In the pulsating heart of the city of Orario, in the coliseum, the sound of lively conversations and clinking glasses filled the air. Today, this sector was a popular meeting point for adventurers, a place where stories and information intertwined in a dance of swords and magic. Today was the day of Monstepilia organized by the Ganesha Family.
Seated in a food cabin near a fireplace, a group of adventurers fervently discussed the recent events that had shaken the city. Their voices, filled with enthusiasm and concern, captured the attention of others present.
"Have you heard about the situation with the Animusphere?" asked a red-haired adventurer with a keen gaze.
She was a young adventurer with a body well above average for her age. Her strong, fiery red hair and emerald eyes, coupled with fair skin that matched her height, gave her a slender and seductive appearance accentuated by her white attire.
Her tablemates immediately leaned in to hear the story. A robust warrior seemed intrigued "Those arrogant fools from the mighty Guild? Did something happen to them?" The red-haired adventurer nodded.
"Yes, apparently the Red Bulls stole from the Hermes Family, and now the captain is demanding a response from the Guild." she said with a slightly humorous tone.
The sturdy man with piercing eyes, seated at the same table, leaned forward "Those idiots, those guys are no saints, not to mention they didn't have the support of that guy, Galahad Van Animusphere, right? What does that brat have to say about it?"
The red-haired adventurer just shrugged while sipping from her mug.
A third adventurer, with black hair and lively eyes, intervened with a somber tone "Forget that nonsense, this stupid politics won't affect us at all! I mean, there's more interesting news out there; the Loki family is currently in the spotlight."
He had the appearance of a carefree warrior, with a strong body that seemed to have had good experiences, even though his face didn't show it. He was depicted as a young man with dark skin, black eyes, and hair. His attire was a battle outfit consisting of vests, shoulder pads, gloves, a hood, and other accessories for combat.
"Well, you're right. I heard something personally interesting about someone connected to Olga Marie Animusphere. Have you heard about the fight of Bete Logar from the Loki Family? He suffered a devastating defeat to an unknown half-elf in a bar brawl." the robust adventurer spoke animatedly.
The adventurers' eyes widened, their minds filled with questions.
The robust warrior then clenched his fists, expressing his excitement. "It seems like Olga Marie is openly challenging her siblings for supremacy. This is not something we can ignore."
"And she's really going to the front lines; she was losing to everyone else. It seems more like a desperate measure to reaffirm her power." the redhead threw in.
The robust adventurer looked around the cabins, realizing that others were also engaged in heated conversations about the same events "And who cares? As long as things get lively, I don't mind. We're not the only ones interested in this; other adventurers are restless about what's happening. What do you think, Medea? You're a member of the Loki Family; you must have more information than us." The adventurer looked to the silent elf in the corner.
Medea wore a purple cloak under a black hooded cape with gold details. Without her hood, her long blue hair in a braid, blue eyes, and pointed ears were visible.
Medea glanced between her companions and her wine glass "Captain Finn gave us a brief overview of Logar-san's situation but requested that we not take thoughtless actions, as the situation had already been resolved." She took a sip from her glass. "Of course, that only reassured the younger members. Having an executive left in such a terrible state to the point of becoming a story is obviously alarming for a family of our scale." the elf affirmed.
"Tehehe! Medea-chan continues with the proud bravado of being in the Loki Family, lovely as always. But don't you find it exciting? I mean, there are some strong and unknown guys walking around; it just motivates me to get stronger." the robust adventurer said with enthusiasm.
"You're not one to talk, Fergus. You're still bragging about being one of Freya's lapdogs! But we agree; I would have liked to see the fight between Logar-san and the unknown half-elf." Medea said, slightly bothered by the larger adventurer but still intrigued.
"Kunihito! That's his name." the black-haired adventurer spoke.
His companions then looked at him with a judgmental look, as if to say "Wait, you said that with too much certainty."
"What? I saw the fight from start to finish yesterday…" He nervously replied.
The redhead adventurer lunged at him across the table, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him. "Ah-ha! We're here dying of curiosity, and you saw everything and didn't tell us anything. What's your problem, Arash?! Is it stupid or something?" She said, infuriated.
"I… I'm sorry! Bo-Boudica-san! I-I intended to tell, but you guys interrupted me!" The newly named Arash apologized.
Fergus then pushed Boudica away with one of his hands. "So, Arash, you who saw everything, how was the fight? What motivated the confrontation? Who was this Kunihito?" The questions came quickly.
Arash could feel the pressure of his companions' stares, expecting the best possible answer. "Alright… Let's start from the beginning. I'm not exactly sure what motivated the conflict, but it seemed more like entertainment since Finn Deimne tried to break it up, but Loki wouldn't let him." He paused, taking a sip of his drink.
"And the fight, how was it?" Boudica impatiently asked.
Arash looked straight into her eyes "It was brutal! They were like two animals facing off, but especially this Kunihito had a killing intent that I've never felt, not even in the dungeon. To be frank, it reminded me a lot of those guys from Evilus a few years ago! The fight was balanced; in the beginning, the half-elf had the upper hand, and then Vaganard managed to turn the tide. It even looked like he was going to win." Arash then leaned back in his chair.
"When Vaganard seemed to have brought the fight to his side, a killing aura began to surround the half-elf… Then it was like the world was in slow motion; neither Vaganard nor us spectators could move. It was bizarre, and then he ended the fight using magic and defeated Vaganard…" Arash looked around at everyone paying attention.
"I see. What's your personal opinion on the fight?" Fergus asked.
"Well, it didn't seem like the half-elf had really tried in the fight, especially because, from appearances, he's a swordsman, and they fought with their fists. In fact, he even complained that the fight didn't meet his expectations." Arash finished telling the story and then finished his drink in one gulp.
Fergus then took a sip of his own drink. "Oh, this Kunihito, he's strong, huh?" The robust adventurer believed in the judgment of his longtime companion, especially when it came to other adventurers; he believed he had a good eye for them.
Arash seemed slightly conflicted about what to say next. "To be honest, I would prefer never to cross paths with that half-elf in unfavorable situations. If it came to a confrontation, I'd surrender on the spot if we went down that path. Of course, I would avoid getting that far." The adventurer informed.
"Ohh! The only time I've heard you talk like that was about my captain. Does that mean this elf is as strong as my captain?" Arash felt the weight in Fergus's words and the pressure in his gaze.
An appropriate and honest answer was necessary in situations like this "If it were a one-on-one confrontation, there wouldn't be a world where I would choose to face that half-elf, so yes, he is stronger than Ottar, the King of Orario." He spoke seriously.
A tense atmosphere settled at the table, and silence reigned…
…
…
HAHAHAHA
The laughter of the two adventurers echoed across the table, normalizing the mood.
"Hahahaha! Sure, sure, and Loki isn't as flat as a board! Hahahaha." Fergus laughed.
Medea felt uncomfortable with the insult to her Goddess but didn't comment.
Boudica then took charge of the discussion. "But seriously, Arash, is this Kunihito as strong as they're saying?" The redhead asked.
Amidst the laughter, Arash took another sip of his drink and replied "Well, from what I could see, he needed to use his magic to finish off Vaganard, but also consider that he's a swordsman, and he was clearly at a disadvantage. It's hard to say if he's strong or weak with just that fight." The young man informed.
"I see, I guess I'll have to see for myself." Boudica said, pulling her sword slightly from its sheath and putting it back. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, probably from the alcohol.
"He would wipe the floor with you!" Fergus exclaimed.
Boudica grabbed Fergus by the cheeks and began squeezing "How dare you, you little traitor! Do you think I won't end you and Orario together?!?!" This was a classic moment where the redhead drank.
"Huh!? Stop that!!!" Fergus yelled in pain, trying to push away the alcohol-fueled redhead. Arash tried to separate them, but their levels were too different, so she easily subdued him.
Medea, on the other hand, remained calm, looking at her wine glass. "Kunihito Xiloscient, huh? I wonder what kind of person he would be… But for sure, what he did won't go unpunished." Medea's thoughts were interrupted when the wine started filling her glass.
The waitress returned to fill her glass, drawing some glances from the men at her table due to her well-endowed figure, especially when she turned around.
"I would do quite a number on that shorty. Hey, Arash, have you heard the saying by the dwarves that the smaller they are, the bigger and softer their breasts? That's what they used to say about our old captain, hahahaha!" Fergus said rudely, to the discomfort and irritation of the women at the table.
"Disgusting men!" Were the thoughts of both Medea and Boudica.
Meanwhile, the flames danced in the fireplace, and the conversation continued.
(Mansion Animusphere)
In the sunlit office, Olga Marie delivered a sharp sermon about not randomly attacking adventurers, which brought repercussions to her name, while Kunihito ignored her, visibly irritated.
She ranted about unwanted attention, but the half-elf's eyes wandered toward the window, where the colorful lights of the monster tamers' festival illuminated the day.
"You don't understand, Kunihito! This convention is crucial for the growth of our faction. We need you focused here, not lost in frivolous events!" Olga Marie declared authoritatively, while Kunihito sighed, wondering every second what was happening at the festival he was missing.
"Olga-san, please, this is a monster tamers' festival! You have no idea what you're missing. The fun, the competition, the brutal monsters! It's a unique event, and I'm here, missing everything because of an endless sermon!" Kunihito grumbled, with an annoyed and childish look.
But Olga Marie was not intimidated. "Kunihito, the guild comes first. You can have fun once we finish this conversation. Now, focus!" She ordered with a firmness that made Kunihito feel like a scolded child.
The half-elf huffed, crossing his arms in a petulant manner, exposing his petty side "You don't understand, Olga-san! This is the only monster tamers' festival this year! I had even planned how to train my monster to participate in the next one. You're ruining everything!"
Olga Marie rolled her eyes, impressed by Kunihito's drama "Train a monster!? There are more important things than a festival. You are a warrior, not a spoiled child."
But Kunihito wouldn't give up so easily. "And I am a warrior who is missing the chance to become the best monster tamer in the region. You're turning me into a loser, Olga-san!"
The scene continued, with Olga Marie trying to maintain seriousness while Kunihito expressed his childish and petty side. Between the colorful lights of the festival outside and the grumpy half-elf inside the office.
Then, the door was knocked, and someone entered, bringing Olga and Kunihito's argument to a halt.
"Olga, am I interrupting?" The figure that entered drew different looks from Olga and Kunihito.
For Olga, it was surprise because the man who entered was none other than her older brother, Galahad Van Animusphere. She didn't expect to see him now, as he had been busy with his own campaign lately.
Now, for Kunihito, his childish nature disappeared instantly, making him raise his white hood to cover his head and avert his gaze from the man to disguise his indifferent look. The half-elf could only think one thing when he laid his eyes on Galahad, "Damn elf."
Galahad is a tall man with white hair covering one eye, highlighting a single golden eye, pointed ears emphasizing his pure elven nature unlike Olga and Kunihito. His attire consisted of black armor with purple details. He looked like a knight.
Galahad cast a calm glance at the interrupted scene, immediately sensing the tension in the air between Olga and Kunihito. His golden eyes elegantly scanned the finely decorated room before settling on the guild leader and the grumpy half-elf.
"Do not worry, Galahad-nii. Just a small argument about priorities." replied Olga Marie, flashing a diplomatic smile, although tension lingered in her eyes.
Kunihito, in turn, shoved his hands into the pockets of his cape, averting his gaze as if the entire event were insignificant. He was determined to maintain his facade of indifference despite the untimely presence of Olga's older brother.
Galahad, however, seemed unfazed by the charged atmosphere. He approached gracefully, formally bowing toward Kunihito. "So, this is Kunihito Xiloscient, the half-elf who defeated Bete Logar. I am honored to meet a war hero personally. It's a curious situation to find ourselves on opposite sides, don't you think?"
Olga swallowed hard. "He knows about Kunihito?" The half-elf thought.
A wry smile appeared on Kunihito's lips as he kept the hood over his head, his expression suggesting a mix of disdain and disinterest "Looks like someone is well-informed. Didn't expect that much courtesy from Olga-san's older brother."
Galahad briefly laughed, as if appreciating the half-elf's humor. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? I'm glad to meet such a esteemed figure as you, even if we find ourselves in adverse circumstances. It's amazing to encounter a warrior from a distant land like Xing."
The irony in Galahad's words made Olga widen her eyes, surprised to realize that her brother was aware of Kunihito's origins, a secret she thought she had carefully guarded.
Ignoring the exchanged glances between the siblings, Kunihito simply shrugged with indifference "Nice to hear that from someone who can recognize their true place."
Galahad smiled amiably, as if genuinely curious "I would love to hear your stories, Xiloscient-sama. People of your stature always have fascinating tales to share."
Before the conversation could proceed, Olga Marie, sensing the need to regain control of the situation, intervened respectfully, directing attention to the reason for Galahad's visit.
"More important than stories, Galahad-nii, what brings you here?"
Galahad straightened up, his serious eyes indicating that the relaxed atmosphere of the conversation was about to change. "Indeed, Olga. I actually have a problem, more like a nagging concern." He spoke, blushing slightly and rubbing his head.
Revealing the reason for his visit, Galahad scratched his head with a embarrassed expression, as if admitting a personal mistake "Many citizens and families have complained about the robberies committed by the Red Bulls Gang. It's causing considerable discomfort in the city." he confessed, briefly averting his gaze.
Olga Marie, seated at the opposite end of the long dark wood table, put her hand on her chin, her piercing eyes fixed on Galahad. She displayed calculated interest, like a skilled player analyzing pieces on a chessboard.
"I am aware of the complaints. However, they have the official approval of the Guild to operate. I haven't taken any action so far, considering that you yourself approved them as legitimate mercenaries of Orario." A shrewd smile appeared on Olga's lips, the manipulative guildmaster always ready to use any advantage to her favor.
Galahad nervously laughed, scratching his head. "Well, they seemed reliable at first. They appeared to be a useful addition to the city's mercenary force."
The comically judgmental looks from Olga and Kunihito were like sharp arrows, hitting Galahad with noticeable irony. The revelation of his reckless approval echoed awkwardly in the room.
Surprisingly, Galahad made an unusual proposal "Olga, I would like you to handle this. Resolve the situation with the Red Bulls."
Olga raised an eyebrow in confusion. "And how would that not harm your reputation, Galahad-nii? You start a problem, and another member of the Animusphere resolves it? It might even take you out of the race for guild leadership." she teased, a mischievous smile appearing.
Galahad, maintaining his serene smile, calmly replied "The safety of the population and the trust of families are essential for Orario. If my name gets tarnished, so be it. It's not more important than solving the problem, and I don't want to bother Loki-sama since her family just returned from an expedition."
Surprise stamped Olga Marie's face. Galahad's selfless gesture, prioritizing the city's well-being over his own reputation, was unexpected. He bowed gently, "I trust your wisdom to handle this, sister. Now, if you'll excuse me."
As he bid farewell, Galahad cast a final glance at Kunihito. The room fell silent for a moment.
"What do you think?" Olga asked for Kunihito's opinion.
Kunihito stretched his legs, placing his feet on Olga Marie's table, as if claiming territory amid the tension in the room. His intense and insightful eyes reflected the critical analysis he was about to share. "Well, he seemed like an unpredictable opponent to me. I feel there's something behind his actions, and it's a bit unsettling."
Kunihito's sincerity echoed in the room, filling the air with a cutting honesty. "Now I understand why you needed someone like me. Your brothers are true big shots. You don't stand a chance, even with me in the picture right now." The half-elf laughed, as if unraveling an intricate puzzle.
Olga Marie's expression twisted, taking on a sour note in response to Kunihito's words "I have the support of 80% of the guild bureaucrats. However, the Families are the ones who truly have the power to put someone in charge of this race. Currently, Galahad is the popular choice because the Loki Family supports him unconditionally. They are influential here in Orario. If the Freya Family weren't impartial and provided support to all Animusphere members, we probably wouldn't even have this race for the position." Olga spoke with irritation, revealing the complex political web that permeated the guild leadership.
"Meanwhile, your older sister, Caren, is seen as a true philanthropist of the smaller families, and larger families like Hephaestus and Dian Cecht support her for providing accelerated growth in these smaller families, generating more revenue for commercial families. This puts her as the second-best. And then there's you, the Animusphere bastard, with support from the outdated oldies who have commanded and will be kicked out without you taking over and securing their positions. And your little brother Oberon, who almost surpasses you in this race. He's only not more popular than you because someone financed by the high-class non-adventurers, which is frowned upon to be elected as the leader of an adventurer guild."
"You've done your homework, but I don't need you to point out the obvious here. What's your take on them?" Olga asked.
Kunihito listened attentively, absorbing every piece of information about Olga's siblings like a strategist analyzing a chessboard "Well, I'd say Caren will be your toughest opponent. She seems like someone who goes to the front lines without fear of danger; nothing is more dangerous than an opponent who fears nothing. Galahad seems peaceful, so he'll make you give up before even trying to fight, but maybe the Loki Family will pressure him to take action and bring you all down at some point. As for your little brother, to be quite honest, I don't expect anything from a nobody like him."
"I see… I brought you here for a reason. Now, assuming we lose, but leaving it in your hands, what are the chances of us winning?" Olga asked, her voice cutting like a blade.
"Well, we can crush Caren when she attacks, as expected. Oberon will probably be something similar if one of your brothers doesn't get to him first to bring him down. As for Galahad and the Loki Family together, they're likely to give me a headache." Kunihito replied, revealing confidence in his strategic ability.
"Do you lose?" Olga questioned, assessing the seriousness of Kunihito's words.
"Don't be ridiculous." Kunihito said with an arrogant smile.
This made Olga cross her arms, a bit more relaxed at the moment.
"By the way, do you want me to deal with the Red Bulls? I've crossed paths with some of them, and they're strong enough for my morning exercise." Kunihito suggested.
"No, I'd rather leave them free until I find out if there's something behind what Galahad handed me," Olga said.
"And at the same time, a rumor comes up that your big older brother asked the guild leader, the person with the most authority in Orario, to deal with bandits, and she does nothing. I can imagine how that could play out for both reputations." Kunihito supposed the scenario with a comical tone.
Olga just became serious. "I can't take any hasty action. I don't see how Galahad could benefit from this, and in fact, he harms himself. It's madness to act on impulse at this moment." the half-elf affirmed.
Kunihito smiled. "Well, he can always be a nice guy who just doesn't want innocents suffering and wants his little sister to at least have a chance in this race."
Olga looked at the blonde with strangeness. "What do you mean by that? Do you think he might want to give me an advantage, even if it harms himself?"
Kunihito looked at a firework that exploded in the blue sky through the window, bringing green colors. "Well, it's not natural when the older and stronger brother makes wrong moves on purpose so that the younger siblings can enjoy the game." The half-elf said in a playful tone. This made Olga thoughtful. "Anyway, I have a suggestion for you…" The blonde teased.
"What?" Olga asked.
"Well, it's just an idea, and I'd like to hear your opinion, but who is the most useless and unknown God you know?" The half-elf asked with a cunning smile.
(Scene change)
Kunihito now found himself amidst the hustle and bustle of the Monstepilia festival, savoring every moment of the celebration. He strolled through the crowded corridors, visiting stalls and indulging in the unique offerings of the event.
The half-elf loved festivals, regardless of the location.
However, near the coliseum, his atmosphere of joy was abruptly interrupted by a commotion. Screams, chaos, and panic spread as monsters seemed to have been unleashed, throwing a significant portion of the population into despair. Irritation took hold of Kunihito, especially when stall owners, whose products he was about to enjoy, hastily closed their activities.
"Seriously, right now?" grumbled Kunihito, feeling his enjoyment slipping through his fingers.
Without a second thought, in a comical and theatrical manner, he drew Balmung, the blade gleaming in the festival light. Wielding his sword like a disgruntled hero, he made his way towards the vicinity of the coliseum, determined to restore order and punish those responsible for the disruption in his eagerly anticipated festival.
As he approached, Kunihito encountered members of the Loki Familia engaged in an intense battle against three plant-like monsters? The sight intrigued the half-elf, as he had never seen such creatures before. He watched critically as the Amazon sisters demonstrated their unique abilities, the half-elf chanted incantations that froze the surroundings, and the sword princess skillfully dispatched the last enemy.
Kunihito, still holding Balmung, stopped to observe, his expression serious and critical. He analyzed every move, every strategy, and didn't hesitate to form his own opinions.
The half-elf couldn't help but smile as he saw the quartet of adventurers celebrating their victory; it wasn't a bad sight to behold.
"Nevertheless, how curious…" Kunihito focused his eyes on the half-elf who had frozen the area around. "That didn't seem like ordinary magic." he thought to himself as he walked toward the group.
Seeing the quartet separate, the half-elf headed towards the coliseum and heard the sound of cheers and applause coming from the southwest, near the second "labyrinth" of Orario, Daedalus Street.
Driven by an unsettling curiosity, the half-elf decided to venture towards the designated location. However, he had barely taken a few steps when an inexplicable pressure enveloped him, as if something were probing the depths of his soul. The air became dense, and he felt as if he were being watched by invisible eyes.
Scanning the surroundings, there was nothing out of the ordinary. The sensation disappeared as abruptly as it appeared, but the half-elf realized he had remained frozen in the same spot for an indeterminate time. Minutes stretched like hours, and a disturbingly familiar feeling surrounded him.
He gripped the handle of Balmung with forced determination. "Damn it." grunted Kunihito. When he turned to resume his path, the sound that initially attracted him was now nothing more than distant murmurs, echoing in the half-elf's grumbles.
Kunihito took a deep breath, trying to dispel the discomfort. "So be it."
Deciding to change his course, he began to move, but his walk was abruptly interrupted by the expressionless gaze of the Sword Princess and the breathless presence of Goddess Loki.
"Ahhh!? My rival!?" Loki pointed with exaggerated surprise, taking a few seconds for the Goddess to recognize Kunihito by the white mantle on his head.
"Rival?" Kunihito felt an unpleasant shiver run down his spine as he looked at Loki's male attire; an unpleasant comment slipped from his lips "You should consider something more… elegant," Kunihito remarked brusquely.
"Ahem!? Pervert! Why are you looking at me like that!? Ais-tan, cut that pervert in half!" Loki shouted comically.
Kunihito ignored the Goddess's comments as he began to focus on something else; the almost predatory expression in Ais's eyes did not go unnoticed. It was focused not on the half-elf's words but on the blade he wielded.
He observed the girl in response. "I understand. So that's it." Kunihito, with a determined expression, took a few steps back, distancing himself from the duo. His eyes, however, remained fixed on Ais, the Sword Princess, who also stared at him seriously.
Without warning, Kunihito wielded Balmung with incredible skill. The blade began to vibrate gently, and the half-elf assumed an offensive stance. Suddenly, he disappeared from view, moving at a speed beyond common perception. The technique "Muon no Tachi" was in full use.
Silence enveloped the area as Kunihito's cutting blade moved faster than sound. Ais, with her sharp reflexes, managed to react in time, but could barely keep up with the half-elf's movements. She managed to block some of the blows, but others passed through her defense.
Ais was thrown backward, surprised by the intensity of Kunihito's attack. She landed on the ground gracefully, maintaining a combat posture. Shock was evident on her face as she looked at Kunihito, who now stared at her triumphantly.
"If you want to fight, Sword Princess, do it in a more… arrogant way." Kunihito taunted, pointing Balmung towards Ais.
Ais, still assimilating what had just happened, remembered the moment when Kunihito killed the Minotaur in the dungeon. The sensation was similar, the unbelievably fast speed of the blade that she could barely follow. A slight feeling of intimidation arose, but Ais, firm in her determination, prepared for the fight.
She raised her sword, facing Kunihito with a determined look. "Come on!" The air around them pulsated with the energy of the imminent confrontation.
Loki watched the scene with interest, but soon she realized that Kunihito's expression had changed. "Oh no! Is he going to…?" The thought that the Goddess had soon materialized.
After delivering his sharp words to Ais, Kunihito sheathed the blade with disdain, as if dissatisfied with the quality of the proceedings. His face expressed disappointment, leaving Ais confused for a moment.
"You are disappointing. Your sword doesn't even deserve to be used." Kunihito declared, his eyes revealing a mixture of disinterest and underestimation. "Give up on this."
Sheathing Balmung, he looked at Ais emblematically. "You don't live up to your title, Sword Princess." Without further explanations, he began to move away. Ais was left behind, trying to assimilate the verbal blow she had just received.
In the middle of his way, Kunihito interrupted his walk and turned towards Loki. A reminiscing expression lit up his face as he mentioned something from the past.
"By the way, how is that boy?" Kunihito asked, catching Loki by surprise. She soon understood that he was referring to Bete, the opponent he had defeated earlier.
"He's recovering." Loki replied, still confused about the change of topic.
"That's great!" Kunihito breathed a sigh of relief and expressed satisfaction upon hearing that Bete was recovering well.
Loki, intrigued, asked "Why did he care about Bete's condition?"
"A person like Bete Loga will become a formidable opponent over time. If he survived, he's not as weak as I thought." The half-elf responded respectfully.
Loki realized that Kunihito's words were sincere.
"Tell him that his battle was fun and that he's congratulated on his performance." Kunihito praised the half-elf, however, he added a warning, "Next time, I won't go easy."
With these words, Kunihito walked away, leaving behind a charged atmosphere, especially for Ais.
Loki then looked at Ais. "I get it now; this was your interest. I think I understand what kind of person you are, Shinigami." Loki looked at the still visible back of the half-elf. "Still, you're quite strange." These were the thoughts of the Goddess.
Now, a little further away, a hooded figure observed the scene, a glint in their purple eyes apparent, while providing a dissatisfied smile…
(Later)
Kunihito returned to the Fertility Host, tired and ready to relax in his own space. Upon opening the door to his room, a surprising sight awaited him. His bed, his personal sanctuary, was occupied by someone, and that person lay there as if the bed belonged to her.
The half-elf didn't have time to fully process the situation when he came face to face with Bell, an acquaintance, trying to explain himself, stammering apologies.
Kunihito crossed his arms, his eyes sparking with irritation "What the hell is going on here? Why is this woman in my bed? And you!" He pointed at Bell. "Why are you here too?"
Bell looked nervous, trying to find coherent words. "Syr said it was for Kami-sama to recover here, I swear!"
Kunihito huffed, frustrated. "Recover here? My room is not a infirmary!"
Syr appeared behind the half-elf, indifferent to Kunihito's irritation, and smiled gently. "Oh, Kunihito-san, don't be so grumpy. She's just resting a bit."
This only irritated Kunihito even more, and he grabbed Syr's cheeks tightly without mercy "Resting? She's resting in my bed?!"
"KUNIHITO-SAN! THAT HURTS!" The maid grunted in pain, trying to escape the half-elf's grasp.
(Scene change)
"Kunihito-san! Does that hurt?" Syr held her red and sore cheeks, while Kunihito sighed, understanding the situation that brought Bell and the Goddess Hestia to his room. They had become involved in the conflict of Monstepilia, resulting in the unauthorized invasion of his personal space.
Finally yielding to the situation, the half-elf said exasperatedly, "Fine, fine. You can stay… as long as you leave soon." He released Syr's cheeks, instantly relieving the discomfort.
"Thank you, Kunihito-san." Bell thanked with a bow.
Then, Kunihito took a good look at Bell, analyzing his face. "You've changed, you know? A few days ago, you looked like a child who just discovered how to cut fruits. And now, you look like a boy who hunted his first boar. Usually, such a change takes more time." He commented analytically, revealing his curiosity about the young adventurer's rapid development.
Bell, somewhat perplexed, asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Kunihito sincerely praised, "You look stronger. It's impressive how it happened so quickly."
"Really? I thought it was fast…" Bell said slightly embarrassed by the compliment.
As Kunihito was about to inquire further, Goddess Hestia snored and mumbled "Bell-kun!" Bell's name in the wind. "B-Bell-kun not so strong! B-be gentler with your Goddess! Kyaa! faster, Bell-kun!" Followed by a series of whispered obscenities. The half-elf and Syr looked at Bell, who blushed like a tomato, surprised, before she concluded with an unexpected comment: "The massage was excellent!"
"Plot twist…" Kunihito muttered.
Changing the subject, Bell expressed his gratitude, "Kunihito-san, about the duel that day…"
The half-elf sighed, "Again?"
Though Bell felt slightly disconcerted, he continued, "Even though Kunihito-san didn't fight to defend me, I'm grateful for your presence, both in the dungeon against the Minotaur and that day. You gave me a little more courage."
Kunihito, surprised by the young man's more serious tone, just observed him strangely.
Bell continued, expressing his feelings with an inspiring speech "At that moment, I felt something different. Your stance, your actions… They kind of gave me an extra boost. Thanks to you, I could defend my Goddess with more courage. So, thank you."
These words left Kunihito with a strange feeling of satisfaction, something he wasn't used to experiencing in such situations. Instead of expressing any deep emotion, he simply gave Bell a pat on the head.
"Enough of sentimental nonsense. If you want to thank me, buy a drink for me. And take Syr with you." said Kunihito, more as a demand than a request, practically ushering them out to get drinks. Bell and Syr left the room, leaving Kunihito alone with his thoughts, perhaps more satisfied than he was willing to admit.
"You have a strange boy, Goddess," Kunihito said aloud.
Hestia let out a light hum to the half-elf, who realized she was awake.
Hestia got up, making it clear that she had been awake for some time. "You must be Kunihito-san! Bell always talks about you!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining. "I'm Hestia! It's a pleasure to finally meet you!"
Kunihito looked at her with interest, grabbing her chin roughly and taking a good look into her eyes. "Interesting." he murmured, analyzing her analytically.
However, before he could proceed with his observations, Kunihito was surprised when Hestia suddenly comically punched him. "What do you think you're doing, perverted elf?" she exclaimed.
Kunihito, rubbing the hit area, smiled with a touch of amusement. "Good punch. Seems like you have a character."
Hestia huffed, crossing her arms "Of course, I do! And who are you to grab me like that?"
Ignoring the question, Kunihito invited her to join him and Bell at the tavern. "Come, if you can control yourself, we have drinks waiting."
"Huh?" She was surprised by the friendly tone of the half-elf, however.
"Come on, today is a day to celebrate, right? After all, it's not every day you escape death and encounter rare people like this…" Kunihito commented, surprising Hestia.
"What do you know?" The Goddess asked with some apprehension.
Kunihito smiled. "I just have a good eye for talent." He finished his statement, leaving the room, expecting to be accompanied by Hestia.
The Hearth Goddess was intrigued by this mysterious man, so she followed him.
(Twilight Mansion)
On the imposing balcony of the mansion, under the night cloak, Loki and Riveria engaged in a conversation that hovered between intriguing and unsettling.
"Fun?" Riveria inquired, her expression revealing a mixture of disbelief and curiosity at Loki's revelation.
Loki, sitting casually on the balcony railing, gestured subtly with her fingers, as if drawing in the air the nuances of a fascinating story. "I consider myself a good judge of character in that aspect. He seemed like someone who does things spontaneously. After all, he faced Bete without an apparent reason and attacked Ais just for sport…" The Goddess then gave an intriguing smile. "I would say, for him, fighting is equivalent to quenching one's thirst with a drink."
"Even so, Olga Marie recruited him for her cause. Why choose someone who acts without fear of consequences?" Riveria questioned, displaying skepticism toward the Guild's motivations.
Loki's response came with a sly smile, and she opened her two eyes as if about to reveal a
secret. "He is insurance."
"Insurance?" Riveria frowned, confused.
"Riveria, do you know why Olga Marie is temporarily the Guild's leader?" Loki asked, giving her a sharp look.
The elf nodded, recalling the turbulent events "With the predecessor's death, the Guild plunged into chaos over which heir was the most legitimate. None of them, except Galahad-san, is a legitimate son of a marriage. But Galahad-san wants to reform the positions and remove benefits from certain families, which was not well-received. The dispute became a battle of the fittest, and as Olga Marie was the least popular due to her mixed nature, she was left in charge to consume her time with work and deal with adventurer problems, and if not resolved as expected, tarnishing her reputation."
"I don't understand. How could he influence that?" Riveria inquired, still trying to connect the dots.
Loki hummed, revealing her cunning "As you said, Olga Marie wouldn't stand a chance. Now, imagine a war hero by her side. He brings reputation, experience, power, and charisma. Humanity, and even the Gods, love heroes, no matter how bloodthirsty they may be."
Riveria became aware and uttered the right word. "Cheating?"
Loki laughed, satisfied. "Something like that. While all the disadvantages turn into advantages for her, Olga Marie can devote herself to solving the Guild's problems, controlling part of Orario. Everything the Shinigami does for her is automatically considered her achievement. It was an old fool who inadvertently provided her with so many advantages."
Observing Loki's expression, Riveria said, "Even so, she becomes the main target to be taken down in this confrontation."
"Well, Olga Marie was out of rumors for months. Now, they talk about her even for a bar fight. Those who want to play this game must be crazy to risk their necks." affirmed the Goddess.
Riveria sighed, revealing a hint of disgust. "Honestly, if I wanted to deal with politics, I would go back home."
"Tehehe, Riveria-chan, you should go back and be a great empress." Loki teased, provoking a grunted response from the elf. "I guess I don't need to act anymore."
Loki, upon hearing Riveria's laconic response, simply gestured otherwise. "Actually, I still would like to have your personal opinion on him. Just a warning to be careful with your blade."
Riveria nodded, directing her gaze to Ais, who remained solitary on a bench, lost in her own thoughts. "Right. And speaking of which, she's still there."
"Relax, mommy, it's better to leave her alone now. She needs to draw her own conclusions at this moment." Loki concluded.
"Who are you calling mommy? But I agree." Ending the intriguing conversation on the mansion's balcony.
(With Ais Wallenstein)
Ais sat alone on an isolated bench in the garden, while the starry sky witnessed her tumultuous thoughts. Kunihito's sharp words echoed in her mind like a constant refrain, "You are disappointing. Your sword doesn't even deserve to be wielded. Give it up."
Those words had pierced deeper than she was willing to admit. Ais was known for her unparalleled sword skills, and hearing such disapproval affected her in ways she couldn't fully comprehend.
Why did she care so much? Well, the half-elf had proven to be a skilled fighter, especially with a sword, something she was the only one who could boast about in her own Familia. After the conversation with Ushiwakamaru and analyzing the fight against Bete, Ais had formed a strong opinion about the supposed Shinigami.
When she saw him again with the white mantle that Ushiwakamaru claimed only advanced masters used, she looked at him with different eyes, admiration. She didn't understand everything about the Sword Saint style, but she realized it was something unique and difficult to master, and only the most prominent swordsmen mastered such art. And when he attacked her out of nowhere, Ais felt her blood boiling for the imminent battle... and then those words resonated once again.
Recalling her first encounter with the half-elf, Ais remembered the friendly words he had uttered on that occasion, "Perhaps, one day, we can exchange blows. I would be honored to battle such a skilled swordsman as yourself, Ais Wallenstein."
He recognized her as an opponent at that initial moment, and now his words were filled with disdain and disappointment. What changed between that initial meeting and the recent duel that left her so bewildered?
Ais delved into a spiral of reflections, questioning her own abilities and the meaning behind Kunihito's words. What did he see in her in that first encounter that led him to respect her as a worthy opponent? And, more importantly, what made her deserve his severe criticism now?
The discomfort of uncertainty enveloped Ais, and melancholy settled in her heart. She longed for answers, a clear understanding of what had changed between them.
Suddenly, Ais recalled Kunihito's words directed at Bete after defeating him. "Someone like Bete Loga will become a formidable opponent over time. If he survived, he's not as weak as I thought." Not only did he defeat Bete, but he also praised him...
As the whirlwind of thoughts unfolded, a realization struck her like lightning. "Did he know about my interest in the Sword Saint style?" Ais murmured aloud, wide-eyed at this new perspective. Initially, she dismissed the idea as impossible. How could Kunihito know about her fascination with the peculiar fighting style?
However, as she revisited the scene of the confrontation, the pieces began to fit together more coherently.
Ais then remembered Ushiwakamaru's words about the Sword Saint style, "The Sword Saint style is a marvel, you know? For us, the motto is 'Victory goes to the one who moves first.' It's a fencing that emphasizes speed and aggression. The main focus is to take down the opponent before they have a chance to counter. That's why many of us are a bit... grumpy, belligerent!"
A theory began to form in Ais's mind. If Kunihito knew about her interest in the Sword Saint style, he might have tested her proficiency in that specific technique during their confrontation... And she stood still, and worse... she called him to the confrontation instead of attacking him out of nowhere...
"If you wish to fight, Sword Princess, do it in a more... arrogant manner." Those were his words, was it a lesson?
Ais seemed to have smoke coming out of her ears as she thought about how the half-elf's words made sense at this moment...
"I messed everything up!" she said pouting with her head down.
(Scene Transition)
The moon shone over Orario, illuminating the city with its silvery light. While Ais Wallenstein was immersed in her melancholic thoughts, an elegant figure admired the city from the top of Babel.
This figure was none other than the seductive Goddess Freya, known for her overwhelming beauty, silver hair, and purple eyes that seemed to absorb the moonlight.
With a mischievous smile on her lips, Freya began to speak to herself, as if narrating her own musings by moonlight "Ah, Bell Cranel, my lovely child. Your soul is so pure, so defenseless. It makes me salivate just thinking about the possibilities..." Her voice had an obsessive and lustful tone as she spoke about her interest in Bell. Freya openly admitted to creating desperate situations to witness the young man's growth.
Then, her attention shifted to another target of interest: Kunihito, the fascinating half-elf "Oh, Kunihito-kun, your soul has so many different colors. I am eager just thinking about the possibilities..." The Goddess licked her lips, displaying the desire pulsating within her. Her mind was filled with malicious thoughts about how to provoke the half-elf.
However, a darker and more macabre tone entered her voice as she pondered the relationship between Kunihito and Bell "Separated, they would be easier to manipulate... But the idea of having them together, facing challenges and influencing each other, is exciting. Kunihito-kun could be a bad influence on my innocent child, but... what a beautiful color could emerge from it?" Freya seemed to salivate at the idea.
Freya concluded her musings with a brief, somewhat sinister laugh. Her mind was full of plans and desires as the moon continued to cast its light over the city of Orario.
(Scene Transition)
Meanwhile, in the heat of the current dungeon on the third floor, I was accompanying a group of adventurers on their "heroic" journeys. Oh, how I hated them! From the moment I accepted becoming a support, I knew dealing with them wouldn't be easy. But honestly, I didn't expect to be mistreated and underestimated as much as I have been.
As we walked, with his heavy backpack on my back, I could feel the disdainful looks they cast my way. "There goes the useless baggage carrier" they seemed to say with their superior glances. But I endured in silence, disguising the desire to give a fitting response.
I can't comprehend how supposedly fearless and intelligent adventurers fail to see the importance of supports. We are the ones who keep them alive in battles, healing their wounds, providing potions and relief when they are on the brink of death. And yet, we are treated as if we were nothing more than insignificant shadows.
I wonder if they even think about what would happen without our presence. Can they visualize their journeys without someone to carry the weight of their belongings? Or who will take care of them when they are injured and need help? But, of course, they don't reflect on any of this.
Because they are nothing but barbarians, to them, we are disposable servants, existing only to serve their selfish needs. And the sad truth is that many supports end up accepting this role without questioning, but not me.
Every step I take, carrying their burden on my back, feels like a stab in my heart. With every disdainful look I receive, my determination to prove my importance to them grows stronger.
We continued exploring the depths of the dungeon, and the adventurers' disdain only increased as we entered more dangerous places. I heard their whispers, their tasteless jokes, and my thoughts filled with sarcasm "Foolish adventurers, they don't know what awaits them."
As we advanced, the tension in the air was palpable. The adventurers seemed too confident in their abilities and ignored the signs of danger around them. But I was used to it. They always underestimated the dangers and relied on me to rescue them when their recklessness put them in tricky situations.
And that's exactly what happened. In a moment of carelessness, the group of adventurers was ambushed by powerful creatures. I, who was at the rear, was not hit. The same cannot be said for the others. Screams echoed through the dungeon as they fought desperately for their lives.
But instead of feeling fear or panic, something different took hold of me. A cold and indifferent feeling. I watched the scene with disturbing calm, seeing them struggle desperately for their lives.
"What idiots." I thought "They thought they could face anything without even looking back. Now they're paying the price for their arrogance."
Even more disturbing was the fact that, instead of feeling guilty for not being able to help them, I felt almost a dark pleasure in seeing them in trouble. Every cry of pain was like music to my ears. "Well done, foolish adventurers. Now you're seeing what happens when you underestimate the dangers."
As I watched the carnage before me, I realized it wasn't just disdain I harbored for the adventurers but also a kind of resentment. They had always been the heroes, the ones who received all the glory, while I remained in the shadows, as if I were unimportant.
But now, with them in trouble, I felt more powerful than ever. They needed me, and I could choose whether to help them or let them face the consequences of their reckless choices.
In the end, I decided to remain indifferent; soon, all were killed, and only their valuable items were left, all of which were now mine. I just had to wait for the monsters to leave.
That was my life, my routine, that was who I was, Lilliruca Arde, someone who hated adventurers.
(To be continued...)
