Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

53. A11-3: The Meeting

} Chapter 3: The Meeting {

{|} Part 1: Why Are You Here {|}

(Megumin's POV)

"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."

"I... well, isn't it obvious. I came here to find you, master."

Wolbach took on a confused look at hearing that. I guess seeing that look made sense as I doubt our original meeting and short time together had left as much of an impact on her as it had me. Thinking about it, I honestly wasn't sure why I thought it would.

I mean, I only just released her from her centuries of long imprisonment being sealed away near our village. Yeah, nothing about that worthy of leaving an impression with.

"You came here... just to find me? May I ask why exactly."

"Because I made a promise to you back then. Don't you remember?"

Wolbach takes on a thinking pose, and I wait for a few moments to see if she could remember it. Finally, she lets out a sigh before turning her gaze towards me again.

"Sorry, can't say that I do. Will you refresh my memory for me."

"Sure; I can do that. After you taught me Explosion magic and it came time for you to leave, I said I would train each and every day till I was able to use it and after that, I would still train daily till I had mastered the power of Explosion. Once that was done, I would come find you and show you how far I had come."

"Hm... ah yes, I think I can remember that now. If I am recalling correctly, I believe you also asked that when that day comes and if I found your Explosion magic to be exceptional, that I would consider taking you on as my full-time student; traveling together and other such things."

Oh right, I did say that too, didn't I. Guess we both forgot things from back then. Still, I can't believe I had asked her if I could travel with her one day. I wonder; if my life wasn't what it is in the now, would I still be wanting that to happen. Would I have been willing to leave Kazuma and the others side if my attachment to them all, to Kazuma specifically, wasn't as strong as it is now.

A chuckle from Wolbach brings me from my thoughts. Looking at her, I could see a cheeky grin.

"Um... what's wrong. Why are you smiling like that."

"I just remembered something else. Something rather IMPORTANT! I remember a certain little girl who, upon freeing me from being sealed, asked that her reward be me helping her learn the secrets of getting BIG BREAST."

I find myself blushing as THAT memory comes racing back into my mind. Sure enough, my then five-year-old self had indeed asked for that information. To this day, I still don't know what I was thinking. I even told myself, convinced myself, that mastering Explosion magic was the key component in making that desire, to have big breast, come true.

"I confess I had been taken aback after hearing you ask me something like that. I mean, you were such a small child and yet were already wanting something like THAT. I knew Crimson Demons had a... unique way of thinking about things but already thinking that far ahead in your own development. Well... looking at you now, I can say you're in the process of getting those big breasts, huh?"

Without even thinking about it, I find myself bringing my arms up to shield my chest from Wolbach's eyes. While I wasn't naked or anything, I was still feeling a little uncomfortable with having someone looking directly at them. And then an idea came to me.

"Yes, you are indeed correct. For the last few years, I was running behind all the other girls within my age group from back home. They had all already started developing their breast while mine remained painfully flat. That is... until I started my daily training to master Explosion and like an explosion, my chest finally exploded forth. I confess I haven't surpassed the other girls YET; I know that my success and ultimate victory is only a matter of time."

I tried to sound as pompous and confident as my Crimson Demon mind would allow. Wolbach was naturally shocked and taken aback by my words as she shouts out-

"Wait, hold on a moment. Are you telling me learning and practicing Explosion magic has actually helped you with getting your breast to grow bigger. I was only joking about that back then and I only even made the joke to begin with because you had gotten it into your head that such an outcome was not only possible, but destiny."

Yeah, I remember that too. Thinking back, I had been a really gullible kid back then. A sad truth to be told of the Crimson Demon clans' number one daughter in all things relating to the clan.

"That was a lie just now!"

I confessed with a dead pan expression, making Wolbach smack her head. As she mumbles out some kind of complaint I failed to hear, apart from her saying something to the effect of "This parent of mine" or some such thing. I giggle and tell her the truth.

"Actually, the women from my mother's side of the family have been cursed to suffer small breast for several generations. I was no exception to that curse and would still be painfully underdeveloped right now if not for... a special someone in my life who managed to break the curse."

Maybe it was a little too soon to be telling her about my relationship with Kazuma; about how his 'massages' helped me see some growth prior to making that curious tasting drink that caused my mother's breast to grow to an impressive size and has seen me well on my way to matching hers.

"I... I see, I'm happy for you. You know, now that we're here and all, I'm curious to hear about your life following my departure. Obviously, you learned Explosion magic and are probably still hoping I'll take you on as my student full time..."

"Actually, about that. I'm sorry, master Wolbach. I didn't come here so I could prove to you that I would be a worthy student whom you could have at your side from here on out."

"Really? OK, now that's unexpected, given how driven you were about that back then. If your intentions aren't to become my student, then why are you here now?"

I hesitate for a moment before I resolve myself to say it to her.

"I'm sorry, but something has happened over these last few months. Something that's had a significant impact on both my life and way of thinking. Before this, I had wanted nothing more than to travel at your side and learning even more about the things you know. But now..."

"Now?"

I feel my cheeks warming up as I avert my gaze away from her. I then say, sounding shyer and more girly than I was happy with-

"I met someone, a guy to be exact. The same guy who helped break the curse on my mother's family, including me. Where once Explosion magic was the center of all things in my life, I now find him having become the center of my world. The truth is... I didn't come here to prove myself worthy of anything, but to see a chapter of my life to a proper ending so I could then move on and completely focus on the next chapter. The one that is all about him... all about US!"

"I see... and to do that, you need to..."

"Show you my Explosion magic, to let you see it and get your opinion on how far I have come since that day when you taught it to me, and we parted ways."

"I think I understand... though if I'm being honest with you, I think you doing this is a tad unnecessary. I mean, there was no need to stall the development of that next chapter, making it wait till after you met up with me one last time just for something like that."

I look down, letting her see that I knew she was right about that. Even though my body language said it all, I went ahead and still said-

"Yeah, I know that. Ever since I left to come find you, I knew I was taking a big risk. I went and lied to the man I love with all my heart about where I was going. In fact, I lied to him about the stuff that happened with us the night before. I know I'll need to tell him everything once I get back just like I know telling him could cause friction between us, even result in him not wanting to..."

I couldn't say any more as the very thought of losing what me and Kazuma had was just too painful. Now, more than ever, I was wondering why I had done what I had done. Sure, back when I left, I had known this was a bad idea. And now...

Damn it, why do we Crimson Demons have to be so DAMN stubborn like this.

I see Wolbach shake her head before saying-

"Sorry to say but you have gotten yourself into quite the pickle here. Tell you what, how about you tell me more about your relationship with this guy... um..."

"Satou Kazuma."

"Right, Satou Kazuma... sounds like he's one of those travelers from some far-off land. (I nod, confirming her thoughts) Anyways, tell me how you both met. What kind of adventurer's have you both been on together. Trials and hardships, the good and the bad. And tell me what happened leading up to when you decided to come out searching for me."

"I... alright, I guess I can do that. Let me see, it all began that day when I was trying to knock fruit off some tree..."

As I ran my fingers down Chomusuke's ears and back repeatedly, I recounted my life with Kazuma, and the others too; but mainly just about me and Kazuma. From us forming the party to saving Axel on multiple occasions. Our little trip back to the Crimson Demon village to us even having a little adventure down in Hell of all places. I told her everything, leaving no detail untold.

Well, maybe I left a few details out of my telling.

Finally, I arrived at the end; the days and moments that led to me leaving on this important journey of mine to finally see this chapter of my life concluded so I could fully embrace and focus on the next chapter...

Those near two days when Kazuma and I would go out on our first date and...

{|} Part 2: Let's Go Out on a Date {|}

(flashback)

I had been left alone in the dining room, save for Chomusuke who was sleeping dead center on the table.

Currently, Kazuma had gone to see the others off at the front door. Honestly, I should be there as well, seeing everyone off as well, but I find myself more focused on reading the morning paper than thinking about doing that.

At first, I had only taken the paper in hand and buried my face behind it as a means to give off the impression that I neither cared nor was interested in hearing what was being talked about. But as I had tried to find a way to pass the time, I actually started to pay attention to what was written, and I find myself quite taken by today's news.

There was talk about that magic sword guys latest success, saving some village from a rampaging dragon. Boring stuff, really. If you ask me, he probably did something to the poor creature to piss if off to begin with. While it's true I don't really know the guy, that very short period of time we were in the same place, when he tried to recruit us and be mean to Kazuma, he showed himself to quite the glory hog and attention whore.

There was also talk about someone sneaking into the girl's changing area at the public baths who would steal their underwear. This heinous criminal was still at large, making me glad I didn't have a need to pay that place a visit any more. I'm pretty sure the villain here was that Dust guy. I wonder if anyone has even considered him yet? Maybe I should take a little trip down to the Knight Guards offices later and tell them that it's him, if only because that guy deserves some serious punishment brought down onto him.

And then there's an article about...

"Hold on... there's a sale at Penny's Produce. And better yet, it's going on for the next three days. Looks like I'm having Kazuma join me with doing some serious grocery shopping later."

When you spend most of your life being as poor as one could imagine, you learn the value of looking for all the best deals every chance you can get. That's one of the reasons I always make sure to claim as many coupons as I can get my hands on when they come up.

I wonder if there's any other sales going on I would want to take advantage of. Eh, I can look for that later, once I'm done reading the funny pages. Now, where are...

It was then I saw it. It was a small article, only the title and a single paragraph in length, but the title of this article had more of an impact on me than all the sale ads in the world combined.

[Devil King General Wolbach: seen near the Scarred Lands]

Wolbach... no, it can't be her. There's no way master would be working for the Devil King. She isn't someone who would do that. She wouldn't... I need to read what this says.

[Recently, one of the Devil King Generals was seen near the frontier city of Hyperion. A description given by the locals confirms that it was Wolbach, known as the goddess of dark magic by many who has long been known to serve the Devil King. She was found gathering supplies and was last seen by a passing caravan heading into the city to be walking in the direction of the Scarred Lands, long known to be forbidden by the laws of the five kingdoms. More news will be reported as it is learned.]

I lower the paper down onto the table while I just sit there, unable to process any of what I had just read. If the thought of the one who was my idol and mentor going off to join the enemy of the world wasn't shocking enough, the fact that she was heading into the Scarred Lands, a location all mages know to never go to because of the negative effects it has on one's magic power, was even more unbelievable.

"I... I can't... I need to go lay down for a bit. Need time to let this all sink in."

And with that, I grip the paper tightly with one hand as I quickly stand. Chomusuke awakens suddenly and seeing my expression, or maybe sensing the emotional turmoil going on inside me, manages to hop onto my shoulder as I break into a run towards the stairs.

Just as I reach the stairs, I find myself colliding with Kazuma who was heading back into the living room. The sudden impact sends us both falling back, and making Kazuma say-

"Megumin, what..."

"Sorry... I'm sorry about that, Kazuma."

And I quickly continued on my way, running up the stairs and into my room before shutting the door behind me with enough force that it makes a loud banging sound. That wasn't my intention to do that, obviously, as it would send the wrong message to Kazuma. But right now, my thoughts were to jumbled up on all things Wolbach to really notice or care.

Chomusuke hops off my shoulders onto the table beside my bed as I throw myself onto said bed and stare off at the ceiling, not sure what to think right now. And then came a knocking at my door and Kazuma's voice along with it.

"Megumin, what the hell. What was all that about and was it really necessary to go slamming your door like that."

"Kazuma... look, I'm sorry, OK. I... I just need some alone time right now, alright."

"No... no, it's not as something has clearly set you off again. Was it something I did or something one of the others..."

"No, it's nothing like... I just need some alone time right now is all."

"But... Megumin..."

"What's going on. What's with all that noise from before?"

I heard Anna yell out from the hall. Clearly, all that had woken her up and left her likely very irritable too. I hear Kazuma explain everything to her and then Anna, now clearly outside my door as well, says the one thing I feel should never be asked of a girl.

"Megumin... have you started your period or something. Is that why you suddenly went all aggressive on us."

"NOOOO, of course not. And what are you even saying, and with Kazuma out there as well. Don't you have any shame, Anna."

"I'm a hundred years too old to feel any shame in my afterlife. You should have figured that out by now."

She sounded so proud when she said that which made me mad. I couldn't help but wonder Kazuma might be thinking but at least he was keeping quiet. I sigh then say aloud-

"Look, seriously... nothing's wrong. I'm just... I just want to be alone right now. Just for now...OK."

"... Alright, but if you need anything, just let me know, Megumin. I'll be down my workshop for most of the day if you need to find me."

I ended up staying in my room for the rest of the day. Kazuma was kind enough to give me my space, which I was grateful for. I'm sure he wanted to talk to me about what was going on, but he seemed to be waiting on me to make the call on when that would happen. I'll need to make it up to him later.

He did bring me both lunch and dinner, with Chomusuke eating more of that lunch than I, seeing as I was too lost in thought to care for the noises my stomach was making at the time.

I'm also pretty sure Anna went all ghost form and entered my room to see what I was up to. I acted like I didn't notice her, even though I did as I could tell she was eying the paper in my hands carefully. I didn't try to hide anything, save for me making sure I had my thumb covering up the Demon King part of the offending article that had set me off. Anything else wouldn't go raising any flags with her to pass onto Kazuma.

At least I hoped that wouldn't happen.

By the time dinner was served, I had made my decision on what I was going to do. I had thought long and hard about it and knew that doing this was a very foolish thing to do, but it had to be done.

I needed to go out there, find master, find out why she joined the Devil King's forces, was heading into that forbidden land, and... I needed to keep the promise I made to her, and to myself, all those years ago. There was just one problem.

I knew that place was dangerous. So much so that there was no way I could allow Kazuma to join me on this one, even if I really wanted him there at my side. But it was too dangerous to bring him along. I couldn't... I wouldn't expose him to those dangers no matter what.

I loved him too much to do that to him.

There was a heaviness in my heart, though. In order for me to leave the mansion and go after master, I would have to lie to Kazuma, which was also something I didn't want to do. But for me, there was no other choice. Even if it meant damaging Kazuma's trust in me, even if it meant I would lose the potential love we could have together, this was something I still needed to do.

There was also that promise I made to Yunyun once upon a time; that if either of us of learned anything about Wolbach, we would tell the other then go off to deal with it together. But I couldn't go dragging her into this either. Both because of the risk, and because I truly felt that this was something I needed to go do myself.

And so, I made me choice. But how do I...

I knew what I was going to do. I would tell Kazuma I had decided I would go join Cielo in Veridae after all; to help her with seeing Idol Hearts moved to Axel. That would buy me a few days travel at least before anyone found out the truth. Or, at least, some of the truth.

Question now is should I leave in the morning? No, I'll head out the day after tomorrow. Before I leave, there was something I wanted, needed, to do and seeing as this would likely be my one and only chance to do this, I would do it without fail.

I got up early the next morning, taking the time to properly prepare myself. I couldn't believe how girly I was acting right now, seeing myself working on making sure my hair was perfect and applying just a small amount of lipstick. The dress I would wear was easy and it was something mom had helped me pick out all the way back when we all had visited the village.

Who would have thought that mom's instance on helping me find the perfect dress to wear for my eventual first date with Kazuma would actually come into play so soon. Guess I'll need to thank her for that when I next pay my family a visit.

Once I had finished getting ready, I take a moment to look at myself. The black dress with red frills really did look good. I then turn to Chomusuke and ask her-

"So, what do you think?"

Chomusuke just looks at me for a second, then yawns before closing her eyes and going back to sleep. I send her an annoyed scowl before saying-

"Well, guess someone's not getting to come along for this important moment."

After that, I left my room, slowly and carefully making my way downstairs and around the mansion. I wanted to see if I could surprise Kazuma with how I looked. I soon ended up heading down into the basement and, not surprisingly, found him down inside hid workshop, sleeping with his head resting on the worktable.

I giggle before walking up to him, going to shake his shoulders, but I stop as I see the new bow he had been working on laying on the table in front of him. While its overall shape was like that of other bows I had seen before, it had plenty of additional parts that made it look rather curious and unique. Off to the side, I also saw some metal arrows resting inside a quiver. Kazuma had told me these would be for emergencies, a just in case he ever ran out of mana or wanted to save his mana for other things.

After taking a moment to admire his handy work, I finally reach out and shake his shoulders till he finally stirs. He sits up, turning to look at me with his sleepy eyes.

"Morning Megumin, what time is... Megumin, that's a rather fancy looking dress you're wearing. Got something special going on today?"

"Yeah, you could say that Kazuma. The thing is... me and you are going out on a date. A DATE-DATE! Right now, in fact."

It took a few more moments of waiting before my words finally sink in for him, making him go wide eyed as he shouts out-

"COME AGAIN?"

{|} Part 3: Just a Little Date in Axel {|}

"Kazuma, are dates usually this... awkward?"

"Like I have any frame of reference to go by myself. Don't forget this whole first date thing as just as new to me as it is to you. But the feeling of things being awkward... I'm guessing that's normal."

After asking... OK, telling Kazuma that we were going on a date, I had pushed him back upstairs into his room and waited, impatiently I might add, for him to change. Once he was out, wearing his usual track suit which he told me was the only clean attire he had as everything else was in the laundry.

I told him not to worry about it. I mean, it's not like this was all planned out or anything. After that, and having a quick moment with Anna, we left the mansion and made our way to Axel.

"So... how do we do this whole date thing anyways?"

"Again, you're asking a novice on how things are supposed to go for these things. Damn it, if I had known that I would one day go out on an ACTUAL date with a girl, I would have gone ahead and played it safe by watching some lovey-dovey dating anime."

"Dating anime?"

I didn't understand what that meant. Probably another one of those things only someone from Kazuma's homeland would understand. While his words were a big old question mark for me, I understood where he was coming from.

Thinking about it, I really wish I had paid more attention way back in the day, when I heard other girls talking about this sort of stuff. Sure, back then, my thoughts were focused solely on Explosion magic. The concept of love and romance was something I wasn't interested in. I was a fool to think I would never be interested in that sort of thing in the future and here I was, paying for that foolishness.

I then sense Kazuma coming to a stop, making me look at him. His eyes were closed, and his chin cupped. Clearly, he was digging into the deeper recesses of his mind for something he... we could work with here. Finally, he emerges from his thoughts and says to me-

"I know there's more to a date than this but I'm pretty sure we should find something fun to do together. You know, go to places and spend time around one another without any third wheels as they say."

"Hm... something fun, huh? Oh, I know. How about we go..."

"If you plan on saying Explosion routine. Then I'm afraid you'll have to put that on hold."

"But why? The two of us firing off an Explosion together is fun, isn't it. Wait, this isn't the point why you reveal to me that all this time, you actually don't like Explosion magic, is it Kazuma? Has it all been a lie. Has everything our relationship's been built on been nothing but one long con."

"NO! That's not it at all, legal dwarf. What I mean is that there's more to having fun than just an Explosion. We should actually do other things together for right now. We can save the Explosion stuff for the finale."

"Oh... right, good. That's good to hear. Yeah, I guess you're right, Kazuma. We shouldn't go rushing off to do an Explosion together. We should save the best for last here on our first date. So... what should we do as a lead up to our Explosion moment?"

"Seriously, this was your idea, and you spring this on me so suddenly yet expect me to have a game plan..."

Kazuma then begins to look around. I do the same, taking note of all the vendor stands that had been set up in preparation for the Eris Festival. That's right, that celebration was about a week away. This was going to be my first Eris Festival also as back home in the village, we didn't celebrate Eris at all, but another, FAKE, deity.

Nothing special, mind you. Just the usual antics that comes whenever we decide to praise Nekopara.

I then feel Kazuma's touch on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. He sends me a smile and says-

"I think I know what we can do..."

"Huh?"

The next few hours weren't all that bad. We visited one stall after another, playing their games happily. Some games we won, some we didn't. Some of the games were meant to be played by couples, which made me feel really shy and nervous when we played them, and some were more for solo players.

Sadly, we didn't receive any actual prizes from the games we won as the people running those stands told us that if they started offering up prizes before the festival actually began, then they would run the risk of running out of said prizes before the festival actually started, thus negating their reason for being in operation to begin with. Also, there was the additional revenue they would lose out on also.

While we couldn't get any proper prizes, we still were given something for the games we won. Those victory winnings came in the form of coupons that could be used to get a discount not only with playing the games, but also when it came to eating at any of the many taverns and restaurants around Axel.

Naturally, I wanted to hoard as many as I could. Even if my money troubles were a thing of the past, that didn't mean I still didn't feel the need to cut corners whenever the opportunity arrived.

After a while, we decided to go get something to eat for lunch. As we went, I finally spotted two annoying bugs hiding off to the side. For the last while, I had been aware of a pair of eyes on us, watching us as we enjoyed our date. It was annoying but seeing as there had been no interference from whoever it was watching us, I had chosen to ignore it at the time.

It was when we were inside the tavern we had chosen to eat at that I finally realized who it was that had been following us around, watching us. It was Anna and Chomusuke. Anna was wearing some weird looking coat and one of Kazuma's special eyewear. I believed Kazuma called them sunglasses. Chomusuke was resting on her head, peeking out from under a strange looking hat and with her own pair of sunglasses which was rather cute on her.

It was obvious what they were doing; spying on us so Anna could give the others a proper telling of what me and Kazuma were doing while they were away. I had wanted to go over and tell them to leave us alone and go back to the mansion but seeing as they weren't causing us any trouble, I decided I would leave them be. I also wondered if Kazuma was aware of them, but decided to wait till after our date was over before I bring it up with him.

After we left the tavern, we wandered around for a bit more, simply enjoying the moment we had together. I then took notice of a stall I hadn't earlier, one that had been closed during the day but was now open from the looks of it.

"Kazuma-Kazuma, look at that one. Let's go check out that one."

"Hm... sure, I guess we can... wait..."

As we got closer to the stall, I saw what Kazuma had seen that had caused him pause. The stall we had arrived at was one that was all about archery. Kazuma now had a smirk on his face. He then leans in close to me and says quietly into my ear-

"Looks like it's time for round two."

Round two? What did he mean by... never mind that right now. Kazuma cracked his knuckles as he starts walking forward. Clearly, this was something he had no doubt he could win at. However...

"Let me give it a try first, Kazuma."

He stopped at looked at me as I walked past him. He was obviously surprised, making me add-

"I've seen you in action with a bow before and have always wanted to try it out for myself."

"Is that so. Then go ahead and have at it, I guess."

Once I was at the stall, I put my eris down and was given a bow with five shots. I take in several deep breaths, take aim, and...

"FLICK, FLICK, FLICK-FLICK, FLICK!"

I hit each moving target perfectly. And not just any moving target either, but all five of the fast-moving ones too. I even managed to hit one with my eyes closed. To say that both Kazuma and the stall runner were shocked was an understatement, given the looks they were sending my way.

"So, how was that Kazuma. Did I do good back there."

"Holy shit, Megumin. Did you do good? I'd say so. Hell, I dare say that you could give ME some training tips when it comes to use a bow. In fact, I'm beginning to think training you with swords may have been a mistake as you clearly were born to be an archer."

You really think so? OK, I think it's safe to say this date we're on has been a successful one.

"Hold it right there, Missy. You just cheated, didn't you. You may not look like it but I'm betting you must be some kind of master archer. There's no way anyone but a master archer could have done that."

"Excuse me... I'll have you know that I am an arch mage, sir. I even have my card to... crap, I think I left it back at the mansion."

"A likely story brat. It's obvious what you are, a hustler. Well guess what, I don't reward cheaters with anything. Now get out of here before I call the Knight Guard on your ass."

Hearing this guy say all that was making me mad and just as I was going to jump over the table and start strangling him, Kazuma stops me while reaching out and grabbing the guy by his shirt collar.

"What did you just say to my date there, buddy. Where do you get off talking to a beautiful girl like that."

"Yeah, you tell him, Kazuma."

"So that's how it's going to be then, is it. Fine...GUARDS... GUARDS! I have a couple of..."

"Wait a second, I remember you now. You're that guy you claimed I cheated back when you were open during the winter festival. Yeah, I won that Winter Shogun doll off of you."

"What are you... wait, it's YOU!"

I decide to step back a bit while watching Kazuma and this guy he clearly had issues with start yelling at each other. I can't help but blush while looking at Kazuma. He was looking so cool and mature right now, and the fact he said I was beautiful on top of that, was making me want to do something extra special with him once we get back to the mansion. As I begin to brainstorm various ideas-

"Well-well-well, where did such a beautiful young creature like yourself arrive in town."

Eh, who was saying... I turn in the direction of the voice, seeing Dust looking my way. He was clearly eying me up which was making my skin crawl. Also, it was clear he didn't recognize me either. Was it because I looked that much different from how I usually look right now... or was it because he might have been a little drunk, based on the smell coming off him.

"Get lost, Dust. I don't have time to be dealing with you right now. In fact, I'll never have the time to give you either. It's me, idiot. Megumin!"

"Megu... hic... min?"

"Yeah, that's right. And if you can remember me, then you must also remember that I DON'T like you. Now will you wander off somewhere else so me and Kazuma can enjoy our date here."

"Hm... Kazuma?"

Dust then looks around, quickly spotting Kazuma who was still arguing with the stall guy. He then looks back to me and continues to eye me up, making me bring my hands up to cover my chest in reflex.

"... Oh, I get it now. You must have padded that flat chest of yours. That explains why I didn't realize it was you I was looking at before."

"What was that!"

I shouted, now grinding my teeth while glaring at him. So, when he had first spotted me, he hadn't been looking at me but at my growing breast. No wonder Lynn was never found of this guy and his pathetic nature. I then see Dust smirk, making me say-

"What... what is it. Why are you looking at me like that? It's creepy so stop it already."

"Oh, don't be worrying about it, Megumin. I was just pondering on how a loli like yourself somehow managed to grow some boobs so suddenly. Tell me the truth; you stuffed a bra full of Kazuma's used tissues, didn't you."

"Why you... I'll have you know these are as real as they can be."

"Really? Then you won't mind then if I go touch them for a few seconds in order to confirm your words."

"Fine, be my guest."

I then puff my chest in my anger, my Crimson Demon pride having been insulted. There was no way I was going to let him get away with calling me a loli. I would let him confirm they were real then I would make him regret ever treating me like a child.

Dust, after a moment of surprise from my words, smiles as he begins to giggle while reaching out to touch my chest, his fingers twitching excitedly. He hands drew closer and closer and just as I could almost feel his touch...

"What the HELL are you two doing?"

Kazuma's voice snaps me back to reality, followed by his hands swatting Dust hands away from me too.

"Megumin, do you realize what you were about to do. Dust... I know you can act all stupid when you're drunk, according to Lynn. But still..."

As Kazuma and Dust begin to go back and forth, I just stand there as my now calm and focused mind begins to think about what had almost just happened; what I had almost let Dust do. Oh my god, what the HELL was I thinking back there.

"So, you really are into little girls, Kazuma. Well, if that makes you happy, I'll leave you two alone then. I'll go off and find myself a REAL woman."

And with that, Dust turns and walks away with Kazuma yelling out behind him-

"How about you find a little something called being sober first. Seriously Dust, one of these days, you letting yourself get like this is going to get you in some REAL serious trouble, if not dead."

"Kazuma, I..."

"(sigh) I think we've had enough excitement for now, Megumin. Let's just go and do your daily Explosion then call this date over and down with for today."

Damn it. Everything was going so well, so perfect. But it only took me ONE goof-up to ruin it all.

{|} Part 4: A Crimson Demon Confession {|}

The rest of our time outside was nothing short of awkward. Kazuma didn't say anything as we left Axel and made our way to a spot where I could use my Explosion magic safely. I had wanted to say something, anything, to break the tension my stupidity had created, but every time I went to talk, I lost my nerve.

I was still unable to process what had nearly happened. Was I really going to let Dust, my least liked person, really feel me up just to prove my breast were indeed real? Damn it, I really need to bring my temper under control as it was way too easy for me to lose my cool and do stupid things. Especially the kind of things that could end all the positive things I have managed to gain in my life.

After my Explosion...

"Hm... that one barely managed to make sixty points. Hate to say this, Megumin, but that had to be the worst Explosion you have ever done. Is something wrong?"

Kazuma wasn't just being mean, because of what almost happened earlier. That Explosion really was a bad one. Even my very first Explosion, when my experience with the spell was still brand new, wasn't as bad as what I had just unleashed.

When I didn't respond to his question, he places a hand on my shoulder and says-

"Want to give it another go?"

"... No, I just want... Let's just call it a day and head home. I guess my heart just isn't in it right now."

That was the truth. I really wasn't feeling like doing my Explosion right now. It was funny as normally, having such a lackluster release would have made me demand to do another and I could do one or two more, thinks to this magic ring Kazuma had given me. But right now, I...

I turn to see Kazuma had knelt down, ready to carry me even though I didn't need it. Guess that had really become the norm for the two of us; him carrying me around even when I didn't need him too. Instead of hopping on his back though, I just walk past him and down the path back to Axel.

The walk back to the mansion was... it was very depressing. Kazuma tried to speak up a few times, trying to take the heavy weight off the air around us, but I was to lost in my own thoughts to really pay attention. Finally, he just accepted the silence and kept to himself.

Once I had gotten tired of mentally berating myself, I started thinking about what I could do to make it up to Kazuma. To try to salvage at least something good out of what had been our first date. But what exactly could I do and was there anything that could be done?

Finally, we arrived back at the mansion. By now, the sun was just beginning to set and as we stepped inside, Kazuma said-

"Guess I'll get started on making dinner now. Is there anything..."

Dinner... making... that's it!

"I'll do it."

"Huh?"

"I said I'll do it. I'll make us dinner tonight."

Kazuma was clearly taken aback by my sudden decision to make dinner.

"I... are you sure, Megumin. If this is because of what happened earlier..."

"That's not it... or maybe it is, I don't know. Look, the fact is I made a big mistake back there and I want to make it up to you, Kazuma."

"That's not really necessary, you know that. Besides... we both know you and cooking aren't exactly..."

"Exactly what? Look, I may not have the same level of talent that you have. Or Yunyun or Cielo do... alright, I know I'm probably the worst cook around. But I do have some cooking skills. Back home in the village, I used to make both myself and Komekko meals all the time."

"Yeah, I know that but this and that are entirely different scenarios. For one thing, there's no need for you to cook up giant cicadas for dinner... you aren't planning on doing that, right?"

"No, of course not. Look, just trust me here and let me do this. Let me make up my ruining our date earlier...ALRIGHT!"

I then lean in close, staring Kazuma down which makes him very nervous and maybe even afraid of me.

"Ah... I... oh fine, if you want to make dinner, then I guess that's fine. I'm pretty sure it won't kill me."

"You should have more faith, Kazuma. Just you wait; before this night is over, I'll show you what I can really do."

"Mm... what's going on? Why all the noise."

Anna comes stumbling towards us from the living room, Chomusuke resting on her head. Guess after having followed us around for the better part of the day, they must have come back and taken a nap in the living room. Hm, I wonder if they returned before or after THAT damn encounter.

"Huh... oh, nothing major, Anna. Just Megumin saying she's going to make dinner for us tonight."

This immediately wakes Anna, and Chomusuke, up as they both look deathly afraid as Anna says-

"Tonight's the night we're going to die, isn't it."

A half an hour later, I was in the kitchen doing my thing while still fuming just a little. I can't believe Anna thinks my cooking is so bad that it could actually kill. The nerve of that ghost girl. I have half a mind to... no, as tempting as it was to poison her meal, I would refrain from such actions tonight.

Instead, this would be the night I showed them all that Explosion magic, and archery too apparently, weren't the only things I could do well.

"Hm, wonder how it taste so far?"

While the food I was cooking wasn't quite done yet, it was done enough that I could go ahead and take a little taste test in order to see how it would fair.

"Not bad but nothing special either. Little on the bland side. I wonder if there's something I can do to... ah, I know."

I remembered when we went to the village, mom had given me a container of her family's famous spices, said to be among the best in the world. Filled with magic and love, the stuff is said to have the ability to make even the dullest of meals taste like a five-star experience. She said she had used this stuff on a lot of our meals in the past to help make the watery rice soup actually taste like something decent.

Honestly, I don't remember those days in proper detail; probably because of how recent events have affected and influenced me and my way of thinking. But still, it was nice to know that she could indeed act like a proper mother from time to time.

"Now, where is that damn bottle of the stuff at?"

It took a bit of looking around the old spice rack, but I finally found it. I then sprinkled a fair bit onto the food, perhaps maybe a little more than I should have but I'm sure it would be fine. After all, why take any chances here.

Not long after...

"OK everyone, dinner's ready."

A few minutes later, we were all sitting at the table with our little bowls of ramen sitting out before us. In truth, I didn't feel ramen was the right thing for us to have for dinner, but it was one of the few things I knew how to cook.

"Huh, didn't know Crimson Demons knew how to make ramen, Megumin."

"It was one of several things taught to my clan by travelers from a distant land, which I'm guessing means they came from your homeland, Kazuma."

"Yeah, probably..."

""Is this stuff really food? No offense, Megumin, but how do you eat it."

Instead of going off on Anna, I instead show her how to use the chop stick utensils. Thankfully, Kazuma seemed to know how to use them. Once the educating Anna part was over and done with, I say-

"OK, the moment of truth has arrived. Please enjoy your meal and be amazed at what I can really do. And now, let's begin."

Kazuma, Anna, and I use our chop sticks to start eating while Chomusuke just simply buries her face into her bowl and starts chowing down. A second later...

My face goes sour as I fight hard to not spit what I had just eaten back out into the bowl. I couldn't believe just how horrible it tasted. It was like trying to eat a combination of... you know what, never mind that thought as finishing it will definitely make me puke.

Maybe I should have read the instructions on mom's spices before applying it to the ramen. I wonder how the others were doing.

THUNK! Chomusuke, after only a few bites, had passed out on the table and spilling her meal over the table in the process.

"Oh god, I thinking I'm going to... BLARGH!" Anna quickly jumps out of her chair and runs off to the bathroom with both hands covering her mouth.

As for Kazuma...

He clearly wasn't looking to good here either, what with the now pale face of his. I'm pretty sure he was planning on taking his meal and dump it in the garbage. But as soon as his eyes locked onto mine, he sighs before going back to eating the rest of his ramen without further delay.

I felt such warmth go rushing through me at the sight of him. Even though he must hate how it taste, he was still willing to finish it all for me. If that doesn't scream having love for someone in your heart, I don't know what does.

And so, like Kazuma, I finish off the rest of my ramen even though each consumption made me want to kill myself. After that, Kazuma thanked me for the meal and offered to do the dishes. As with making dinner, I told him that I would handle that later. Kazuma then retreated to his room in order to lay down and rest. I ended up doing the same, having decided to wait till morning before doing clean up.

As I lay on my bed, I found myself once again thinking on if there was anything I could do to salvage this day. Our date had been going great until I ruined it. Dinner probably would have been fine until I ruined that by using something without first reading the instructions on. Do I even dare risk screwing something else up. I mean, what could I even...

Tomorrow, I would be leaving this mansion I have come to call home to head out after Wolbach, my old master. I would be leaving HIS side with a possibility that I may never return, seeing as I was going to the Scarred Lands of all places. As this could be my last chance to do this, I at least want Kazuma to know how I really feel about him.

With my resolve now firm, I get out of bed and make my way out the door and over to Kazuma's. I didn't feel the need to change, despite being in my pajamas. I mean, it's not like he hadn't seen me in these before. Besides, I'm probably going to end up spending the night together with Kazuma once this was all over and done with and by that, I mean we'll sleep in the same bed.

After all, it's a little too soon for us to be going that far, right.

As I stand outside his door, I could feel a heat beginning to awaken within me. In fact, I had been feeling this heat ever since dinner, but it was becoming especially noticeable now. Was it nerves that was making me feel this way? It didn't matter as I was going to do this no matter what.

I needed to do this!

Knock-knock

"Kazuma, it's me. Is it OK if I come in for a few minutes."

"Sure, door's unlocked."

Once inside, I see Kazuma finishing sitting up from his bed, swinging his legs over the side while keeping his eyes on me. From the looks of it, he was also feeling some kind of heat himself, seeing as there was a few trickles of sweat falling down him. It wasn't that hot inside the mansion so does that mean this heat I, and he, was feeling could be coming from the ramen? If so, then I hope we don't end up becoming sick here and now.

"So... what did you want to talk about?"

"I... well. You see, the thing of it is..."

Damn it, don't start losing your nerve now, Megumin. Not when you've come this far. Don't let this moment become the punch to the gut for our first date day. I smack my cheeks before finally getting out-

"There's something I been wanting to tell you... for a while now, actually."

"OK... and what's that, Megumin?"

"Kazuma, look... we've known each other for a while now. Have had many... interesting adventure's together... with everyone, that is."

"Interesting is a... NICE way of putting it. I'd say crazy, dangerous, reckless... and maybe just a little fun too."

I giggle at that, feeling some of the tension within me going away.

"And in all that time, you have saved us all over and over again. I know we haven't made things easy for you, I know we've failed as both teammates and friends on more than one occasion in regard to you and yet... you still stay with us. I can't tell you how much that means to all of us... to me."

"And I don't regret even a second of it... though I do confess I wish some things had played out a little differently."

I nod in agreement. I then start walking towards him, holding both my hands over my heart, while saying-

"And on a personal note, you've become the most important person in my life. You saved me from having to either give up or starve to death... or doing worse things. You gave me a home and new family to love and cherish. You saved Axel, you saved my village, you saved my parents and my little sister from their suffering. Because of you being here, in our lives, you have saved us all from our demons and darker aspects..."

I had finally reached Kazuma and before he could stand, I reach out and pull his head into my chest, hugging his head warmly as I add-

"I can't imagine our lives... MY life without you in it. You have become my world and will always be my number one in all things..."

"Kazuma, I HATE you!"

"Eh? You... hate me."

"Yes, I hate you some much I just can't stand it. And I hope that you can find it in your heart to hate me... Kazuma?"

I suddenly realize that Kazuma had gone rigid, making me release his head and step back to see his shocked and confused look. I cock my head to the side, confused and waiting for him to say something.

"Ah... Megumin, dumb question here. When you said you "hate me," did you actually mean you love me?"

"Well, of course that's what I meant, Kazuma."

"OK, then may I ask why you said hate instead of love then."

"What, don't you remember what my mom told you back in the village. She said she would tell you that we Crimson Demons have a unique way of confessing our feelings to one another. We say hate when we mean love; that it's tradition. That's what she told me at least... oh no."

Please tell me mother had actually told you about that, Kazuma. Please!

Kazuma thinks about it for a second, then a look of acknowledgment comes over him and he says-

"Oh yeah, your mother did tell me about that. I believed she said it was all just a fanciful joke and that anyone who believes that tripe is clearly both an idiot and has a few screws loose in their heads."

The sudden image of my mother appears beside Kazuma, a devious smirk on her face from having tricked me. I was both angry, furious even, and completely embarrassed. The latter won out as I find myself tearing up and I find myself saying-

"I... I... damn it all, I can't even confess the feeling in my heart right. I really am a joke, huh?"

I then turn away, going to run out of the room so I could lock myself away inside my own. I really am a failure. Even this, the most important of things to me, I somehow found a way to screw up badly. However, before I could exit Kazuma's room, I feel his arms wrap around my waist, stopping me from going any further.

"Kazuma... please, just let me go."

"No... no, I'm not letting you go nor will I ever let you go. Megumin, please tell me how you feel again."

"Why? I'll only screw it up somehow like I always do things."

"Megumin... please..."

He says that, making me stop with my efforts to escape his hold. I then turn around to face him only to bury my face into his chest for a moment. I then feel his hand caressing my back, which felt so nice and comforting that I end up looking into his eye.

"Megumin... ple..."

He didn't get to finish I leap up, wrapping my arms around his neck in the process and pulling him down closer to me as our lips connect. I throw all my love and affection for him into this kiss, wanting him to know all the desire I had for him in this moment. And deep within me, I could feel that weird feeling of heat rising up faster and faster, as if to answer some unknown call.

After a few moments, the kiss ends and while this wasn't the first time we had kissed the first being when I had give his sleeping form a little peck when we had been staying with my parents, this kiss here was what I will consider our true first kiss. I then say to him with the glow of my eyes being reflected off his own-

"I love you, Kazuma. I love you with all my heart!"

He looks at me for a moment, then smiles a warm smile that felt like the sun on my person.

"I love you too, Dynamite!"

We then went in and kissed each other again, this one being deeper and more passionate than the last. And this time, we didn't hold back letting our tongues wage war upon one another. And it was at this moment that the heat I was feeling inside me exploded with unimaginable power...

And everything after that was consumed by endless desire and fulfillment.

The next thing I knew, I was waking up in a darkened room, the bed felt weird, the room was strangely hot though not to much, and I was naked for some strange reason. Maybe I had decided to sleep in the nude because of how warm it was in my room. I should really go and open a window to let some cool night air inside.

I go to move but stop as several more things become known to me. First was the fact I realized I was feeling a little sore all over, like I had hit the ground dozens of times following firing off an Explosion or two. Second, there was this strange tingly warmth like sensation coming from deep within my belly.

And third, the bed was rising and falling like it was breathing. I bring my hands up to rub the sleep out of my eyes, then I look to see what I had failed to see before and thanks to the moonlight coming in through the window, I saw that it was just Kazuma... a just as naked as I am Kazuma... wait.

I'm completely naked, Kazuma's completely naked too, and this was clearly Kazuma's room. Just what exactly is going... oh my god, I remember EVERYTHING now...

Kazuma... he and I... we... we had...

Without thinking about it, I jump out of his bed, only to stumble back and find myself hitting the floor hard. I managed to keep the full-blown shriek that had wanted to come out of me under control enough to keep it at a surprised and shocked sounding squeal.

Yeah, there was no question about it now what the two of us did together. But how... and why? I mean, I only came in here to confess the feelings in my heart as I felt that was the only thing left I could do to salvage what had been a mostly disastrous day. I considered that maybe I would end up stating with him after that, the two of us sleeping together in his bed, but us having sex was never part of the plan. I mean, even I knew it was way too soon for us to be going and doing something like that.

So why did we... no, she didn't, she wouldn't go that far... right?

I immediately get to my feet and rush over to Kazuma's bedroom door. Just as I go to open it, I freeze as I hear the sound of Kazuma groaning just a little. Crap, in all the excitement, I forgot that Kazuma was in here as well. Did I wake him? What do I do and what should I say about all this?

Looking back, I let out a sigh of relief upon seeing his still snoozing and obviously deep asleep form. For a second, I consider just being all "Fuck it" and go join him back in bed and not worry about the details. But I needed to know the truth. And so, I exited the room and quickly made my way down to the kitchen.

I wasn't worried about being seen naked at the moment as both Anna and Chomusuke had seen me in the nude at least once. And as for Kazuma... well, at this this, what part of my body hasn't he seen or felt by this point.

Once I reached the kitchen, I quickly go over to the spice rack and collect the bottle of mom's special spices/ I then quickly remove the label from the bottle, it dawns on me for the first time that there was no need for a label on this thing as it wasn't something you could just go out and buy from a store.

Once the label was off, I saw it; a small message seal mother had made for me as she knew this would eventually happen. I grit my teeth in anger before touching a finger against the seal, sending in some mana to trigger it. The seal starts to glow, and a small transparent image of mother appears then starts to speak.

["Hello, my precious first born. If you're seeing and hearing this recorded message of mine, then it means you finally figured out the truth about my family's special spices. Yes, I confess that what I said was a lie. We never had any special spices. What you and that young man have just consumed was a little something I call Crimson Desire, or CD for short."]

CD? I've never heard of that before. Is that stuff one of your strange creations, you evil-hearted woman.

["In case you were wondering, CD is an aphrodisiac... a POWERFUL one at that as I'm sure you and that young man have experienced firsthand. I'm sure you're wondering WHY I did what I did but we both know you already know the answer to that. You can thank me later for helping you both out with getting things between you two moving."]

Thank you? Mom, I'm going to kill you. Me and Kazuma didn't need any help with anything.

["Oh yes, before I forget. That young man will likely be sleeping like he was dead for a good while once you've both worn each other out so feel free to have some additional fun with him while he's snoozing away if you wish. On that note, I'll let you two get back to it then. Oh, one last thing my precious daughter. Hurry up and give me my first grandchild already. Mommy's not getting any younger here."]

I just stand there, unable to say or do anything as the message ends, at least for a few moments as I process everything that had happened. I then crush up the label in my hand as I throw both it and the bottle of not spices into the trash. I then scream out at the top of my lungs.

"THAT STUPID PARENT!"

{|} Part 5: We'll Go Together {|}

(Wolbach POV)

"Yeesh, you really have it rough because of your mother, huh?"

"You have NO idea. Sad part in it all is that she wasn't always so... well, you know. She only started acting like this with me after meeting Kazuma and finding out he has both money and owns his very own mansion. If I had known my mother was one of those gold digger types, I would have kept Kazuma as far away from her as possible."

"I don't blame you. (pause) So, do you regret what happened between you two that night."

Megumin is quite for a moment, clearly thinking about it, before a warm smile forms and she says-

"Never, I'll never regret letting Kazuma be my first. I love him, with all my heart and soul. He is my one and only in life so us doing what we did will never be a regret to me. What I regret is how it happened. I would prefer if we had chosen to do that of our own free will, not end up doing it because of some powerful, lust inducing junk supplied by my mother without either of us knowing about it beforehand."

I can't help but laugh a little before asking-

"So, what happened after you discovered your mom's little... what should I call it: deception, prank?"

"Well, a took a few minutes to process everything I had learned which led me into a period of panic. I then mentally debated, while in my panicked state mind you, what I should do next. In the end, my mind decided the best course of action was to remove ALL evidence of what me and Kazuma ended up doing together So I returned upstairs, cleaned up the mess we had made, dressed Kazuma, and opened the window to let both clean air in and other things out. I then cleaned myself up and when morning came, Kazuma and I came face to face and I managed to convince him that all that happened the night before, after dinner, was just some dream he had. I then said I was going to go to Veridae to help out a friend of ours and... well, you know where I actually went."

"You... told him it was a dream."

"What do you want me to say? I told you I had started to panic after all was said and done. Look, I really don't do well when I'm under pressure. I make dumb calls and foolish choices. You'd think I would have learned to be better by now but..."

Megumin then buries her face into her hands and groans out loud.

"I really screwed up, didn't I."

"Yes, I very much think so. But it's not like you screwing up is the end of the world. Tell you what. How about once I've finished dealing with the special mission I've been sent here for, I come back with you to that mansion you and that Kazuma guy live in and help you explain things to him."

"Really? You would do that for me."

"Sure, why not. I confess I'm a little curious as to what kind of guy managed to win your heart as I can now easily remember the little girl who once wanted me to teach her Explosion magic as she believed mastering it would give her big boobs... Anyways, you can show me where you're Explosion magic is currently at as we head back to see him. I can also, if necessary, take the blame for your running away. I can say I placed a hypnotic command inside your head as a child to come find me at a set time, which will take at least some of the heat off you once you've explained everything to him."

For a moment, Megumin looks all excited at hearing that. That excitement though quickly fades as she says with a more serious tone.

"Thank you for offering to do that for me, but I can't accept that. I'm the one who made the choice, so it has to be me who pays the price for that choice. For good or bad, I'll own up to my actions and suffer what consequences they bring upon me."

"Well, if you're sure. I'm still going to come with you though. Like I said, I would like to meet this man whose earned your love and affection."

And when I do and if it is dad's reincarnation, then I'll tell you both everything right then and there.

"Well, if you're sure about that. Just be warned that me and Kazuma live with a bunch of crazy people so thing could become very hectic once you're there."

"Don't worry about me. I know a thing or three about dealing with hectic situations."

Considering the company I keep, I'm pretty sure I am the master of hectic events and how to deal with them. Megumin laughs at hearing that, then asks-

"By the way, master..."

"Please, just call me Wolbach."

"OK... Wolbach, I was wondering just what it was that brought you and that other guy here to begin with. You said it was a mission or something."

"Correct, I did say that. As a Crimson Demon, you may have sensed this already but something odd has begun to happen here in the world. The mana levels in the atmosphere have started to drop off which could become a serious problem if they continue dropping at the rate of speed they currently are. Me and Hans are here to check if the thing located here at the center of the Scarred Lands is to blame."

"I see. Now that you mention it, I have felt this weird feeling in the air as of late, but I never really gave it much thought. Was it really a decrease in the mana levels that's the cause?"

"Possibly. To be honest, Megumin. I hesitate to bring you with us as the road ahead is not only dangerous, but also unknown. I would have you return to Hyperion and wait for us but I'm not comfortable with letting you go by yourself. Also, taking you there personally isn't an option as we're currently closer to the center than the outer edges and I would like to see this mission finished quickly. And I will not chance sending you back with Hans as an escort because if more of those Geist attack you two, there will be trouble."

"So, I can come with you then."

"Yes, you'll be coming with us. However, you must do what I say, no matter what. Where we're going is both dangerous and forbidden and unlike me, you don't have a clue what to expect. Do we have a deal."

"Sure, I can do that. I'll have you know I'm excellent at following directions."

I feel my other half stir at hearing those words, telling me those words were a total lie. No matter as so long as she stays at my side and does what I tell her to do for the most part, then I'm sure it'll be fine.

Just then, Hans returns and looking rather grumpy at that.

"OK, I'm back and I found your stuff. Don't blame me if, like me, a few of those arrows are a little bent out of shape."

{|} Part 6: The [Orin] and the [Riiji] {|}

(Kazuma POV)

"I wonder if this is how Eris and other divine beings feel all the time?"

Following the 'milk' bath, which was still weird by the way, I had been returned to my room and instructed to put on the clothing that had been prepared for me. While I would prefer to keep to my usual attire, this stuff seemed like it would be a nice fit for me.

Besides, I had been told that Lynn had chosen these garments for me personally and if she felt that I would look good in these, then who was I to argue.

Just before I started dressing, I realized my whole being was feeling really good. My skin was smooth and youthful looking, my muscles relaxed, and my hair had a silky quality. Who would have thought a day would come when I would join the ranks of the vain and narcissistic.

I shake my head of those thoughts then focus on getting dress. Once I was done, I had on pure white pants and a long-sleeved shirt; both emitting a kind of shine from the strange fabric these clothes were made from. Was it silk or satin or another unknown material that was of a similar substance.

The white also had an ever so slight hint of blue hues as well but it was hard to notice.

I then slide on the bright, forest-green tunic with gold trim etched into the fabric in a leaf like pattern. In then attach the curious looking broach that resembled a star onto the tunic, then I walk over to a mirror and take a moment to look myself over.

"Huh, not too shabby if I do say so myself."

Just then, a knock comes to my door. I take a second longer to look at myself before turning away and walking over to the door. I found Ruffian waiting on the other side. Like me, he was wearing white pants and shirt. He also had a tunic on as well, though his was a deeper blue color with red trim.

"Ready to go, kid?"

"Guess so. No time like the present, as they say."

Ruff nods before turning away and taking the lead, seeing as he knew where to go here. As we walk, he looks at me and says-

"That look so isn't you; you know that right?"

"Really? I happen to think I look a right dapper right now. What about you, Ruff? Being forced to wear a shirt and all; you must be feeling really restricted right now."

"You have no idea, kid. I hate having to attend these formal events. Between you and me, I had originally planned on making a looser and more lenient dress cold way back when, back when I was believing I would become the new king of these people."

"Back when Lynn's mom was still alive?"

"Yeah, we BOTH had so many plans we wanted to see realized once we were in charge. Guess fate had other ideas, huh?"

Crap, this just became oh so many kinds of awkward. How should I respond to something like that?

"So, there you two are. I was beginning to think I needed to go fetch you both."

Oh, thank God. Thank you, Lynn, for the welcomed distraction.

"Yeah-yeah, you knew we would be here eventually. Well Kazuma, have anything to say to my little girl here?"

"Hm... oh yeah, sure. You look..."

My words come to a dead stop as my focus on Lynn truly takes hold of my thoughts. To say she was looking very beautiful, radiant even, was an understatement.

She was wearing a pure violet dress and a long flowing white cape. She had several shining rings present on her fingers. A soft pinkish-red lipstick had been applied as well as a lavender colored eye liner. Her hair was down with several flower shaped ornaments in said hair.

I must have been staring to long as she then began to blush, looking away shyly. It wasn't until Ruff gave me a rather rough nudge that I finally snapped back into the moment.

"I... ah... hot damn, Lynn. You are looking goddess level gorgeous right now."

"Really? I honestly don't like getting dressed up like this. Way to girly in my own personal opinion. But if you like it, then I guess it can't be all bad."

"So, my little girl is looking super fine in your eyes, kid."

"Her current look has definitely added some new fapping material to my ever-growing list."

It takes me a moment to realize what it was I had just said which makes me blush in embarrassment. I wasn't sure how either of them would react but it was fine as Ruffian started laughing. As for Lynn, she sends me a curious look before running up to me, gives me a little look over, then leans in and takes in my scent. She then growls a little before saying in a low and possibly seductive voice-

"Mm, touché... Anyways, gramps is waiting so we better hurry ourselves up."

"Agreed. Let's not forget that old Haukrin is the snooty punctual type. Oh right, before we go..."

A few minutes later, after getting schooled on how I need to present myself to the Devil Ki... no, I need to start calling him the [Riiji] now. Anyways, once I had been told and shown how to act, we continued on our way, passing through many halls and up many stairs till we entered a domed building located at the great trees highest point.

We then walked down a path lit by green flames on both sides. Beyond that was nothing but darkness. Even looking behind, I could no longer see any lights coming from outside this room. I then feel Lynn's touch as she takes my hand, making me stop upon seeing both her and Ruff had stopped.

She then motions for me to bow which I do while she and Ruffian move away to take their own positions. And then the green flames that added some illumination suddenly went out, leaving the room completely dark for a few moments.

And then the room came alive with lights. Looking down at the ground, which I was currently doing anyways, I could see that beneath the floor appeared particles of light which took on patterns and shapes. If I had to guess, it was like some kind of magical map of Artashire as it would appear if seen from above. And when I allowed myself a moment to look up at the ceiling, I saw a world of stars and starlight. Perhaps not the real thing but a perfect recreation of those things.

"So, we finally get to meet one another at last... Satou Kazuma."

I quickly turn my attention from looking up to now looking ahead of me, seeing a throne having appeared and upon it, a tall and elderly figure with both long hair, small horns that looked like the branches from a tree, and a long beard sitting there. This had to be him, the [Riiji].

"Yes, your thoughts are correct. I am indeed the [Riiji] of the Faea; Yasaka Kyoichi."

Yasaka Kyoichi... wait, isn't that a Japanese name. Is this guy another traveler from Japan. And... can he read minds too?

Lord Yasaka smiles at me before leaning forward on his throne.

"My granddaughter; Tia'lynnya, has told me that you have wished to meet with me for some time. I confess that I too have been wishing for this as well. After all..."

His demeanor suddenly changes; his face becoming harder, his eyes narrower, and his next words firmer and more serious in tone.

"You took several of my trusted generals, my allies and dearest friends from me, and for THAT...I shall have your life as payment."

{|} Part 7: A Whole New Kind of Trial {|}

(Yunyun POV)

"Guys, I'm really not feeling good here."

"So you have told us, many-many times in fact since we entered this place."

It had been about an hour since we had entered the Scarred Lands. While it required us to take some roundabout paths, due to us needing to consider the needs of our noble steeds, we had been heading all over the place in our search for Megumin.

Since entering this place, Anna had been complaining about feeling sick. At first, I was thinking that she was just not wanting to be here; not like any of us wanted to be here and was hoping her complaints would make us turn around and make a quick exit. But now, looking at her, it was beginning to become apparent that something was indeed wrong with her as she really was looking rather ill now. And what made that even more amazing was the fact she was currently in her chibi form, hugging herself tightly to my shoulder.

Cielo looks back at us and studies Anna for a moment before saying-

"I just had a thought, everybody."

This makes us all stop and turn our attentions to Cielo. Darkness, who was leading the way, asks-

"And that would be?"

"The Scarred Lands are known to be a place where mana cannot be found anywhere in the atmosphere. That is the general consensus about that place, right?"

I answer Cielo with a nod then say-

"As of right now, all the magical power we have is what we naturally had inside us the moment we passed into these lands. This is why we need to be especially careful with how we make use of our magical powers while we're in here because once that's been used up, we'll be powerless until we leave the Scarred Lands and the world's mana can start flowing around and through our bodies to help with our bodily mana recharge."

"Right, but something we didn't consider was how this place would affect someone with Anna's unique condition."

"What do you mean about MY..."

Before Anna could finish, Darkness has an 'aha' like moment, popping a hand into an open palm.

"It's because Anna is technically a ghost. Is that what you're getting at, Cielo."

Cielo nods then continues telling us her thoughts.

"I think the feeling of sickness that Anna says she's feeling may be a sign that the energies that allow her to inhabit that special body Kazuma had made for her are starting to drain away and when those energies reach zero..."

"Wait, hold on a second. Are you saying that I'm going to DIE... well, die again?"

"Um... well, I don't really know."

said Cielo sheepishly before looking at me, probably hoping I might know better, seeing as I was currently the most acknowledged when it comes to all things magic.

Darkness also looks at me as does chibi-Anna. I take a few moments to think about it before finally saying-

"Honestly, this is all uncharted territory for me as well. If there really is some kind of magic that helps make sure your soul doesn't go flying off into the afterlife outside the mansion grounds, then being in a place that lacks natural mana in the air to help replenish those energies could likely mean..."

"FUCKKKK! I'm on a stupid timer here. Great, that's just fucking great. Why didn't that idiot brother of mine warn me about this danger."

"He probably didn't know, Anna. Think about it. How could any of us have ever imagined we would one day be here inside a place like this."

As Anna cries and I try to console her, Cielo says-

"So what do we do now?"

Darkness is quiet for a moment before asking-

"Anna, off the top of your head, can you take a guess as to how long you think you have before the mana that infuses your golem-esque body reaches zero."

After a moment of thinking about it, Anna says-

"I... don't really know for certain. Maybe... a day or so. Honestly, I'm not really sure; it's not like I'm familiar with things like that."

"Maybe I can give a more concrete answer..."

I then take Anna into my hands and bring her up so I could touch my forehead against her chibi forehead. I then close my eyes and let my senses flow into her being. This was an uncommon skill possessed by the clan; anyone could technically use it but was rarely utilized. Heck, it wasn't even taught to us in Red Prison. The only reason I knew it was all thanks to mother's teaching it to me.

After a few moments, I pull Anna away and allow her to go back to hugging my arm while saying-

"I'm going to say eighteen-hours if you maintain your chibi form. If you go into full sized human, then a little over twenty-one hours."

"So around twenty or so hours before I'm on empty. And when I'm all out of mana?"

No one says anything. The silence was rather eerie, if I was being honest. Finally, I ask-

"So, what should we do. Should one of us take Anna back to Hyperion and leave her there till we can..."

"Wait, everyone... I sense a dangerous foe coming our way."

said Darkness, getting off her horse and drawing her weapon. Cielo and I do the same from our steed as she says-

"Anna, hang back and hide with the horses. Darkness, Yunyun, and I will deal with this."

Anna nods before letting go of me and returning to her full-sized state. She then takes the reigns of the two horses and leads them back over behind a wall of rock to hide themselves with. As for the three of us, we await the arrival of these foes Darkness has sensed approaching us.

The wait wasn't a long one.

It arrived quickly; a strange creature that didn't look like any monster I had ever seen before, not even in a book. It had a body of pure black bone with some kind of ash-gray organic substance beneath that had a somewhat humanoid shape to it. Two glowing yellow eyes and a third eye in between on its forehead that looked like a raging flame.

And a few moments later, there were many more of them that arrived.

"What... kind of beast is that?"

asked Cielo with Darkness quickly adding-

"Mm, looks like a good time if you ask me. You guys stay here while I go introduce myself to them."

Darkness goes to step out from behind the rock we were hiding behind, but Cielo stops her thankfully. Cielo then says quietly yet sternly-

"What is wrong with you, idiot. We don't have the time for you and that perverted nature of yours. Don't forget we have more important things to be focusing on right now, like finding Megumin and yelling at her."

"Cielo's right... and besides, those things don't look like the kind of creature you want to go having FUN with."

Darkness peeks around the corner again, looks at them, then sighs. She then says, albeit with a deflated sound in her tone-

"Yeah, I guess you two are right. Maybe next time."

We then peek out again, seeing that all the creatures that had arrived so far were spreading out, looking around for us, or for something at least. I then ask-

"So, should we just wait till they move on or should we try to find another way around..."

"I can hear them."

came Anna's voice so suddenly that it made us all jump. Anna, who should be a bit further back with the horses, had come sneaking up over to us without any of us noticing her doing that. Darkness looks back at her and says-

"Anna, don't go scaring us like that. Why are you even over here now and not..."

"Wait a second, Darkness. What did you mean when you said you could hear them, Anna?"

asked Cielo. After a moment, Anna finally responds.

"I don't know how to describe it really. It's like I can hear this whisper speaking in the air; have been able to hear it the moment the first one of those things arrived."

"And what exactly are you hearing be said?"

Anna closes her eyes, clearly focused on the what to me at least sounded like a light howling of the wind.

"Find it. The unnatural entity that has come. Do not let them come closer. Allow the... allow the reborn devil to come to me without trouble. That's what I think it is saying anyways. I wonder what it means by an unnatural... um..."

Anna stops and even more than that, she begins to shake as her eyes falls onto something above us, as indicated by the direction she was looking. We also look up and see that one of these creatures was perched on top of the rock, looking down at us with its three eyes.

"CRAP!"

yells out Darkness before we all jump away and just in time too as the creature lunged down onto the spot we had been hiding at just a moment before. It wasn't one of the ones we had seen arrive which meant that there were more of them than what we had first thought.

"Looks like they know we're here now. Guess that means we have a fight on our hands after all."

said Darkness, her sword already in hand and, surprisingly, energy shield activated. Cielo quickly slides on her Blast Gloves while I take hold of my enchanted dagger while telling Anna-

"Try to stay back. We'll handle these guys."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

The three of us then go running out to face the dozen monsters. Darkness goes throwing herself into one creature after another, using the repulsion power within her energy shield to knock them back, thus allowing me and Cielo to get in close while they were busy recovering to land our own attacks.

I would go in low, attacking their knees while Cielo chose to come in high, sending one explosive fist to the body and faces of the creatures while Darkness would then come running in to ram them, repulse them, and once more send them back, thus allowing us to maintain a battle rhythm for the moment.

I was surprised that Darkness was taking this as seriously as she was. Normally, she would leave herself open so as to have a better chance at being countered and overwhelmed by the enemy, but I guess our current situation, our need to find Megumin and get out of this place quickly for Anna's sake, and the fact Kazuma wasn't with us, was making her not feel like playing around at the moment.

It was also surprising that these strange creatures weren't really putting up that much of a fight, even though they outnumbered us three to one at present. Was it because we were just to fast for them, or could it be that they didn't know how to respond to our attacks as I doubt they had much experience with fighting opponents here inside this place.

And, like clockwork...

"Geez, this fight is too much of a cakewalk. These things may look all scary and cool but they're coming off as so pathetic that I'm actually losing interest in them. Kind of makes me wish something surprising would happen to..."

""Darkness, is now really the time to be complaining. We're winning this fight so can't you just be a little..."

Before Cielo could finish, a sudden blast of power erupts from the creature as it shrieks violently into the air. The others do the same; their combined blast of invisible power sending us all flying back though we are quick to recover.

I then take notice of something important. Our attacks hadn't really done all that much damage to these things. In fact, the ones Cielo's attacks had been hitting seemed to be the most damaged, which wasn't to surprising. What was surprising was the fact any damage these things had suffered was quickly healing up. And then there was the fiery third eye on these things as well.

I couldn't be sure, but I think those fiery eyes had become more intense and rage filled.

"I don't like the look those things are sending our way now. Maybe we should end this once and for all."

"Agreed. Darkness, can you take the lead and give me an opening to..."

Before Cielo could finish, Darkness rushes forward, laughing excitedly as she charges one of the beast.

"That look in all your eyes, I can finally feel a rush of excitement coming over me. Come on now; show me what you got."

Both Cielo and I deadpan at Darkness before Cielo goes following after her. Darkness gets closer and closer, then throws herself forward to once again ram herself into the creature. But this time, the creature counters by jumping up and over Darkness, then unleashes its own repulsion like attack that sends Darkness slamming down into the ground with incredible force. From the look, and pained expression Darkness had, the impact had to have been considerable.

"Hold on Darkness, I'll get you..."

shouted Cielo only for another of the creatures to jump in between her and Darkness, sending its boney fist flying at Cielo, who counters by sending her own fist in to meet the other in a powerful fist on fist impact. You would think Cielo's fist would have one out, if only because she would have had the added help of the Blast Gloves, but that's not what happened.

There was an explosive blast from both their fist colliding which meant this creature had somehow copied the power and ability of gloves.

"Everyone, be careful. I'm pretty sure they can copy the repulsion shield and blast glove's powers."

"What? You can't be serious, Yunyun."

said Cielo as she picks herself up off the ground following having been blasted back from the power of the double explosion impact. As for the creature, it seemed to be doing OK, not having been moved back at all. In fact, I'm pretty sure it was almost smiling at Cielo.

"Ahhh, someone help."

cried Anna, making us all look back to see yet another one of these creatures had arrived and was currently pinning her to the ground. Crap, looks like I have no choice. I quickly raise my hand into the sky and, without giving this course of action any real thought, shout out-

"Light of Saber."

Immediately, the lighting blades form in the air and I send them zipping around, slashing and cutting into all the creatures. I had clearly injured them but not killed any of them and just as I was about to send the spell around for another attempt...

Light of Saber suddenly breaks apart and I find myself gasping and wheezing; a feeling of being totally drained now coming over me. It only takes me a moment to realize what it is I had done. Without natural mana flowing in the air around me, I had accidentally used up all my internal mana with just that action alone, or had used up enough that I couldn't keep Light of Saber active anymore.

And then, in my vulnerable moment, two of the creatures pounced onto me, pinning me to the ground.

"Yunyun, hold on. I'm com..."

cried Cielo as she tries to come over to help me, only to find herself being pinned down by three of these creatures herself while the remaining seven we had been fighting keep Darkness busy and unable to do anything herself.

We then watch, unable to do anything against these creatures and their insane strength as the thirteenth one brings its head down closer and closer to the struggling Anna. I fight with all my might to break free from this things hold but find my strength suddenly starting to leave me, as if my body was being drained of all power from its touch.

Was this it. Was this going to be the end of us, and all because Megumin had to be stubborn and go running off like she did while we were once again foolish in thinking we could go off and do something like this without having Kazuma at our side.

And then suddenly, the two creatures that had been pinning me down were gone. One had been sent flying back a ways while the other was being pinned down by... one of its own? Sure enough, one of the creatures, specifically the one that had been pinning down Anna, was now helping us.

As I pick myself up, I see the traitor creature take one of its long, bone fingers and sends it jabbing deep into the fiery eye, making the one pressed against the ground scream out in pain before becoming motionless, then seeing its entire form begining to devolve into nothing. As the traitor creature stands tall, I get back into my feet and find myself saying-

"Wha... why did you..."

"(Holy crap, that weird voice I heard was right. I really can... oh, I am going to have some fun now.)"

No way, did I just hear Anna's voice come out of that creature. I quickly look back, only to find Anna missing from where I had seen her before, then back at the traitor creature to see it had already gone after the ones holding down Cielo and Darkness. Creature Anna then manages to kill an additional three while the others jump back, unsure of what was going on.

"Anna, is that really you in there? What's going on?"

I asked as Cielo and Darkness stand, the both of them shocked as they look at both me and Creature Anna.

"(Fight these guys now, explain everything later. Target the fiery eye on these guys. That's their weak point, got it.)"

Before any of us could say anything more, Creature Anna goes on the attack. We look at each other for a moment, then follow after her as we begin to destroy these dangerous things.

{|} Part 8: A Long-Awaited Talk {|}

(Kazuma POV)

Well, this whole meeting went about as far south as one could imagine it could.

One minute, the [Riiji] says-

"You took several of my trusted generals, my allies and dearest friends from me, and for THAT...I shall have your life as payment."

And then the next moment, I found myself surrounded from all sides by guards; their spears all raised out before them and crossing around my neck almost like they were a kind of shackle.

"Kazuma... what are you doing grandfather? You told me you wanted to meet with Kazuma, to talk with him about things. You never said anything about doing THIS."

I turn my head to look at Lynn and Ruffian, seeing them being held back by additional guards. It was clear that they didn't know this was going to happen by the looks they had as well as the fact they were being kept at bay.

"Tia'lynnya, please understand... what I'm doing here and now, I do both out of a sense of need and honor."

"Honor my ass. Tricking someone just so you can kill them. Where the hell is the honor in that?"

"Lord Yasaka... father. Was this really your plan all along?"

In response to their words, the [Riiji] makes a flicking motion with his wrist, making a glowing barrier of green light form around them. Probably an added barrier to stop them from doing anything to stop what was coming next.

He then looks at me, a devious smile on him, as he stands and then... a sudden glow emerges from his body and like the blinking of one's eye, he somehow 'warped' down from his thrown to stand before me. I then feel myself being forced down onto my knees by the guards surrounding me as the [Riiji] draws a curious looking sword that had a thistle shaped blade with an auburn coloring which he then points at me.

"I know this may seem unfair, not even giving you the chance to defend yourself in a court of law. But we Faea believe in swift and unforgiving justice when the crimes of one cannot be refuted."

I once again look towards Lynn and Ruffian, seeing them both pounding their fist against the magic barrier keeping them back. I then look back at the [Riiji] as he touches the tip of the blade against my throat.

"So, any last words before I commence your execution."

"Are you really going to ruin this very nice outfit I'm wearing by straining it with MY blood?"

"Am I... going to... that's your choice for last words here."

He then begins to laugh; a deep and hearty sounding laugh that last for a few moments. He was laughing so hard in fact, that he had to start holding his sides from just how hard his laughing was. He then uses his free hand to wipe a tear away before waving his hands which makes the guards withdrawal their spears then back away. The barrier keeping Lynn and Ruffian back also fades.

"My granddaughter was right about you. You really are an interesting human."

The [Riiji] then does that warp thing again to return to his throne and sits down while Haukrin uses his fingers to pinch hid nose while shaking his head. For me, I think that if this guy goes to do an apology over what just happened and offers to do something for me in return, I'll have him teach me that warp skill of his. If that things works like I think it does, then I can see that being very useful to have in a pinch.

"Kazuma, are you... I'm so sorry about that. I swear I... WE didn't know that was going to happen."

came Lynn as she reaches me, immediately taken hold of my hand with her own protectively. Ruffian was only a moment behind her, his gaze looking towards his father-in-law.

"Care to tell us what that was all about, old man?"

"What, am I not allowed to have a little fun every now and then, Rustaban? Surely after all these years, you should know how my mind works. Don't tell me you've forgotten how our first meeting went down why my daughter brought you home to meet me and her mother."

"And I recall you promising her you wouldn't go doing THAT again."

"And I have kept my promise, have I not. I didn't just do to Satou Kazuma what I did with you. Also, I believe my promise was that I would never do that with anyone else Ka'lynnya decided to bring home. I never made any such promise with anyone Tia'lynnya brought before me."

"I'm really starting to understand what mother's warning about you was all about now, grandpa."

I felt really bad for Lynn as she looked so exasperated right now. I really wanted to reach out, place an arm around her shoulders, and give her a comfort squeeze but I stayed my hand out of fear that me doing that could have some unforeseen and unwanted trouble from the guards.

The [Riiji] then laughs again before a more serious look comes over him.

"Now then, let's get down to business proper here, shall we. First, let me be clear on a few things, I honestly not that salty over the fact you killed several of my loyal generals."

"Yeah, about that, sir. It's actually a funny story..."

My words stop as the [Riiji] holds up a hand, then says-

"There's no need to explain. I already know how things played out, more or less. Verdia's death was unavoidable. Really, he only has himself to blame what with how far he went so I consider his death an understandable outcome in that affair."

"Then we have Vanir and Hans. I can't hold their deaths on your shoulders, seeing as they're both still alive. Vanir is hanging out with Wiz over in Axel, as I'm sure you well know. As for Hans the deadly poison slime..."

"Wait, are you saying... (a quick jab from Lynn into my side) … uh, sorry for cutting in. Are you saying that guy who saved us from that corrupted mecha-minotaur is still alive?"

"You clearly don't know that much about slimes, do you human?"

said Haukrin. I'm sure he wanted to tell me to not to be rude with cutting in when someone of higher standing is talking but he didn't for some reason. Maybe he was told not to by way of some form of psychic words.

"Now-now, old friend. He can't be entirely blamed for lacking that knowledge, given how little humans take then time to really learn about anything that doesn't concern them. Anyways, the answer to your question is yes; Hans is still very much alive and is currently with another of my generals on a mission of great importance."

"And last, and certainly least, we have Sylvia. Where she is concerned, I must thank you for ending her life. Who could have thought that she was a traitor, working for some third party. By any chance, do you happen to have any idea as to who she could have been working for?"

I think about that for a moment, then say-

"Not really, [Riiji]. I do have a guess though, if you would like to hear it."

"I would."

"I may be wrong about this, but my thoughts are telling me that she was working for someone named Rubrikt!"

That starts a curious chatter within the room. Both Lynn and Ruffian give me curious looks, as does Haukrin. I then look at the [Riiji] and see his face was showing no emotion. I then ask him-

"Does that name mean something to you?"

"Hm... I want to say no and yet there is something about that which causes a stirring deep within my mind. This matter is something I'll need to take time to meditate on and get back to you if that meditation leads me to anything important. Tell me, where did you first hear that name?"

"From a guy named Palastori."

"An ally?"

"Hard to say though I would like to think so, given the nature of how we met and all."

"Understood... We'll return to that topic at a later date. For now, I believe you've been wanting to ask me some question. Go ahead, ask away. Anything you wish to know; I shall tell you if it is within my ability to do so."

So, after all this time, I have finally arrived at this moment I have long been thinking about. I wonder, what should I ask him first?

"First question: why is you name Yasaka Kyoichi. No offense, but that's more of a Japanese name than a Faea name and seeing as I'm from Japan, only my fellow Japanese born would have such names, and the fact you definitely don't look Japanese, surely you can understand why I would be asking that question."

"Why you impudent little, insulting or lord just because of his..."

"Calm Haukrin, his question is a fair and understandable one. Also, it's not like it's some big secret either. Very well, I shall tell you. It all began with..."

In a nutshell, Yasaka Kyoichi came from a satellite village that had been located somewhere within the western outskirts of the Kingdom of Elroad, or what would one day become known as Elroad. Being a baby at the time, he couldn't be sure of the finer details beyond the fact he knows his village was raided and destroyed by something.

Was it humans who had attacked or was it caused by monsters or perhaps it had been another group of Faea also living in a separate satellite village whom they had a beef with. Regardless, the end result was the same. His village was destroyed, and his family killed.

If not for the passing traveler who had found him, took pity on him, and saved him, he would have surely died like the rest. Because he had been too young to remember his own birth name, the traveler, whose name was Yasaka Kino, had taken in the young child, adopted him as his own, and gave him the name Yasaka Kyoichi.

They then traveled around together for a few years, then found a clue as to how they could find the homeland of the Faea. They traveled there, spent many years looking around, and soon found the place. Young Yasaka, now a man full grown, met and fell in love with the previous [Riiji] daughter and, after having to prove his worth, married said girl and became the current [Riiji] himself.

"There's more, much more that should go into my little origin story, but we'll leave it at that for now."

I nod my head understandingly while Lynn says-

"Grandpa, I... never knew any of that. I had always thought who had been born here and had never experienced any hardships, save for when mom died that is."

"You really had it rough in your youth, didn't you pops."

"It wasn't too bad. Sure, I would have liked for things to have been better, but seeing where all that has led me, I honestly can't complain."

I allowed myself a moment to recall what his counterpart in Iris's timeline was like, what he could do and all that, and then decide to ask that alongside the other question his back story had make me think up.

"Lord Yasaka, do you think there's any chance Yasaka Kino was involved in the destruction of your home village to begin with? I mean, him just happening upon the place and finding you... seems like a big coincidence if you ask me."

Yasaka considers my words for a moment, then says-

"That has crossed my mind as well in the past. I can't rule out the possibility that it was he that destroyed my home, my family, and that he was to kill me but didn't because I was but an infant at the time. Perhaps that is the truth but all I can do is see him for how he presented himself to me; a father figure and someone who always had my back. He was even able to use Faea magic to somehow break the core of his sacred power that existed within him and pass it onto me before he died."

Thank you for the helpful segway, Yasaka.

"You mean the Power-Up ability."

My words catches everyone, even Lynn and Ruffian, by surprise, Yasaka most of all as he asks-

"How do you know about that, Satou Kazuma."

One explanation later...

"That's right, you did tell us about that, Kazuma. I can't believe it didn't occur to me that the Devil King you said you encountered in that other timeline was actually grandpa. Shows how attentive to the details I am."

"So, you had a run in with another version of me, a mind-controlled version at that, and you actually survived that encounter. I must say that makes my opinion of you even better than what Tia'lynnya has said of you already has."

"You were a hard fight, not the hardest one I had to deal with back there, but I can say I was damn lucky to have survived that encounter. You know, I was going to ask how you gained Power-Up but there's no longer a need, seeing as you already did that yourself. I do have to ask how that Kino guy managed to pass it onto you? With but one exception, I've been told that passing on a Sacred Power is supposed to be impossible."

That exception, of course, being the incident where the late Duke of Kessex had killed his daughter's boyfriend and managed to still his Sacred Power, which ended up coming back to bite him in the butt by killing him and causing his daughter to become one hell of a super bitch.

"Sorry Satou Kazuma, but I'm afraid that question will not be answered. Professional Faea secret."

"Figures. Guess my next question here is how this war between your people and the allied kingdoms got started."

"Ah, I had a feeling you would ask about that little truth. I'm sure you know how things like this goes. One side meets the other, there's a clash of thoughts and feelings and no small amount of distrust. One thing leads to another and the next thing you know, we are at each other's throats."

"So basically, how one would expect a war to begin."

"Well, that's a big fat lie!"

The room was silent for a few moments before me, and both Lynn and Ruffian too, all scream out-

"WHAT?"

Clearly, they don't know everything here either. Yasaka laughs happily again then he finally explains.

"Oh, where should I begin. Well, I guess I should first say that we technically are not currently at war with one another. Really, what's currently going on could be seen as more a faux war, perhaps a cold war, than an actual war proper."

"You mean this whole conflict is FAKE? Father, you can't be serious."

"Dad's right, grandpa. I mean, what about all the news reports in the papers, talking about many devastating battles between our two sides. Are you telling me they are all..."

"Fake? Hate to break it to you, but that's how it is."

Hearing that, Lynn collapses to her knees and groans while Ruffian places a hand over his forehead, shaking said head, while letting out an annoyed sigh. I felt the same as they did so I decide to ask-

"Care to elaborate for us here."

"I guess I can. For centuries, our people and you humans have had a secret understanding. We will have an artificial war between our two sides, occasionally have our forces come into conflict though these fights are just for show, but otherwise leave each other be so we can deal with more pressing issues."

"And those would be."

"Hold on a second. Grandpa, none of this makes sense. Why would the papers always talk about how serious the fighting has been. I mean, why keep up this ruse for so long, and how do you account for all the dead knights and heroes from the human side of the war."

"And why hasn't the goddess Eris not taken notice of this little detail either?"

Yasaka sighs then says-

"If I had to guess, I would say the lies the newspapers spew out is meant to keep all humans entertained. Think about it. Your kind say they hate violence, yet they always seek out some kind of conflict in order to give themselves something to do, someone to fight. It's just human nature, I guess. They seek peace yet can't seem to live without some form of conflict to keep their personal world all interesting and such."

"As for those who have actually died. Some have died to infighting or betrayal from someone who should have been an ally, perhaps a sudden monster attack, or maybe they were just being stupid and did something they shouldn't have. You can take your pick on that there."

"Though I'm guessing some could have died because of those more pressing issues I mentioned. Tia'lynnya, Rustaban... I'm sure you both know the state of our continent. Our secret forest is the only one left; the only source of life itself left upon this whole continent. Due to a strange decrease in the mana supply, everything else had become lifeless and barren. As a result, many creatures have died while other, beast once native to our lands, have relocated to the other continent. No doubt the addition of these new terror's is something the kingdoms would like to keep secret, so they use the war as another way of keeping a lid on things, as they say."

Wait a minute, why does something not feel right about this whole thing. Sure, maybe I'm just feeling this way because of how absurd it all sounds to my ears when compared to what I would expect to be the case, but still...

"Yasaka, what about the king and prince Jatis? I was told they have gone out to fight the good fight against your forces. Was all that just a lie too."

"Possibly. I honestly have no idea where those two could be right now. Perhaps they used the fake conflict to run away from their duties as royals to pursue other interest. Even here, we know that the king has never really recovered from the death of his wife and second child, and the prince never had a desire to rule but to instead live a free life as an adventurer. Perhaps they..."

Yasaka goes quiet. After waiting a few moments, I decide to ask my next question.

"Never mind them for now. You still haven't told us about how Eris doesn't seem to..."

"Before I answer THAT question, Satou Kazuma. There is something I would like for you to do right here and now. Think of this as the price if you want to hear anything more out of me here."

OK, I wasn't expecting that to happen. Lynn and Ruffian also look confused.

"What would that be?"

"I want you to show me your special power you've obtained. Let me see your... Lich Reap!"

Huh, how does he know about... I look at Lynn who quickly shakes her head, letting me know she hadn't told him about that.

"You're wondering how it is I know about that power. I will tell you... AFTER I see it for myself."

Well crap, something tells me he won't take no for an answer. Great, talk about a waste of a use here. If he knows about it, then surely he must know about the dangerous side effects that comes with this power too. I'm sure he does and yet he... I let out a sigh before saying-

"Lynn, Ruff... better step back. I don't want to get you two getting exposed to any arcana if it can be avoided."

"Wait a second, Kazuma. Grandpa, does he really have to do this. I mean, this power... it's..."

"He WILL show it to me, Tia'lynnya. I want to see it for myself."

Lynn shrinks back on reflex while I look at Yasaka, seeing a dark expression on his face.

"I don't think I've ever seen him like that before, save for when he learned that Ka'lynnya was dead."

murmured Ruffian he pulls Lynn back away from me. Once they were in the clear, I begin to reach deep within myself, to that place where the arcana that gets absorbed into me is located. I take hold of it and...

"Lich Reap!"

A blast of dark fire erupts around me as my skin turns bone white as does my hair. Teal colored lines appear on exposed skin and I feel my eyes turning a teal color as well. Everyone in the room audibly gasp out at seeing my Lich Reap (casual mode). But Yasaka seemed unaffected by my transformation.

"Interesting... but this isn't your fully power nor its TRUE form. I want to see this for what it really is."

"Fine, if that's what you want, then here I go."

I draw out even more arcana as my body once again is covered by dark fire. This time, when those flames subside, I had fully gone into my Lich Reap (battle mode); the skin on my hands having thinned down almost to the bone and my face now a ghostly glowing skull.

All at once, the guards bring their spears up, ready to attack me if I so much make a move. Behind me, I hear Lynn say-

"So that's what a full Lich Reap looks like, I never knew..."

I had shown her, and the others the causal mode before but not battle mode. Only Anna and Nia have had that honor of seeing it within our little group. I then hear Ruffian add-

"Incredible, I never knew you could do this, kid."

And as for Yasaka himself, he was now sitting at the edge of his seat with eyes wide. His look wasn't one of fear but rather excitement and expectation. He looked almost giddy. And then I'm pretty sure I hear him say quietly to himself-

"Yes, this will do. Perhaps he really can be the one to help that poor child to finally find true peace."

Did I hear that right? If so, then what the hell was he talking about.

("Ah, I see how it is now. Clever, very clever indeed.")

Wait, was that you, Entropy. What do you...

"So, this is your full power then?"

"What's wrong, not impressed? Maybe I should do a little demonstration right here and now."

"That does sound entertaining, but not needed. You may return to normal now, Satou Kazuma."

I keep my glowing eyes locked into him for a second before releasing the power. I feel my body slowly returning to normal and once that was done, I go to talk but find myself coughing just a little bit. Both Lynn and Ruffian are quick to come check on me and ask if I was fine. Once I assure them that I am, I look back to Yasaka and say-

"Now, I believe we will continue where we left off."

"Yes, you wanted to know why it seems Eris doesn't know about any of this. Well, that's because..."

A ripple then passes through the air, making the guards become all jumpy. Haukrin seemed to understand something, as does Lynn and Ruffian, while Yasaka sighs before getting to his feet.

"Forgive me, Satou Kazuma. I'm afraid we'll have to save answering that question, as well as any other question, for later. There is something I need to go attend too right now. We will continue our talk later on this evening, during dinner. You will be in attendance, I hope."

"Yeah, I'll be there. After all, I still have a lot of things I want to ask you."

"As do I to you. Well, until then... oh, and remember Satou Kazuma. You've earned my interest. As such, I will make sure to keep a close eye on you from now on."

What the heck was that all about? Before I could ask Yasaka to elaborate, he 'warps' pout of the room.

"Well, that ended rather... abruptly."

"Haukrin, what's going on? Grandfather usually doesn't just go running off when in the middle of an important meeting like this one."

said Ruffian and Lynn respectively. Haukrin just shrugs then says-

"Your guess is as good as mine. That was indeed rather... odd. If you will excuse me, [Eirwasha], I shall go see what is going on, as well as instruct our chef to make extra tonight as we'll clearly be entertaining a guest. Rustaban, I'll leave our guest in your care."

"Understood."

Haukrin then bows before exiting the room himself. We also leave the room and I find myself asking-

"So, guess I'll be joining you all for dinner tonight. Um... what should we do until then?"

"Maybe you should go rest for a bit, Kazuma. After doing that Lich Reap, you're looking rather pale."

"Yeah, maybe..."

"Sorry you two, but I'm afraid there's something else you have to do first."

Me and Lynn look at Ruff who was giving us an alarm triggering wolfish grin.

"Dad, why are you looking at us like that?"

"Oh, no reason. Just thought now could be a good time for you two to pay a visit to the Sensua Chamber. It'll be a good way to pass the time till dinner though it will run the risk of leaving you both to full to eat anything."

Me and Lynn look at each other, then back at Ruff as we say together-

"The Sensua Chamber?"

Clearly, this place was something Lynn didn't know about either. The next thing I knew, Ruffian grabs both me and Lynn, picks us up off the ground, and begins to carry us away. Naturally, we try to free ourselves while asking what was going on. Ruffian finally says-

"Relax, it'll be fine. Once the two of you are inside the Sensua Chambers and being driven wild by the flowers therein; throwing you both into a mating frenzy, you won't be caring about the details."

"We're going to WHAT?"

Looks like this was going to be another one of THOSE days for me. Not sure how I should feel about that.

{|} Part 9: In the Presence of the Shadow {|}

(Megumin POV)

"Seriously Wolbach, how much further."

"Geez, am I really hearing you, of all... SLIMES, complaining when all you're doing is holding onto master Wolbach while she's doing all the heavy lifting."

"Shut it, kid. If I wasn't currently stuck in my current state of being, I would so totally..."

"Enough you two. This is hard enough as it is without adding your constant bickering with one another to distract me here."

Currently, I was hugging myself against Wolbach's back while that Hans guy was presently confined within his small slime jelly like form who was latching onto my back and giving me the most creepy feeling from the close contact. As for master herself, she was currently scaling up a tall vertical wall of rock.

"Well, are we almost there. I'm worried about how much longer I can keep hold of this little brat."

"How do you think I feel, buddy. Having you just touch me is enough to make my skin crawl. Having a slime hugging itself against me is more Darkness's thing than mine... and just a fair warning; you try anything funny and I won't hesitate to send you falling down to your gooey death."

"Like you have anything on you worth getting funny with. Sure, you may have some boob development going on than what you had when I last saw you but when compared to what Wolbach has to offer, I'd sooner feel myself up than a sad excuse of a girl as you clearly are."

"WHAT WAS THAT!"

"That's it. One more word out of either of you and I let you both take the fall and save me the grief."

Both me and Has go quiet. While I was sure master was just joking when she made her threat, neither one of us wanted to take the risk with getting on her bad side. It wasn't much longer before we finally reached the top and after letting go of master, I stand by her side to rub her back as she works on catching her breath while Hans take the opportunity to look out of the landscape awaiting us.

"Holy... everyone, I think we've reached the center of the Scarred Lands and all I can say is... WOW!"

Master, having finally recovered, stands and the two of us go to join Hans, to see what he was seeing. As much as it annoys me, I have to agree with him. The area we could now see sprawled out from our current vantage point was indeed very WOW inducing.

It's not like we were seeing anything all that impressive. For the most part, it was the same old-same old scene. Another large and mostly empty field with the occasional deep cut into the ground. But there was one thing that stuck out from this scene that made all the difference; the spike.

Well, I'm thinking spike but maybe it could be seen as one humongous nail jabbing into the ground. Having a strange look about it; this spike or nail rose high into the air till it reached a flat top and upon this top appeared to be some kind of ruin.

"What is that?"

I found myself asking without meaning too. Master's response was quick.

"Our final destination: the temple of Arkt Tuanatiri. A place where evil things fester."

Arkt Tuanatiri... why does that name feel familiar to me? I'm pretty sure I've never heard it before.

"So that's the place, huh. The thing that's responsible for the Scarred Lands. Please tell me you can tell if that place really is the source of the larger troubles going on within the world."

"Hm..."

Master closes her eyes in response to Hans question. Clearly, she was trying to sense out something from that place. If memory serves, the reason they were here was to determine of this place was the cause behind some kind of mana decrease happening in the world. I really need to learn more about that later, if I remember to ask that is.

She finally opens her eyes and says-

"I don't think so. Even from this spot, I can't feel any mana anywhere, save for what little is present here within ourselves."

"That's great. That means we can get the hell out of here then... right, Wolbach."

"This is annoying, I know... but I want to go ahead and go to that place. This may be pointless but I have to check on the seal; to make sure the entity sealed within that place is still sealed up like it should be."

"What? You can't be serious."

"You can count on me to have your back master. Uh... are we really going to have to walk all the way there?"

"Luckily, no. I have another means to get us there. Now, stay close to me and watch your step."

The next thing I knew, a disk of energy forms beneath our feet and we were lifted into the air. The next thing I knew, we were actually flying through the air, heading in the direction of the ruinous temple.

"Amazing, any chance you can teach this spell to me later, master."

"I'll think about it."

"Hey Wolbach, what the hell. If you could do something like this, then why the hell did we have to climb up that mountainous wall just a moment ago."

"You mean why did I have to climb up it, Hans. To answer your question though, I need to be careful when it comes to using my powers. Sure, I have a special core of power pulsing within my body; a power given to me by my mother before she died, but it isn't unlimited power. Here, within this place where mana doesn't exist, I do have a finite limit to that power without it needing a period of recharge. When mana is in the air, the recharge time is near instantaneous."

"And you want to save this power within you for emergencies, am I right?"

"That would be correct. At the very least, I want to make sure I can have enough left to use teleport on us to make a quick exit should the need arise or the moment we're done here."

After that, we had a period of silence as we drew closer and closer to the nail like pillar. Once we were close enough, I realized it wasn't rock that made it up but some kind of weird metal of black/purple with pulsing reddish/pink orbs all over.

"What kind of metal is that?"

asked Hans. After a moment, master says-

"I don't know the name, but I do know it was something only those with evil hearts would want to make use of."

Once we reached the top and dropped off at the entrance of the temple, master takes a few steps forward then stops and looks back at us and says-

"I'll be honest with you both. I'm really wanting to ask the two of you to wait out here for me as I don't want to risk exposing either of you to what could be waiting within... however, I'm even more worried about what could happen if I leave the two of you out here alone, especially as there could be even more Geist hanging around this place. Despite my reservations, I'll be having you both come inside with me... but there will be rules!"

"(holds up a finger) Number one, you both will stay at my side at all times, unless I tell you differently. (holds up a second finger) Number two, you both will do whatever I say when I tell you to do it, no discussion. (holds up a third finger) And number three, do NOT go touching anything and I mean ANYTHING, got it!"

Both me and Hans nod after each set of instructions. She then nods as well before looking back in the direction of the temple entrance. And with that, we enter into the darkness. The first thing we saw inside were many pillars connecting the floor and ceiling. There were also what looked to be tapestry's on some of them though they were far from presentable; damaged and filled with holes.

"Hey Wolbach, seeing as we're going with you into this creepy place, want to tell us what the deal with this place actually is."

Master hesitates for a moment then she lets out a sigh before saying-

"Alright... listen closely, both of you because I really don't want to repeat myself. This place, Arkt Tuanatiri, wasn't always here on this world. Originally, this temple and the spike beneath it was located on another world, named Arbel... my home world."

"It was here within this place that the leadership of the Arkt religious faith was centered, under the command of Praegem Calaster. On the surface, the Arkt faith seemed to be good and virtuous. But when you looked deeper, beneath the surface, you would then see the truth in what it was."

Me and Hans look at each other, then back at master as we both say together-

"The truth?"

"Praegem Calaster was a destroyer, a creature of purest evil. He was having his followers hunt down those who were called heretics; people who chose not to bend the knee to the Arkt faith and... all followers were also weapons in preparations. The Geist we've encountered are such weapons."

"So they were once humans?"

"Correct. Note that most of the Geist that roam the Scarred Lands these days were actually born here on this world; poor souls who were captured and turned into Geist after entering the Scarred Lands and being captured by Geist that managed to make the journey here with this place. You see, back on Arbel, most of the Arkt followers ended up being sacrificed by the Praegem in order to use their life force to make it possible for this place to leave the ruins of Arbel and come here to this world."

"And why would this Praegem guy go about doing that?"

Master comes to a stop, making us stop as well as we wait for her to do something. I do notice her hands having become knuckles that were shaking and her teeth were clenched together. Something was making her mad. Was it that question?

Finally, she says-

"The reason this place is here now... it's because..."

Before she could finish, a dark pulse of energy passes through the air, followed by a low, deep moaning sound. All three of us go on alert, readying ourselves for whatever could be about to happen here.

"Remember what I said. Stay at my side no matter..."

Before master could finish, all the tapestry hanging from the various pillars began to go wild before ripping away from the pillars and flying all crazy like across the large room. It was all happening so fast and frantically that it made it impossible to see anything else but these dam things.

And then, without warning, I found one of them wrapping around my body and lifting me into the air. I instinctively cry out in surprise as I feel myself being carried away from master and Hans, deeper into this temple.

"NO, DAMN IT. BRING HER BACK..."

I heard master scream out but her voice quickly fades away as I find myself being carried all over the place, going from one room to another, both down stairs and up stairs too. I try with all my might to free myself but find my arms firmly held against my body till at last, I am finally released and sent hitting the ground hard.

"Gah... damn it, that hurts. What the hell was all that... about...?"

I was now inside a small, circular room with strange, and disturbing images etched into the wall. There was also this glow that seemed to be coming from a seed like object that was hovering at the center of the room. The glow, yellow in color, was coming from what looked like veins that were all over this seed like thing.

I then turn away from the floating, glowing seed and begin to look around the room, looking for some kind of exit. Seeing none that were visible, I sigh before saying-

"Great, how do I get out of this one now."

"You don't. How I have waited for this day, my dear, when we would meet once again."

I feel a chill run up my spine as I look back at the seed, knowing that the dark voice that sent a chill crushing down onto me. I wanted to say something, but my voice escaped me in this moment.

The voice then chuckles before saying-

"I told you before, didn't I. No matter where you go or where you try to hide; whether it be on this world or another, this lifetime or another, I would find you and take back what was rightfully MINE to begin with. And now, after all this time, we are finally face to face again... dear Realm!"

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