You all have no idea how happy I am to be able to get this chapter out earlier than expected, sadly this probably won't be the case going forward with my semester starting up again next week. I'll still try to update as frequently as possible.
Big thanks to Qinlongfei for beta reading this chapter and making sure everything was alright, along with making some good suggestions.
With that said, let's get this chapter started !
Chapter 43: Ruffled
The trip from Rabier City to Silver Keep actually wasn't that far by carriage, it actually wouldn't have taken much longer than a few hours of non-stop travel if they didn't stop for breaks. Though they did have to remain in Rabier City for a bit longer than Mein would have wanted, since they had to tackle the issue of transport and space as they would all now be travelling together as one big group. And there was no way their single carriage could carry their group, Titan Storm and the Bow Hero's party all at once without collapsing in on itself due to exceeding its weight.
Apparently the Bow Hero had mostly been utilizing carriage services to get around Melromarc so far and occasionally bribing a few travelers to let them travel with them. Along with utilizing his portal ability too, so they have avoided the need to get mounts and a proper carriage to call their own.
Their solution to the problem ? Get a carriage and some reins for Jun to pull them around. While most of the time, Mein rode Jun around in his raptor form, his larger size that was similar to that of a T-Rex should give him the added strength he needed to move the carriage.
Naofumi looked somewhat concerned at where the hell Itsuki got a carriage on such short notice.
" So...are you going to tell me where you got this carriage or...?" The Shield Hero pointed at said carriage that they had just acquired.
" Don't worry about it " Itsuki waved him off. And Mein simply didn't worry about it, it was their carriage, not their problem.
" Are you sure your boy can pull this carriage around ?" The Bow inquired looking unsure at Jun.
" Hey ! I can do it ! " Jun shouted defensively " I can do it better and faster than that fat bird !"
" Raptors are typically used as steads for cavalry riders, they aren't built for pulling carriages around like filorial's..." Mein defended her boy " But with Jun's T-Rex form, he should be able to have the strength to move the carriage at a steady pace "
The Bow Hero shrugged, while Jun looked encouraged " I won't let you down mother !"
" I know you won't..." Mein smiled as she petted his head gently, before turning to the rest of the group " Alright, let's get moving, if we're lucky we can make it halfway to Silver Keep before sundown "
There were no arguments there, as they all loaded up in their respective carriages. Naofumi taking the reins of Filo with Titan Storm, Ake and Raphtalia in the back. While Mein actually chose to ride on the Bow Hero's carriage behind Naofumi's. She wanted to say that there was some secret in-the know tactical reason for why she wanted to ride on the Bow Hero's carriage...
But the truth is nobody steers her child but her.
As they left Rabier city behind, Mein couldn't help but look back at the growingly distant city with both caution and wonder. She has a feeling that this won't be the last time she meets Rabier again. Not with her new position as an Agent for the Outsider, even if unwillingly.
The next hour or so passed by quickly with nobody to talk to since the Bow's party were all seated in the back, so that just left with her own thoughts to keep her company. She mostly just spent the travelling time thinking about how many more runes she would need to upgrade her Bend Time power to fully stop time. Probably quite a few if she wanted to have power like that. As she also thought about how much longer until they reached Silver Keep.
Mein having actually visited the ancestral home of House Seatto on more than one occasion, due to Father being close friends with Uncle Uther, even if father had his own reservations about Uncle Uther's views about demi-humans and using them as part of a regular army, he was never vocal about them in his visits for the most part. Silver Keep was pretty well-fortified and had more than enough manpower to defend it...though like the Bow Hero's resident mage, she has also heard some bad rumors around the castle before she joined up with Naofumi about the condition of the Keep, with some even saying that it has fallen already. Though if Rabier, was to be believed than thankfully it hasn't, so that means there's still opportunity there.
If nothing else, we can use Silver Keep as a base of operations to conduct their campaign against the Hound Lord.
Her thoughts shift about the now Lady Seatto for a moment...not quite as a potential ally for the heroes, but more of an ally to her. Sure, House Seatto wasn't exactly very popular among the nobility of Melromarc, for their hard stance on human and demi-human equality, making them arguably the most hated noble house in Melromarc...however that was mostly due to Uncle Uther's views and methods of treating his demi-human subjects. Chief God rest his soul in peace.
Eclair for the most part is still an unknown, aside from her being one of the more notable figures of Melromarc 'warrior ladies', achieving the rank of Knight Captain. She still has yet to make any real mark in the political scene, and in some ways that can be to her advantage.
She still remembers when Iris had finally taken over as the 'Lady of House Amelia'. Before that point, nobody had really paid her much mind, even if she had been called a 'prodigy of her time' before then, that was easily overshadowed when House Amelia's 'claim to fame' became having two of their most prominent leaders become victims of the Shadow Demon, their status as one of the wealthiest noble houses in Melromarc be damned. So everybody was either watching in silent anticipation or boredom to see whether House Amelia would rise or fall in their generation...
But Iris had beaten the odds. She had pushed her family forward despite the setback of losing their parents and House Amelia prospered under her leadership, granting them even more wealth and influence than before, proving that she could live up to her family name and made herself quite the reputation as the 'Genius of the Golden Coast'.
The same could be said for Eclair, at least in theory. Regardless of her family's reputation, if Mein could swipe Eclair from dear mother's faction to her own would give the rest of Melromarc nobility proof of her ability as a worthy heir to the Throne, even if mother all but openly throws her support behind Melty. It would allow her to finally start making some moves in the Game...
And pissing off mother of course, but that was just a fun little bonus.
But that left Mein wondering how exactly she would swipe Eclair from mother into her own personal ally. Eclair had always been foolishly loyal and idolized her harpy bitch of a mother, so it would take some hard smearing to break that loyalty to bits.
Then again...Father was the one who saved Eclair's life, she may feel more of a debt to him and perhaps by extension myself for it.
Perhaps I can use that to my advantage.
" Hey Mein ! Let's stop here ! " Naofumi's shout knocked Mein out of her scheming.
The Agent of the Outsider didn't even realize that the sun was already starting to set and it was going to be dark soon, though Mein had her own reservations about stopping while they were still in bandit territory...she supposes she can let the two heroes work it out for themselves. She steered Jun over to stop by the side of the road, the carriage coming to a slow halt as it laid motionless next to Naofumi's carriage. Jun changed back to his human form as Mein hopped to the ground from the driver's seat, as she could hear her passengers disembark as well.
" Why are we stopping ?" Itsuki asked Naofumi, who jumped off the driver seat.
" Well, the sun was going down so I thought it would be good to stop and rest for the night " Naofumi explained as he pointed at the lowering sun.
"...We should keep moving. We're too exposed out here, could be ambushed at night " Slayer disagreed, his voice neutral but his tone was disapproving at the fact that they had stopped.
" Yeah, but Filo and Jun could use a break, and we can continue in the morning " Naofumi argued " We could very well be ambushed on the road too and I don't like the idea of travelling at night "
Slayer looked like he was about to argue more with Naofumi when mercifully, Alice stepped in placing a hand on his shoulder " We're almost at Silver Keep anyway, we can assign guards to keep watch while we sleep tonight "
Slayer stilled for a moment before turning back to the carriage and grabbing some camping supplies from the back. It honestly impressed Mein by how much pull Alice still had with Slayer, whether she knew it or not.
" Welp, you heard him, let's get the camp set up before nightfall " Itsuki ordered his team as they all began setting up camp.
In no time at all they had managed to set up their tents and establish a fire, their carriages laying off to the side dormant but still close by in case they needed to take anything off of them. They had even managed to pull some cut down logs to sit on that weren't too rough to act as seats for their fireside camp. Naofumi for his part was busy getting started on dinner and like usual, Filo was complaining that she was hungry.
" Daddy, I'm hungryyyyy !" Filo whined like she hadn't just eaten a snack 15 minutes ago.
" It'll be ready soon, I promise...just go sit with Jun or something okay ?"
" I don't want to sit with that smelly dragon !" That elicited a shout from Jun.
Mein ignored the two of them as she looked over her status and levels when she noticed the Bow Hero approach Naofumi.
" Hey Naofumi, I've been meaning to ask...but where did you get your..." Itsuki glanced over at Filo and Jun " Monster...kids ?"
Mein and Naofumi glanced at each for a moment, that was somewhat unexpected of the Bow Hero to ask.
" From a slave trader in the slums, goes by the name of Beloukas. Why ? Thinking of getting a few monster children of your own ?" Naofumi said with a smirk.
" Hell no. I am way too young to be a father to a child monster " Itsuki shook his head " I would much sooner rent and replace Filorial's than have to go through the inevitable trouble of having to raise them as actual people later "
" It ain't so bad once you get used to it " Naofumi said with a melancholic smile, while Mein was somewhat torn on that matter.
Obviously her darling Jun was a polite and well-mannered boy, while the damn gluttonous devil bird with the deceiving look of an angelic child was a raging brat who threw a tantrum whenever she didn't get her way. But Mein kept that to herself for now.
" Maybe..." Itsuki said as he glanced at Jun for a minute " Hey, do you mind if I absorb some parts from Jun's raptor and mini T-Rex form ?"
Mein shrugged " Sure, Jun dear ?"
" Okay !" Jun said as he poofed into a cloud of smoke and reappeared in the form of a raptor.
Mein took great care to help the Bow Hero carefully shed of some of Jun's scales and other fallen off parts to feed into the Bow's gem, making sure not to do anything that would dare harm her darling raptor boy. It was a little difficult to do so when he was in his much bigger T-Rex form, but Mein made sure to go slow to prevent from causing any harm. Mein could start to see why it was much easier now to simply kill monsters and absorb their parts, they didn't need to worry about causing undue harm to the creature in question since it was already dead.
" And that should be the last of it. Sorry, but that's all I'm willing to give without hurting my favorite dragon boy " Mein said as she gently patted Jun's head, receiving a purr in response.
" That's fine, I think I got some good stuff here " Itsuki said as he looked over his Bow tree.
" Wanna absorb some parts from Filo too ? I think we can spare a few feathers for ya, Filo ?" Naofumi turned to the bird girl.
" Alright !" Filo exclaimed happily as she transformed into her monarch form and approached the Bow Hero, causing a few heads to turn her way.
The Bow Hero looked up at the big fat filorial, before turning back to Naofumi "...She looks like a giant chocobo " Itsuki blankly said to Naofumi.
" That is EXACTLY what I thought too !" Naofumi agreed with a laugh.
Mein for her part was confused, what exactly was a 'chocobo' ? Was it what they called filorial's back in their world ?
" Anyway getting back to the topic...I think I'm good on absorbing stuff for tonight, I don't think I need anything from your filorial " Ituski turned her attention to Naofumi." I already have other good bows and rather not have to add more to keep track of "
To be perfectly honest, Mein couldn't really blame the Bow Hero for thinking that. She herself remembered absorbing some feathers and parts of Filo( More out of curious than anything) and the best she got were a few agility boosts and one Long jump ability. Despite being a 'filorial monarch' like Beloukas said, Filo didn't seem to be capable of granting any significantly good abilities. Hell, the 'Thorns' she got from Jun were much more useful than anything she got from the fat bird.
Still she was curious to see where the Bow was going with this.
" What's that supposed to mean ?" Naofumi said, not quite sounding offended but curious about the way the Bow phrased that question.
" I remember talking to some filorial's ranchers back at the capital when I first saw them for the first time. He gave me the general gist of it, on how there were different breeds of filorial's for different situations, and how some were rarer than others. Like how filorial's who come from cockatrice lineage were naturally more aggressive and better fighters than most, your filorial on the other hand..." Itsuki explained as he glanced at Filo " Is sadly of the garden breed variety. No offense "
" What do you mean by garden breed ?" Naofumi did sound offended, but Mein didn't take it to heart. Though maybe that was because he was insulting Filo than her Jun.
" Garden breed filorial's are usually raised for either meat or just to pull carriages around " In defense of the Bow, he wasn't saying it in a mocking manner, but more matter of factly than anything. Filo still looked increasingly angry as he continued to speak " Not worth much else really. So I doubt I would unlock anything special from the garden breed of Filoria-"
Mein being the fastest in the party with the highest agility stat meant that she naturally had faster reflexes and speed. That didn't just apply to her physical body...but also her eyes and mind in some ways.
Which is why Mein's eyes could track as Filo ran up to Itsuki and kicked the Bow Hero in the gut with full force with her right foot, sending the poor boy flying over the campfire they had built and into the far off bushes in the tree line.
Mein inwardly winced at the sight, knowing full well that the Bow Hero was known for both having the highest attack, but the lowest defense. So that meant the Bow felt the full force of the blow. That had to hurt like a motherfucker.
" ITSUKI !" Armina shouted. It wasn't just her that shouted in panic, the rest of the Bow Hero's companions were also screaming in shock at seeing their Hero get assaulted right in front of them. And they also took out their weapons as well, more out of defensive instinct than genuine want to fight.
" Daddy ! Can I have a treat now ? I kicked the dumb hero away !" Filo said, sounding awfully proud of herself and Mein has to resist the urge to facepalm. The damn bird had the gall to ask for a reward after she literally just assaulted one of the Legendary Heroes !
" Filo ! " Naofumi himself was shocked by this as he dropped his ladle to the ground " Why did you do that !? You can't just kick people ! "
Filo for her part looked legitimately dumbfounded, before her expression turned defensive " He was being mean to me first ! He called me a garden breed ! He deserved it !" Filo of course tried to lay the blame at the feet of the now probably unconscious Bow Hero, but it only served to enrage the Bow Hero's party.
" He wasn't being serious, you stupid bird !" Armina shouted in anger.
" Who are you calling Filo stupid !?" Filo shouted back, before she mocking stuck her tongue out at the warrior woman " The stupid Bowman called me garden breed, but I managed to beat him !"
" WHY YOU LITTLE-" Armina looked ready to skewer Filo and Mein felt extremely tempted to let the warrior woman do so.
Thankfully she didn't have to do so when Alice stepped in and held Armina back from killing the dumb bird " Please calm down !" The rest of Titan Storm seemed to follow her lead, doing her best to disarm the situation to no avail.
The Bow Hero's party didn't look they were going to stand down and Mein feared they may need to brawl, while it wouldn't bode well to fight with the very people they had agreed to work with, Mein was sure she could subdue them without any permanent injury. Hopefully.
" Paralyzing Shot !"
A loud voice pierced through the arguing...as an arrow whisked from the tree line and hit Filo square in the body.
" AAH !" Filo cried as she crumpled to the floor, like a sad sack of meat. She seemed to realize too late that she couldn't move her body " I-I-I can't move daddy !"
" Filo !" Naofumi was quick to rush to the aid of the dumb bird, as Mein turned her attention from where the shot had come from...
And saw the Bow Hero emerge from the bushes with his Bow in hand, visibly limping as he walked in a bent over posture due to the sheer damage the attack on his body did... but he was still standing much to the surprise of everyone. Mein herself was amazed by the fact he was standing, much less able to walk after an attack like that with a full force blow that would have sent anybody out of commission for a while and yet the Bow Hero managed to pick himself up in mere moments...
How is he even still standing ? A blow like that would put anyone out of commission...
Mein recalled back to when Filo hit Itsuki in the gut...it may have just been her mind playing tricks on her, but she could swear that she saw the Bow Hero suck in his gut to minimize the damage of the blow. Still had to hurt a lot, but wouldn't have put him out of the fight. It impressed Mein for a brief moment as she watched the Bow Hero walk up to them.
He looked very much pissed.
The Bow Hero moved past his companions and went straight for the dumb paralyzed bird, every step he took, Mein could practically feel the anger and concentrated rage directed at Filo. It oddly impressed her a little.
" Itsuki ! Are you-" Naofumi looked up to see Itsuki walk up to Filo but was promptly pushed away...
As the Bow Hero turned his full attention to the fat bird still helplessly paralyzed on the ground, her eyes looking up and showing terror as the Bow stood over her, before slamming his boot down onto her beak, pushing her face into the dirt. Mein honestly wanted to savor the moment for a while if not for the Bow Hero pointing his Bow at Filo, preparing to finish the job.
" Thunder Shot-"
" Itsuki, please wait ! Filo didn't mean it !" Naofumi stopped the Bow Hero short of murdering the dumb bird, grabbing the Bow and stopping him from releasing the thunder attack at point blank.
" Get off of me !" Itsuki shouted as he pushed the Shield Hero off him " She attacked me first !"
" I know! I know ! But...come on Itsuki, she's just a kid ! She's not even a month old ! She doesn't know any better " Naofumi held up his hands in a disarming manner, despite the fact that the Bow Hero was not even pointing his weapon at him. Still he stood between Filo and Itsuki, like a father protecting his brat of a daughter from consequences " Look, it was a mistake and I promise it won't happen again just...put the Bow down, please ?"
The Bow Hero said nothing, his face a mix of anger and thoughtfulness as he pondered Naofumi's words. Itsuki stared at Naofumi for a full minute, dead in the eyes which visibly unnerved Naofumi as he took a step back. A show of accidental weakness, bad move.
He leaned forward and said his next words as clear as possible " Keep her in line or next time, its going to be the Fire Arrow that lights her stupid fat bird ass up " Itsuki said gruffly as he walked off, still limping and clutching his gut " Fuck, I think I cracked a rib or two "
" I-I can help ! I have some healing spells that should-" Naofumi stepped up to try and help his fellow hero, but was stopped short.
Itsuki held up a hand to cut Naofumi off " I think I prefer the healing of actual professionals, thanks Naofumi " The Bow Hero's voice was practically dripping with anger and venom. As he did his best to stand up straight, turning to his warrior woman companion " Armina ?"
" I got you Itsuki..." Armina was the first to step up to help alongside Alice " Fast Heal !"
" The magic should hopefully heal your internal wounds, but you'll need to rest as well Bow Hero " Alice advised.
" Great..." Itsuki did not look happy about that in the slightest.
Mein looked over at Naofumi to see him let out a sigh of relief at being able to talk down Itsuki from killing Filo.
" Well, I think that went well " Mein quipped.
" Understatement of the century Mein " Naofumi sighed.
" You should talk it out later with the Bow Hero when you can, I doubt this is going to be the last time this happens unless you clear the air " Ake suggested.
" I know, I know..." Naofumi said exasperated, not looking forward to said conversation at all. Mein couldn't say she envied him.
" Nevertheless, I'll take watch tonight " Mein said to Naofumi.
" Thanks Mein, I gotta help Filo get back on her feet " Naofumi said as he turned to Ake to try and figure out how to help the gigantic fat bird.
Mein let out a sigh as the day came to a close.
Well, this was a good first start to our cooperation with the Bow Hero.
Night quickly fell and Mein found herself on watch with Armina, who she was honestly hoping to be put on watch with as she was the one of the Bow's party that she was the most familiar with for the most part. The Bow Hero still needed some bed rest by Alice's orders and the members of her own party were ill-suited to stand watch as Naofumi and Ake didn't strike her night owls. Slayer had actually volunteered for night watch duty but was shot down by Itsuki who pointed out he had done night watch for the past 4 times they camped out, so Armina and Mein stepped up. Mein honestly didn't mind being put on watch despite it being such a boring task, as half the job of keeping watch at night was staying awake and the other half was still being alert of your surroundings at all times. Fortunately she was good at both.
The camp was eerily quiet with the rest of the group already fast asleep, besides the occasional breeze of wind, the woods were dead quiet. Armina was by the fire, while Mein stuck to the edges of the light, glancing her head around and making sure nothing crept up on them.
Mein glanced over at Armina, poking at the fire with a stick, her spear by her side ready for anything that might emerge from the forest. The princess in disguise knew that the tension from what happened earlier had yet to dissipate completely. Dinner had been a quiet affair for the most part, with the Bow and Shield's party sitting separately, with Titan Storm stuck in between unsure of what to do. And sadly, Naofumi had yet to make a move to formally apologize to Itsuki about Filo assaulting him.
So it seems to fall upon Mein to take the first step to rectify this situation.
"Armina ?" Mein quietly called out.
" Yeah ?" The spearwoman looked up from the fire to turn to her.
The princess in disguise had an apologetic expression on her face " No hard feelings about earlier, right ?"
Armina cracked a smile " Relax, its not you or the Shield Hero I was angry at, it was that dumb bird that pissed me off " Armina clarified " Like I get that the brat is only a month old, but that's no excuse to let her off for attacking people, honestly I'd say she got off easy " The first princess found herself agreeing with the spearwoman.
Honestly they should count their blessings that the Bow Hero didn't try to take the matter to court, it would have been an easy win for them and they would be forced to put Filo down. It would also serve to taint their reputation more than it already is with Naofumi having a known attacker of the hero's in his party. Well, that and it would be incredibly traumatizing for Naofumi to watch his precious bird daughter die. Regardless, the situation didn't bode well with the Bow Hero now having some leverage against Naofumi that he could potentially use at a later date.
Still she found it entertaining when Filo wasn't being an annoying brat during dinner tonight, as she was too busy glaring daggers at the Bow Hero during the meal, looking very much like a bratty spoiled child who had been put into time out after overstepping their boundaries and finding out that even daddy dearest wasn't going to be able to bail them out. That was a bit fun.
" I know what you mean...honestly I think Naofumi is far too lenient and soft on her " Mein nodded in agreement " Up till now, she's been an annoying brat so far who was at least more focused on her petty rivalry with my dear Jun to cause anybody else trouble. But the fact that she assaulted the Bow Hero himself...that is crossing the line "
" If it was anybody else, they would either be booted out of the party or arrested for something like that " Armina noted.
" Yes, I think I need to have a talk with Naofumi after this " Mein said with a sigh. Honestly it was a long time coming as the 'parents' of the group like Ake joked. She just hated proving that knight right." Still if its any consolation, I was impressed by how the Bow Hero was able to withstand an attack like that and still keep moving "
" Itsuki's a lot tougher than he looks...honestly unnerves some days how...used to this, he is " Armina says with a weak smile.
" What do you mean by that ?"
" I mean like...he's not even the least bit phased by some of the things that happen, like he's seen it all before " Armina tries to explain " He doesn't flinch or even hesitate for a moment at killing bandits, like yeah, sure they are scumbags who deserve everything they get but...I've seen how he interrogates some bandits and it is unsettling some days " Armina looked genuinely concerned for her Hero " I've seen people kill for the first time and there's usually some essence of emotional response afterwards unless they are veterans or something...but Itsuki can literally wipe out an entire group and still think about what we're going to eat for dinner later "
Mein's attention was piqued at this, that is definitely some interesting information about the Bow.
That is...definitely not normal.
Mein recalls to her memory of when she executed those bandits who had ambushed them on the orders of Raphtalia's former master...Naofumi was genuinely phased and unsettled by what she did. The fact that the Bow can do such things as well...either implies that he's been trained or is used to this kind of work. Or both.
He knew how to withstand the blow from Filo...he can kill and interrogate well...he's experienced.
The Bow Hero may be much more dangerous than she previously anticipated, perhaps even more dangerous than the other heroes.
" Like...the Bow Hero is still just only 17 years old, and he has the mind of a fully trained soldier " Armina said.
Mein didn't realize that perhaps she had more in common with the Bow than she originally thought.
" Maybe he was trained back in his-"
Mein didn't get to finish her sentence, as the whole world lost its color and time itself seemed to slow.
And Mein felt the chill of the void take over.
As if her senses were telling her, she felt a figure step out of the shadows of the world and into the light of the campfire.
" Good evening princess, how have you been ? Its certainly been a while since we last talked " The Outsider said calmly " Apologies for that, been busy managing some of the other new Agents "
" What do you want Outsider ?" Mein said exasperated, with his infrequent and inconsistent check-in's." I was in the middle of a very important conversation with Armina " Mein glanced over at the warrior woman, who was stuck in black and white, suspended in time itself.
" Nothing much, just wanted to see how you were doing...so the Hound Lord, huh ?" Outsider sounded distant as he looked into the fire, his black eyes reflecting nothing but pure darkness " Seems fitting that you would be the one that ends up hunting him "
" Why do you say that ?" Mein asked confused.
The Outsider says nothing as he holds his hands close to the fire, it made her wonder for a brief moment whether he can actually feel the warmth of the flames. Could he even feel anything for that matter ? She remembered the first time she was in the Void and the desolate place itself felt...cold, like nothing she had ever experienced before in her life. She wondered if the Outsider was constantly feeling such things when he ruled there.
" You know...it always both amazes and fascinates me how a single person's choice can permeate throughout the decades and even centuries... Agents, Heroes, kings, queens, hell even a couple of common people have contributed to it. Nobody's the exception "
" Is there a point you're trying to make here Outsider ?" Mein asked with a roll of her eyes.
" Just trying to warn you that your actions do have consequences...and even dead men's choices from years ago can still cause pain today " Outsider turned to her and looked into her eyes " Shame Thomas didn't live long enough to see the consequences of how his actions affected the people-"
" Don't..." Mein warned, glaring at the black eyed bastard " Do not even fucking go there..."
Mein knew for a fact how much of an insect she probably looked like in comparison to a god like the Outsider, heck the one that was technically her patron...yet she was not going to stand down if he was going to insult Thomas's memory.
Outsider said nothing but instead sighed as he stood up and turned away " Very well, I think I've said enough for now...you'll see what I mean soon enough "
Mein glared at the black eyed god as he walked back to the shadows, the world still suspended in time.
" Also word of advice: You might wanna save your friend here and then immediately kill the bandit that's about to charge you on your left " Outsider warned nonchalantly.
" Wait, what ?"
Then the world returned to its original color and Mein could hear the rustle of the bushes, followed by the sound of something flying directly towards Armina's head.
" LOOK OUT !"
Mein screamed and tackled Armina to the ground, much to the surprise of the spearwoman, but Mein could feel the air break as something flew past their heads. The princess quickly turning her head to see an arrow pinned to the ground, no doubt aimed for Armina's head just then.
" AAAAHHHHH!"
To her left.
Mein barely had time to react as she pulled her sword out and stabbed the catman bandit that was stupid enough to charge at her. Running her sword through his stomach, making him cough up a mountain of blood as she pulled her sword out and kicked him to the ground, to bleed to death.
" BANDIT ATTACK !" Armina shouted at the top of her lungs as Mein heard more rustling in the bushes and the trees.
Fortunately, it didn't take much to rouse the camp as many of them quickly emerged from their tents with startled or wary expressions with their weapons in hand. Thankfully, none of them had taken the time to remove their armor, so they were already battle ready.
" W-What the hell is going on !?" Naofumi shouted as he came out of his tent, obviously frazzled and confused by what was going on.
Though some were obviously more battle ready than others.
" Bandit attack ! Everybody stand your ground !" Mein shouted as more bandits emerged from the bushes and tree line armed with weapons. It would have been much easier to dispatch them if they didn't also have to play dodge with arrow fire from the trees. Though considering how some of the arrows were missing, Mein got the implication that clearly not all the archers were rabbitmen.
Still annoying to do as she cut down another bandit, but another two replacing them.
" Form up ! We need to defend this position and-"
Itsuki didn't get to finish his order as a ball of fire was shot from the shadows of the forest and towards the camp. It impacted one of the tents, causing a fire that just caused even more confusion among them.
" They have mages and archers shooting from the tree line !" Alice shouted.
" Sons of bitches...Fast Aqua Shot !" Clarissa tried to shoot back with her own water spells but she's not sure it hit anything.
" We're completely exposed !" Audrey shouted as he used his axe to cut a dog bandit in half.
The entire battle was chaotic and they hardly had a moment to catch their breath.
" Everybody get close to me !" Naofumi shouted as he stood in the center of the group and switched to his Meteorite Shield " Meteor Shield !"
A translucent blue barrier made out of energy appeared around their close knit group, shielding them from any further attacks, arrows bounced off the blue shield and the bandits who attempted to slash at it were quickly cut down by them from the safety of the barrier. It was one of the shields, Naofumi had copied from Erhard's shop and Mein was glad that it was finally being put to good use.
" Goddamnit, we're surrounded !" Rufus shouted.
" The barrier will hold for at least five minutes but they can still crack and break it " Naofumi said with urgency.
" We're sitting ducks here, we need to fall back to the carriages before they destroy them !" Itsuki ordered as he took a step forward" I'll lay down covering fire while you all-AH fuck !" The Bow Hero cursed as he clutched his gut.
" What's wrong ?" Naofumi asked concerned.
" My damn ribs are still hurting...I'm gonna need help getting to the carriage " Itsuki said through gritted teeth.
" I'll help !" Armina immediately jumped in to help the Bow Hero stand straight." Slayer, you and Titan Storm provide cover "
Slayer nodded " Alice, you and your group help us cover the retreat. Use Holy Light after the Bow Hero fires the Shining Arrow "
" Got it !" Alice nodded in agreement.
" On my mark...Mark !" Itsuki shouted as he held his bow up and aimed it bow at the sky " Shining Arrow !"
The bandits that had come out of the trees and bushes had been blinded, providing them the opportunity to make a run for it, with Armina helping Itsuki walk as fast as he could with his arm draped across her.
" Holy Light !" Alice followed up right after Itsuki with the Miracle, as she and her team covered their backs as they made a run for their transport.
Mein's body moved on her own as she stabbed another bandit that got in her way as they all ran towards the carriage, Mein instantly jumping into the driver's seat as the rest hopped into the back.
" Jun change now, we are leaving !" Mein shouted.
Jun didn't hesitate for a minute and quickly transformed into his T-Rex shape and Mein attached his reins to the carriage.
" Where the hell is Filo !?" Naofumi shouted in a panic.
Mein looked astonished as she looked around...to see that the fat bird hadn't run with them to the carriage. Which meant no mount for the second carriage. Instead she was still by the fire, kicking and hitting anything that got in her way like a feral filorial out of hell.
" FILO IS NOT A GARDEN BREED !" The dumb bird shouted as she kicked everything that got in her way, as if she was trying to prove something to herself.
" Oh for the love of-!" Mein cursed under her breath as she jumped off and ran towards the dumb bird to get her. Running past the Alice in the process.
" Fall back to the carriage and defend it, I'll get Filo !" Mein shouted at the priestess, who had no arguments as she, Slayer and Titan Storm slowly drew back to the carriage, killing anything that tried to get close.
Mein slashed her sword forward, decapitating a bandit, grabbing his axe with her left hand and tossing it into the forehead of another. Her heart was beating with anticipation as she ran towards the dumb bird.
" Filo, come on ! We are leaving !" Mein shouted as she got to her, but of course the dumb bird wasn't listening.
" NO ! FILO IS NOT A GARDEN BREED !" The dumb bird repeated once more and Mein was at the end of her rope.
She knew what she had to say to get Filo to come with them and it wasn't going to be pretty.
" COME WITH US NOW OR WE'RE GETTING A NEW BIRD !" Mein shouted without a second thought " And that means Daddy won't love you anymore or give you anymore treats !"
That broke the filorial's back or in this case, her disobedience.
" W-What ? NOOO!" Filo screamed and like ordered, hightailed it back to the carriage.
Mein smirked for a moment before running back to the carriage as well, in the midst of being shot at with arrows and having to slash and stab at any bandit that tried to grab her on the way. It made her wish she could her powers right about now.
Nevertheless, she made it back to the carriage with surprising speed right in the nick of time.
" Is everybody on ?! " Mein asked as she jumped onto the driver seat of carriage.
" We got everybody, let's go ! Let's go !" Itsuki shouted as he got on to sit next to her.
Mein held the reins firm and without a second's delay, they set off with a surprising amount of speed, the sound of shouting and running from behind them quickly fading into the distance.
Mein let out a breath of relief, that was certainly an unpleasant experience just now being ambushed out of the blue. But at least they are out of danger for no-
" We got riders on our tail !" She heard Armina call out from the back.
Mein glanced behind the carriage, still holding the reins of Jun as they fled, but Mein could see several figures riding filorial's chasing after them.
" Oh, give me a fucking break ! " Itsuki cursed.
" What do we do ? " Mein asked with urgency in her voice.
Itsuki didn't waste a second " Head for Silver Keep, if we make our stand there with them than that will force these bastards to fall back "
Mein nodded " Naofumi ! Head for Silver Keep !"
Naofumi didn't respond but instead Ake poked his head from his place besides Naofumi most likely to give them a thumb's up to confirm they had been heard.
" Come on Jun ! Go faster ! Show that dumb bird that you're better than her !" Mein encouraged.
" Yeah !" Jun shouted in determination as he ran faster than any raptor ever before.
Itsuki for his part returned fire, shooting his bows at their pursuers " Goddamnit, can't get a clean shot on these guys ! They are gaining on us ! "
Mein turned her head to see one of the bandits riding a filorial had in fact gotten close to them-and he had a longsword.
" Die !" The bandit took a swing at her, almost cutting her as she fell back and bumped into Itsuki.
" Fuck !" Mein shouted as the carriage swerved a bit-
That unsteadiness made Itsuki standing from his seat and shooting at their pursuers a lot less steady.
" Holy shit !" Itsuki shouted as he almost fell off the carriage...if not for Mein quickly grabbing him by his shirt and pulling back into the seat next to her. Before promptly clutching his gut " Fuck my ribs ! Thanks Mei-Look out ! "
Itsuki strung his bow and shot the bandit that attempted to slash at her just then.
" Thank me later !"
They kept going at full speed for the next few minutes but it might as well have been hours because of the stress of the situation.
" I can see Silver Keep coming into view ! We can form a defense at the entrance !"
Their carriage ran full speed ahead, not caring one bit for the guards by the entrance yelling at them to stop. Mein pulled hard on Jun's reins, bringing him and the carriage to an almost screeching halt as they stopped in front of the entrance, much to the surprise and wariness of the guards there.
" W-What the-!? What's the meaning of this !?" The knights at the gate shouted at them as they parked their carriage in front of the entrance to the Keep. Pointing their weapons at them with caution in their eyes.
" No time to explain, I'm the Bow Hero and we need cover fire from the bandits that will be arriving in a few seconds. Get your lady or lord or whatever down here now !" Itsuki commanded with urgency.
" U-Uh, yes sir !" The knight said and ran into the Keep.
" Here they come !" Alice shouted as they got ready.
Mein heard the sounds of the oncoming cavalry, they were merely seconds away and charging headfirst at them. Big mistake.
" Fire Arrow ! Thunder Shot ! Wind Arrow !" Itsuki let out several skills that tore through the formation of riders
Mein didn't bother holding back, as they no longer had to worry about setting the forest on fire. " Zweit Fireball ! Zweit Fire Arrow !" Her fire spells had missed a few, but managed to set more than a couple riders on fire, along with their mounts. Sad, but nothing they could do about it.
And right on time, what was left of the Seatto's army burst through the entrance and charged at the disorganized bandits, with a determination and fury in their bodies and spirits.
" Chase them down ! Don't let them escape !" One of the commanding knights ordered.
Within moments, the few bandit riders realized their chances at living the next few minutes were next to none, quickly turned tail and ran with their tails between their legs.
" Okay...now I think we're good. Holy fuck that was tiring..." Itsuki said as he let out a breath of tiredness.
Mein could not agree more from being woken up in the middle of the night, to having to defend against a bandit attack and then having to flee ? They've had a wild night so far.
" What's going on out here ? Are we under attack ?" A familiar face emerged from the Keep, dressed in knight's armor, with the symbol of House Seatto on the pauldrons.
And it looks like the night isn't over just yet.
Mein made sure to secure her hood and cloth to cover her face, before she was spotted.
" My Lady, the Bow Hero had come to us while he was being pursued by bandits " One of the knights explained.
" The Bow Hero ?"
" And the Shield Hero too " Itsuki said as he glanced over at Naofumi " And you are ?"
" Good evening, Bow Hero and Shield Hero. It is a pleasure to meet you both..." The strawberry colored haired knight said to them with reverence in her tone " My name is Lady Eclair Seatto, and I welcome you both to Silver Keep "
Well that chapter really was something, huh ?
Sorry to everybody who was probably expecting to see Motoyasu get kicked in nuts in this story, but sadly that won't happen, in fact I doubt they'll be interacting much at all for that matter. Instead Itsuki is going to take his place for being the one who gets hit in the gut...sadly for Filo, Itsuki is not as nice as Motoyasu and will not hesitate to retaliate if he feels threatened. I'll admit that I have waiting for this scene for a long time, because I was kinda sick of seeing Filo just being let off for a lot of the things she did and wanted to write a scene where she immediately faces comeuppance for her actions.
And that scene was also meant to show just how well trained Itsuki is, which is to say pretty damn well if he could tank a full force blow from Filo and still manage to fight back despite his incredibly low DEF growth. Itsuki was a low-key brute back in his world who routinely went up against supervillains and criminals who were a hell of a lot stronger than he was, so he pretty much had to learn how to absorb hits and recover quickly. Leading to him developing a pretty high pain tolerance. Hope you all enjoy more of Vigilante Itsuki as this story goes on !
:)
The crew finally gets around to meeting Eclair...tune in next chapter to see how it goes !
With that said, I will see you all in the next one.
Angel Out.