an option as I have this annoying force within me, goes by the name of Entropy, that has her own plans for this moment. If you really want me that badly..."

The spiraling arcana energy finally flows back into Kazuma's body, revealing the change he had undergone. His skin had turned bone with these strange glowing, teal-colored lines running along his flesh. Were they supposed to represent veins or something? His eyes were glowing with a teal color too and his hair had turned an ash gray color.

While it was a little unsettling, I couldn't help but think he looked so cool in this moment.

"I'm afraid you're going to have to work for it."

[Very well, Kazuma. If it is a fight you desire, then I shall give it to you. But don't forget, I have always been your superior in every way. No matter how hard you try, you will never win]

Aqua, no... Kazuma addressed her as Corruption so I shall do the same. I wonder if that meant this person wasn't really this Aqua person I heard mentioned before? No matter, I'll learn more about that later. For right now, I want to watch my brother show everyone just how cool he is.

"Everyone, listen carefully."

Eh? Kazuma, is that you. Are you using your telepathy skill to talk with me... I mean us.

"Here in a few seconds, I will be switching from my Lich Reaps' casual mode to combat mode. While the casual mode can permit me to use certain skills safely over a period of several hours, the combat mode is what I'll need to rely on to see this fight to a proper ending. But because combat mode is all about me going all out here, there is some risk."

What do you mean, Kazuma. What are those risk?

"Rain, make the strongest shield you can to keep everyone safe from any excess arcana that might escape. Claire, make sure everyone stays back. My combat form, once I enter it, will only last ninety seconds. Any longer will cause serious damage to my body, perhaps even kill me."

What? Hold on a minute; what do you mean, Kazuma.

"I'll do what I can with ending this within those ninety seconds but if I can't, then I will at least seriously injured Corruption. Be ready to finish her off should I fail to do so. And Iris, don't worry. I'll be fine."

Kazuma then breaks his communication with us as his body begins to glow with even more arcana. In that moment, the air around us gains a yellowish tint to it as Rain creates the magic shield Kazuma asked her to do. I then feel Claire place a hand on my shoulder, making me look to see she was already standing with her rapier at the ready. She then gives me a confident look, making me nod.

I then stand as well, preparing Calibur as well just in case. But I knew it wouldn't be needed as I knew Kazuma would win this for us. My eyes lock onto him as strange greenish flames in the shape of half spheres appear along both sides of his head as he says to Corruption.

"Ninety seconds, If you can make it past that time limit, then you may be able to corrupt me if that remains your desire."

I see Corruption smirk before it says-

[Is that a challenge, Kazuma]

"No, that wasn't a challenge..."

He then snaps his fingers, causing the two greenish flames to collide with his head, creating ripples in the air as those now link flames cause Kazuma's head to be replaced with... a skull? Had he gained a skull like helmet or had his flesh been burned off to reveal the skull beneath?

Honestly, I'm hoping for the former here.

A moment after the skull had appeared, I could see the teal-colored lines shift to emerald, green, and I'm assuming his eyes turned to that color as well, as the very air around him began to distort from the arcana he must have been giving off. So much arcana that even I could feel it now.

"... but what happens now will be, Corruption!"

(3rd Person POV)

Kazuma rushes Corruption, sparks of energy surging in his hands while Corruption counters by pointing at him with a finger, unleashing a violet-colored tendril out at him. In response, Kazuma brings the hand that had been sparking with power out before him and allows the tendril to strike.

"Drain Touch."

Immediately, Corruption finds her power being sucked out of her by way of the tendril connecting her to Kazuma. She growls as she breaks the tendril, cutting it loose before attempting to back away from the still approaching Kazuma. But Kazuma was faster as he grabs onto her and continues to drain the very corruption from her body which was painful to say the least.

[Let go of me, Pervzuma]

she shouts as she channels a large amount of power through her body then quickly unleashes it like a pulse of energy that pushes Kazuma back. It only took Kazuma a second before he had halted his push back and was charging towards Corruption again, who quickly begins to back off while gathering power for her next attack.

She then throws her hands up before her, ready to unleash her next move while Kazuma's eyes begin to glow before followed by a bright flash burst forth from his eyes.

"Apathy."

The light envelops Corruption, making her arms fall to her side while Kazuma gets closer and closer and just when he was almost able to touch her, Corruption smiles as her arms quickly rise back up and she sends a large amount of the corruption that made up her being racing out, entrapping Kazuma within it till there was nothing but a dark pulsating sphere where Kazuma had just been.

"No, Kazuma..."

shouted Iris who tries to run forward to help but is stopped by Claire and pulled back from exiting Rain's Shield. Corruption smiles victoriously before saying-

[This outcome was expected, you annoying hikki-NEET. You should have known better than to challenge a goddess such as I. But don't worry, once you've become one of my beloved children, I will gift you with true power]

"No thanks, I'm content with what I have now."

Kazuma then jumps out from the top of the sphere, his body having turned all transparent and ghost-like. He flips over behind Corruption, shifting back into a physical form, before trapping her in as tight a choke holds as he could. Before Corruption could even register his actions and counter them, the Drain Touch resumes, and she quickly finds her attempt to free herself becoming quite difficult.

"Case you're wonder what I just did back there, I used a little Lich technique called Specter. Let's one avoid taking any injury, even avoid being corrupted though the downside is I can't attack either when all ghost like."

[Damn it, let me go, NEET. You're starting to really infuriate me here]

Kazuma doesn't let up as he continues to absorb all the corruption from her body; an act that actually starts to have a physical effect on her appearance. Her limbs were beginning to shrivel up, her whole body was slowly turn transparent starting from the edges and tips.

Anna cheers and tells Kazuma to keep it up. Rain breathes out a sigh of relief before saying-

"Is this almost over? Will Kazuma actually end this once and for all."

"We can only hope so. Don't let up, brother. I know you can do it."

"Princess... Rain, don't let your guard down yet. It's times like these that the enemy will try something..."

Perhaps it had been because Claire just had to go raise a flag there, or maybe it was just bad timing, but in that moment when she had talked, multiple voices spoke out in unison-

[Purge]

Instantly, Kazuma screams out in pain as his hold on Corruption fails him as the 'avatar' Axis cultist began spamming the Purge spell against him. Corruption quickly moves away before falling onto the ground, her body heaving badly as she slowly began to regain her dark light.

Kazuma, meanwhile, collapses onto the ground as the continued Purge assault appeared to be causing him more and more damage and pain.

"Damn it, quit hurting Kazuma."

"Yeah, don't you understand that he's trying to save us all?"

shout Iris and Anna who quickly go running out from the safety of the Shield to attack the cultist. Claire swears loudly as she chases after them while Rain is forced to cancel her spell in order to start casting new attack spells at the cultist. Thanks to them, the cult is forced to stop their assault in order to defend themselves, not that it mattered as none of them were actual combatants.

It would only take them a few moments to immobilize and incapacitates them from taking any further action, but by then Corruption had finished recovering and, after looking back at Kazuma and considering something, she then turns back to Iris and the others while a wicked smile forms.

For Kazuma, his body was finally starting to find relief as he started to regain control of himself. His mind, on the other hand, was a jumble of thoughts.

'Damn, it's just like I figured. Anything cast on me from those of the priest and priestess class can and will hurt me. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, given I am a walking undead arcana engine right now. I'm surprised Corruption wasn't affected... or maybe I shouldn't be. No matter, I need to hurry up and end this because all purification has dropped my time down from a minute to forty seconds.'

Screams suddenly ring out; specifically, the voices of Iris and Anna were the ones screaming, forcing Kazuma to quickly turn his head to see that those two, along with Rain and Claire, being captured and lifted into the air by multiple corruption tendrils. Corruption then looks back at him, all smiles as she says-

[Please, stay right there and recover, Kazuma. I'd like to take my time with converting them over to my faith. Let's see, how about I start with... her]

Corruption then begins to draw Iris closer to her, the princess struggling with all her might to no avail. Kazuma roars, shouting to leave them alone as he charges at Corruption without having any set plan. And that's exactly what Corruption wanted as she looks back at Iris, giving the impression that she wasn't concerned with Kazuma now and just as he was able to reach out and touch her...

A massive corruption spike shoots out of Corruption's back into Kazuma who was so focused on saving Iris that he wasn't able to react in time to activate Specter. Iris screams out Kazuma's name as actual blood is coughed up by Kazuma.

Corruption then does a position shift; her front and back switch and the spike becoming a hand and arm. She then walks forward a few steps while pushing Kazuma's mostly limp form back as well while the four girls remained pinned to the wall by her previous actions; struggling in vain to free themselves and help Kazuma.

Kazuma brings his hands up, grabbing onto Corruption's hand though his grip was weak and getting weaker by the moment. Corruption then sends him a sincere and regret filled smile as she says-

[I am SO sorry for having to hurt you in this fashion, my troublesome hikki-NEET. But please understand that you left me with no other choice. But fear not for I will never let you die... again. Just relax and I will release you from all pain and suffering and help you become your best self]

Corruption then smiles smugly as she feels his resistance growing weaker and weaker and...

["Sorry, Corruption. But I'm afraid this Satou Kazuma already belongs to ME"]

Corruption's eyes go wide from shock as the world around her suddenly shifts, going from the converted throne room of the palace to a place; a kind of void like realm filled with a kind of purple colored smoke or mist or fog. She honestly wasn't sure exactly. All she knew was that she could only see herself and Kazuma in this place.

And then, instead of Kazuma she was now seeing a figure who's entire being seemed to be made from smoke; smoke that had many faces making many different expressions forming and fading from existence. She tries to move away, tries to pull her hand and lower arm free from this new entity, but she quickly finds this to be impossible.

{Insert Image 3}

[You... who are you? How dare you try to defy me. Do you have any idea exactly who and what I am]

["Yes, I know who and what you are. I also don't care as I am as far beyond you as you believe yourself to be far beyond anyone else. I am the one Rubrikt has considered asking you to help him defeat, perhaps even destroy. I am... Entropy."]

[Entropy? Should that name mean something to me. I demand you let me go this instant otherwise you will suffer my divine retribution here.]

Entropy then laughs while aspects of herself begin to counter flow into Corruption's body, causing her to scream out in pain. Corruption's body begin to falter as cracks begin to form within her, wisp of Entropy's power leaking from those cracks.

["I believe you have remained on your high horse for long enough. Allow me to show you how one uses REAL power."]

Corruption finds the world returning back to looking like it should, and she finds she is finally able to free her hand from Kazuma's body but is unable to reverse what had been done to her. She then looks back at Kazuma in desperation while backing away from him, even attempting to call upon her loyal children, but finds she can no longer feel them out there.

["Sorry, but I'm afraid help won't be coming to back you up now. Kazuma, forgive me for what I am about to do here. This action will likely have some long-term effects on your body, but you'll likely prefer that to me forcing a Cero to end this battle."]

Kazuma... no, Entropy controlled Kazuma then brings his hands together then slowly pulls them apart, revealing his Bone Scythe glowing with the power of Entropy. The scythe the is spun around before Kazuma's body lurches forward, sending the blade stabbing into Corruption's body, making her shriek out in pain as she pushed back and up towards the sphere where the true body of Aqua rested.

[Wait, stop... PLEASE]

["Sorry, but a Lich doesn't stop..."]

"A Lich REAP's!"

said Kazuma as he is allowed back into control as they both collide with the sphere, releasing a blast of light and noise that fills the entire throne room, if not the entire castle and capital.

{|} to be concluded... {|}

Image 1: Kazuma and Eris inside the world of Light.

Image 2: Darkness looking back at everyone with a confident smile.

Image 3: Corruption, the energy in the shape of Aqua, facing off with the aspect of Entropy within Kazuma's body while inside a mindscape like place.

AN: I've decided to break what was originally going to be the final chapter of Arc 9 into two parts; one reason being so I could make sure this chapter releasing on time and the other being because the full chapter would have been over fifty pages.

Anyways, the next chapter will be the end of Arc 9 and will probably be a smaller chapter, focused solely on the aftermath of this battle and the set up for Arc 10. Also, expect the next chapter to release by Friday at the latest as I'm almost done with it, given I already have half of that chapter written before I made the call to break it into two chapters. Until then...