Chapter 1: Quick Time Event

Every year, the Bushin Tournament was held in the Holfort Kingdom to determine the strongest fighter in the world. At least that's what the marketing said. In-game, it served as the last combat checkpoint before the final battle itself. In this world, it was an important event for the Holfort Kingdom, politically and economically. As a kingdom famous for adventurers and spellswords, it was practically the Olympics. Hundreds of people traveled towards the tournament, and the Bartfort family was no exception. Though to do so, they were traveling via public airship instead of a private one. Not because they didn't have one, but because someone else had commandeered the use of the Bartfort airship.

"Why do I have to share a room with a bumpkin like you?" Merce glared at Claire.

"I don't like it either," Claire snarked back. "Shouldn't you be with the hag?"

"How dare you refer to Mother like that!"

"Oh wait, you weren't important enough to join her merry band,"

The older step-sibling turned red in embarrassment. Or anger. Either of the two. "The Forest of Ladies is a noble institution that requires proper contribution from its members in exchange for assistance. Assistance I will happily reap once I graduate and join them."

"Don't you mean if?" Claire taunted gleefully. "I heard you're failing your spellsword classes. Are you even a Hortfolt noble?"

Merce swore at her younger step-sibling. "Of course a barbarian like you would cling to such outdated notions. Us nobles no longer have to demean ourselves with savage fighting. Leave it to the commoner rabble."

"Ugh," Claire grunted in disgust. "No wonder you're failing so badly. Thank the Saintess we only share half a bloodline. I'd die of embarrassment if we did."

Before Merce could rebuke her, Claire walked towards the cabin door. "Don't touch my stuff. Unless you want a remedial lesson for your failing subject," she shut the door behind her.

"That bitch!" Merce ranted into the empty room. "You won't be so smug when I get the Forest of Ladies to deal with you!"

Leon turned off the video recording. "Yikes. A cat fight worthy of the tournament."

The screen he was holding dissolved and melded into his clothes, leaving Leon with the view of the horizon. He was currently standing at the main deck of the airship for some privacy. Sounded oxymoronic to be at the most visible and public part of the ship for some privacy, but the winds prevented anyone from hearing him talk unless they were already beside him. He just had to find an unoccupied spot and pretend to be enjoying the view.

"So this is what flagged your surveillance, Cid?" Seconds of silence passed. "Cid? Hello?"

His earpiece crackled with static. "Apologies, Master," Cid finally replied. "The transmitter needed to be recalibrated to reach you. The distance is starting to affect the signal quality from the mainship."

"This far already huh? Really have to finish collecting those materials," he was close, but still needed a significant amount. "Will you still be able to reach the tournament island?"

"Based on current projections, I will be able to maintain connection to the terminal. However, we will be unable to perform any large data transfers until the signal strength increases again."

"How about the data from Claire's monitor? We didn't lose that data?"

"Both the medical data and media data are currently stored locally in your suit's memory unit."

Leon sighed in relief. Claire's data included their current mapping data of her magical pathways. Since she couldn't be locked in a glass tube for the days least people start looking for her, Leon had to use an alternative method. It took some time for him and the AI to find one, but they eventually took inspiration from medical scanners, albeit with a magical bent. Disguised as stretches, Leon was using the physical contact to pulse a small amount of magic in her body. A small device would record the echoes, much like sonar, and use those to construct a 3D model.

Considering it took some time for him to modulate his magic to a frequency that would resonate with his sister's, and how he could only sneak it a few minutes at a time while she stretched, Leon really didn't want to have to start over from scratch.

"Small blessings," Leon sighed in relief. "Was there anything else from the recording?"

"Aside from your step-sisters' confrontation, there was nothing else of note. Merce left the room not long after and no one else entered until you retrieved the device. Unfortunate, but your plan to gather information from your step-sibling still bore fruit, Master."

"Uh… yup just as planned," Leon was glad the AI couldn't materialize his terminal and see face.

He wasn't going to admit he just forgot about it and snuck into her room before anyone found the device.

"So the hag is using the airship for the Forest of Ladies," something Leon long suspected but had confirmation now.

Airship upkeep wasn't cheap, and the Bartfort ship was being used for those outside the territory. Merce may claim benefits to be reaped, but none of it had ever made it back to the barony or even Leon's family.

"Cid, once we reach the island, send a short range burst to the others to keep an eye out for the family."

"You believe Merce's threat to be genuine? She has threatened your sister multiple times with the Forest of Ladies before."

"She has," agreed Leon. "But this is the first time we've been out of the barony at the same time. We don't know what's out there yet."

The island was finally in sight.

Compared to the almost rural atmosphere of the Bartfort Barony, this island definitely felt like a city. It probably had an official name, but as the place hosted the largest colosseum in the Holfort Kingdom, the island was more commonly known as the 'Tournament Island'. Incidentally, the same label the game gave this island. Devs weren't that creative either.

While the official rounds of the Bushin Tournament wouldn't start for a couple of days, various preliminary matches occurred in the smaller arenas outside the colosseum. Leon would rather be walking around the festival stalls instead of watching mostly boring matches, but he had to answer to a higher power.

His wallet.

"Bald guy with the axe. Knight Girl with the sword. Elf with the green shawl," Leon called out fighters.

"Got it," his father tried to write them down quickly. "Stay here and don't talk to strangers, okay!"

Leon rolled his eyes while his father quickly ran to the betting bookkeepers. Ever since he opened his big mouth and caused his dad to win big, Leon would be dragged to give 'advice' in hopes of repeating his success. He only agreed because it was still a way to gather programmable matter without much effort. His dad still wouldn't give him any gold coins.

Of course, Leon wasn't psychic and not even Cid's computing power could predict the victory between two fighters, but what he had was technology. Technology that could measure the magical power of individuals. General consensus was that more magic equals a stronger fighter. It wasn't a perfect metric, some fighters were just that skilled, but at equal footing, probabilities showed a large gap in magical capacity meant the one with the higher capacity won more often.

However, no one had the capability to measure another's magical levels without, at best, invasive procedures. The best he knew off was that one thing in the "Goddess Judgement Festival" that matched you with an equal opponent, but that was all relative scaling. As a research AI who had time to closely study a magical being, it was childsplay for Cid to create an accurate magical measurement sensor. Leon just had to pretend he was miming pretend binoculars with his hands to hide the lenses.

"Yes! Another victory!" His dad ruffled his hair violently. "My boy must be blessed by the Saintess!"

"How dare he attribute the fruits of science to divinity!" The AI raged over the comms. Which meant only Leon could actually hear his rant. "If his genes didn't produce Old World Humans, I would harshly correct him on the matter!"

Leon simply tuned out the AI's rant while his dad gave him his share of the winnings.

Once the later rounds started matching the fighters they were betting on, Leon's dad wisely decided to stop. As they left after collecting their last payment, two men stepped in front of the father and son's path.

"Hey there, pal. Hows about we have a talk?"

If there was an example for stereotype thugs, these two would be it. They had the hoods and everything.

"Look guys," Balcus protectively guided Leon to stand behind him. "It's the Festival. We're just enjoying the matches."

"Then," one of the thugs cracked their knuckles. "Maybe you'll enjoy having one yourself? Unless you come quietly."

It looked like Leon's dad was weighing his options, when a new person joined the little gathering.

"Is there a problem here, gentlemen?"

In contrast to the two thugs, the newcomer was dressed in the clean attire of a knight. A sword hung on his waist, and based on the insignias on his uniform, he was a high-ranked individual.

The lead thug clicked his tongue in irritation. "Nothing officer. Was just offering something." The two unceremoniously walked away.

Balcus let out a sigh of relief, and turned to the knight.

"Thanks. Wasn't expecting to see you here, Glen," Balcus happily exchanged greetings with the knight. "Don't remember patrolling the festival being part of a Commander's job."

The knight let out a small chuckle. "Even I get some time-off to enjoy the festival. Especially since it'll be my last one as Commander of the Knight Order."

"You're leaving?"

Glen nodded. "I am. Finally found a noble who agreed with my concerns. But we can talk about that later. I see you have one of your kids with you."

"Right," Leon was finally allowed to step out from behind. "This here is Leon. Leon, this is one of my old friends, Glen."

"Nice to meet you, sir," Leon greeted politely and pretended he didn't already know about this person.

"Nice to meet you as well, Leon," Glen greeted back. "Your second son? I know you have one in the Academy."

"I have two in the academy actually," corrected Balcus. "Leon's my third."

"Ah… a third," Glen looked at Leon with a slight amount of pity before turning back to his father. "Speaking of your family, I was actually looking for you for their sake. Found your wife first and she asked my help to look for you. Worried where you had run off with your boy."

Balcus winced at his friend's explanation. "We should probably get back now. How about you join us for a meal, Glen? As apologies for disturbing your free time."

"It wasn't a problem, but I'll join you all the same. I was personally looking for you as well. We can talk about it after a bite."

It didn't take long for the three to reunite with the rest of Leon's family, especially with Glen leading the way back to them. Leon's mother did try to grill his dad where and what they had gone off to, but his dad managed to keep the gambling a secret.

"Do you think we can find a place with a table?" Leon's mother worriedly scanned the packed street they were in. "Everywhere's usually full at this time."

"If I may make a suggestion," Glen politely offered. "I know a place. A little out of the way and nothing fancy, but I can guarantee us a table at least."

"Are- are you sure?" Leon's mother hesitated. "I wouldn't want to impose more on you, Sir Glen."

"Nonsense!" In contrast, Leon's father clapped Glen's shoulder. "If the place is the kind of place I remember Glen used to like, it should be a good place. Right?"

"Just like they used to be," confirmed Glen with a small grin. "And just Glen is fine, Mrs. Bartfort."

Leon's mother looked reluctant but eventually relented. "If you say so, Mr. Glen. But I must insist you call me 'Luce' as well."

Once the adults had finally gotten propriety out of the way, Glen led the Bartfort family out of the crowded area towards the outskirts of the city. They arrived at a tavern that had still had a decent amount of space even during the festival.

"This place is usually open only at night but they do afternoons during the festival. Not a lot know about it though," explained Glen.

Lunch was a very normal affair, even with the Commander of the Knights sharing a table with them. Even eavesdropping on the conversation between adults didn't yield anything interesting. Probably to be expected since they were still in a public space.

"Nice seeing you again, Glen. Good luck with your transfer."

"Likewise, Balcus. Enjoy the rest of the festival."

Outside the tavern, the Knight Commander parted ways with them, for he had duties to return to. His family on the other hand, decided to return back to their lodgings for some rest.

"Dear, are you sure about this?" Leon's mom was concerned about the alleyways they were walking through.

"Don't worry," his dad tried to appease his mother with a smile. "I'm sure the inn is this way and we can avoid the crowds."

The small passages were rather empty. Almost creepily so.

"This place looks decrepit," muttered Claire under her breath.

"You sound like Merce," commented Leon. Which earned him a dope slap from Claire.

"No hitting your younger brother, Claire," their mom reprimanded. She turned back to their father. "I think we should go back to the main road, dear."

While his mother was trying to convince his father, a movement caught Leon's eye. There was a hooded man slinking in the shadows. Extremely suspicious as the only other people were Leon's family, who were busy discussing where to pass to notice the hooded figure.

"Cid," whispered Leon.

"Yes, Master?" Thankfully Cid replied promptly this time.

"Suspicious figure on our right. Can you monitor their movements?"

"Affirmative."

The family started moving again, still trying to make through the maze of corridors they found themselves in.

"Master," Leon's earpiece buzzed. "The figure has been following your family and I have managed to identify the man as one of the individuals that accosted your father at the preliminary areas."

They must really be out to get their father. It was probably another betting broker, pissed at Leon's father from taking away too much winnings. Wasn't the first time it had happened. Passing through an empty area with his family was starting to look like a terrible idea. He did not want a set-up for a gritty superhero-origin story.

Leon internally swore but tried to not to show anything. "Is the other one nearby?"

"No other unknown individuals according to the sensors."

Small blessings.

"Keep an eye on him and try to send an alert out."

Back-up would be great but Leon doubted they'd get here as quickly as he wanted. Maybe he could try warning his dad about the figure instead? But when he looked to the alleyway the thug should be at, he barely caught the movement of cloth hiding behind a corner. If he tried it now, it would just be the ramblings of a scared child.

However, something else caught Leon's eye. An old-fashioned rope lift was hanging above the entrance of the alleyway, complete with loaded boxes. Very fortuitous placed. Once his parents beckoned the family to move again, the hooded figure started walking down the alleyway.

"Cid, continue monitoring the figure and tell me once it nears that hanging platform. A good shot should bring it down," Leon explained his plan to the AI.

"Who are you talking to?" Finley, of all people, surprised him. He wasn't as discrete as he thought.

"No one!" Leon hastily lied. "Just thinking to myself."

His little sister narrowed her eyes at him.

"Weirdo," was all she said before returning to their mother's side.

Leon sighed in relief that no one else caught him. They were still focused on finding the way back. To be safe though, he would need a distraction. Thankfully, the alleyway they were walking in opened to a wider street, and a wider view of the city

"Target approaching the position, Master."

"Hey look, the clock tower," Leon pointed to the landmark that had just become visible to them.

His other hand discretely reached into his pouch of programmable matter.

"Target in position."

When his whole family looked at the clock tower, Leon quickly turned around and raised hand towards the rope lift. The slime suit shifted over his hand as his fingers mimicked a gun. A small burst of electricity accelerated the programmable matter he was holding like a bullet. The sound of a rope snapping meant his aim was true.

The whole platform and its contents landed squarely on the hooded figure. The crash also caught his family's attention, but Leon had lowered his hand by then. No one saw anything but a pile of rubble from the alleyway they came from.

"Oh, Saintess!" exclaimed Leon's mother. "Balcus, we need to get out of here!"

"Er… Yes. Maybe it's too dangerous to pass through here now. Walking towards the clock tower should bring us back to the main road. Well spotted, Leon," he added in the end.

He wasn't expecting praise for that, but Leon just considered it as thanks for dealing with their stalker. Even if he had to sacrifice some of his winnings to do so.

Day two of the festival, Leon was by himself this time. He had finally crossed the threshold that parents deemed competent enough to find their way home. Normally, Claire would drag Leon to whatever 'adventure' she concocted that day. This time, Claire was at the age she wanted to feel independent, and thus freed Leon from her whims. He'd probably would have felt lonely if Leon was his actual age, but he just relished his own independence.

As Leon walked past the various food stalls, a figure smoothly slid beside him and matched his pace.

"Alpha," Leon greeted the elf without missing a step. "Enjoying the festival?"

"When I have the time," answered Alpha. "I hoped I would finally surprise you with a crowd."

Leon let out a small chuckle. "Nice try but you're still hasty the closer you get to the final blow."

"I see," a small smile on her lips. "I will accomplish it one day."

"How are the others doing?"

"They're currently spread out on the island, observing people with suspected ties to the Cult."

"Still? You girls can take a break and enjoy the festival," Leon stopped at a booth and ordered food for them. "Resting is important," he handed one of the sticks to Alpha.

Her eyes widened at the sudden gift before accepting it. "T-thank you, Master… Bartfort," Alpha added, remembering they were in public.

Leon still gave her a displeased look.

"I mean. Thank you, Leon."

He nodded in approval.

"So…" started Leon once they finished their food. "Was there anything you needed?"

It was too early for the planned meet-up time and Alpha was by herself.

"Yes. We can talk over here."

Alpha led them towards a fountain and sat along the edge. Not a lot of people so two preteens sitting down to rest wouldn't look suspicious. Plus, the flowing water would prevent someone from easily eavesdropping on them.

"About yesterday, we apologize for not making it time. But we were able to secure the person before they woke-up."

Leon realized she was talking about the stalker he dealt with. Though he didn't know why they had bothered restraining an ordinary thug.

"He didn't have a lot on him. Just a small purse and shortsword. But we did find this," Alpha discreetly handed him a folded piece of paper.

Opening the paper showed a symbol… that Leon had no idea about. A circle, with a triangle inside, a three petal shape inside the triangle, and finally a dot in the center. His best guess was a magical rune of some sort.

"As you realized, he was branded with the seal of the Cult of Diablos."

"Huh? Seriously?" a surprised Leon reflexively asked.

Why was the Forest of Ladies using this symbol? Also, branding their members just reinforced their evil cult image in his eyes.

"Yes. The seal was carved into their body."

Even more of a shock. Physically carving a seal was a very extreme measure, and practically dehumanizing. Even worse than the 'slavery' practiced with the demi-humans. But this was coming from a group that were willing to send kids to their deaths just for some stipend. He probably shouldn't be surprised at the depths of depravity the group undertook.

"He's still unconscious so we don't know why he was targeting your family…"

"Ah, don't worry about that. I know why already."

It was appalling how far the Forest of Ladies would go to squeeze every single coin from Leon's father. The money they earned from the Barony wasn't enough. Just because his father managed to win big last time, they wanted a cut even from that.

"As expected," Alpha said with a tone of admiration. "What should we do with him now?"

"He's still unconscious?"

"We used… what was it called again?" Alpha but a finger on her cheek in thought. "A sedative. That's right. A sedative to make sure he's still asleep."

Leon closed his eyes in thought to consider his options. Once he decided, he pulled some material from his pouch again, and converted it into a small flat disc barely the size of his fingertip.

"Here. Plant this on his cloak or something," he handed the object to Alpha. "That will allow us to track him. Then return him to where you found him."

"I see. This will allow us to track him back to his employers when he sees he failed," Alpha picked up on his plan quickly. As expected of his first pupil. "But what about if he tries to go after Lord Bartfort instead?"

"Doubt it. We'll be in crowded places tomorrow and stay together the whole day," or more like his parents won't let any of their children out of their sight. "Security will be higher for the final matches as well. And if anything happens I'll take care of it."

"As you say," accepted Alpha. She stood up from the fountain and faced Leon. "I must go back before he wakes up. We will report back if we find anything."

Leon followed suit and stood up. "Try to enjoy the rest of the festival, Alpha. Tell the others as well."

"As you wish, Leon," the elven girl gave a small curtsy before leaving.

He wondered where she learned that, as he hadn't bothered to give etiquette lessons. Must have learned from observation.

With that thought in mind, Leon returned to his exploration of the festival. Hopefully nothing as bad as the stalker incident would happen during the rest of their stay.

A/N: Set-up for now for many misunderstandings to come.