"Let me get this straight. There is a human boy who used some sort of strange angelic sword, who was able to, as far as we can tell, slay Morrigan herself, one of the Lilith sisters, and along with all of that, we have never seen him before?" Ilias asked.
"Exactly, my lord. We're still unsure of why he fought the succubus, and we're sure he is not one of our heroes. Since he did fight and seal Morrigan, it's very unlikely that he's on Alipheese's side. We don't know who he fights for, but we will find out as soon as possible." The angel reported. Ilias sighed.
"And how are you so sure he did it?" She asked.
"It's possible it wasn't him, but when you factor in the angel's report, combined with multiple humans spotting him, He becomes the most likely culprit." She explained.
A new piece on the board. But, this could actually be a good thing. For one, he dealt with that Blue-haired whore. He also didn't attack any of my angels, so he could be on our side...
Haah, and now I have to deal with the idiot who told him about Morrigan. Even if it did work out in the end, she still deserves punishment. But, I will refrain from smiting her, for now. I need all the angels I can get.
"I see. Very good. Anything else to report?" Ilias asked.
"Fighting has mostly died down in Sentora; it seems the enemy used a lot of resources to take Gelon, and since the Morrigan incident, our plans to trap her have been cancelled, which leaves some of our forces free to fight. We might have enough power now to attack Safina, and hopefully take back some of our stolen territory. Should we go forth with the plan, my lord?" She explained.
"Very well, make sure to bring one of my daughters along. They should have recovered enough to fight again." Ilias commanded.
"It shall be done, my lord." The angel said. She took her leave.
Hmm. If that human were on my side... He could prove very useful. Taking down Morrigan is no easy task. Perhaps I should...
"Rise, my child... It is I, your Goddess." A regal voice said.
...Not this again...
Luka's eyes flickered open, and he immediately recognised the familiar surroundings of this dream. The sky was awash in a warm, white glow, and large, fluffy clouds enveloped him. He rose to his feet, bracing himself for the imminent encounter he knew was coming. She always came in these dreams, and he needed to be prepared. And a moment later, she was there—the Goddess of Creation herself. Her form towered over him.
The Goddess took a good look at Luka. He was just as her angels had reported. Small, purple-haired, and boyish. If not for his unusual hair, he would look like any other boy around his age. Although, she did note something else strange about him. His eyes. They reminded her of someone, but she could not remember.
"Hero, It is I, The Goddess of Creation," Ilias said. "And you are the one who defeated Morrigan. Tell me, young one, what is your name?"
Ilias... I never thought I'd see her again... It's been years now.
"My name is Luka." The Slayer of Ilias said. The Goddess had no reaction to the name. Luka felt strange talking to her like this. Not so long ago, they were fighting over the fate of the very world, and now, she didn't even know his name.
"Ah, Luka. A nice name." She complimented. "You must be wondering why I brought you here, young hero."
"You see, as the Goddess of Creation, I know everything there is to know. Ever since I created humanity, I have learned every human's name, and every human's face, as they are all my precious children. However, what eludes me about you is, well, everything. It's... Well, it should be impossible. How can it be, Luka, that I have no idea who you are?" She asked.
"I... I... I wouldn't know. I was born in this world the same as everyone else. And, as you can see, I clearly exist. Maybe this is an issue on your end?" Luka suggested. The Goddess raised an eyebrow at the slight, but decided to move on.
"Hmm. Very well."
"Another thing, Luka. You call yourself a hero, and yet you have not been baptised. To claim you have the power to protect others without my help... Some might see that as heresy, you know?" She said, and then sighed. "But I suppose I'll just forget about that as well."
I have no choice. To convince this mortal to assist me, I must let my issues with him go. Besides, they can all be fixed later, including his manners. He hasn't even made the effort to kneel, or to at least address me as Lord. This mortal... He looks so calm, even though he is speaking to a God. Just who is he?
"Ilias?" Luka called out to the goddess.
"Ah, yes. Now, Luka, fear not; I have summoned you here for a good reason. I, the Goddess of Humanity, have chosen you, young Luka, to be one of my heroes. With the title comes land, riches, and any woman you may want. Of course, they must be human. If none of that is to your liking, I will fulfil any request you may have. Within reason, of course. And what do you have to do to get all of that?" Ilias asked.
"...Swear loyalty to you," Luka answered. Ilias smiled, then nodded.
"Exactly, young one. By swearing your eternal faith and loyalty, I can trust you to defend humans and slay monsters. You have already shown your strength when you slew Morrigan." She said. Before she could continue, Luka interrupted her.
"I did not kill her, Ilias. She was sealed." He explained.
...What? How?
"Oh? And pray tell, how did you manage that?" She asked.
"I used this sword," Luka said as he held up Angel Halo. "It has the ability to seal instead of kill."
I probably shouldn't tell her how it was made. Or that it can hit angels. I'm sure she'd take it as a threat.
"And how did you acquire it?"
"...When I was in Gelon, I tried to rescue a young girl. In the middle of doing that, Tamamo No Mae appeared. From there, I defended myself. Thankfully, her sister showed up, and they began to fight over... me." He explained. "The fight escalated so much that this sword fell out of her pouch. I took it and ran."
"...Hmmm, I see." She said. She was not entirely convinced, but accepted it for now. "Now then, what is your answer? Will you join me? Becoming one of my heroes is the greatest honour a human could have."
"...No, I refuse," Luka said. "I don't want to kill monsters. As I said, I'm a hero."
"...I see..." She said.
Really... I should smite him for that... But, he did deal with the Morrigan issue. He has no idea how lucky he is...
"Fine then. If you refuse to be one of my heroes, then we have no more business. Although, there is one more thing I want to know." Ilias said. "What is it you're fighting for?"
...I know now. Ever since Gelon, I knew what I had to do. There's no way I can let this slaughter continue.
"I'll end this war. I'll bring a new age of coexistence, and stop this endless cycle of violence." Luka said.
"Ah, One of those types, are you? You're a rare breed nowadays, boy. Few still believe in coexistence, and for good reason. Monsters pillage, destroy, and rape my creations for fun. The only hope for coexistence is for monsters to be eradicated, then, my angels and my humans can live in peace." She explained. "Tell me, why? Why do you think monsters should live, even after seeing what they do?"
...I've been asked that a few times before. Even now, my answer is clear.
"Because not all monsters are bad. They're just like us humans, and the same goes for angels. None of us are inherently evil. If we all just understood each other, then we could work together to make a better, brighter future. I know it will be tough, and I know that it will be hard to accept each other, but It's better than what we have now." Luka explained.
"Well, that was cute. I see, you still haven't seen enough of the monster's depravity yet. I'm sure that once you do, you will see that your naive dreams are impossible." She said. Luka was about to retort, but Ilias raised her hand. "I tire of this conversation. Luka, I know we will meet again, and once we do, I know you will see the error of your ways. For now, I bid you farewell."
The Goddess waved her hand, and the vision began to fade. Luka looked at her as she began to disappear.
You're wrong, Ilias. I know for a fact that coexistence is possible. I've done it once before, after all. I'll prove it to you, Ilias.
"You look pleased, my lord."
Ilias turned around to face the speaker. It was her daughter, who had the same blue eyes and blonde hair as her. Her outfit was surprisingly revealing, only concealing her most intimate parts with a green ribbon. She also wore a similar necklace to the one Ilias herself wore. The red gem on it was akin to the one Ilias had.
"Hmm? Oh, Micaela. Yes, I suppose I am indeed. Have you heard the news?"
"I've heard of a human who fought the succubus Morrigan. They say he won the bout. Impressive, for a human at least." She said.
"Indeed. Imagine what Alipheese must be thinking. What a blow to her pride! Haha... I can imagine her face right now..." Ilias said. "Anyway, for what purpose have you come, Micaela?"
"I bring you news. The reinforcements have successfully arrived in San Ilia. It is now secure. For the foreseeable future, it should be able to repel any potential monster attack. Secondly, the final preparations for the raid on Safina have been completed. The attack will happen soon, with one of us seraphs leading the charge." Micaela explained.
"Other than that, there have been reports of monster infighting growing worse. Currently, the highest-ranking monsters are unaffected, but it is still hurting their overall power. Kanon and Hikuro have opted to just eat any monsters that cause trouble, as it has worked for them in the past." She said.
"Their army has been weakened somewhat, and as we have not received any major losses as of late, we should be able to continue the fight for a while longer."
"So the infighting continues... I knew those monsters were barbarians, but for it to be this bad... That is great news, my child." Ilias said.
So then, maybe I won't have to rely on that plan after all. If this keeps up, we'll even be able to start pushing them back! The attack on Safina should be successful too, although, I do wonder which Seraph should lead it...
"My lord?" Micaela called out.
"Hmm? Oh, yes. Go along now. After you finish your usual tasks, you may do as you wish."
"Understood, my lord." She said. Micaela took her leave, and Ilias returned to watching the hero.
Even if you are a sinner, young Luka, you still interest me. That can all be fixed with time, anyway.
Ilias looked down at Luka, and was surprised to see him not walking around, but instead constrained.
Kitsunes? Is this Tamamo's doing?
"Now what?" A girl asked. "We got him; what's next?"
"Now, we get all the information we can out of him." Another answered. "Oh, I think he's waking up now."
Luka awoke to the noise of women talking. His eyes scanned the room he found himself in. It was dark, and he seemed to be in a rundown house.
"What? Who are you? Where am I?" Luka asked. He tried to move his arm but failed. He looked down to see it tied up with rope, and the same could be said for his other limbs. He tried again, but it didn't budge.
"What the hell!?" Luka said.
"So, you've woken up." One of the girls said. Luka looked at her. She was a black-haired kitsune. She was standing in front of him, her body illuminated by a single ray of light that made its way into the room.
"It took you long enough." The other one said. She was a golden-haired kitsune, with only three tails to her name.
"Who are you?" Luka asked again. The smaller kitsune, the golden-haired one, leaned into the other one's ear and whispered something. The senior Kitsune nodded her head. It looked like she was asking for permission to say something.
"Hehe, we are servants of Tamamo No Mae! She told us to capture you, then extract~ all the information out of you that we can!" She explained. She wore a sly, and slightly lewd smile as she spoke. "Thanks for making it so easy! Sleeping in an unprotected Inn like that... What an idiot! Lady Tamamo will be overjoyed at the news!"
...This is bad.
"Quite right, Konno. We tracked you here, then captured you. I was surprised when you spotted our young recruit. But, she wasn't exactly hiding very well either. Anyway, I'm sure you understand what's about to happen. Lady Tamamo wants to know everything there is to know about you, and we have all day to find out~" She said lewdly.
Luka began to sweat. His clothes were still on, but he felt as though that would not remain true for long. His sword was not with him, and he was missing some of his other equipment.
"Now then, let's get to work~," The black-haired one said. One of her tails reached for the hero's belt as he struggled against the ropes around him. She sniffed the hero. "Huh, you already have a monster's scent on you... Has somebody already claimed you?" She asked.
"Well, their loss." She said.
"Hey, wait a minute!" The younger one said.
"...What?" She asked. Her tail stopped trying to undo his belt.
"Who said you could go first?" She complained.
"Of course I would be first! I'm your senior!" She replied. She walked over to the other Kitsune and began scolding her. The younger one refused to back down.
"I found him, so I should get the first go!"
"Who cares who found him first, without me, you would've been spotted by one of the guards, or even worse, one of the angels!" She said.
Now's my chance.
Luka looked at the ropes binding him. No matter how hard he struggled, they refused to budge.
What do I do? I can't even move my hands...
Think, Luka, think!
The wind? But I can't cut through the rope with it!
What about the other elements? I'm able to use the power of water even without Undine, so it should be the same for the others, right?
That means either fire or earth...
The Kitsune continued to bicker over who would go first as Luka tried to escape. Eventually, he made his decision.
Alright, Earth it is...
Channel its power, and make yourself as tough as a mountain...
Now! Break free!
"Ugh! Fine! Just hurry up!" The younger one said.
"Finally." She said. "Now, boy, let's get-" The Kitsune watched as the hero burst out of the ropes.
"There we go!" Luka said. He dropped to the floor and looked at the Kitsune in front of him. "What the!? How did you do that!?" She asked.
Damn, where's my sword?
Luka looked around for Angel Halo. Eventually, his eyes rested on the Kitsune's back.
She has it! I'll have to take it from her then.
Luka and the Kitsune stared at each other for a moment. The latter was still confused about how he broke free of his constraints.
"Hmm. Impressive, boy. We already saw your strength yesterday, but still, impressive." The Kitsune said.
"What do we do, Yano?" The younger one asked. "He's free now!"
"It's fine. We'll just have to take him down ourselves."
The Kitsune took out a fan and pointed it at the hero. Her companion readied her tails. It looked like she was going to use pleasure attacks against him.
The older one has six tails, and the younger one has three. I have no sword, but I have Sylph. That should be enough.
Remember what Alma Elma showed you in heaven. Copy it and use her skills!
Yano pressed the attack, slashing at Luka's chest. The hero managed to evade the blow by ducking. He summoned the power of the Wind and struck at her leg.
"Ow! What the hell?" She said. The Kitsune had to back up from the hero.
"It seems you know some martial arts, hero." She said. "But that won't be nearly enough." The Kitsune put away her fan, instead taking the sword off her back.
"Hmm, surprisingly light. Let's see what this thing can do!" The Kitsune said. "Konno, with me!" Yano and Konno both began to approach the hero. Luka was quickly backed into a corner.
Without a word, the senior Kitsune swung at the Hero. Luka stopped the attack with his hand, but it cut into his palm. The wound began to glow, and Luka felt some of his energy drain away.
Huh, so that's what it feels like. Sort of pleasant, actually. If not for the pain of the cut.
The Kitsune withdrew the sword and pointed it at the hero.
"Surrender." She ordered. "You stand no chance against us."
"Yeah, what she said!"
Luka calmed his breathing. He had been in worse situations before, and he was certainly not going to give up now.
"No, it's you who should be surrendering!" Luka said. Using the power of the wind, he leapt at the Sword-wielding kitsune. She raised Angel Halo, and Luka grabbed it with both hands. The two were struggling to overpower each other, but Luka was slowly pushing it towards her neck.
"Konno, help me out!" Yano said. Konno nodded and jumped on Luka's back, using two of her tails to block his vision. Her last tail wrapped around his arm, pulling it away from the Kitsune.
Dammit!
Luka took his hands off the sword and backed away. He pulled the tails off of his eyes and threw the Kitsune off of him. Just as she was about to land, he punched her away.
"Ow!" She said. She ran back to her senior. The pair then looked at the hero, ready to continue the fight.
This is hard. I don't think I can take them down, and I don't want to hurt them. Then I'll...
Luka made his way to the pair. The older one slashed at him, but Luka ducked. Before the other kitsune could even try to hit him, he kicked her away. He grabbed the Black-haired kitsune's wrist, and twisted it, forcing her to drop the sword. He picked it up.
Luka looked at the pair, who now backed away from him.
"Hmph. Quite agile." The Kitsune looked ready to continue the fight, but Luka realised something. Behind him was a back door to the room. Deciding it was best to escape, he turned around and slashed at the door. It broke off its hinges, and Luka ran out of the building.
Once he was outside, he used Sylph's power to run to the centre of the town. He was still in Port Natalia, thankfully. He looked behind him. The Kitsunes watched as he ran away, but did not give chase.
Phew, that could've been really bad. Now then, I better start making my way to Safina. It's quite the walk. Contracting with Gnome should give me a good boost in power.
That damn hero. That damn idiot fox. Why did we even bring her in the first place? She's just a recruit. Ever since we got too greedy in that attack... Whatever. There's no point crying about it. Lucifina will pay. One day.
"Yano, are you alright?" Konno asked. She looked up worriedly at her senior. Yano sighed. She had to mentally prepare for the upcoming conversation. The news she was going to give her master was far from good. Talking to her was always a wake-up call for the relatively young Kitsune. It always showed her just how weak she truly is, in comparison to her, at least.
"I'm fine, Konno. I'm just worried about what we're going to tell Lady Tamamo." She explained.
"Yeah, me too. But, as long as we tell the truth, we'll be fine, right?" She asked.
"I wish I had your optimism. Now then, let's get this over with." Yano opened the door to her lord's home. It was the largest and most elegant building in all of Yamatai. Rumours spoke of a hidden basement underneath the house, in which Tamamo's enemies were punished.
And knowing her, I'm sure they are true...
The pair stepped inside the house. They walked into a large, mostly empty room. In the centre, Tamamo No Mae sat. She looked to be meditating. Immediately, the two kneeled. Yano could feel herself stiffen in her presence. Every one of her senses repeated the same thing over and over, that the being in front of her was one of pure dark magic, and it terrified her. Tamamo hadn't even opened her eyes yet.
"My lord. We're here to report." Yano said. Tamamo responded, but still kept her eyes closed.
"Go on." She said.
Here goes nothing...
"The good news is, we can confirm the report of Morrigan's defeat at the hands of a human. We saw him in the act. It was the same human as the one you told us to follow. We trailed him all the way to the Forest of Spirits. He seems to have formed a contract with the Spirit of Wind, Sylph." She explained.
"Afterwards, we continued to follow him. Unfortunately, he somehow saw our young recruit, and attacked her. He let her go after beating her in a fight. He walked back to San Ilia, though, we could not enter. We found him again, as he walked to Port Natalia. He then fought Morrigan, won, and slept in a local Inn. Then we captured him."
"And where is the recruit?" Tamamo asked.
"We sent her home. She had already failed, and we couldn't risk her messing up the mission even further." Yano explained.
"I see. So, where is the hero now?" She asked, her eyes still closed, her body remained unmoving.
"We took him to an abandoned building on the outskirts of the town. We tied him up, and we were about to begin our interrogation, but he woke up and then somehow broke free of his binds. I'm still unsure of how he did that. After a short fight, he managed to get his sword back and escape." Yano explained.
...I'm sweating... My body... Why am I so scared? I didn't do anything wrong...
"...So after all that, you let him get away?" Tamamo No Mae asked. She opened one eye, so that she could look at her subordinates. Both were still kneeling. She sighed and slowly stood up. As she approached the pair, she could feel their fear rise.
"I'm disappointed, Yano. And here I thought you might rise to be one of my personal guards..." Tamamo said. "And you... Konno, was it? Why do you still only have three tails? You're... sixteen now?"
Konno was sweating heavily. "I-I... I'm doing my best t-to serve you, Lord Tamamo." The Kitsune said as she prostrated herself. "P-Please forgive me for my weakness..."
Tamamo looked down at the pathetic-looking Kitsune. She felt ashamed that she was even related to her.
Three failures... But maybe the task I gave them was a bit much...
"...Go now, before I change my mind," Tamamo ordered.
"Thank you, my lord," Yano said. Konno walked out of the room, but Yano stayed behind.
"What is it? Did you not hear me?" Tamamo said.
"I did, my lord. There is something I forgot to mention." Yano said. "He was already marked with the scent of another monster. I couldn't tell who it was exactly, but he was absolutely drenched in it. I thought it could be useful information." She explained.
Tamamo nodded. "Understood. You may go." Yano bowed once more before leaving.
So, he's already gotten well acquainted with monsters. That will be useful. Seduction is a powerful weapon, after all. Lord Alipheese tasked me with capturing him. I must not disappoint her.
Tamamo returned to her meditation. It was here that she thought of her schemes, and of her plans for battle.
The war is going well. Though, the infighting is proving troublesome, at least my Kitsune are staying in line. Kanon really has got to get a better hold of those plants of hers. Still, as Lord Alipheese said, I cannot underestimate Ilias. Ever since that grave error... I'll never make a mistake like that again.