Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

52. A11-2: The Reunion

} Chapter 2: The Reunion {

{|} Part 1: Only the Foolhardy... {|}

(Megumin's POV)

It had been several hours since I had managed to ditch the caravan I had used to get me close to my destination and I was feeling dead tired. So much so that my legs were hurting like hell. In this moment, I was really wishing I had gone ahead and told Kazuma about this, about my plans.

I'm sure that if I had worked a little magic, in the form of my famous Crimson Demon charisma, I could have talked him into coming with me. Not only would I have had someone to talk to who understood me, someone who could actually talk back which was something Chomusuke obviously couldn't do, but I could have also had Kazuma carry me piggyback once my legs had first started hurting.

Sure, that wouldn't have been very fair to him; having him carry me while still forcing him to do all the walking. But I would have made it up to him. Using my own special technique he had been fortunate enough to have experienced recently and all thanks to that damn woman I call my mother's cruel prank.

Currently, I was sitting by a small campfire while watching what was going to be my dinner cook. Chomusuke was at my side, all curled up in a little ball as she snoozed her cares away. I go from looking at my next meal to looking at her and allow myself a moment to smile. I then turn my attention towards the sight which wasn't all that far off from our current location right now.

The Scarred Lands. It was so far away when I broke away from the caravan and now, I could see the point where the light of the late afternoon sun was lost to the darkness that made up these forbidden lands I would soon be entering.

I look at it for a moment, then turn my eyes back to Chomusuke again and say quietly to myself-

"I wonder... would it have been better if I left you with Kazuma, so that you could have remained safe and secure by HIS side. When I decided to bring you with me, it was solely because I was counting on you to act like a magnet and help guide me to master's side. But now that I'm here with you, I am really wishing I didn't go dragging you into this mess I'm making myself walk into now."

In response, Chomusuke just uses one of her hindlegs to scratch the back of an ear but otherwise doesn't stir. I laugh happily while running my fingers across the top of her head.

Not long after that, I ate the meal I had cooked for myself while placing Chomusuke's meal before here. I don't wake her as I knew the smell of her meal would wake her up for me. After that, I decided it was too late in the day for me to walk into the Scarred Lands so I settle in and close my eyes to get some sleep, though I wasn't sure if I could get any when the ground was far from comfortable.

Turns out pretty well as the next thing I knew, I was waking up to find myself under a night sky. The campfire had long since gone out and Chomusuke had moved from sleeping beside me to sleeping on my stomach. I pull out my pocket watch and look at the time.

Huh, guess I found sleeping easier than what I had expected. When I had laid back and closed my eyes, the sun hadn't started to set yet and now it was nearly three in the morning. With nothing else to do, I close my eyes again and try to get a few more hours as this may be my last chance.

And then came the morning and after taking time for a simple breakfast and taking a bathroom break, I finally walked that last little bit till I was before that which only a fool would dare enter alone.

"So, this is it, the point of no return. My nerves are definitely feeling the tension right now."

I go to walk past the great divide between the light and the dark, but I stop myself; instead reaching out and letting my hand and part of my arm pass between. Immediately, I shiver as I withdraw back away while mumbling to myself-

"Cold... so damn cold. If I try to walk into there as I am, I can't help but feel I could freeze to death before I can even find you..."

OK, maybe I'm being a little over dramatic with this. Sure, it was colder within the dark but was it really THAT cold? Probably not but I can't help but not like the way the aired feels to me. Luckily, I have the perfect solution.

I dig into my adventurer's pouch and after a moment, I finally feel it in my hands. I pull out the special coat Kazuma had made for me. Well, he made these coats that he called 'Trench Coats' for everyone to wear when it was either cold or, as he put it, wanted to look super cool.

Once I had put it on, I felt a warmth course through me. It was like I had Kazuma's arms wrapped around me, keeping me safe and warm. It was such a comforting feeling that I couldn't help but let myself become lost in that feeling for a few moments.

Then I remember I had a mission to accomplish, and I wanted to hurry and get it done quickly because if I could, then I could go back home... go back to where HE would be. Waiting for me to return to him.

"Are you ready, Chomusuke?"

Chomusuke purrs before crawling into my coat with only her little head sticking out to touch against my chin. I then once again reach into the dark with my hand. While it was still really cold, it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been before.

"I'm coming... coming to find you, master Wolbach. Please let me actually find you in here and find you quickly as I know this isn't the kind of place I should risk staying inside for too long."

With that, I take in a deep breath and mentally fortify myself before finally stepping into this dark land; my REAL journey having finally begun.

{|} Part 2: At the Edge of the Frontier {|}

(Darkness POV)

"So, this is the infamous Hyperion City. It's pretty... rustic looking."

One minute, we had been inside the Axel teleportation station and the next, we found ourselves standing in the middle of a road with a four-way intersection. All the buildings were almost entirely made of wood and all the people we could see had a more wilderness like dress to them.

"One's things for sure, this place sure isn't Axel nor the capital. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen a settlement like this one in my life; not even in books."

said Anna with Cielo adding-

"It does have a very WESTERN vibe to it, doesn't it."

Me, Anna, and Yunyun all look at Cielo for a moment before I finally break that silence by saying-

"A western vibe? What's that all about."

"It's something Kazuma told me about once, when we were hanging around back during our trip to Veridae originally. I asked him to tell me more about his past and he spoke of a period of time when he had something called a wild west interest. He tried to explain what a western vibe means to me, but he confessed it would really help him if he had some visual aids. Still, being here in this place does bring out my memories of what he described a western to be."

"Very interest. Can we hurry up and get to finding Megumin already. All this dusty, humid air isn't sitting well with me."

"What's wrong Anna? I would think you'd be happy at getting to have another new experience in your new life."

I said to Anna with a cheeky tone, making her scowl before telling me with a flat tone-

"Maybe so but even I have my limits. Let's just hurry up and... wait, why did we get teleported out here in the middle of the street? Shouldn't we be standing inside another teleportation station?"

"I don't think Hyperion has one of those yet, given its status as being a settlement located on the edge of the frontier. Luckily, we have Yunyun here to see us have a quick and easy way to teleport back home once our search is all over with... wait, where's Yunyun?"

Cielo's words make us all realize that Yunyun hadn't said anything following our teleportation here to Hyperion. She had been with us when we had first arrived, at least I think she was. But she wasn't here with us now. Please don't tell me she's been kid...

"Oh yeah, I think she walked over into that building there."

said Anna, pointing to what one building with a sign that said Hyperion Saloon on it. We then walk over to said building and step inside, seeing her talking with an older man, with one hell of a giant mustache, behind the bar. Just as we reach her, she turns and sees us while I ask-

"Yunyun, you shouldn't go running off like that. You made us think you might have been grabbed and stolen away by one of the locals."

"I didn't think that. Honesty time, that actually sounds like fun. You know, for a first-time experience."

Yeah, it does indeed, Anna... wait, now's not the time for that, especially as I should have gotten that out of my system by now. As my mind begins to imagine being kidnapped and tied up by a group of outlaws, Yunyun says-

"Oh, sorry about that everyone. I just came in here to find out where the local guild was located at."

"And..."

"Like I told the red-eyed angel here, we have no guild here in Hyperion. Anyone looking for bounty work needs to visit the lawman's offices. They usually have posters up concerning jobs one can undertake."

That draws me from my thoughts. Once I was focused again, I ask-

"We're not looking for work, sir. Our business sees us looking for a friend of ours that would have come to Hyperion over these last few days. She would be about yay high, have black hair and red eyes like our friend here, and would be wearing a red and yellow dress with a big goofy hat, one black legging and the other leg all wrapped up. She also had a little black cat with wings and a red colored cross on its forehead."

Hearing Cielo's description makes the barkeep think for a moment before he finally says-

"Hm... actually, that does sound somewhat familiar. Not sure if it's the person you're talking about, but there was this cute little girl here about three or four days back. Was asking me where she could find a transportation depot if we had one."

"That has to be Megumin then. Sir, can you tell us where we can find said establishment."

asked Yunyun but before the barkeep could tell us, I stop him and say-

"Before that, do you know if they will allow us to purchase any horses and a carriage."

"Will they... of course they won't. You have any idea how expensive getting just one horse is alone, to say nothing of the carriages. Actually, it's not that bad but they still won't be willing to sell. If you don't mind, why are you wanting to buy your horses and a carriage? Have bad experiences with hired drivers in the past."

"Not that, sir. Let's just say where we're planning on going, where we know our friend is likely heading too, isn't the sort of place any sane person would dare to go to."

"And there's the fact it's forbidden by the laws of the kingdom to enter the Scarred..."

Cielo and Yunyun quickly cover Anna's mouth to silence her while the barkeep just gives us all a skeptical look. After a moment, he sighs before saying-

"If I were you all, I'd forget that fool of a friend of yours. If they're really THAT stupid to go to a place like that, then I say fuck 'em. But I'm guessing you four gals aren't the type to abandon a friend like that so... (sigh) what the hell. If you four really are that desperate, then there's only one option you have to work with, and that option is..."

A few minutes later, we exited the saloon and made our way to the south gate as we had been told that just outside said gate was a rather large farm. It would be there that we could obtain the horses. As for getting a carriage? That might be a little more troublesome for us.

"Hey, it's not like WE can't the horses ourselves, right. One of the many things father made sure I knew how to do was ride horseback. In fact, learning that little skill was more my idea than my fathers anyways. What about the rest of you?"

Cielo speaks first.

"Yeah, I did a fair bit of horseback riding when I was younger. While it has been a few years since I last did it, I'm sure it won't be too hard to get use to riding one again."

Anna speaks next, saying-

"Never have and never wanted to, honestly. Maybe I'll go all chibi form and hold on to someone's arm or shoulder. What about you, Yunyun."

"I've never ridden a horse before. We don't have any horses back in the village so the opportunity to learn how never came up. I can't imagine it would be any different than... you know what, never mind."

I wondered what Yunyun was about to say there but I decided now wasn't the time to find out. If I can remember it later, I'll ask her what she was going to say. For now, we just focused on making it to the south gate as quickly as possible.

Not long after, we had reached the farm and asked who we could speak to about either renting or purchasing some horses which saw us meeting the head rancher at the farm. From the moment he looked at us, I knew he was a total creep what with how he was eying us up.

"Well-well-well, what brings you four lovely ladies here to my doorstep?"

With the others not looking confident with talking to him, I take the lead and speak up as I was used to conversing with potential sleaze balls in the past, like NOT Aldarp.

"We were hoping to either rent of perhaps even purchase some horses from you. Just two will be enough."

"Hm, would you now..."

he said as he eyed us all up. I could see the hunger there in his eyes, something that actually made me feel a little excited and I might have considered flirting with him for a bit if it wasn't for the fact I knew the others weren't as happy about his gaze as I was. I clear my throat which snaps him out of whatever thoughts he was having at the moment.

"So, you lovely ladies want to purchase some horses from me, huh? Do any of you dainty gals even know how to ride a stallion because I'm more than willing to give you a few private pointers if you'd just join me inside for a bit."

"No thanks, creeper. We already have a wild one back home we can learn the art of riding from."

Clearly, Anna was talking about Kazuma. Cielo and Yunyun obviously knew that much as the both of them averted their gazes with light blushes on their faces. As for the man, he just sneers at being called a creepier before saying with a rather cold tone-

"I don't have any horses for sail right now so do me a favor and run along now. I only do business with agreeable customers."

Well crap, that went south rather quickly. Now what do we do? Oh, I know... how about I beat him up a bit and see if that will make him more agreeable with us. I crack my knuckles as I begin to walk towards him when Cielo suddenly says-

"I have a proposition for you, sir."

"Oh, and that would be?"

Me, Yunyun, and Anna look at Cielo who gives us a confident smirk before turning her attention back to the rancher.

"How about we play ourselves a little game here, a test of strength if you will. If I win, you'll give us your two fastest horses... for free."

"Hm... and if I win?"

"Then... we'll take you up on YOUR offer and join you inside for a little saddle training, as I'm sure you locals would call it."

Immediately, Yunyun and Anna begin to panic as they knew what it would mean for them if we lost, but I wasn't at all concerned as I knew what Cielo was doing. She looks at them and gives them a confident smile, one that I also send their way. As for the Rancher, he looked more unsure.

On the one hand, the look in his eyes said he wanted to agree as he clearly wanted the four of us. Yet, he hesitates because losing two horses would no doubt be costly for him. So, to help him decide, I add-

"What's wrong, handsome. Afraid you can't beat a little girl like our Cielo here in a little old game of strength."

That makes the rancher jerk before he looks Cielo over again. From that, a confident grin forms on his face. He then says-

"Alright, you have a deal. Just be warned that there'll be no take backs when I win and... no offense little girl, but I'm feeling really confident about my chances."

"If you say so."

The rancher then leads us over to a table with him standing on one side and Cielo opposite him. They two of them then place their elbows onto the table before clasping their hands together.

I was impressed as I though Cielo's Androphobia would be unleashed by accident, but she maintained her cool and self-control, truly showing just how far she had come from those early days when she first joined us.

The rancher licks his lips as he quietly to himself-

"Such soft skin. I'm really going to enjoy... (shakes his head, then says to Cielo) OK, we'll only be doing one round, understand."

"Sure, not a problem."

"Good... good, on the count of three then. One-t... THREE!"

SLAM!

Despite the rancher trying to cheat by going early, Cielo has been prepared for that. The rancher screams out in pain as Cielo not only overpowered him but sent his hand slamming so hard into the table that it caused the whole table to snap in half. She lets go on the rancher's hand who then quickly uses his free hand to grab onto his clearly broken hand as he screams out-

"GAHHHHH, you damn bitch. You just destroyed my fucking hand. That's it, the deal is off. Just wait till I tell the local law about this. You four, your asses are all going to rot in jail..."

I silence him by pulling my sword clear and pointing it against his throat, making him freeze. I then say-

"Before that, I believe there's something you should know about us. You see, both Cielo and I are part of the Belzerg kingdom's nobility. To be more specific, I am THE daughter of house Dustiness and Cielo is of house Accord. And then there's Yunyun here, who's the daughter to the current leader of the Crimson Demon clan and its future leader."

Hearing that makes the rancher begin to sweat. Seeing that, Cielo smiles an evil smile while saying-

"Yes, let's go talk to the local law around here. I wonder how they'll react when they find out you tried to proposition us into joining you for potential sexual acts. Even if your local law doesn't care, our family's will learn the truth eventually and I wouldn't want to be you when that happens."

The rancher gulps, now clearly shaking. Anna, meanwhile, looks at everyone then says-

"Hey, what about me here? Don't forget that I just so happen to be the honorary sister of the great hero who's earned a name for himself by defeating so many of the Devil King's generals. I doubt he'd be happy to hear about what I nearly had to go through, to say nothing of you all either."

"Wait, you're related to the hero Mitsurugi Kyouya?"

"Eh? Mitsu-who. No, my brother is Satou Kazuma."

"Never heard of him."

Seriously, is that what the papers have been saying? That it was Mitsurugi who's been doing all the work. I'm going to need to check in on this later as well because if this is all true, then someone within the capital is trying to keep Kazuma's name unknown and that's something I won't allow to happen.

"Then you are a fool. Now, about those horses we just won?"

said Yunyun coldly while Cielo cracks her knuckles, making the rancher shriek out in terror.

Fifteen minutes, we exited the farm with the two horses we had chosen and yes, I mean it when I said we chose these two as none of us could count on that guy to give us any of the good ones. We were nice enough to pay him but only just enough to pay to replace his table and the cost to have his hand fixed up.

"Ah, I don't like this. I'm really-really not liking this."

cried Anna who, despite being in her chibi form, clung onto me with all her strength. I look over to Cielo and Yunyun, seeing that Yunyun was taking her first-time riding on a horse better than Anna was. In fact, she seemed to be really enjoying herself.

"So, doing OK here, Yunyun."

"Yeah, this is actually really fun. I wish I had learned how to do this sooner."

"Then once this is all over and we're all back at Axel... and the Eris Festival is over and done with, I see about giving you some real training experience. Now, let's hurry onwards to the Scarred Lands."

"And let's hope we can find Megumin quickly once there."

And with that, we finally truly began our mission to find Megumin and drag her ass back home.

{|} Part 3: A True Land of Fantasy {|}

(Kazuma POV)

"Are we there yet?"

"What's wrong, kid? This ENCHANTED Forest not to your liking?"

asked Ruffian as he looks at me with that wolfish grin of his. I was walking behind him and Lynn with my shoulders slumped forward and feeling very tired after all the walking we had been doing.

After we had stepped through that curious gate, we had appeared inside a forested area that indeed had a very enchanted look to it. Tall trees that blocked out the sun with both vines and mushrooms that seemed to glow with a strange light from within. We had been walking through said forest ever since for what felt like an entire day.

"The forest is fine, beautiful even. But my legs are feeling like they could fall off at any second. And then there's the weird feeling in the air that's making me... wait, why aren't the two of you looking as tired as I'm feeling right now? I mean, we have been walking for what feels like a full day here."

At hearing that, Ruffian burst out laughing which makes me want to go over and punch him. Luckily, Lynn stops and walks back over to me and places a hand on my shoulders while saying-

"Actually Kazuma, we've only been walking for about an hour so far, give or take ten minutes."

"Eh, it's only been an hour. Then why am I feeling so..."

"Sorry about that, kid. Guess we should have explained how this forest works its magic on first time visitors, such as yourself."

"As I'm sure you've noticed, Kazuma. This forest isn't like others you have seen before. The glowing vines on the trees and the glowing mushrooms on the ground too. The strange feeling you must be feeling coming from all around you..."

"And let's not forget that sweet smell in the air that's making your head feel all kinds of weird."

Yeah, I've noticed all of that. Is there something about these things I should have been told about?

"Dad here wasn't joking when he described this place as enchanted. Walking around without having the blessing of the land will induce many effects on a person, some of which you are starting to become aware of right now."

"Example, your sense of time has started to become distorted. You think a great deal more time has passed by than what has actually happened. Your energy is also being drained away by the powers that lies within the forest, making you as tired as you are. Be thankful that it is just these things you've been made to feel as trust me, it could be much worse. Hell, if it weren't for us being here with you, you might have already collapsed from all this and be lost."

"These are the trials of Esther Forest, where our people live."

So this place is called the Esther Forest, huh? Charming name, I guess. And what's going on with me right now; about it only being the bare minimum that I could have been forced to face since getting here also. Maybe I should have just forgotten about this whole thing and stayed back home.

"So, how much further till we get to... wherever it is we're going here?"

"Don't worry kid, we're almost out of the woods... figuratively speaking."

With that, we continued on our way deeper into this place. This time, however, Lynn stays by my side while holding my hand which does make me feel better. Perhaps it was because her blessing of the land, or whatever it's called, was giving me some shield through our physical contact with one another.

Further and further, deeper and deeper we went until we passed under a series of vines and tree roots that took on an arch shape only to then see...

"OK, got to say... OH MY GODDESS!"

"Yeah, that was my reaction when I first saw this place with my own eyes too, kid."

Lynn pulls away from me, taking a few steps forward before turning back to look at me.

"Kazuma, may I welcome you to the secret city of the Faea folk. Our own little secret corner of the world... Artashire."

I step forward in order to get a better view. It was one MASSIVE tree I was looking at off in the distance, looking to be so huge that if you were to somehow transfer it from being here to being planted right smack in the middle of Axel, it would take up half the city's area within the walls.

There seemed to be buildings built into the tree, resting upon its long and thick branches. Many pathways connected these areas that the buildings resided on, going up higher and higher into the air. And there was this almost divine illumination that was coming from the place.

In fact, this all reminded me of the first Lord of the Rings movie; how the elven city of Lothlorien looked when the Fellowship had arrived following the loss of Gandalf in the mines of Moria.

"So kid, ready to get a closer look?"

"Yes... take me there."

And there we headed. We started by walking down a long hill then across a path that seemed to be illuminated by the same kind of light that seemed to shine from Artashire, at least from what I could see. A pale blue light that didn't seem to have any source to its luminance.

As we walked, I decided to ask-

"So, you used that word again: Faea, I mean. Am I right in guessing that Faea is the name of your people then?"

"You would be correct, Kazuma. Well, sort of."

"Sort of?"

"What my little Lynn means is that I am technically human but am considered an honorary Faea by the Faea themselves, as ordered by our [Riiji]. As for Lynn..."

"I'm half Faea, half human. You probably wouldn't guess that about me, apart from my raccoon tail, that is."

"What, do the Faea have more than a single animal body part to them like you do, Lynn?"

"Hm... you'll see soon enough."

Nothing more was said, not that I minded as I was to lost in the thoughts this place was making me feel right now. Honestly, THIS location was the kind of fantasy world experience I had been searching for, hoping I would see and experienced when I first agreed to come here back when I had first met Aqua. Everything else I had seen up till now, apart from the magic and oversized animals, wasn't anything to different than what one could have seen from olden times back on Earth.

Soon, we had reached the entrance of the Faea city, and my eyes quickly spotted two figures wearing a very fantasy like flowing robes. Lynn then says something to them in the language of the Faea, or so I assumed, making them step to the side and allow us to pass.

As we begin to pass into Artashire, I began to notice even more of the Faea and truly began to understand what Lynn had told me.

Essentially, they were more or less this worlds equivalent of the Elves, tall and slender with shining eyes, long pointy ears, and long hair. The tone of their skin was different though. Some were pale in color, and some had darker tones of gray-violet hues. Perhaps at one time the Faea had been broken into the Light and Dark clans that often exist within elven cultures in other fantasy works?

But unlike the elves I've seen in various anime, games, and movies, these Faea had some additional features; namely the animal-like body parts. They had tails, some long and some short. Their pointy ears; some being furry and others scalier or fish like. A few even had horns on their foreheads.

Guess that explains the raccoon tail Lynn's been sporting since the day I met her.

Just as we approached the first set of stairs, heading up, a new figure came into view. Like the others, he was tall; having an especially pale complexion about him with curious whiskers alongside his wolf like visage though maybe it was the tail and ears that made me think he was wolf like.

He then speaks more of the Faea tongue which Lynn responds to in kind. As they talk, Ruffian leans down and whispers into my ear-

"Be on your best behavior with this guy. He doesn't hate us humans, but he can be rather critical and hard to please from time to... well, all the time actually."

I nod before taking notice that his eyes had been on us the whole time while talking to Lynn.

"I believe I have good reasons behind why I am the way I am, Rustaban, or is it that you have forgotten that little fact. After all, if not for you then perhaps..."

Lynn quickly clears her throat, making this new guy stop at once. I meanwhile, take a quick glance over to Ruffian who didn't seem to be phased by what had just happened. There was also that name he had just been called... Rustaban. Was that Ruffian's actual name?

I look back at the tall figure who walks forward with both hands held close together while spread fingers touched one another.

"So, you are the human [Orin] whose been wanting to meet with the [Riiji] and in turn, he has been wanting to meet with. The human our lady here has taken such a liking too..."

"Hey, I can't help it if his smell rocks my world. You know as well as I what such a thing means for our people, Haukrin."

"Sadly I do. Why must you be like your mother in that regard when you know that..."

This time, it is Ruffian who clears his throat and from the sound he makes, I couldn't help but feel he was giving this Haukrin guy a warning to 'not say anything more.' It works as he just sighs before saying-

"It matters not, I suppose. [Chiri Maya], Satou Kazuma. As you have no doubt know now, I am Haukrin, chief council to our [Riiji]. On his behalf and that of our people as a whole, I welcome you to our fair city: Artashire. Do get comfortable as you'll be our guest here, for quite the long time to come."

Eh, what do you mean by that? Wait, are you telling me I'm going to be stuck here for the rest of my life? Well, I suppose there are worse places to live but I hope you realize the troubles that will bring your way. The others will come looking for me if I go missing, after all.

And, of course, there's the Megumin danger as she won't hesitate to blow this whole place up with Explosion if that's what it takes to get me back.

"Now Haukrin, there's no need to make such a joke with our guest. Besides, I've already told you what forcing him to remain here will bring down upon us if that were to actually happen. Trust me when I say there's a couple of crazy girls I know who won't be very kind or forgiving if we actually did that."

"It was all just a jest, [Eirwasha]. I did not mean it to be taken seriously. Anyways, I believe you know the proper protocols that need to be followed before he meets with our [Riiji], Rustaban."

"Yes, I remember. He'll need to bathe in the purity waters first, to wash away any dangers that might cling to his vessel."

So you're saying I have to take a bath first. I guess I understand but do I really smell that bad already?

"Very good. I shall leave you to it then. Also, make sure he is dressed accordingly as well. The meeting will happen in four hours. Until then..."

With that, Haukrin turns and walks away, leaving me with Lynn and Ruffian who then guide me off to the side with Lynn saying-

"Before you take your bath, Kazuma. How about we show you around our home first."

Sounds like fun.

{|} Part 4: The Creature {|}

(Megumin POV)

"This has to be some kind of divine punishment for skipping out on gym class back during my Red Prison days, isn't it."

I stood looking into a deep gash in the earth that went on as far as my eyes could see both to my left and to my right. Luckily, the distance between this side and the other was that much to worry about, but there was no way I could simply jump from this side to the other, even if I did a running jump.

But pole vaulting across, on the other hand, was just barely an available option. Not that I felt any comfort in having that option.

I turn to look at Chomusuke, who was resting on my shoulder, and asked her-

"Well, what would you do if our roles were reversed, use your mage staff to help propel yourself across or be willing to add who knows how many hours walking around this divide and hope that there is one that doesn't require us to actually exit the Scarred Lands and reenter them at another point."

Chomusuke simply scratches an ear, yawns, then closes her eyes and seemingly falls asleep.

"Gee, thanks for such a helpful answer, lazy bones."

I once again look in both directions before deciding that I didn't have the patience to go with walking around this nigh endless gash in the earth. Guess that means I'm doing this other thing then. I take a fair number of steps back before taking my mage staff in hand.

"You know, it's times like these that make me wish these sorts of events would wait to happen AFTER Kazuma had been able to complete certain projects he has cooking inside that head of his."

Like the idea he has for a mage staff that has the ability to let its user fly around in the air, which sounds both incredibly useful and super cool. Kazuma had told me and Yunyun that witches back where he is from usually traveled around by way of flying staffs, though for some reason he said the word brooms at first. Regardless, he had our backing to see this idea made real.

If only it had already happened... actually, if only he were here with me now. OK, from now on, I'll have Kazuma with me for all my future trips, no matter what.

"Alright, enough wasting time here. Let's do this."

With my grip firm, I run forward and plant the bottom tip of my staff into the ground, vaulting myself over the deep hole in the ground. While I made it to the other side, my landing was less than graceful. I was so glad that there was no one else here to have seen that, otherwise I would be feeling rather embarrassed in that moment.

There were several more I had to do in close succession with the second to last one being a near failure that saw me almost falling into the void. And then came the last one which ended up being very tricky as I was aiming for a hole in a wall of rock just beyond the last gash within the ground.

That one left me sweating but I managed to pull it off somehow.

"Let's not ever do that again, right girl... you know, the others are right about you. You need to be trained into being NOT lazy all the time. You need to understand that there's more to life than eating and sleeping."

Take me for example. My life isn't ruled by such silly things... because I also had my training to master Explosion magic as my priority, with eating being second and sleeping third... yeah.

I then worked my way through the sole way forward for me which was a very tight space. Luckily, it didn't go on for too long before I found myself back out in the open which I could see was mostly flat save for some large pillars of rock rising from the ground, those these were few and far between.

"At least there's no more unwanted surprises I can see around at the moment. Perhaps the worst is..."

Before I could finish, Chomusuke suddenly awakens, her head raised as she sniffs the air before letting out a low yet fierce hissing sound.

"I just jinxed myself, didn't I?"

I then begin to look around quickly, spotting one particular rock that looked like it would do well to hide behind. I quickly run over to said rock and plant myself against it while hoping that whatever it was that had sent Chomusuke on alert didn't end up showing up at a spot where it could still see me.

I wait and wait and wait till I hear a thud like sound come from just beyond the opposite side of the rock I was hiding behind. Though this action was a potential risk, I take a chance anyways and allow myself a moment to peek around the side at whatever it was that had just arrived on the scene.

It was some kind of skeleton like creature with bones that were jet black on display while a body of ash-gray lay beneath the bones. It had two glowing yellow eyes and a third eye wreathed in red flame located at the center of its forehead.

It just remained standing in place as the glowing yellow eyes began to flicker, growing brighter then dimmer then brighter and dimmer again on repeat. I could feel a sort of pulse coming from it ever couple of seconds, making me think it was doing some kind of sense of the area.

I hope hiding behind this rock was enough to keep me hidden. Now, how should I deal with this thing?

I could try casting Explosion on it, or maybe a Dragon Slave at it... no, that would be a bad idea. I can't feel any mana in the air of this place which I knew would be the case. That means what mana I have currently within me is all I have to work with so I should save using magic as a last resort. Not that my magic would be at full power seeing as I can feel what mana I have within me steadily growing weaker the longer I'm here.

With all that considered, what should I... wait, what's that about?

I look closely at the undead like beast and notice the flaming third eye was moving around, looking all over the place. I wasn't sure why, but a feeling from deep within me was saying that this fiery eye it had was its primary weak point. No doubt it would be difficult to land a hit on this spot but luckily for me, I had brought something with me that I believe will be perfect for what I was needing at this moment.

I turn my attention to my adventurer's pouch, opening and reaching into it as I begin to dig around for that certain item. A thought occurs to me in this moment. Seeing that the Scarred Lands didn't have a natural mana presence in it, could that have an effect on adventurer pouches and make them unusable?

Luckily, that didn't appear to be the case at the moment as my hand finally made contact with the item I was looking for. I then pull it out, Kazuma's new bow that he had been tinkering with, which I had 'borrowed' without asking him first... I really need to stop doing that, taking his things without permission even if I do return them once all is said and done.

This bow he had created was a curious looking thing, being unlike anything I had ever seen before. If memory serves, he called it a 'compound bow.' There was just one little problem. I didn't know how to use the Ether Arrow skill, not that having that skill would serve me seeing as that requires mana and I wasn't wanting to waste what I had within me.

Luckily, Kazuma must have considered something like that happening as he had been making a new type of arrow to use with this bow in times of need. Reaching into the pouch again, I pull out a quiver with metallic arrows within. Twenty-five of them in total and, from what I can recall Kazuma telling me, were designed at being reusable so long as you can retrieve them from their intended target.

I then peek around the corner again and see the creature coming towards my rock. Knowing that it was now or never for me, I take one of the metallic arrows and prepare to shoot it. I then take in a few deep breathes while hoping Kazuma telling me I have a natural talent with archery is correct.

I then jump out into the open, take aim, and...

The creature jerks its head my way, the flaming central eye glowing bright and menacingly towards me. I let lose my arrow, sending it flying fast and true. It would hit that fiery eye without a doubt. But it didn't as at the last moment, the creature brought an arm up, the black boney covering acting like a shield that takes the impact, making the arrow clatter against the ground.

The creature turns its head downwards, looking at the arrow while I prepare another arrow to be fired. It looks for a moment before its head jerks back to looking at me. And then came the shriek; a nightmarish wale that created ripples in the air.

Its boney claw fingers twitch violently before it charges at me. I could feel a wrath and bloodlust coming my way which causes me to falter for just a moment. I just barely have enough time to recollect myself and jump out of the way before the creature reaches the spot I was standing at, bringing its claws slamming into the ground.

"Great, of all the times Darkness being around would be invaluable..."

Really, I only have myself to blame right now. Wanting to go take care of this by myself. Please, Eris please, if I somehow manage to survive this and make it back home safely, maybe you could help me to not be such a solo act from here on out. As this sort of thing does is leave me suffering serious trouble.

The creature, its whole body now twitching like crazy, looks my way before letting out another shriek, though this one is of a lower, deeper sound. It then comes charge at me again while I fire three more arrows. It ducks under one, dodges another, and swats the third away.

I now find myself backing off and running as it gives chase. I manage a few more shots but once again, it succeeds in avoiding getting hit. Maybe the problem was with me here, trying to go for that one flaming eye it has over targeting any other part of its body. Also...

"Will you PLEASE stop dodging and blocking these arrows and die already. Seriously, I have to go around and find them all after this is all over, in order to make sure my man doesn't notice I borrowed these without permission."

Not surprisingly, the creature doesn't seem to care about my plight. Figures that it wouldn't understand a maiden's pain. So, what should I do now?

"What would YOU do if you were here right now, Kazuma."

Well, he'd probably make us of Drain Touch... Apathy... Specter... one of his many creative ways of using weaker spells. Just being himself... damn it, none of that can help me. Can't be helped, I'll do what I do best... BE ME!

I find myself being blocked by a large wall of rock. To much distance on one side and the same on the other for me to run for in order to get around. As for the creature, it was coming closer and closer and would be on top of me any second.

I smirk as I feel the magic energy building up in my hands. I guess I shouldn't have waited so long to do this, especially when doing this sort of thing was such a ME thing to do. I press my back against the wall of rock, waiting for the creature to get close enough while hoping I could get the timing right.

Closer and closer and closer... it then lunges at me with one clawed hand reaching out to grab me by my neck... NOW.

"Dragon Slave!"

The ball of flame erupts in my hands, and I send it flying right into the creature's gut before it had a chance to react. Its screech of pain fills the air as it is sent flying back through a few walls before the spell finally ends and the thing collapses onto the ground.

I then carefully approach it, just in case it could still attack. Once I was upon it, I see that the damage it had suffered had been substantial; its body writhed from pain. Well, maybe not actual pain, as I didn't know if it could even feel pain, but the damage the Dragon Slave had caused was affecting it.

The light that was its glowing yellow eyes had dimmed considerably. The flaming third eye, on the other hand, was still open, bulging, and filled with furious rage and all aimed towards me. I take aim with the bow, my target being the eye as I can't help myself but say-

"Lights out, creep."

One final shriek fills the airs before the creature's body stops moving. The ash-gray body breaks apart, becoming dust that's scatters to the wind, leaving only the jet-black skeleton behind. I then breath out a sigh of relief, hoping that this was over.

"Meow..."

"Yeah-yeah, I know that already. I really need to practice where dealing with moving targets is concerned."

"Mew..."

"And I really shouldn't have come her by myself. You really think I haven't figured that out already. Let's just find the other arrows and be on our way. The sooner we find who I'm looking for, the sooner we can be over and done with this stupid little adventure I forced us onto."

I then lean down to scoop up the arrow I had shot into the creature's eye, and nearly fall to the ground as a result. I catch myself though just barely. As I stand there, I realize I was feeling tired, winded. Why would I... damn it, I forgot about that little detail.

"There's no magical power in this place, no trace of mana in the air. Only inside me and that it being seriously affected by the lack of mana in the air. I really need to be more careful with..."

Suddenly, the air is filled with brand new shrieking sounds, making me freeze. I immediately begin to look all around me, knowing that this creature wasn't alone. I stand there for a few moments before my brain is finally able to tell me I shouldn't just be standing around like an idiot.

I quickly grab the arrow and I begin to gather up the others, all the while asking myself why the hell I was worried about doing this over just making a run for it while I could. Oh right, because getting on Kazuma's bad side scares me more than these guys ever could.

I mean, he could deny me some of our special privileges for a while and that's something I didn't want.

It takes me longer than I was wanting it too, but I manage to find all the arrows and luckily for me, they were all still intact. With that done, I go to leave...

And then another creature comes landing on the ground close by. And then another and another and...

"Well shit, here we go again... and again and again and again."

Instead of just one, I now had twelve of these things on the scene. They all look at me, their burning eyes glowing with such an evil light. Several of them twitch before they begin to walk towards me. Not come running like the last one, just approaching me slowly.

Was it because of their numbers that made them feel like they didn't need to be fast on the attack or maybe it was because they knew I had tired myself out from using Dragon Slave. Now what should I do?

One of the creatures, the one closest to me, raises an arm up and outward, pointing a finger at me.

"Is that you, my little devil thief!"

… The hell? That voice... just where the hell did that come from. And calling me a thief on top of that, now you've done it. I could see all these creatures were positioned closely together. Definitely close enough for me to use...

A smile forms on my face as I feel the desire arise within me. So many powerful and dangerous beast together like this... how could I NOT take the opportunity to take them all out at once. I slide the bow onto my back while taking hold on my staff and aim it at the creatures.

"You guys must really want me, huh? Sorry, but I have somewhere to be right now. Here, let me show you what I can do..."

I had expected the creatures to shriek again; to come running at me in the hopes of stopping me before I could cast my spell. Instead, they just stop walking and stand there, waiting for me to act. Such strange behavior but I'm more than fine with that. Now then, taste the power of my...

"EXPLOSION!"

The ear ringing blast fills the air and all the creatures are lost in the light of the blast. I stand there for a moment before falling forward in the ground. I manage to tilt my head up enough to look and see what had become of the creatures.

Once the smoke had cleared, there was nothing left of the creatures, making me smile triumphantly.

"As expected, I got them all. Truly, there is no spell greater than Explosion magic. How was that Kazuma. What score would you give... oh, right."

Kazuma wasn't here with me; that was part of the problem. Even worse, I could feel a wave of sheer exhaustion coming over me. I then remember, again, of how this place works and how using the mana within myself would be a very bad idea.

"Damn it, I really need to work on maintaining some modicum of common sense in times like these. So tired... I really shouldn't... oh well, maybe just for a few minutes, I'll rest my eye here."

Yeah, I'll just rest my eyes and my body for a few minutes then I'll get up and get out of here before any more of... those creatures... can arr...ive... (snore)

{|} Part 5: It's Called the Geist {|}

(Wolbach POV)

There was no thunder, even though the blackened skies above flashed with lightning. There was a surging sound though, sounding all ominous and creepy. And, of course, the air remained as cold as it ever did since stepping into this evil place.

Then there was the earth itself. This place truly was worthy of being called a Scarred Land. All over, every which way one could look, there were either deep gouges cut into the land or walls of rock rising up as if some terrible power had pressured them skyward from deep below the world.

"You know, this place isn't too bad. Just throw up some curtains, maybe add a few more light sources... and you know, everything else and this place could be made to feel like home."

"Just wait till we get into the deeper parts of this place and we'll see if you can still make jokes, Hans."

"Well, sorry for wanting to lighten the mood, seeing as the atmosphere is doing everything but that."

"You're forgiven. Now, be careful once we passed this next rock as the path will become rather narrow for a little bit."

I wasn't kidding when I said that as we literally had to press ourselves hard against a rocky wall as the path we were taking saw us inching around and above a hole that appeared to be impossibly deep. While I was sure there was a bottom to it, I had no wish to find out how deep it went, to say nothing of what evils could be waiting around down at the bottom.

"You know, Wolbach. I can't help but notice we're taking a rather difficult path here. How about we take an easier road from here on out."

"There are no easier roads in this place, Hans. Expect A LOT more paths like this one going forward. And also expect that some of those paths won't be as kind as this one is being to us. Sure, perhaps we could have taken a little detour to avoid this particular part of our path, but you probably wouldn't have liked what they demand of travelers in place of this little annoyance."

Hans doesn't say anything else; probably to focused on not falling. Once we were on the other side of the edge, we both breathe a sigh of relief. We then begin to make our way through some tight spaces as we had two walls of rock with a very tiny space we had to slink through as our only path forward.

Suffice to say, this is one of the very few times in my life when I wish I hadn't been blessed with huge tits. As the old saying goes: no pain, no gain, I guess.

"Hey, Wolbach. I've been thinking..."

"Are you OK, Hans. I know making use of your old think box can be pretty painful for you..."

"Shut your face, melons. Seriously, I can't help but notice you actually seem to know where it is we're going in this place. Sure, you have that weird sense of yours to guide you, but that can't explain how you know as much about this place as you do."

"That is true though I wonder what your observation is trying to imply here."

"You know damn well what I'm trying to imply, woman. What I'm asking you is simple. Have you been here before? Honestly, I'm going with a 'yes' as my answer for you."

I sigh and shake my head. It annoys me sometime that Hans knows me as well as he does.

"No, I haven't been here in person before. That said, I do know the general layout of this place. Information I was given a while back as a just in case."

"Anything you can talk about?"

"I can but I would rather not, at least not while we're here within this place. For now, just know that the reason the Scarred Lands exist is because long ago, a certain evil from a far-off place descended from the sky and made this area its new home. Before it could take action, it was successfully sealed up and has remained trapped to this day. As for what kind of evil being it is..."

I go silent, not wanting to say more as it was all personal, and difficult for me. Understanding, Hans doesn't press the matter further though he does ask me-

"Do you... think this evil is connected in any way to the decrease in the world's mana supply by any chance?"

"It's not impossible, though I'm hoping that's not the case. Unfortunately, we aren't close enough to the center yet for me to be sure of anything. I'm just hoping we won't actually need to go THAT far into these lands to..."

"Wolbach?"

I could feel it, coming our way fast. Had it somehow sensed us or was it just coming our way by pure chance. Either way...

"Hans, we need to hide... NOW!"

Before he could even respond, I had already moved to his side and grabbed his arm, pulling him with me as I took cover behind a large series of stone bursting from the ground. Luckily, it was more than big enough for the both of us to hide behind.

It was only a few moments after we had successfully hidden ourselves when a swooshing sound fills the air, which is immediately followed by a deep thud impacting the ground. Carefully peeking around the side, we see the newly arrived creature in all its creepy glory.

"What the hell..."

"Shush, stay quiet."

I said while covering Hans mouth. I then peek back around to once again look at the creature.

The creature was rather tall at about seven feet. While it looked to be a little on the scrawny side, just looking at it was enough to let you feel the power flowing within its body. Speaking of its body, it had a humanoid shape but had no defining features to it; just a head and body with legs and arms, but no hands and feet but stumps where the wrist and ankles would be. This part of it was ash-gray in its coloring.

And over the creatures' body was a skeleton, jet black in color yet having a sheen to it. While the body lacked hands and feet, the skeleton did have these things. The hands looked sharp and pointy with the underside of the finger being serrated while the feet had an almost talon like appearance to them, befitting a predatory like nature.

And then came the skull; looking very demonic indeed with horns in place of ears that had a backwards curve to them. While it had a mouth and pointed nose, these seemed to have no purpose other than appearance. And then there was its eyes. It had two yellow eyes that glowed in the sockets and a flaming third eye located at the center of its forehead that seemed to pulse with dark power.

No doubt about it, this was a...

Its head suddenly jerks towards the rock we were hiding behind, making me take in a deep breath. I felt my heart beginning to race while my blood runs cold. I could feel it coming our way, drawing closer and closer. How did it know we were... damn it, how could I forget such an important detail.

The power within me, the power my mother had passed to me before aunt Eris had taken me from Arbel to this world. It was like a magnet for these creatures, drawing them closer in order to capture the one who possessed it so that person could be taken back to their dark master.

I clench my fist while saying-

"Be ready to fight, Hans. Only way we're getting out of this one."

He nods, already prepared to follow my lead. I'll just let it get closer and then, when its almost on top of us, I'll...

BOOM!

A sound off in the distance, something that sounded like Explosion, filled the air. This makes the creature stop, its attention now focused in the direction of the boom. A screech then fills the air, having come from the creature before another swooshing sound fills the air and like that, its presence was gone.

"Man, that was a close one. Seriously, just what the hell was that thing, Wolbach?"

"That was a Geist, a terror from my homeland. A nightmare I wished I never had to see again."

"Sounds fun. Mind telling me how one would fight such a thing. Just in case we run into another and have to actually fight it."

"There's only two options: either total destruction of its being or taking out the flaming eye on its forehead. Trying to damage the armory like bones is a waste of time as they're as hard as adamantite. As for the ash-gray body, there are no internal organs beneath the surface. Just a single solid mass of muscles that exist solely to aid in its movement."

"I see... How does it attack its foes."

"If it can touch you, it will drain your vital energy. If it can cut you, you will experience unimaginable pain. No matter what, never ever let yourself take even a moment to stare into its flaming eye. If you do, then you will find yourself suffering the loss of ALL willpower. Basically, it's similar to how the undead skill Apathy works on its target."

"Good to know. I wonder though... why did it suddenly just go running off like that. I mean, just because it heard some loud sound off in the distance..."

Yeah, that is strange. The only thing I can think of that would have caused that sound was someone using Explosion magic and... Oh no.

Suddenly, an image of mother appeared in my mind; a time when she showed me her full power. A power that was the very definition of an Explosion.

"So, I know this might be asking you to bring up past pains and trauma, but how exactly did those creatures..."

"Hans, we need to go... NOW!"

Without wasting a second, I was already running in the direction of the boom from before. Likely, this was also the same direction the Geist had gone off too. It only took Hans a moment before he was right at my side.

"What is it, Wolbach? Why the sudden panicked rush?"

"That boom before... I know this is reaching a bit, but I'm pretty sure that has something to do with my mother."

"And you know this how?"

"A daughter's intuition. Please, just trust me on this one. If that was indeed my mother's doing, then we have to reach her before the Geist can have its way with her. Trust me when I say that if any of them find her, they will NOT be at all kind."

"Understood."

And with that, we began to run even faster and as we do, I send a prayer to aunt Eris; hoping beyond hope that we can get to my mother's current self in time.

{|} Part 6: The Purity Baths {|}

(Kazuma POV)

After having been shown around Artashire, a tour that had lasted nearly two hours, the time had come for me to take a little dip inside the so-called Purity Baths. After being guided to the correct place, I had been left alone to strip and enter the inner pool area, only to stop as my eyes took notice of the liquid that filled the decent sized pool within.

"Maybe it's just me here but this stuff looks like milk."

Actually, I miss drinking milk from back home. Sure, there was a milk drink option here in this world, but it tasted nothing like the milk from back home. Always having a hint of being sour which made me worried that it was spoiled, despite being assured multiple times that the slight hint of sour in the taste was normal.

"Wonder if this stuff tastes like milk?"

I cup one hand, send it into the waters, then bring it up to my mouth and drink it in...

I immediately spit at back out before cursing just a little bit.

"Bleh, nope and nada, that stuff definitely does NOT taste like milk. Hell, it doesn't even taste like the slightly sour milk that's all the norm in this world. I'm seriously hoping having some of that in my mouth, even if only for a second, doesn't have any negative side effects. Explosive Diarrhea, for example."

I then step into the white liquid pool, moving over to the opposite side before finally taking a seat inside the waters. I found that when sitting, it went up to just below my shoulders. I then take a deep breath, then fully submerge myself for a few moments before popping back out. I then rest my back against the side of the pool before looking to the domed ceiling.

"I'll give this place points for style. A better, more detailed ceiling that the Axel bathhouse."

The ceiling was partially open, for one thing. Showing off the glow coming from outside this place. And for the parts of the ceiling that was covered had very detailed images painted to create a scene. All in all, from what I've seen of Artashire so far, it wouldn't be a bad place to visit if I was to be trapped within.

I then look back at the water and cup some more into my hand. Instead of tasting it this time, I instead just look at it for a moment before finally saying-

"I wonder... maybe once I get back to Axel, I'll see if Know-It-All can help me with making some kind of device that will allow me to make milk that taste like its Earth made cousin. Actually, on that note, maybe I need to start doing a better job at keeping Know-It-All with me more often."

Yeah, I confess I had forgotten to grab it again before me and Lynn had left to go meet up with her father so we could come here. That seems to be a bad habit of mine, always forgetting about it until I'm wanting to make use of it. If I didn't know any better, I would say that something is purposely making me forget. But that's crazy talk... right?

"Say kid... yo0u still in here?"

"Yeah, I am. Actually, you and Lynn never told me exactly how long I need to soak in this stuff for."

"Hah ha, yeah. We did fail to mention that one. Thirty or so minutes will do. Hope you don't mind the company."

A moment later, Ruffian enters the room; fully exposed I might add. I look away as I didn't want to see another guy, who was older than me, naked. Not only did that not sit right with me, I also didn't want to see how he surpassed me in CERTAIN areas. Shouldn't be a surprise though, seeing he was freaking jacked as hell not to mention a total giant of a guy.

Once Ruffian was sitting next to me, he takes a moment to soak himself before finally saying-

"So, I'm guessing you must be curious about the need to bathe like this before meeting the [Riiji]."

"Not really. Based on what that guy said, I'm assuming this is meant to be some kind of safety precaution. You know, wash away any enchantments or curses that could be seen as dangerous to expose the [Riiji] to. Maybe even deal with any harmful germs."

"Yeah, that's what they say and tell people. Between you and me though, I think the reality is that this is their way of saying we outsiders, non-Faea that is, stink. What do you think?"

I don't answer, instead I go back to looking at the ceiling for a few moments till I finally say-

"So, your REAL name is Rustaban, huh."

"So my parents told me, way back when. Quite a story there, my parents that is."

"Something you want to talk about?"

"Eh, there's not much to be said about them, really. Both of them were cheat-class heroes, summoned to this world from some far-off land. Sounds familiar, am I right."

"Yeah... wait, your parents were from Japan too?"

Ruffian chuckles for a moment then says-

"Mother was from that place, if memory serves. My father was from someplace called Maine... I think. Don't recall the story on how they came to be here in this world, but they were here. And when they first crossed paths, they HATED each other."

"Seriously."

"Yeah, hard to believe, seeing as I am here now. Mom thought dad was a wimp and dad said mom was a total tsundere. They butted heads every chance they got... until that day when their hated turned into fiery passion and next thing you know, they were together, and I came along not long after."

"Good for you then, huh. So, are they still around? If so, would it be OK if I could meet with them. As a fellow traveler from another world, it would be nice to compare notes."

"Yeah, they're both still alive and kicking... at least as far as I know. Haven't seen them since my wedding to Ka'lynna, Lynn's mother. Those two decided they wanted to go off and travel the world; see all that they could as neither one of them were the types to stay in one place for too long. In fact, the years they spent raising me was the longest they ever remained in just one place. Wanted me to have a more grounded upbringing, you know."

"Gotcha... Ruff, I have to ask. What happened to Lynn's mother. I understand if it's something you can't talk about but seeing as she was the daughter of the Devil Ki... the [Riiji], one would think she would be insanely powerful; a one-woman army as they say."

"And you would be right about that. Ka'lynna was strong. I daresay she was the only person who could go toe to toe with the [Riiji] and have a proper chance at winning, and that's even factoring in his special powers. As for what happened to her, she... actually, let's save that for another time."

I simply nod before looking down at the water. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Ruffian wouldn't want to talk about it. It must be hard for him, having to drag up that memory. I wonder if his current relationship with Luna was causing him to suffer any guilt relating to his late wife.

"By the way, kid. You must be wondering about the worlds old Haukrin spoke earlier."

"Words? You might need to remind me what those were."

"He used the word [Eirwasha] to describe Lynn. In our language, that could be translated at princess or someone of high ranking. As for the other word, which he used when talking of you, the term [Orin] can translate out to meaning hero, champion, or chosen one."

"So, he was basically saying I was Lynn's chosen hero or something. I'm flattered, don't get me wrong. But when I look at myself in a mirror, I try not to see myself as any kind of hero. Just some random guy who's been made to deal with many unexpected events and such."

"And that the correct way to see such a thing. One should never think themselves a hero. Leave such titles and beliefs to the words and minds of others. Keep to being humble and never see yourself as being no better or worse than any other."

"Words to live by."

A moment later, Ruffian finally stands.

"Well, I'm going to go ahead and get out of this stuff. You should think about getting out soon too. Maybe allow yourself a short nap before the meeting. Speaking of, I guess I'll see you there."

"Right. Thanks for the talk, Ruff. It was nice to learn a little bit more about you."

"And you'll learn even more beyond that here soon. One last thing, Kazuma. Think on the fact you were inferred to be Lynn's [Orin]. Ask yourself what that could truly mean in the greater context of things. I'm sure that will be one of the things the [Riiji] will want to discuss with you when you two meet."

And with that, Ruffian exited the purity pools, leaving me alone to ponder his words and wonder what would be coming next. Exactly what was going to be talked about and revealed when I finally met my time-lines version of the Devil King.

{|} Part 7: A Reunion a Lifetime in the Making {|}

(Wolbach POV)

I practically flew across the ground as I raced towards the direction of the explosive boom I had heard off in the distance. Thanks to the power mom had passed on to me, worrying about draining my mana wasn't an issue for me. The ever-growing agitation coming from that power, on the other hand, was starting to become way to distracting for my liking.

"Hey... Wolbach, seriously... can you slow down just a little bit. I get that you're worried that it might have been you mom's current self that was at the center of that loud blast and that you want to find her and all. But not all of us have access to some special power to see them keep up such a pace."

I look back to see Hans was starting to trail behind me. Despite that, I was still impressed he was able to keep up with me at all. Given how this place must be affecting his own internal mana supply, the very fact he was still managing to stick with me, even if he was starting to move slower, was nothing short of impressive. It just goes to show just how powerful king class slimes, if not slimes in general, truly were and I was glad to not be their enemy.

"Sorry about that, Hans. I wish I could slow down here, but this feeling that's inside me..."

"I know, I know, don't worry about me if that's what it takes. I'll catch up with you when I can. Just do what... Wolbach, to your left."

Doing as he says, I turn my head and just manage to see it before it could go beyond my sight range. It was one of those Geist creatures, but it wasn't coming our way. Instead, it seemed to be focused on heading deeper into the Scarred Lands. Such a strange thing for it to do, seeing as the two of us were outsiders, invading the lands that it resided in. Why would it do that?

And then the feelings came; two of them to be exact. One was a feeling I hadn't felt in nearly a decade. It was the feeling of my other half, calling out to me through our special link. The other feeling came from the power itself, sensing the soul of its true owner and wanting to go join with her again.

I felt my heart freeze as the reality of this situation became known to me. The reason why the Geist was ignoring us was because it had her, my mother and my other half, in its possession and was likely taking them back to its master, that damn abomination of darkness.

Letting out a growl, I turn towards the direction the Geist and put all my power into my legs. Within moments, the Geist was within my line of sight again and I was able to see a figure; slung over its shoulders and unmoving. This person was likely unconscious, and likely the person I was looking for.

"Mother..."

It was her, of that I had no doubt. The way HER power was reacting alongside my own personal daughterly instincts, it could be no one else. And if that wasn't enough, I could see a small creature with black fur clinging onto one of her dangling arms. It had to be my other half, without question.

I clench my fist as my speed increases further, moving with what I was sure would be seen as lightning like speed. Moving this fast would surely leave me tired but I didn't care as my goal was the only thing that mattered.

I got up on the Geist, who finally took notice of me and tried to do something to stop me. I didn't give it the chance as I sent a blast of energy from one hand that destroys one of its legs, making it stumble. Before it could hit the ground, I take back my mother and other half from it then make some distance before stopping and looking back at it lets out a shriek.

"Just shut up and die, monster."

I said as I kept cradling mother with one hand while taking aim with the other; a dark light forming within that then shoots out at the Geist.

"Explosion!"

The blast fully consumes the Geist, leaving nothing behind but another crater that would fit in well with the Scarred Lands. With that taken care of, I turn my attention to the figure in my arms. But before I could have a moment to really look at her, I hear a "mew" sound that draws my eyes away as another familiar face pops into view.

"So, finally together again. You're A LOT smaller than I remember you being."

My other half just smiles at me before the cross shaped mark on its head begins to glow as I'm sure the tear like mark on my forehead was also glowing. I then receive memories from my other half, showing me all that it had experienced since her reawakening.

Truly, there was a lot to take in. One thing stood out to me though, that thing being a guy who looked very familiar. Searching my memories, I recall having met that guy before, back in Arcanretia. Once the memory sharing was over, I say to my other half-

"Is it really him? Is he really our father's reincarnation?"

"I believe so. After all the time I've spent with him, I can say without a doubt that he gives off the same feeling that daddy had when around him."

That's all I needed to hear. Back then, when he had called me "Kitten", I had strongly believed I had found dad but since then doubt had started to sink in. I had found myself wondering if I may have been mistaken, perhaps even jumped the gun just because of some silly little thing.

But my doubt was now gone. There was no question that the guy from back then was my father reborn and even better, he and mom had seemingly already found each other. At last, after having waited so long for this, my long awaited and desired reunion with my parents was finally close happening.

Speaking of which... I turn my attention back to looking at my mom's face, finding something rather curious there. Something... familiar about her.

"Do I... have we met somewhere before? I think we have. You look like..."

"Wolbach, now's not the time to be spacing out. My slime senses are telling me we have trouble coming our way."

Hearing Hans words snaps me back to reality. I increase my hold on this girl while my other half hops over onto my shoulders. I then look around, scanning the area.

"This way. We'll hide ourselves over here till the incoming Geist have cleared out."

"Sure... wait, what? You mean there IS a way to hide from them?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I'm taking a BIG leap here, hoping that this is actually going to work. All the same, be ready for a fight... just in case this doesn't work."

Once we had reached the desired spot, a nice sized hole in the ground that was more or less a small tunnel that could have been made by some creature but never finished, I once again called on my mother's power to 'close' up the entrance. And it was here we waited with no small number of nerves keeping us on alert.

As expected, more Geist showed up to find out what had happened to their fallen brethren, and they remained for quite a while too. On several occasions, one or two of them came very close to our concealed hide away and one had stopped and was even in the process of reaching out to touch the illusionary surface I had created. Me and Hans prepared ourselves to enter battle again when...

All the Geist jerked their heads to look off in the distance before screeching out their horrendous wales, then racing off into the distance. Had something else caught their attention? No matter as this development meant we were in the clear. At least for the moment, anyways.

"No, can't have him. Kazuma's attention is all mine and mine only..."

mumbled the sleeping girl who was resting behind me. Me and Hans look back at her before he sighs, and I let out a light laugh. A few minutes later, I had repositioned my mother's current self so that her head was resting on my lap. My other half was currently sleeping on her stomach. Hans, for his part, was simply looking over this girl intently.

"So, she's supposed to be your mother reborn, huh? Funny, don't really see the resemblance."

"And why would there be any between us now. Different lifetime, different parentage, and different genetics that go into it all."

"Guess so, not that I understand what that word 'genetics' even means. Anyways, are you sure she's your mother's reborn self?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. For one thing, the power she passed onto me is practically aching to be returned to her. If that wasn't enough of an indication, there's also my daughter's intuition telling me that she is the one."

"Anyone ever tell you just how weird you are sometimes, Wolbach."

"Maybe a person, or slime, or two have mentioned that to me in the past. As dad always said, it's just part of my charm... oh!"

At long last, she had begun to stir, opening her eyes before sitting up and looking fairly groggy. Guess the slow return of her internal mana supply would have something like this as a side effect. She looks at me first, clearly not fully awake then at Hans and I guess it was here when she did finally wake up completely as she immediately jumped to her feet and became all defensive.

"You, what did you... Are you the master of those monsters that attacked me? What did you have them do to me and what are your intentions with me. Where are we. You better not be planning anything funny with me because if you do, know that you will suffer the wrath of the world's most powerful mage, the Crimson Demon clan, and the greatest party of Adventurer's the world has ever seen, to say nothing of getting yourself onto MY MAN's shit list."

I couldn't help but crack a grin after hearing all that. Even in a new life, it seems mother still had her fiery spirit... and her long-winded way of sending out a threat to someone.

Hans, on the other hand, just cocks his head off to the side with a look of both annoyance and confusion. He then says-

"Oh great, we have ourselves a Crimson Demon here and from the sounds of it, she's one of those high-strung ones too. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather be dealing with an Axis Cultist right now."

"What about me being a Crimson Demon. If you have a problem with my clan, then say it before I go about throttling you as punishment you... wait, have we met before? You look familiar."

As Hans thinks about that; wondering if he had met her previously, I decide to step in and let my presence be known to my now fully awake mother.

"Long time no see. You're looking well..."

"Eh, who said that? You... are you this guy's partner. If so, then my warning to him also extends... to... master Wolbach?"

The girl looked at me, her eyes wide and words having left her. For a second, I wonder if somehow, someway, she might possibly remember the past, our past, together. If so, then that would make explaining things to her so much easier. I go to speak but her words beat mine to the punch.

"Master, do you... remember me?"

My gut told me she wasn't on the same page as I was and yet, I decide to go with this as my response.

"Possibly. Could you help me to refresh my memories, just to be safe."

"You were there, the day I undid that seal. When I released you and Chomusuke from being sealed up inside the Crimson Demon village. You had to reseal Chomusuke because she was being a little to rowdy for ever you to keep in check. You then taught me Explosion magic as a thank you for..."

"Ah, so that's it!"

I smack my head, realizing I had indeed forgotten that little moment.

Back then, I recall meeting that little girl who had freed us. I had felt it then, a strange connection between us but due to having only just awakened, I had ignored it. And I remember...

"I can't believe it. I found you, I finally found you again. This means me running away was worth something after all. Master, there's so much I want to talk to you about, so much I want to show you. Like my Explosion magic. I want you to see how far I've come since the day you taught it to me."

"Hold on, just calm down for a second. I need some time here, miss..."

"Megumin, my name is Megumin; remember? Come on, let's get back outside so I can show you... ah, right. Damn it all, I've already drained myself of mana today so I can't use Explosion."

"And we're inside the Scarred Lands too. Won't be able to show us anything at its fullest power while we're here in this place."

"Eh... who are... oh right, that creepy looking guy. Could you give me and master here some alone time."

"Creepy guy? I'll have you know there's nothing creepy about me at all. (I can't help but clear my throat at that) I also have a name brat. I am Hans. That's right, Hans the dead..."

"Never heard of you nor do I care. So anyways, master Wolbach. Can we... oh no, crap-crap-crap-crap-crap!"

The girl... no, Megumin, then begins searching herself over, including her adventurer's pouch and the ground. She was looking rather panicked too, making me ask her-

"What is it, what's wrong?"

"Ah... it's my favorite mage staff and the special bow and arrows I had on me. They're not here right now. Oh, where are they? I need to find them quickly."

Hans grunts at hearing that then says-

"What, all this sudden panic is because you misplaced some dumb staff and a bow and arrow combination. Just replace them once you get back home. Simple as..."

"You don't understand, creepy guy. Those can't be replaced. That mage staff was a gift to me from the man whose won my heart. It's invaluable to me. As for the bow and arrows, they actually belong to him, and I might have borrowed them without asking permission first. Man, if anything happens to them, I'm going to be in so much trouble. I'm sure he'll ground me from doing our daily Explosion training for at least a week as punishment."

All I, and Hans, could do was just stare dumbly at Megumin as she continues her little panic attack. While I couldn't be sure, I was feeling confident that this 'MAN' she had talked about was my father's reincarnation as who else but he would be willing to put up with someone so... I don't even know what to think.

I then let out a sigh before saying to Hans-

"Hans, could you go out and see if you can find those things for her."

"What, you want me to go... you realize that's like looking for a needle in a haystack, right."

"Which is something you're good at, if I recall. After all, you are the self-proclaimed greatest tracker in the world. Odds are, they'll be back where the Geist captured her at."

"Even so, I..."

I send him a look, making him go silent. My eyes say it all; I wanted to have some alone time with Megumin. He mumbles under his breath before saying aloud-

"Fine, I'll see if I can find them. I do expect some form of payment later for this job, kid."

"There's twenty-five arrows that need to be collected. Make sure you get them all."

Megumin shouted back as Hans left the room. Once it was just the two of us, she looks at me excitedly for a moment before finally saying-

"Like I said before, there is so much I want to tell you and now that the creepy faced guy is gone, I wonder where I should begin?"

"How about we start off with you explaining to me why it is you would come all the way out here to the Scarred Lands; all alone save for... your furry companion there."

And thus, a long-awaited reunion talk between a reborn mother and her grown up daughter had finally begun...

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

AN: Quick little AN here. The editing process for this chapter was a total pain in the ass to do, as I found myself having to rearrange several of the parts in order to create a better narrative flow for the overall chapter. It was both annoying and a learning experience as it showed me I could still stand to do some personal improving on things going forward. Anyways, hoped you all enjoyed this chapter and are looking forward to the next one.

Speaking of, if any of you have been wondering how Kazuma and Megumin's date went, then the next chapter will be for you as we'll be getting an answer about that very topic. Till then...

PS: If any of you also read my Nice NEET's story will be happy to know a new chapter will be releasing for that later in the week.