I awoke inside a carriage, the creaking of the axles blending with the jingling of harnesses, creating a metallic symphony that accompanied the rhythm of the journey. The intricately carved wood of the carriage, adorned with intricate details, revealed the craftsmanship that characterized the lands of the Far East, from where I came.
The sun was rising, and the lights danced on the silk curtains adorning the windows.
As the carriage advanced on winding roads, my mind wandered through memories of distant lands, where mountain peaks touched the sky, and ancient temples hid millennium-old secrets. I, a solitary traveler on a quest, had crossed oceans and vast expanses to reach this new land.
The fresh breeze caressed my face as I contemplated the ever-changing landscape. The green fields and picturesque villages contrasted with memories of vast plains and walled cities I had left behind. My mind lost itself in the details, and I barely noticed that I was immersed in reverie until interrupted by a male voice.
"Hey, you finally woke up," said the young man with blue hair, whose face marked by experience contrasted with the youthful scenery outside, not to mention those red eyes that, in my opinion, were in bad taste.
I did not respond, feeling no need to communicate with the younger boy who seemed slightly dismayed by being ignored.
"Hey... What's up? Are you one of those arrogant elves who think they're too good to talk to me?" The boy continued in good humor.
"No, but personally, I'm unfriendly to energetic brats like you. I would appreciate it if you remained silent for the rest of this journey," I replied, being autonomously rude.
I didn't like what I heard; this boy had no respect for others. I felt a slight urge to at least give him a broken nose to teach him some manners. He even referred to me as an elf, unfortunately, due to my somewhat subtle mixed nature, not visible to those unfamiliar with the race, but in itself, I was a half-elf.
"Ah, come on! You're heading to Orario, right? From your posture, you seem to be a skilled warrior. Are you from a family, or do you plan to become part of one? By the way, my name is..." He was interrupted.
"Quiet!" The shout did not go unnoticed, even by the one driving the carriage and the others inside. "You talk fast, and it's annoying to your own detriment. If you want to stay inside this carriage until we reach our destination, shut up," I said exasperated.
I was in a bad mood, nothing too serious, to be honest. Long-distance trips tended to be stressful, especially for those who had the option of just sitting and doing nothing.
The boy with blue hair seemed to be in a bad mood and crossed his arms. "You don't seem to have many friends, unlike me, who has plenty." He said, boasting. From the half-elf's point of view, he was the epitome of an egocentric child.
"And you? Are you as annoying as this elf, ill-tempered?" The blue-haired boy now referred to the other boy next to him.
"H-huh? Me!" He nervously spoke when called into the conversation.
The boy with white hair and red eyes seemed younger than the blue-haired one, a teenager at least, and by the way he spoke, apparently from a village in the interior, at least that's what I deduced.
In turn, the boy with white hair did not like the idea of getting involved in the conversation between the two, from his point of view...
First: The guy next to him was big... Like the biggest he had ever seen, and that white cloak covering his face made him look threatening, not to mention his rough tone, and he carried a huge sword. Deduction: He seemed problematic and dangerous.
Second: The blue-haired boy in front of the half-elf had a less threatening appearance and even had attractive features that gave an innocent air, but he had some scars on his face and a fierce look that seemed the definition of trouble. From what little he saw of his personality, he reminded him of a boy who used to intimidate him. Deduction: He didn't like the idea of interacting with this guy.
Kunihito, who looked at the blue-haired boy from the corner of his eyes, simply said to the wind, "A rabbit..."
The blue-haired boy looked at the half-elf in amazement, as if he had discovered something rare. "You noticed too. They say great minds think alike. I think I can consider you my older brother now, right, Onii-chan!" He said with a slight fake fraternizing feeling.
"Whatever..." I simply said.
The boy with sharp eyes then nodded as if he had understood the situation. "I understand... You need to get laid! I won't judge you; days in this place without a good girl to relax with can make anyone cranky..." He took a brief pause when the carriage abruptly stopped. I was trying to throw him out at that moment. "Especially me, I can't wait to reunite with an old friend to finish what I started years ago..." And interrupted again.
"Hey! What the hell! Rabbit, go see what's going on; it looks like this is going to turn into a mess!" The boy ordered the younger one.
"Huh!?" The boy with white hair seemed a bit surprised by the order and thought he was joking for a moment.
"Didn't you hear me? Now!" The blue-haired boy said again, but this time his red eyes seemed to even glow in a fervent and authoritative crimson. "Damn! Why do you get involved in this?" He murmured for my lack of understanding.
When I realized that the boy with white hair was really going to follow the orders of the other, I held his shoulder with my hand and then started looking at the surroundings.
I looked out the window and noticed a strange group blocking our way. Men and women with skull masks, purple hair, and almost black clothes. An unusual sight that made my heart beat a little faster due to a feeling of familiarity.
The merchant, visibly nervous, tried to argue with the strangers to clear the way. The masks they wore seemed to reflect different personalities, as if each one symbolized a different intention.
"You shouldn't be here! Get out of the way, or the Red Bulls will make you regret it!" threatened the merchant, his trembling voice betraying fear.
Splash
Like a sharp sound, without hesitation, they cut the merchant's throat, leaving the carriage's occupants in shock. The boy with blue hair next to me quickly stood up, his face taking on an urgent expression.
"Damn, these guys again." He muttered.
I heard his words well; I quickly deduced that he was the target of these guys. I thought about delivering him, but the way the merchant was treated didn't seem like they wanted to talk, so I would continue from there.
As the other passengers in the carriage began to realize the tragedy, the blue-haired boy and I exchanged looks of mutual understanding. The situation was dangerous, and the need to act was evident.
The boy with white hair, somewhat stunned, looked at the scene in shock. The half-elf sighed, as if he had seen similar situations before.
"Who wants to live, run." The half-elf spoke
with a firm voice, and that was enough to snap us out of the trance. Without further ado, all of us in the carriage threw ourselves out.
A bad idea initially since we left the assassins' blind spot, but it was the only sensible choice. They probably set up some trap in that place, and it would be dangerous to stay so close and wait for unpredictability... But I actually liked the idea.
I took my sword; it was almost as big as my body, resembling a Western knight's sword, basically silver with the hilt decorated with a blue gem.
Unexpectedly, the boy with blue hair looked at me, and in the next instant, he moved away in an acrobatic leap.
"Hein, Onii-chan, that wouldn't be cool!" The boy said, his tone irritated despite being childish.
"Did you feel my intention?" I spoke to the wind without expecting an answer from the talkative boy. I intended to immobilize him and gather information about who he was and what this situation was about; the damage wouldn't be permanent, but he would probably be unable to walk for a few months.
The boy smiled savagely, "I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you; you're quite scary, you know. Unfortunately for you, besides being blessed with my beautiful face, I also am..." Before he finished his sentence, one of the assassins suddenly jumped and tried to cut his throat with a dagger. In retrospect, the boy dodged in a mid-air somersault, then with a fierce look at his opponent...
I couldn't believe my eyes... That little guy ran to the opposite side of his opponent; it seemed like a tasteless joke.
"SORRY! ONII-CHAN! BUT WE'LL SAVE THE FUN FOR ANOTHER TIME! ALSO, GET A GOOD WOMAN TO HELP YOU WITH THAT BAD MOOD." The boy shouted in the middle of his run, about to disappear on the horizon.
In retrospect, almost all the assassins followed him except for two who were sneaking around the carriage and eliminating some of the fugitives.
I had a slight urge to follow him as well, but I preferred to focus on my goal, so I looked to the wind and saw the boy with white hair.
The boy with white hair was running with all his might, but one of the assassins quickly caught up with him. With deadly dexterity, he wielded a sharp blade and was about to deliver a fatal blow to the boy. My mind acted before I fully processed the situation.
"The only one who can decide who lives and who dies... is me!"
With a speed that even left marks on the ground, I advanced toward the assassin. My silver sword cut through the air, and before the blow could hit the defenseless boy, the blade found the assassin brutally. It wasn't a lethal attack, but it was enough to incapacitate him.
The boy with white hair looked at me with wide eyes, a mixture of surprise and relief on his face. The fallen assassin, still alive, writhed on the ground, holding the wounded part with his hands.
However, my attention was drawn to another scene a few meters away. To his companion in the carriage, something else caught my attention: he had killed the carriage's horses. Rage pulsed within me, a fury I could hardly contain.
With alarming speed, I advanced toward my partner. The sword cut through the air in a precise arc, and in a single strike, I eliminated the assassin. The fierceness of the blow shocked even those who witnessed the scene.
I looked at the assassin with an expression that mixed disapproval and irritation. "Killing the horses was unnecessary," I murmured, my voice laden with a cold intensity.
Then I looked around and didn't notice any more enemies nearby; everyone seemed to have followed the blue-haired boy, but if they completed their objective, they wouldn't take long to return.
I crouched on the assassin's body and still with the feeling of familiarity, I tore off the mask from his face, widened my eyes slightly, "Faceless?" Then, as if they were ashes, the assassin began to disintegrate, leaving only his cloak and combat tools.
My eyes then went to the assassin I had disabled a moment ago; he was also disintegrating. I clearly found it strange, but honestly, I didn't care enough to go after the possible assailant responsible for this.
I then looked around and retraced my steps to the carriage; of the seven people, including the merchant, only the boy with white hair and perhaps the brat with blue hair, which really didn't matter, had survived.
I tied the sword back to my back with a sash; in the meantime, I found what I was looking for, a map to continue my journey. The problem now was... Where was he at this moment?
"Hey! You, the brat with white hair!" I called the boy I had saved a while ago.
The boy still seemed shaken; perhaps it was the first time he had experienced a near-death experience. But I didn't have time for that.
"I need a guide, kid. Are you from this land? And more importantly, with this map, can you get to Orario?" My voice was rough, impatient. The boy looked at me, his eyes still reflecting the recent shock.
"Y-yes, I'm from here... I think I can." he murmured, somewhat hesitant.
"Good, I've been to other places for less. So, guide me there. You owe me this, after all." My patience was running out.
The boy nodded, silently agreeing. It's not like he had much of a choice. After all, his life had been saved by me. I grabbed him by the collar of his clothing, not with brutality, but with firmness.
"You'll guide me to Orario. If you try any tricks, I won't hesitate to make your path short." My threat was clear. I wasn't known for being affable, and the current situation only intensified my temperament.
He nodded again, a hasty gesture indicating his agreement. I released him, allowing him to straighten his clothes, and then looked at the rest of the scene.
"This is ridiculous!" I exclaimed, watching the fallen assassin's body. "Blood on my shoes? Absurd." I looked at the boy, "Get my things. We don't have time to waste here. These vermin can come back at any moment."
The boy, still dazed, obeyed my orders. Quickly, he gathered my and his belongings while I gave him the map I had found in the carriage.
"Let's go," I ordered, and we began to move away from the ambush scene. "Follow the map and stay ahead, kid. I don't like unpleasant surprises, so let me know if anything appears in our way."
The boy, now carrying part of the weight of my belongings, nodded. We moved forward, leaving behind the chaotic scene of the ambush. The boy with white hair led the way, and I followed closely, alert for any sign of imminent danger.
( Scene change )
The journey continued in silence, except for the sounds of our footsteps on the road and the whisper of the wind. It was almost late afternoon. The white-haired boy periodically consulted the map, ensuring that we were on the correct route to Orario. The encounter with the assassins had left a tense atmosphere between us, and both of us kept our senses alert.
As we walked, I noticed that the boy was starting to regain some composure. His previously shaken expression transformed into a neutral one. It seemed that the situation had forced him to mature quickly.
I decided to break the silence, not out of courtesy, but out of practical necessity. "What's your name, boy?" I asked, keeping my gaze fixed on the road ahead.
"Oh, my name is Bell Cranel!" he replied, looking at me with curiosity. "And you?"
"Kunihito." I muttered, without offering more details. It wasn't the time to share personal stories.
As we advanced, the landscape around us began to show signs of approaching a city. The roads became busier, and the distant buildings indicated the presence of a significant community.
"We'll take a break, continue at dawn." I spoke in the middle of the road to the boy.
It was foolish to continue when it got even darker, considering the possible assassins that could be following our route, but mainly my guide seemed exhausted. Honestly, do today's boys lack resilience?
I started to leave the road and just a few meters away from it, I dropped the sword on the grass and lay on my stomach.
On the other hand, Bell seemed a bit uneasy, sitting in a corner near Kunihito but still keeping a distance, as if creating an imaginary wall.
The half-elf sighed again, closing his eyes. "Wood."
"O-oh?" Bell seemed like a scared cat.
"It gets quite cold at night here, unless you have a tolerance for cold, I suggest you make a fire." Kunihito suggested abstractly.
There was really nothing that could afford to burn at the moment. In fact, combining the supplies of both of us, there wasn't much.
Bell didn't like the idea of enduring the cold tonight; the feeling was unpleasant.
"Knowing you, you don't seem the type." Kunihito remarked.
"The type?" Bell wondered what the half-elf meant.
Kunihito looked at the clouds and gestured his fingers as if drawing. "That carriage was full of clandestines, probably thieves, immigrants like me, and whatever else. You don't seem to be from that crowd. In other words, you're either good at manipulating people or... you're an idiot."
"Huh? Clandestine? What do you mean?" Bell spoke in shock, his eyes widening.
Kunihito sighed at the suggested response. "That defines it well. Did you take the first carriage that said it was going to Orario, right?" The boy hesitated, then nodded. "You see, I'm an outsider here, but even I know that kidnapping young people to be sold as slaves is normal. If you don't think about it, you might end up in the hands of some noble pig, while he plays with your body." Kunihito stated, sending shivers down Bell's spine.
"You're not very talkative either..." Kunihito thought that if he ever met this boy's relatives, he would discipline them. How could they raise such a stupid boy?
"Well... Kunihito-san, those guys earlier killed everyone on the carriage, and you killed them quickly. It was my first time seeing that, and it was..." His hands trembled; Bell had recently gone through a near-death experience.
"They sealed their fate when they took blades in their hands. I was just the reaper." The half-elf said coldly. "Anyway, don't take it too seriously. They weren't even human, probably some kind of monster or magic. Personally, I don't care; we weren't the target." Kunihito affirmed calmly.
"But then, what were they..." Bell was cut off in the middle of his sentence.
"It doesn't matter. Here's a tip, kid: if you want to survive in this world, get involved only in your own affairs," Kunihito said rudely.
Bell had already understood that the half-elf was temperamental, but something remained in doubt for him.
"K-Kunihito-san, you say that, but still you saved me." Bell said to the half-elf.
Yes, I had saved this boy, but I didn't really have benevolent intentions about it. In fact, I didn't even care about his safety; he was just the lucky sole survivor, and it would be easier to reach his destination with a native of this place. How did Kunihito know he was a native? Well, no one is so pale without being a resident of this country, as long as he had basic knowledge, he would serve, and if he was useless, the half-elf would have simply abandoned him.
"Yeah, I did that. There was no one else alive to carry my baggage." The half-elf said categorically.
"Your baggage..." Bell repeated. To tell the truth, the boy felt a bit down; his life was saved to carry a bag with almost nothing inside. Was that the value of his life? Well, he wouldn't complain.
"I would normally take you as my subordinate until you pay off your debt to me, but you're pretty weak, and I don't like weaklings. So, guiding me to Orario will be enough." The half-elf said, crushing the little self-esteem the boy had.
Bell, on the other hand, nervously laughed at the possible suggestion.
"By the way, kid, what are your business in Orario?" Kunihito asked.
The half-elf usually didn't get involved in other people's affairs, but creating connections for the place he was going to was important, but above all, understanding how the minds of these possible connections worked.
"W-well... I'm going to become an adventurer," the boy said, his nervous nature fading a bit at this moment, and his eyes had a strong warmth.
"Yahahaha!" Kunihito couldn't help but laugh.
"Ah, did I say something funny?" Bell didn't understand the reason for the half-elf's laughter; the boy wondered if he had spoken in a childish way or if it sounded wrong.
"No, it's just... It's quite obvious. The young age, the shining eyes, the desire to prove oneself, and even the impulsiveness to jump on the first transport to the city where you'll fulfill your dream – a classic tragedy where the peasant boy realizes that life in the big city is not what he expected." Kunihito spoke.
Bell felt a sense of discomfort when the half-elf spoke those words. "What?"
"I don't want to spoil the surprise... But have you ever thought that if it weren't for my whim to save you, you would have been killed in this field, a simple and worthless death, and by people who didn't even have any interest in you? I mean, it sounds depressing." Kunihito said.
"He's right. Today I almost..." Bell could almost feel the blade at his throat, and it was unpleasant.
Kunihito didn't want to depress the boy or devalue his dreams, goals, and expectations in Orario, but the sooner he learned that the world wasn't as cute and lovely as his life in the countryside, the more perspective on life he would have. After all, it was the elders' job to encourage the next generation.
"Try not to think about it, newbie. That way, you'll get along fine. Maybe even a weakling like you can serve as a shield for experienced adventurers." Kunihito spoke with a brief laugh.
"That's cruel, Kunihito-san." The boy spoke again with a nervous laugh.
Kunihito just waved his hand while closing his eyes; he seemed to no longer want to talk, but one thing caught Bell's interest.
"Kunihito-san, you seem strong. Are you going to the dungeon in Orario?" The boy asked.
The half-elf yawned. "I was hired to kill someone." His tone this time put an end to this conversation.
Bell felt that despite the frivolous nature that the half-elf presented at the moment, he became aware that this man by his side was at least questionable.
Then, the cold night attacked... It was a tough night, especially for Bell, who trembled. In retrospect, it caused quite a bit of discomfort for Kunihito, but he tolerated it enough.
( With Bell Cranel )
It was cold, very cold... I couldn't sleep... I remember my grandfather once said that when we reflect on our travels on a cold night, it warms our bodies with the heat of our souls.
Well, here goes...
I lived in a rural village in the mountains not far from here, born and raised in that village. Most of my life, I was raised by my grandfather, who basically taught me everything I know.
My grandfather was what you could call... Egocentric. He loved hero stories, told them so well that it almost seemed like he had lived them. Probably to contrast with his quiet life of farming.
Above all, he was a brave man. In my childhood, he saved me from a Goblin attack; it's honestly funny to remember him running with a hoe after the Goblin... And then he died, not more than a few days ago.
After his burial, I was depressed for a while. However, he always wanted to prepare me to see the world outside. I had a big surprise when I woke up one morning, and the village mayor arrived with a bag of money and a letter from my grandfather.
The letter basically explained the situation he put me in. It had my grandfather's final wishes and a request for the mayor. He asked the mayor to buy his house for a price that would probably only give me a month's worth of food and give the money to me, and then give me a message.
" Go to Orario, the city where dreams come true. "
I think when I looked at the mayor, he felt sorry for me; I probably gave him a look like 'You must be kidding.'
My grandfather, besides being egocentric, had questionable character and unpredictability. Probably, that's what made him take this action. He always told me stories about adventurers and how adventures were incredible, and I always loved it and even said a few times that I would become an adventurer.
He always encouraged me, even offered to pay for my passage to Orario on my last birthday... I declined; it was expensive, and our village wasn't particularly rich for my grandfather to spend so much money on it. But now that I think about it, I was probably just afraid to come alone to this place.
It was a dream... that I didn't have the courage to kick the door open with both feet. To tell the truth, I was quite normal, nothing like fearless heroes, but I like to imagine that he did it because he believed in my potential.
At one point, I had a family, a home, a place to return to... And now I had nothing, just a dream! Wasn't that how the stories of some heroes began?
It made me take the money and board the first carriage that would take me to Orario. Fortunately or unfortunately, I arrived at this one where... Well, we know what happened.
But things would get better; I would make them better, and tomorrow would be a new day. Soon, I would become a great adventurer, right, Grandpa?
Yeah... I don't feel warmer anymore...
( Scene Transition )
The morning emerged, and after a long walk, a breathtaking scene unfolded. The city of Orario lay in sight, majestic and imposing. The Babel Tower, surrounded by a colossal wall, stood at the center of the labyrinth city. The view was impressive, as if they were standing before a realm of great achievements and even greater dangers.
Bell, though exhausted from a restless night, couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of Orario. It marked the beginning of his journey as an adventurer.
On the other hand, Kunihito seemed indifferent to the city's beauty. His expression remained serious and focused, as if he were already accustomed to such a magnificent sight.
However, as they approached the city's entrance, Kunihito abruptly stopped. He turned to Bell, his gaze stern and serious.
"Here is where we part ways, newbie," Kunihito spoke directly.
Bell, still somewhat stunned by the sudden change, tried to express his gratitude. He hadn't properly thanked the half-elf for saving him, but Kunihito interrupted.
"No need for thanks. We've both fulfilled our roles for each other. Now, our paths diverge."
With that, Kunihito turned his back and began to walk away, leaving Bell behind at the entrance of Orario. The boy watched in silence as his unlikely travel companion moved away, disappearing into the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
Bell stood there at the entrance of Orario, with a mix of emotions. He felt grateful to have reached his destination, but at the same time, a sense of loneliness began to creep over him. He was alone in a strange city, ready to face the challenges that awaited him… It was time to find a family of adventurers.
Meanwhile, Kunihito observed his surroundings, noticing adventurers, merchants, and civilians of various races. He felt particularly at ease; in the Far East, it was rare to encounter races beyond the predominantly human population.
The half-elf then gracefully leaped into the air and landed atop a building with a small view. From his pocket, he took out a piece of paper – an invitation, or rather, a job.
The paper was elegant, with an emblem Kunihito instantly recognized. It was the seal of the Orario Guild, one of the most powerful and influential guilds in the world. He frowned, wondering why someone so important and respected would need the services of a mercenary from the Far East.
Curiosity compelled him to find out more, but discretion was a virtue in his world.
Recalling the discreet reading of the invitation, his eyes scanned the surroundings. Orario was a city unlike anything he knew in his homeland. It was a mosaic of cultures that intrigued him.
The invitation detailed the target – a mysterious figure that many wouldn't dare oppose. The Guild Mistress believed this person operated in the shadows, threatening Orario's stability. The offered reward was substantial, but information about the target was scarce and shrouded in mystery.
Kunihito was suspicious. The Guild had the resources to deal with numerous threats, yet they chose to seek an unknown mercenary in this corner of the world. He wasn't naive enough to believe this was a common task.
"Interesting," he muttered to himself. His instinct told him that something more was happening behind the scenes.
Tucking away the invitation, he silently descended from the building and began to blend into the crowd, carefully planning his approach. Although the mysterious situation had piqued Kunihito's interest, he knew that many answers lay in completing the task.
( Later )
It was sunset, and I observed this fantastic effect while sipping a glass of wine in my quarters. It was a simple room but dignified enough for a deity to live in – not that I cared much about it. I enjoyed appreciating grand moments.
Allow me to share a glimpse of my feelings, this eternal dance in which I participate, surrounded by mortals and gods, each step a piece on the divine chessboard.
I am Dionysus, a god deviant by nature, and my delight lies in that chaos mortals call "orgy." Yes, a beautiful madness, a spectacle of despair, fear, and pain, a symphony of emotions that intoxicates me. My pursuit of such pleasure is so indiscriminate that it extends even to my own divine family.
Their suffering is part of the dance, a sadness that blends with my peculiar love. I love them in a way they don't understand, a unique expression of affection that transcends conventional boundaries.
The tale of heroes and gods has been told, but my desire to replicate the orgies of ancient times remains unwavering. The era of gods and heroes was interrupted in the Lower World, and my fervent hatred for Uranus echoes through the ages, a flame fueled by the actions of the ancient God.
I am patient, waiting for years until the stars align and the means to fulfill my desire manifest. I am methodical, crafting elaborate plans, deceiving even the forces of Orario. Every step is calculated, every move a piece in the divine game I play.
The meticulously devised scheme, waiting for the right moment to unfold, is like a aging wine glass, gaining complexity and flavor over time. Ah, the ecstasy that will be when my vision of madness materializes into reality.
I am so close... Soon, I will see Orario return to a golden age, a true eclipse.
The atmosphere in the room was filled with a heavy silence, contrasting with the golden spectacle painted by the sunset. Holding a wine glass, I watched the twilight rays dance in the liquid, reflecting the complexity of my plans. Oh, how sublime it was to be so close to seeing the realization of my vision of chaos and beauty.
However, something changed in the air. An indescribable sensation, as if an ancestral shadow had penetrated my divine chambers.
I turned with an indifferent expression, but soon my eyes met the cold and piercing gaze of a half-elf wearing a white cloak.
His eyes, seemingly holding a millennia-old thirst for blood, stared at me with ruthless determination. That sword, a simple object in his hands, took on a deeper meaning. It was a death sentence, a poetic conclusion for a god who found pleasure in others' pain.
The sunset, once a divine spectacle, now took on the form of a subtly morbid scene. Every golden ray seemed to caress the blade of the sword, as if the sun itself were granting its blessing to the divine executor. Death danced in the air, a macabre and enchanting dance.
In my divine chambers, where immortality should reign, I found myself facing the inevitability of death. The wine glass slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor as a prelude to the imminent end. The wine, once a symbol of celebrating life, stained the floor like tears shed by fallen gods.
As the blade pierced through, I experienced a unique and paradoxical sensation. The ecstasy I sought in mortal orgies now materialized in death itself. Every drop of divine blood flowing from me was like a tribute to fate, a final offering to a divine figure that was cutting me down.
The half-elf, the figure who emerged as the personification of the inevitable, looked at me with a serenity rivaling that of the god of death himself. His mission seemed accomplished; he became an executor of destinies, an instrument in the final symphony of my divine existence.
The sunset, now tinted with darker hues, was a silent witness to a death that, somehow, was as beautiful as the life I sought to upheave. And thus, in my final divine breaths, I understood that the eternal dance between mortals and gods was more complex than I could have imagined.
( With Kunihito )
Too easy... Easy to locate and easy to kill.
There wasn't much to describe about the death of your target; he was a God, and some of them tended not to have much security for whatever reason, making the job easier.
For many, killing a God was considered taboo, but I never considered their existence much beyond my own. After all, with a sword, they met the same fate as any other living being on this planet.
My secondary objective was accomplished, and at this point, I was interested in finding out the situation I had put myself in. In fact, I was excited about the unfolding of this situation. The letter said that they would contact me shortly after the objective was fulfilled. The person I dealt with was cautious at the very least.
Well, that reminds me that I had matters to attend to in Orario beyond this job. It was time for a declaration of war.
While Kunihito was lost in his own thoughts, the concept of divinity emptied from Dionysius' mortal body as if it were a light show, something that did not go unnoticed by anyone in Orario, especially the Gods. After all, one of their divine comrades had just returned to the "heavens," and it wasn't natural.
( To be continued... )
( Extra Scene: What happened to Bell Cranel? )
I had just parted ways with Kunihito-san, contemplating my next steps.
Walking through the bustling streets of Orario, I found myself in the midst of a city that seemed like a true maze of opportunities and challenges. The experience with Kunihito had been intense, and now, as I pondered the next steps, I bumped into an extraordinary figure.
She was a woman of indescribable beauty, with long brown hair gracefully falling over her shoulders. Her indigo eyes were like a sea of stars, deeply captivating. On her face, a friendly expression made me feel welcomed amid the unknown turmoil.
"Sorry... You seem lost here, can I help you?" she said, her voice smooth like a melody. Her presence seemed to emanate a comforting calm.
I blushed, "Uh, well!" She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen...
Without waiting for a more coherent response, she took one of my hands gracefully with her palms. "So be it, we'll get along well, Rabbit-kun," she spoke with her soft voice.
For some reason, at that moment, I felt a slight discomfort, as if her eyes were piercing through my soul.
Without giving me much time to think, she pulled me. "By the way, my name is Astrea, it will be a pleasure."
( Scene jump )
Astrea ended up dragging me around Orario and interrogating me. I ended up sharing most of the information about everything I wanted to do while she just listened.
But what was this situation now? They were in the room of an inn, and the owner of the place seemed to have an affinity with Astrea since she didn't even need to ask for a room; a key was thrown into her hand. She handed it to me and angelically asked me to go up first.
And now, I was sitting on the bed, waiting for this beautiful woman... Wait, what am I thinking? Astrea is a Goddess, and she's just trying to help me...
But help with what exactly? She hadn't said how she could help me with anything; she just dragged me here while listening to my story, which for some reason, I had a slight feeling she wasn't really listening to.
The door to the room opened gently, revealing Astrea with a bottle of wine in her hands and two glasses. Her playful gaze still lingered, and I sensed a hint of seduction in her movements, but it might just be my imagination. Astrea advanced subtly, each step a captivating dance, while I tried to ignore the confused emotions churning inside me.
"Hey, Rabbit-kun, when I laid eyes on you, I knew I could avoid it. Luckily, I was the first to find you." The room's atmosphere suddenly became charged with intense energy.
Astrea, without me fully realizing, got even closer. Her mischievous expression suggested that she was about to reveal more than just divine advice. The scent of wine floated through the air, blending with the growing tension.
I swallowed hard as she began to caress my cheek. "So innocent." she spoke.
"Astrea-sama..." Suddenly, Astrea launched herself onto my chest, surprising me as she pressed her mouth against mine, a kiss that made time seem to freeze. Her lips were soft and seductive, awakening sensations I had never experienced before. The moment was overwhelming as her hands began to move over my body.
I moaned, which seemed to make Astrea even more excited as she advanced on me...
( End of the Extra Chapter. )