Arc 2 - Chapter 15: Face Off Against The Demon In The Forest
Minutes before Kazuma and YunYun save The King Hunt...
"... Fuck." Kazuma hissed in pain. He was still hunched down after receiving some really nasty frost bites on his back. After getting a bit too cocky with his spell earlier, he's currently using a very weak healing spell to at least ease the pain. Of course, with how low tier this spell is, it's gonna take a while before it fully heals back to it's original state.
"Tch, should've been more careful." He grumbled, the memory repeating over and over again in his head. "And can this shit not loop in my head? I already know I messed up."
He sighs. After his back heals, he'll have to go find YunYun. He realizes then how he hasn't seen the girl at all. He knows the King went to save her earlier, but he just has to see her with his own two eyes to confirm. He won't admit it, but he does miss her quite a bit.
He shakes his head, a bit embarrassed. "Can this thing take any longer to heal?"
He really wished he had Aqua right about now. Which is something he never thought he would say. That girl while useless and annoying, really was the sole reason he was still kicking around in this world. Her healing spell was top notch and fast as hell, add in the fact that her boosts really came in clutch. The only thing he got from her was this dinky heal spell.
He could have gone with advanced healing, but due to it being an advance spell, he couldn't learn it. Plus, he wanted to use mana manipulation to speed up the healing process, but apparently, he would freeze to death since he's sitting at one spot and he already knows what will happen when you take too much mana from the air.
He sighs again. Lesson learned Kazuma.
Luckily, in his train of thought, the pain started to go away. It wasn't fully healed, but he could move freely and not feel any sort of pain.
"Ah finally." He got up and twisted his back. Yup, still hurts, but he can manage it. He'll have to find a healer back in the village to fully heal it once he's done in this forest.
"Alright, time to find that loner." He jumps down and started swinging, a bit more faster than usual.
"I need to find her, fast." He thought as he swung from one tree to another. "I only have a slight idea on where she is. I remember where me and that King met, if I retrace my steps there, I have a chance in finding her."
"And I also gotta deal with that demon as well. God only knows what the hell happened with that thing and her. For all I know, she's as good as dead by the time I get there."
"-Zuma-san!"
As he travelled through the trees however, he heard someone say his name. He turned around and was shocked to see who it was.
"Kazuma-san!!! Over here!" It was non other than the crimson mage herself, YunYun.
"YunYun!" Like deja Vu, he suddenly stopped where he was heading and immediately turned around to her direction and grappled towards her.
His hair flowed as he swung down to the bushes and ascended upwards towards the tree where she was stranded on. Once he was up, he unhooked his grapple and descended downwards to the branch she was stranded on.
"Woah!" Of course, the branch which YunYun was placed on earlier is only meant for one person only. Kazuma almost fell due to having no room to land on, his right foot tried balance on the thin wood. His arms flailing around to try and gain some balance.
Before he almost fell, YunYun went to grab his hand, saving him.
"Thanks YunYun." Setting his left foot down, he finally gained balance and thanked the girl. The mage meekly responded with, "Y-You're welcome."
"Anyways, we don't have much time. We need to meet up with that King bitch and fight that huge ass demon." Wasting no time, Kazuma immediately told her of the current situation.
"W-wait a minute. Is she fighting that demon alone?"
"Yes, and we need to help her." He said. "It's not something I want, but we have to since that demon is still here."
He huffed a bit, not out of annoyance but rather tiredness. "YunYun, you still have some mana in you?"
"Y-yes?" Having had the opportunity to rest quite a bit, she had regained some of her lost mana from earlier.
"Good, let's go. Get on my back."
"W-what?!" She stammered, obviously shocked to hear him say that. Also, feeling really embarrassed to ride the back of her crush. "W-what are you suggesting Kazuma-san?!"
"My arm gets tired when I'm carrying you, so getting on my back won't be as labour intensive." He reasoned. He was right in saying that he gets tired carrying her with one arm, while the other does all the swinging.
But he's also hiding in the fact that he really wants to feel those huge mounds of hers jiggle on his neck everytime he swings. Can't tell her that obviously.
"So are you gonna get on or what?"
"I-I..." Having no other reasons, and also not wanting to stay on this branch any longer, she gave in. "I-I'll get on..."
She did as she said. Kazuma turned around and felt her body hopping on his back. His face eased slightly as he felt the aforementioned cushions weighing on his sore neck. The girl herself felt really embarrassed now that she was in this position, but no turning back!
"Alright YunYun, let's go!"
The man hopped off the branch and grappled towards the tree in front of him. The girl on his back held on his neck for dear life as thet flew in the forest, swinging up and down from tree to tree, she's still not getting used to the whole swinging thing.
As they travelled through the forest, Kazuma was on the lookout for the King or demon.
"YunYun, keep an eye out for that huge demon alright?" He says. The girl in question said "Right!" in response.
"Okay, it's hard to miss a demon far larger than a boulder. I remember where that girl earlier went to earlier, so if I just go back to where she did, I'll be able to meet with her again."
Having used the same tactics with YunYun before, he will retrace his steps and find her. With the rampaging demon beside her as well, it will be pretty damn easy to find.
And just like before, he heard something.
"...-oooaaarrr..."
"There you are."
His planned had worked since he saw in the distance, a large body moving around. The trees as well swayed slightly. There was no denying that that was the demon they were looking for.
"Now the question is, how do I approach it?"
He could march in there head on, but with no information as to how it is, and what happened to the King Hunt, he couldn't just waltz in unexpected.
He needs to take into account the major factors that are the King and the demon.
Scenario A:
The most likely case is that the King Hunt is dead. This is the more plausible theory since he could only imagine how one person can face a large demon head on. It would be no surprise that the King had succumbed to her demise.
If he were to barge in without knowing the King's condition, he would be dealing with the demon by himself. Of course, YunYun would be there as well to help him, but it would be better to know about this fact to further and strategize to increase they're chances of winning.
Scenario B:
If the King Hunt isn't dead, then yes he can just barge in and help her fight.
But, there's an important factor he must take in first.
The King has a plan of her own.
This is important since if the following scenario were to happen, then him barging in the fight would ruin their chances of leaving this place early, and potentially endangering their lives as well.
If the King does have a plan of her own, then he would be the one to mess it up, and things will just get harder than it should've been.
These two scenarios are the only two major things which he's pretty sure would affect any plan they had going. Since other variables would just be small annoyances that he didn't bother to think.
Of course, one thing he's damn sure he was about to do, is to get rid of the baggage on his back.
As sad as it is, he must do it since it would not only hinder him, but her fighting capabilities as well.
Back to the two major scenarios, he can easily prevent them with only one trick.
"YunYun, I'll take a detour around the demon to observe it. If that bitch is still alive, we'll go and help her. Got it?"
"Got it!"
It's that simple. If he just observes his surroundings, he can make out a half decent plan that could easily tip the scale. He did so as he let go of the hook heading straight for the demon and instead launched a hook close to his right. Reeling in, he can get a good look at the situation.
Reaching at the top of the tree, he could now observe what was going on down below. He picked a good spot since he had a clear view of what's going on now, and it looked like it was going well.
"Look, there's the King Hunt." YunYun pointed at a blur of green and blonde heading straight for the demon.
Using an enhanced version of his vision, Kazuma looked closer to what that blur was. It was indeed the King herself.
"And it looks like she's going in for the kill." He added. He observed that she was holding her dagger, her hat had been blown off or gone, and is moving pretty fast.
"!"
Both Kazuma and YunYun grew alarmed as they saw her suddenly fall after she reeled in her hook and went to shoot another, but nothing came out of it.
"What happened?"
"It looks like she finally ran out of gas." Kazuma saw the King fall and rolled on the ground, the demon slowly turned it's head around to face whatever made that noise.
"Kazuma we have to help her, now!"
"We can't rush in just yet, or else we'll die with her as well."
Kazuma was right. If they just went in without any further plan, they would get themselves killed alongside a person who he really didn't like.
But what YunYun was saying is right. They have to save her, even if they have differing opinions with one another.
"YunYun, think you can distract that thing?"
"What?"
"I'm asking you if you can give me some time to swoop in and grab her."
"Um, I think I can." With the mana reserves she has right now, she couldn't conjure up her ideal spell which is cursed lightning, but she can execute another spell which would do the desired effect, Blast. An intermediate level fire spell which does a mini explosion.
"Perfect. YunYun, I'll get you down there and you try and get that demon's attention. While your busy doing that, I'm gonna go in and save that bitch down there. Sounds good?"
"Um..."
"Think quick. We don't have much time." Kazuma saw the demon now running towards the king while she runs away.
"I-I'll do it!"
"Good. Let's go!"
Wasting no time, Kazuma grabbed her by the waist and they both jumped down. The man shot out a grappling hook to reduce the speed in which they are falling.
Once they were close to the ground, he dropped her down and he reeld back up. YunYun on the other hand, ran towards where the demon was at. Being sure to not get spotted by it.
"You're on your own, YunYun. Good luck." Kazuma then shot a hook towards another tree to get closer to where the demon is, setting up the plan.
As YunYun ran on the ground, she hopped up and down as the terrain was a but uneven, but she persisted on.
Her face looked determine, a bit fearful, but confident nonetheless. She knew the responsibility she had right now, the weights weighing on her shoulders due to the sheer importance in this plan she had right now. She can't mess this up, she just can't. If she does, their whole plan of saving the King would ultimately fail, and the snowball would eventually avalanche to their fates as well.
"I have to do this. For him, myself, and my village."
Moments after she said this, she emmerged from the shrubbery and finally saw her target. The main cause to the whole fiasco. The King and the demon.
She saw how the King Hunt was all cornered, her face full of hatred and anger while staring at the demon in front of her as her hand held out her dagger, presumably to go out with one last fight. While the demon was about to attack her with it's sharp claws as it's eye spewed blood to the ground.
Taking in her breath, she extended her arm out, and channeled the mana she had left and put it all into this spell. Once she did, she shouted out the words-
"BLAST!"
A mini explosion erupted on the side of the demon, and smoke started to pour out after the explosion died down. Both the demon and the King Hunt looked towards her direction where they heard her shout. Thinking fast, she executed another spell.
"Bottomless swamp!" With her remaining mana, she stopped the demon from going any further by trapping it under muddy and sticky ground. The demon panicked as it sunk into the gorund and tried to get out. Though, while it is hard to do so, it's not impossible. She's just buying time for another person to swoop in.
"Kazuma-san now!"
Kazuma, who was witnessing the entire event, heard the signal. He jumped down from above and swung downwards to where the King is at.
"THERE!"
Heading straight towards the confused King, he grabbed her by the torso and swung upwards like tarzan. That is before he turns around and swings back towards where YunYun is.
Once he was at ground level, he let go of his hook which reeled into his hand, before running full sprint passing the crimson mage.
"Run fast YunYun! Before that thing comes out of your spell and chases our ass!" Kazuma put the King Hunt's body on his shoulder and carried her like a sack of Irishmen. Not daring to look back.
"I am running fast Kazuma-saaan!!!" YunYun on the other hand, was looking back and forth, panicking more as she saw the demon has escaped from her spell and is now chasing them.
As Kazuma and YunYun both pant, they run for dear life. The King, who is now swaying from side to side by being carried, saw the demon chasing them. She looked around in a daze, processing the many events that transpired till now.
"... What?"
"What is... all of this?"
Just seconds ago, she was about to meet her doom. A fate, sealed by her own actions. Yet now, she's been saved by non other than the duo who tried to sabotage they're plan by stealing back what they stole, and the people she tried to kill.
Her life flashed before her eyes. Anger, hatred, sadness, all the emotions she felt as memories of the past came flooding in. The choices she made up until this point. As the claws of the demon was about to meet her body, it didn't happen. Since it seems that lady luck was on her side and saved her from this unfortunate event.
Life. It's so confusing. Even now, she doesn't know what to think as she felt her body go up and down on the shoulder of her former enemy. Spontant shouts of panic and fear coming into both ears.
It was all a blur to her. She couldn't process it any further. Maybe it was due to tiredness. She just wanted to rest right now.
But for them, rest is the least of their concern.
"Kazuma-san! It's getting closer!"
YunYun yelled as she looked back and saw how the demon was catching up to them.
"I fucking know YunYun! Stop reminding me!"
Kazuma had to think fast on what to do now. The first step of the plan was now complete. They had successfully saved the King Hunt which she is now resting on his shoulder. If you can call it resting as she is hopping up and down, but that doesn't matter right now. The point is, they've saved her. But now the bigger problem arises, trying to escape this darn demon.
He could easily grapple his way out. But that would mean leaving YunYun behind, and he is definitely not going to do that.
They could engage in the demon now, but with the limited resources they have, while also having to fight on ground, it would mean a death sentence to all three of them.
So what now then? Running in the conditions they were on would be the end of them. The cards were stacked against him, he had no way of winning this situation without giving huge sacrifices.
"Come on! Think Kazuma! Think!"
His breath hiked as the stamina he had with him was running out quick, especially with the baggage he was carrying. Adrenaline can only get you so far from danger.
"Please, anything, anyone, just help me. I don't want to die, I don't want YunYun to die. Help me already!"
In his mind of panic, he prayed to heaven above to give him some type of help. Anything would suffice. He didn't want to go out another gruesome death again, especially so with two people he was endangering with. So in this tight situation, he prayed, and hope that help would come.
In that moment, truly, a blessing from the sky had descended down upon him to aid him. Some would even say, it was a goddess's blessing.
As they were running, the sword by Kazuma's hilt shone a red glow. Kazuma and YunYun as well, noticed this strange effect.
"It's that red glow again." Kazuma notted as he felt his body getting lighter, and his stamina back up to it's limit.
Like before, his instincts grew ten fold. His mind now operating much faster than before. Which is good news obviously. He didn't have to think in a time crunch now.
"Kazuma what's going on?" YunYun asked in a huff, her legs getting tired by the second. But, he ignored her.
"Now that my strength and stamina increased, I can easily carry this sack now. Though, I doubt I could carry two people."
Indeed, he was right. While the blessing the sword gave him included increased stamina, senses and strength, it didn't give enough for him to be able to carry two fully grown adults. While yes, YunYun isn't actually an adult, she looked like one at least. That's totally not going to get him in jail.
Anyways, the buff just didn't give enough. Sure, it is cool and all, but it was just enough for him to survive, not conquer.
"Your really giving me enough food to eat huh Chris?"
Shaking his head mentally, he pushed the idea of carrying those two aside. Now then, with this buff, what can he do? Well, he knows just the trick.
An oldie but goldie. The thing he's always done before back in his old party; Sacrificing himself.
"YunYun!"
"Yes Kazuma-san?" She answered with a tired breath.
"Could you carry her for me?"
Clueless as to why, she asked, "Um I can, but why?"
"I'm about to do something crazy." He said, but it wasn't loud enough for her to hear. "Listen, you carry the King and run away from me, while I go and distract the demon by myself!"
"What?! Are you crazy?!" She screamed after hearing his ludicrous plan.
"YunYun, just trust me. It will be better for you, and for me."
Without giving room for her to speak, he grabbed the King Hunt that was laying on his shoulder and tossed her towards the mage. YunYun, caught off guard, grabbed her on instinct.
"HEY! YOU DEMON! COME AT ME WITH ALL YOU GOT!" Wasting no time, Kazuma yelled at the top of his lungs to try and gain the monster's attention.
"ROOOAAARRR!!!" After hearing that, he knew he had it.
Knowing full well, he drifted off the opposite direction to where YunYun was running at, leaving her behind.
"Wait! Kazuma-san!" She screamed as she saw him running away from her while the demon chased after him now.
She slowed down her pace. Now that there was no danger, there was no purpose running.
The rumbling on the ground got quieter and quieter, indicating that he and the montster were far gone now. As she held the King in her arms, she looked at the now destroyed ground and shrubbery where Kazuma ran through. The broken terrain made by the demon.
"Kazuma...san." Her breath was slow, while her heart beated fast. Her eyes started to form some tears. "Kazuma... san..."
"Kazuma... *hiccup*... san." The tears she formed started to shed, they went down her cheeks before dropping under her chin. The droplets landed on the clothes of the King.
"K-K-Kazuma... san-"
"You..."
"- Huh?" Snapping out of her moment, she looked down to where that voice came from.
"Why?... Why are you crying?"
The King Hunt's voice was coarse, obviously tired from all the fighting. But in that moment, she tried to speak. Tried to figure out why this mage girl was so sad.
"I-I'm crying because... of Kazuma-san..." The tears stopped as she finished speaking.
"... Kazuma. Kazuma." She said, the venom in her tone now gone. "...Where is he now?"
"H-He's running in that direction. He caught the demon's attention and went that way."
"... I see then." She closed her eyes, seemingly to rest. "You and I aren't so different."
"Um, what?" Confused as to what she just said, she shook her head after. "Anyways, what are we going to do now? I can't just leave him." She said, panicking a bit.
"Calm down, panicking won't do anything good." Opening her eyes again, she tries to calm the mage down. "Hey, what's your name again?"
"I-It's YunYun."
"YunYun, can you put me down first? I can stand on my own."
"A-Ah! Right!" Hearing her order, she quickly set her down. The girl that she carried stood up, stretching her muscles as if she just woke up.
"Damn my back hurts." After she finished, she rubbed her back a bit. "Phew, thanks by the way for saving me. I never thought an enemy of mine would do that."
"I-It's n-no problem."
Chuckling a bit, she went on to a much bigger discussion. "Anyways, about Kazuma. You said he ran in that direction right?" She asked as she pointed to where YunYun said before.
"Yes, he did."
Taking a deep breath, she sighed. "So, want to go and save him?"
For a moment, the red in her eyes glowed, and her frown turned into a smile. "Yes! Absolutely!" It was short lived however, as her face now grew into confusion. "But wait, why are you helping me?"
"Why did I help you?" She asked, the mage in question stunned for a second. "Why did he help me? Why did you two save me?"
"It's because... I don't know. I'm sure you have the same answers as well." She continued, rubbing her head in the process while the crimson demon stayed silent.
"That moment, when I was about to die, you distracted that demon and he came to save me."
"My life, flashed before my eyes before I died, and yet, that moment never came." She monologued, more to herself. "Honestly, I was so pissed off at both of you. I wanted to kill the two of you with my own hands.
She chuckled, rather gruesome considering the subject she was at. "But now, I don't know anymore. I don't know my own morals, my goals, or what's right and wrong."
"I don't even now what my own life is anymore. Why? Why are the people I tried to kill, helping me? I was so mad, and confused..."
She looked at the ground, seemingly avoiding any type of contact. "And now... I think..." she drifted off, hesitant a bit. The place was silent, no one spoke a word after the King stopped.
"What do you think?" YunYun, after a moment of silence, finally spoke.
"I think... I want to help you."
"Can I... do that?"
"Even after, all I've done?"
The girl waited in silence. In that moment, YunYun just smiled a bit, her cheeks red, though she wasn't embarrassed. Rather, she felt confident. "Of course. I'm gonna need all the help I can."
"Right, then..."
The King looks back at the direction where Kazuma ran off to. "I think I have a plan in mind." She then looks at YunYun again. "Think you can handle it?"
Determination lit a fire in the mage's crimson eyes, her shyness and anxiety now gone.
"I can."
"RRAAAOORRGGHH!"
"Holy fuck can you shut up for one second?!"
"This is bad. Like really really bad."
Panic ensues inside the mind of Kazuma satou, who is now trying his best at outrunning the demon which is chasing him now. It is soon proven to be absolutely hard as this thing, even after getting beaten up, is matching the speed and advanced stamina of his legs.
"Even with this buff, it's no use against this fucking thing. I'm gonna end up dying from exhaustion than getting killed by this fucker."
"RROOAARRGGHH!"
Getting fed up with the yells of the beast, Kazuma extends his arm out and launches a grappling hook towards the branches above. He reels in, leaving the demon behind on the ground.
"Sheesh, I could've just done this much earlier." He looks down and sees the demon still chasing him. But now that he's up, he's safe from it's clutches. For now at least.
Reeling in towards the tree, he rests by placing his leg on it's sides while he held on the rope that is hooked on the branch.
"Now then, what the hell am I going to do with this thing." He grumbles as he sees the demon looking left and right angrily, it's eye still bleeding from before.
"This is probably the toughest opponent I've ever fought. It's health is high, same with it's defence."
"I can try and chip away at it's weak points like it's ankles and nape, but it's skin is as tough as a rock. It'll be hard to dig through."
"Come on Chris, just tell me the password to this thing!" He complains as he felt the buff from earlier now fading, just like before.
"No, getting frustrated won't do. I'll get myself killed at this point." Though, while he is calming himself down, he can't shake that feeling of frustration towards his past comrade. Not only did she leave him all alone, she left him with an artifact that is clearly a powerful weapon without telling him how to actually use it.
He closes his eyes in thought. "I need to forget about her already-"
"WOAH!" Jumping out of the way, he felt his instincts kick in as a large rock flew straight at him. He dodges it just in time by grappling towards another tree after jumping down.
"How the hell did I do that?" "I'm sure I was a dead man seconds ago, and yet..."
He looks down at his belt, the same red hue emitting form the same sword. "Chris..."
Not daring to rest by a tree any further, he continues to hook from tree to tree, encircling the demon so that he won't get hit by another rock or any high speed debris.
"You've been saving me this entire time." The demon, using it's one eye, saw the adventurer swinging from tree to tree. Digging it's claws underneath the ground, it scooped up a hefty amount of dirt and rock.
"Without you, I definitely would've died in that basement." Reeling its arm backwards, the demon was about to launch it right at him.
"That time with the King. And just recently..."
"But this time," Doing it's best as it can aiming with one eye, it launched the deadly debris right as Kazuma was about to launch another hook.
As rock and dirt flew at high speeds, Kazuma darts his eyes at the projectiles and grabbed his sword. The one given to him by Chris on that fateful day.
"I'll do this alone."
The sword was taken out of it's sheath The blade shone brightly under the sun. This time, it had no red hue to emit at all.
"HAAAGGGGHHHH!!!" Launching a hook towards the ground, he reeled in fast and barely just escaped the flying debris. Though, some of it did hit as it scrapped his long sleeves and arm in the process. Blood start pouring out. He then launched another hook towards a tree behind the demon and reeled in as well.
"I'll go with the only option that could slow down this thing; the weak points." Passing the demon now, he reached the end of the tree and sees the back of the demon, where he can also see the back of it's ankles.
He sees a tree to his right, and launches a hook towards it, reeling right in.
"Don't move, don't move, don't move, don't move, don't move, don't-" It moved to look look at him.
"For fuck sake!" He cursed as he rested on the side of the tree. "If that thing didn't move, I could've had a clear shot of it's legs. But now..."
"I have to improvise." Unhooking from the tree, he runs on his legs, approaching the demon head on.
"HEY YOU!"
"GRRGGHH."
"COME AT ME YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
"RROOOAARGHH!!" Gaining the demon's attention, it now ran towards him.
"Grapple!"
*psh*
The hook came out froom his palm and went straight past it's legs. He jumped up and reeled in fast, passing the demon like before. Only this time, he wasn't about to fully reel in.
Quickly putting away his sword in it's sheath, his other now free hand came out another hook that went past the back of the demon right after he passed it. The hook punctured the wood of the tree. So much so that it came through it.
With quick reflexes, he let go of his previous grapple and reeled in on the new one. The hand that is now free took out he sword he stashed away before.
The stage was set. He was cruising at high speeds, he had a clear shot of his target, it was all good. All he had to do now was execute the final step.
As he reeled in closer and closer to the ankles of the beast, he turned around with his sword at the ready. Since the hook he shot before was from his right hand, and since the demon was on his right, he couldn't really do anything if he was holding his sword with his left one. So this was the improvisation.
He aimed with precision as he cocked his head around to look, his clothes flapping from the wind blowing on him as he reeled in fast.
The targets got closet and closer, and then.
"HEEAAGHH!!"
*Shing*
He extended his arm out and the blade scratched the skin of the demon's back ankle, and same with the other one. He then landed on the side of the tree he was hooked on.
"ROOAAARRR!!!" It screamed in pain as it's legs are now spewing out copious amounts of blood.
Kazuma saw how the demon struggled to stay up right, the wound he did on it was was deep enough to cut the muscles of it's legs. He wished it would go down just like that, with the only limbs functioning being it's arms, but this is good damage nonetheless.
Just to preface, the entire sequence from him launching that first grappling spell to the end took just mere seconds. It truly shows how he has improved his skill as an adventurer.
He looked at the blade that cut the demon's legs. It dropped the blood of it, but it's still shining and is as sharp as ever.
"Good thing I used this instead of chunchumaru. I'm sure that thing would be a goner after the first slice.
The demon's skin was tough, but with a sword as sharl as this relic, it cut through like smooth butter.
The ground crack under the demon's concentrated weight on it's arm. It looked like it couldn't stand any longer as the muscles that was cut could no longer sustain the weight.
"Now what? I made the the legs not work anymore. I still need to kill this thing before it wreaks havoc onto other areas." Part one was done, and now for part two. But the problem is, he didn't know what part two even was.
"I could try hitting it with spells, but what would be effective against it?"
He had a few ideas. For starters, he could just hit it with the good ol' fireball, but he has to remember, this thing's a demon, and demons are probably some what resistant towards fire. So that idea goes out.
Another would be the water ball. But how would a massive ball of water even do damage to the body of a demon the size larger than a school bus. It just didn't seem plausible to think it would do anything at all. He knew how tsunamis were deadly, but he wasn't creating one, nor would he be able to.
Wind blades could hardly cut through it's skin. Rocks and earth would be the same as well. Arrows would do very little damage to it. His sword, while sharp, would take a long time to cut through the vital parts of the demon, which is the nape.
So what is it then?! What can he do to stop this thing?
"RROOAARR!"
"Ah shit!" Grappling away at the heat of the moment, he narrowly dodged some rocks that was flung at him.
"I forgot his arms are still working." He looks back at the demon as he swings away
"Wait a minute!" Having to look back again, he knew instantly on what to do next.
"Exactly! I can disable it's arms! Though, I fell like that's gonna be a hard task." If cutting it's hind legs was tough enough, trying to cut the joints on it's arms is gonna be near impossible.
"Hey Chris! Can you hear me?"
"I'm gonna need a bit of your help."
He looks at the sword for a second, before the gem on the guard starts shining a red light. "Thanks Chris."
"Now then." With his face filled with determination, he looks at the demon in front of him with fire in his eyes. He grabs the sword in his hand tightly, and with his other hand, fired a grappling hook above the demon. Before launching away from the previous place he hooked on to.
He soared through the air as he gained altitude. He looks at the demon as the demon looks back with a glare, before he lets go of his rope.
With the momentum going forward, he falls down and goes straight for the it. With it's right arm outstretched, he plans on running on top of it and slicing the joint connecting the forearm and the bicep.
It was a hard move to pull off. Especially witht he skill set that he had, but with the help of Chris and Eris on his side, he's sure that he will do it.
With fear and confidence flowing in his blood, his legs flailed as he descended down upon the demon just as it was about to strike him with it's sharp claws.
And as he did...
"BLAST!"
"WHAT THE-?!"
*KABOOM!*
Out from nowhere, a small explosion spell suddenly erupted on the side of the demon, throwing Kazuma out of the loop and causing him to lose control. Instead of landing and running on the demon's arm, he instead fumbled and rolled on it instead. He then fell right off shortly after.
"Woooah woah aaahhh!!"
"Gaghk!" His body fell flat on the ground. Luckily, he didn't fall from such a high place, so the pain was easily manageable. But another problem arises. His body is literally next to the beast.
"SHIT!"
The ground rumbled as the demon slammed into the ground just where Kazuma was laying. He didn't have any time to recover from the previous fall as he ran for dear life. It's a good thing the buff was still active. If it wasn't, he would definitely had been a goner.
As he ran further and further away, he can now have some breathing room to think and figure out what just happened.
"Okay, first of all, my back hurts like hell. Second of all, where the fuck did that explosion come from?"
Indeed, an explosion coming from nowhere was definitely unexpected. But he had a feeling of knowing who actually did it.
"God damn it YunYun! Just as I was about to do a cool move!" It was clear that the action he was about to do had failed miserably. He didn't know if he could've actually done it or not, but that's okay. He thinks.
"No matter, at least I know YunYun is here to help me. But what about her?"
Kazuma hides behind a tree as he looks around his surroundings. The demon was still struggling to stand, and is staying at the same spot. The blast spell came, yet he didn't know where the caster is.
Kazuma sighs heavily. "Now where the hell are they?"
"Who're you talking to?"
"WHAA-!!"
Kazuma jumps in fear as he points the blade of his sword towards the person who spoke to him.
"Woah woah calm down there. This is the second time this happened to me..."
After taking in a few breaths, Kazuma finally realizes who had caught up to him. "King?"
"So you finally call me that."
"Well yeah. You think I'll call you bitch every single time we meet?"
"Yes."
"Well you thought... correct." He side glanced. "Anyways, what the hell is going on out there? Where's YunYun?"
"Don't worry about your lil girlfriend, she's fine. Second of all, she made a blast spell on it so that I could get to you. Didn't know you were actually close to it."
Kazuma ignored the original comment and focussed more on her second one. "So what? I almost died over there! What was your plan anyways?"
"Listen, we both know we can't defeat this thing one on one. It's just too strong. But,"
"If we joint forces, we can."
"So your asking for our help or something?"
"No, I'm asking you for help. I already got that girl to work for me"
Such play on words, but nonetheless, she was right. They alone din't have the manpower to fully kill the demon. So now, their only option is to work together and fight this thing as a team.
Kazuma scoffed a bit, but still agreed to it. "Fine, I'll do it."
"So what's your master plan King?"
"I know just the thing."
A large mass of body sat on the hard ground in the middle of the forest. Large trees surrounds the beast that is the demon. It's legs are useless, while one of it's eyes are now sliced open. Yet, this demon was still alive and more frightening than ever. It looked from left to right, it's nose sniffing the air.
Both Kazuma and the King couldn't hear it, but music of suspense was whistling through the air, low trumpets and trombones blared through.
Both of them were waiting for the right moment. When it turned it's head away from them, that's when they strike.
"Now!"
They both jumped at the same time, their grappling hooks traveled above it's head and hooked on to a tree. They swung below and were ready to strike it's eye.
"Alright Kazuma, here's the plan. Both of us will wait on a tree." The King explained their plan of action while Kazuma listened carefully. The two of them were hiding behind a large tree.
"When I see it's head facing away from us, we will both swing down and aim for it's other eye, making it blind."
"So whose going to actually strike?"
"I will. You're coming with me in case I fail."
"Right, and after that?"
"I'll explain more later."
That was the plan at least. Kazuma saw both their ropes now hitting the back of the demon's neck, making them swing upwards. Which is perfect for their next move.
"Good luck King." Kazuma uttered as he saw her sore upwards, her dagger now extended outwards.
The demon turned it's head around again, just as the King was swinging right towards it.
*Shing!*
"Heagh!" Going in for the kill, she struck it's eye dead on, before letting go of her rope and shooting out another one to swing away.
Kazuma passed it's eye as well before letting go and landed on the back of it's neck.
"I'm surprised you still have some juice left." He commented. She didn't hear it of course.
"Alright, so what happens after that?" Kazuma asked as he and the King were both standing on a lone tree branch, overlooking the demon below.
"I want you to get on the back of that thing."
"And? I'm just gonna stand there?"
"No. Remember that water spell you did before? I want you to do that again."
"Create water!" Kazuma ran down it's back as water came out from his hand. It didn't form like a ball as before, rather, it came out as a stream.
The demon moved a bit, causing Kazuma to sway. But luckily, he had balanced himself to not fall over.
Once he was done covering the demon in water, he grappled away for the next plan of action.
"And after that?"
"YunYun is stationed on the ground. She will be the one to deal the final blow on this thing. But, if it's still alive, both of us will travel up the trees and cut of it's head."
"Excuse me what?! How the hell are we going to do that? You know how big and thick that thing is?"
"Yeah I know, but it's out last resort. Unless you have a plan as well, let's hear it."
Truthfully, Kazuma didn't see the rationale behind doing such a thing. It wasn't possible, even with the two of them cutting off it's head. He had to go with something more effective.
"Hey, I have this 'create electricity' spell with me. I haven't learned it yet, but I could do it now." He remembers long ago how this spell had popped up when he saw his old buddy Rin perform it. He never actually got to learn it after Aqua had rudely interrupt him, and it stayed unlearned ever since. That was so long ago now, but times have changed, and he must focus on the present.
"And what are you going to do with that? If I remember correctly, you're not a mage nor a spell caster. Your just an adventurer who only knows basic spells."
"Well this adventurer shot out a huge fireball, so how's that for a lousy 'adventurer' huh? Just trust me on this one. I'll try and match YunYun's curesed lightning with my own spell." He said rather confidently, but the King herself had the opposite.
"Uh... fine, we'll do it your way. But if worse comes to shove, we have to give it our all."
Kazuma looks back at the coverage he did. His eyes looks focused and serious, something a bit foreign to the man. Though for a situation like this, it was to be expected.
"That thing has survived our every attack. If we don't give it our all,"
"It will all be for nothing." He recalled their past conversation before the demon turned it's head around. He knew she was right. Even with the electricity spell he was about to do would do the same damage as YunYun would, theoretically of course. He still had the doubts in his mind that this would all be a failure if he doesn't give it his all.
"No, I can't think about that." He shook his head before landing on the side of a tree. He looks down at the demon, inspecting from corner to corner, seeing where YunYun was actually hiding.
The King said that YunYun will unleash her cursed lightning upon the demon, but he didn't know when. He has to time this right in order for it to be the most effective.
"Damn it, I should've told her to give me a signal or something." Frustrated, Kauzma could only wait for the crimson demon to execute her spell.
Out from the distance, the King Hunt came swinging down from the trees. She then let go of her rope and ran on her feet.
"YunYun! Get ready to blow that spell!" She shouted out. She had to make sure she was as far as possible from the demon, or else she too would get fried to a crisp.
"On it!" Coming out from the bushes was non other than the crimson mage herself, YunYun. She had hidden herself in that bush the entire time Kazuma and the King were doing their stunts. Now, it was her turn to shine.
"Be sure to give it your all!" She shouts as she passes her. She only have an affirmative nod.
"Alright YunYun, you got this. Just like before." The mage extended her arm out, and began channeling mana from within.
Above the trees, came thunderous clouds. They look mean and dark. A telltale sign that large pools of mana are being used up in the area, while also a sign that a lightning spell was about to form. A large scale one at that.
The air above began to charge as atoms began to form as ions. Rapid ions firing from one another in the air was beginning to be too much to handle. It had to be let out. Luckily, a certain spell caster had paved the way for the ions to discharge.
Mana flowed from within her and into her arm. Her crimson eyes had glowed red as she was about to blow her most powerful spell yet.
The dark clouds began emitting large yellow rays of light, it was almost blinding to see.
As the air began to form powerful electricity, YunYun finally said the magic words.
"CURSED LIGHTNING!" "CREATE ELECTRICITY!"
Their voices echoed as the entire forest was engulfed in a blinding light for just a second, before thunderous roars of lighting came crashing down upon the demon.
It was bright, it was powerful, it was electrifying. Bolt after bolt of lightning struck the demon to it's very core. Adding in the fact that it was covered in water, made it sure that it was frying it's nerves to a crisp.
"Wow..." YunYun observed the spectacular sight in front of her. The entire show where large yellow lightning bolts were coming down to strike her target felt so amazing. To think that she did all that. She felt so proud.
And felt oh so tired.
The muscles in her legs could no longer support her body weight anymore, making her fall to the ground. Her arms felt the same way as well. Luckily, her mind was still active than ever, so she didn't fall asleep.
She heard the thunder coming from her spell beginning to die down. Bright yellow lights were now dimming down into nothing. All in all, the scenery had begun to calm down for now.
YunYun used her remaining strength to lift her head up. She looked forward and saw the outcome of her spell.
"Is it... finally dead?"
For a question like that, would generally be looked down upon by Kazuma. But this time, the flag had not been risen.
The demon that took the lightning strikes stood still. Smoke began coming off from it's skin after getting electrocuted. Before then, it collapsed to the ground. The dirt beneath them rumbled for a moment before calming down. Debris and wind came towards her and passed her. The demon did not move a single centimeter.
The demon has finally fallen.
"We did it. We finally did it. Oh thank Eris." She says, before sighing heavily and rests her head on the ground.
From the distance, YunYun could hear a grappling hook whizz pass her.
"Looks like the plan worked. Good job, YunYun." It was the King Hunt.
"T-Thanks uh, King."
"Err, actually, I have a question for you."
"Knock yourself out." The King descended downward by jumping off the branch she was standing on. She landed right next to the mage.
"Umm, hopefully this doesn't sound too bad but, do you... have a name?"
"Hmm? A name huh?" The king thought for a bit before scratching her head. "Actually, I don't... really have a name." She said, rather shyly.
"R-Really? Then-"
"-aahh..."
"Wait! Something's over there!" Before YunYun can say anything, the King spots something in the distance.
"What is it? Is a demon?"
"No, it's- Kazuma!" The girl quickly ran and shot out a grappling hook towards the adventurer.
"Huh?! Kazuma-san?!"
Kazuma waits on the lone branch, focusing on the demon ahead. His hand shook with nervousness while his teeth grit with one another.
"Come on, any moment now. I can't fail." Currently, he was waiting for YunYun to execute her cursed lightning spell so that he can do his own version of it to combine it together and kill the demon.
But right now, he had no idea when she will actually do it.
That is until,
"There! That's my cue!"
Up above him, he saw dark clouds forming in the sky, a clear sign that her spell was about to be let out. Another factor is that the strands of hair on his arm and head were beginning to stand up on itself. He knew at that moment that the ions were getting charged and were ready to fire.
"Alright, here's my chance."
Extending his arm out, he began channeling mana like the mage did as well. Only this time, mana came from around him instead of within. Though, one side effect this did was making the air around him drastically cold after he executes the spell. He'll just have to jump away as fast as possible.
"No, I have to give it my all. It doesn't matter if my back freezes again. I have to take it all." He then took more mana out than what was recommended.
He hasn't released it yet, but he could already feel the cold air blowing at him. The spell that he was about to do, is taking up a large amount of mana that he really shouldn't be taking.
He already felt how dangerous it was to shoot that water spell before, he could only imagine the damage he would do with this one.
"There's no turning back now. I've taken too much from the air, even if I cancel it, it would be for nothing."
"Do you really think that your life is easily replaceble?" "Huh?"
"That you will come back to life all happy? The way you die, with regret. You throw out your life like trash!"
"What, what is this?" Kazuma's head began getting dizzy. The world around him began to look blurry, it looked like time itself was beginning to slow down.
"Stop thinking that your life is worthless Kazuma! Please. Please don't think that way."
"These, these words, their from Eris." Right, he remembers now. It was the conversation he had when he died to Hostis Dei. That felt so long ago now, but the words she said to him stuck to him like super glue. He could never forget it.
But he wonders, why is he remembering her words now? Why is everything, so... blurry.
Then,
Time itself stopped moving. He saw the lightning clouds above him stood still. The breeze, the rustling of trees, everything, stopped. The color and light in everything turned black and white. It felt like his own breathing stopped as well. The only thing that he can do is think and see.
"Kazuma..."
"Huh? Who said that?" His eyes dart around as he heard someone call his name.
"Kazuma."
"Wait. Eris?"
"It is, Kazuma. It's me, Eris."
"H-hold on. How? How are you talking to me? I'm not dead, am I?" He began to panic.
"Don't worry, Kazuma. You're not dead. I'm talking to you through the gift I gave you. Remember?"
"The... gift?" He slowly looks down, the sword with the red gem glowed bright red this time. It showed just how powerful of a relic this thing could get. "So that's how."
"Right. Listen Kazuma. The stunt you are about to perform is very dangerous, and would easily put you at death's door. Now that we don't have any powerful healers here with resurrection, you won't be coming back to this world anymore."
Kazuma can only look overwhelmed by the things that Eris is saying to him. There was no denying that after he unleashes his electric spell, he would succumb to the harsh cold air that would freeze him instantly. He will no longer be able to roam the world anymore, and it would also mean that his original goal will never be met.
Though, that doesn't matter.
"Eris, if it means that YunYun and the village are safe. Then I would gladly do this." He never thought he would say these words. People always regarded him as a selfish man, he himself admit it as well. But when it came to someone that matters to him most, and when the situation called for it, he would be the one to sacrifice himself.
Like that time with Hans the slime, and recently with Hostis.
"Kazuma, this type of thinking, just isn't right."
"Well, what other option do we have? I'm very weak. I'm not the hero that will slay the demon king as said before. So if giving my all would end with me killing myself, then so be it."
"NO!"
"That, that will not be happening."
Kazuma went silent after hearing Eris's thunderous objection.
"Kazuma, what I will be doing is completely against the rules of heaven. This might be the last chance I could interfere with the lives of humans, so don't die again!"
"Now hold on! I'm not dead yet alright."
She sighed. "Of course your not, but you will be if you continue."
"So listen carefully. I will enhance the power of my sword, just this once. With this, you are able to avoid the sharp cold air that will surround you instantly the moment you speak out your spell."
"Wait, so that means I get to live another day?"
"Don't take your chances!" For a moment there, Kazuma thought he heard Chris speaking for a second.
"What I'm saying is that, this is the final time I'm helping you with your shenanigans. I don't want to see you sitting in front of me ever again, got it?"
"Okay okay, geez, I get it alright."
Kazuma fell silent for a moment, before speaking up again."Thank you, Eris. For giving me another chance."
"You're welcome, Kazuma. It's the least I can do after leaving you so abruptly." He couldn't see it, but he could tell that she was fidgeting and looking to the side, trying to avoid eye contact. Honestly, the thought itself was just too cute.
That is, another thought had popped up in his mind at that moment.
"Hey Eris, before this 'moment' ends, there's something I want to ask."
"What is it Kazuma?"
"The spell. What's the spell that activates your sword?"
"... Right. I never told you, didn't I."
She paused for a moment. "Don't worry, you'll learn it soon enough."
Kazuma could already tell that she was smiling mischievously. "That's literally what you said before!"
"Oh trust me on this one. You will learn it after this."
After a moment of silence, Eris spoke once more.
"Kazuma. YunYun is about to cast her most powerful spell yet, and you will contribute to it as well by casting an enhanced version of the 'create electricity' spell. With my blessing, you will live another day once more."
"Please, Kazuma, don't waste your life ever again."
With those words said to him, Kazuma could only think before time itself started moving again slowly. The breeze in the air began to flow and the color in the world had returned.
"I, the Goddess of Luck, Eris, command my sword,"
"Goddess's blessing." Kazuma said as time resumed, and the red gem that is stuck in the sword was now shining a bright light.
Kazuma's whole body had never felt such strength, such power surging through him. He had never felt so alive. With his instincts increasing and stamina going ten fold, it felt like he could defeat anyone that stands against him, and the one that is opposing him, is that damn demon.
Looking at the clouds that had formed above them, Kazuma let out his roar. His brown eyes turned golden.
"CREATE ELECTRICITY!"
"!" Alarmed, Kazuma could already feel the cold air breezing through him. He had to get out here fast before his body freezes to death.
Bright yellow flashed before his eyes as he leapt forward. Lightning struck, and the branch that he was standing on had now turned icy cold.
He extended his arm out to try and shoot a grappling hook to escape the cold grasp. But, he was sadly not fast enough.
He grunted in pain as he felt his feet freeze like ice. The cold quickly traveling through his leg. The blood that flowed within had now been frozen. Tiny sharp icicles were stabbing through the veins and flesh inside.
"Holy- ! I gotta get out of here!"
"Grapple!" A hook had been shot out at lightning speed, and he quickly swung away from the dangerous cold air.
He looked back at where he did his spell and saw how the branch had been solid frozen. Not only that, but the entire tree and some of it's surroundings met the same fate as well.
"Jesus Christ... I really would've been a dead man." He had severely underestimated how deadly his skill could get if he wasn't careful.
"Gugh!" Suddenly, he felt pain on his back. He looked around and saw that he had smashed into a tree. The same one he had hooked onto.
Turns out, he was reeling in so fast, he couldn't process how fast he actually was going, and didn't realize that he was about to hit his leverage.
Then, another pain had kicked in.
"AAAHHHH!!!" His legs, which were now frozen solid, were giving him unimaginable pain. His boots, which were normally brown, were now colored in deep blue. He couldn't move it. He couldn't feel it. They were now stuck in place, forever frozen like that.
"FUCK! Ggh, shit..." He took a deep breath. "It... fucking hurts... so MUCH!"
His heart beat sped up as the pain he was feeling was beginning to be too much. He felt his entire body go to overdrive to try and process the sheer pain that he was experiencing. His breath grew unstable as sweat and tears started forming. His hand gripped hard on the rope he held on. His other hand was gripping onto the hilt of his prized gift.
"AAHH!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. Even with the help that Eris gave him, it was just not enough for him to escape fully unscathed.
His head felt like it was getting whackeed at by a sledge hammer. He felt dizzy. Really dizzy. It almost felt like he was about to vomit. His vision began to blur as the banging in head became too much. His stomach was churning from all the stress that was accumulating up until now.
"I think this is it. I can't hold on much longer." He could feel his body shutting down. His eyes were droopy while the grip on the rope he was hanging on had begun to loosen.
After a few short seconds, he fell unconscious. So too did his body.
*Psh*
"Hghh!" The King quickly grabbed his body. She let go of the rope she reeled in and turn around to shoot out another one. She swung as she intended to meet up with YunYun.
As she did so, she looked down at the body she just snatched, or more accurately, saved. She noticed how he was unconscious and how his legs had suddenly become frozen for some reason.
"Hole Eris... What happened to you?" Now she really had to get to YunYun quick. He has to get medical treatment stat.
And yet, she also noticed something strange. Not from Kazuma, but from her.
"Where... where did this feeling come from? Why am I concerned for him?"
She quickly got to where YunYun was laying at as she swung down and ran to her. The sound of dirt getting stomped on had alerted the immobile mage.
"Y-You're back! What happened to Kazuma-san?"
"He's not good. His legs are frozen solid and he's unconscious. I don't think he'll last long." She answered in a calm yet serious tone.
"W-what?!" Now alarmed, she tried to get up. But unfortunately, her mana had gone down the drain and she fell shortly after. "Kazuma-san!"
Panicking a bit, the King tried to assess the situation.
Currently in her arms, is a man whose legs are now frozen solid. She could see signs of stress from the sparatic breathing and the buckets of sweat coming from his face. It felt ironic how he's doing that. She didn't know how to do basic medical procedures, nor does she know how to treat someone with such a severe case of frostbite.
To add, a girl who is supposedly his girlfriend is now comatose. Completely immobile and is now laying on the ground. She is defenseless, can't do any sort of magic and can't walk at all.
"Damn it! What do I do? I can't do anything! I can't heal him, and nor can she. What the hell am I supposed to do now?"
"Wait!" Suddenly, an idea crossed her mind.
"W-What's the matter? Can you help Kazuma-san?!"
"Quiet down. I think I got it. Though, I don't know how you'll fit in..."
"It doesn't matter! As long as Kazuma-san's alright." She was at her limit. No matter what happens next, she'll sacrifice anything for him to be alive and well.
"I can go back to my base. There, I have some friends who can heal him up. But, I can only get there by running since my mana is close to zero."
She then further explains that while she can run, YunYun couldn't. So that's where the dilemma kicks in. If the king wants to save Kazuma in time, then that means she has to leave YunYun behind to stay here until she can walk again.
Of course, with the threat of the demon now gone, she's safe. But, that safety is not always guaranteed. Their in the middle of a forest. Any monster can come and go in here. So she's concern for her well being.
"We don't have much time. I don't know how long he'll last. Are you sure you'll be okay if I leave you here?"
On one hand, no. She doesn't want to be left alone here. The thought that any danger would come out of nowhere to kill her, while she couldn't so anything about it, it's a haunting scenario. She didn't have the chance to say goodbye to the ones she loved, and she'll die alone here.
But on the other one, that means Kazuma could live another day. She's the only one setting back the King from leaving here and go off to her base. To her, she herself is the thorn to the King's plan.
"If it means that me staying here would decide the fate of Kazuma-san... Then, so be it."
"Leave me."
"Are you sure?" The King asked. She knew how hard this decision had to be, so she wanted to know if she really-
"Yes."... Meant it.
She only gave a concerned look, before turning around and starts running. She ran as fast as she could. Her legs had ached from all the action and fighting she had done until now. But she has to fight on. For her and his sake.
Truly, where did this feeling come from?
"..."
Left behind, YunYun could only lay her head down as her body rests. They had finally killed the demon that has terrorized them, but the fight still isn't over. She prayed to the goddess of luck that her she is safe here from any monsters. She had also orayed that Kazuna would get the help that he needs, and live another day.
She closed her eyes, tears escaped as she did so.
"Kazuma-san. I'm sorry."
Frostbite.
A condition where the skin, blood and veins near the top layer are frozen solid by harsh weather conditions. It is a very serious and dangerous condition since it can grow harmful bacteria that could damage the skin and other parts of the body. Usually, the skin that has gotten frostbitten would never go back to normal. Worst case scenario, it may have to be amputated.
Currently, two healers were rapidly casting healing magic on Kazuma's two frozen legs. He, unfortunately, was still unconscious.
King Hunt had successfully reached her base of operations. She saw how all her comrades were resting, some were very injured, while others carried bodies that were covered in green cloth. They all grew in shock and happiness when they saw their leader alive, albeit really battered.
But confusion rose as she asked the healers, who intended to heal her, to instead heal their enemy: Satou Kazuma.
"How's his condition?" From the side, the King of the Hunts was looking down at Kazuma's horrid conditions.
"Not good. Our healing magic isn't like a priest of priestess. It will take a lot of time for him to be stable. Even then, I can't guarantee that he'll keep his legs." A man who's face is covered in a green scarf spoke to her, his hands glowed holy energy as he tried to heal him.
"He's very lucky that he's still alive after having this nasty frostbite. Hell, I don't think I can even call it that." The other guy spoke up, this time, he wore a large green bandana that is tied on and is covering his nose and mouth.
"How did he even get this anyways? I don't think the forest could get that cold."
"I don't know. When we killed the demon, I saw him falling from a tree and I caught him. When I did, his legs were like that."
The one with the scarf shook his head. "Tch, and here we are, healing the bastard that ruined our plans. I'm surprised you even saved him."
The King stood in silence, not saying any type of rebuttal or reason.
"Anyways, I don't think I can last much longer. My manas almost out out."
"I'm running out of juice as well." They could feel their arms getting weaker as they continued to heal him.
They then stopped their healing. "Sorry King, I don't think he's gonna live." The one with the scarf said as they both got up, Kazuma's condition looked like it hasn't gotten any better at all.
She could only look in solemn. "Then..." She looked at Kazuma, his forehead covered in sweat while his legs were stiff. "I'm sorry, Kazuma."
"What do we do now boss? We still have the money, we can still go to Elroad tomorrow."
"I... have some unfinished business. I'll discuss our future operations later." She says as she turns around. "Oh, and put him on my bed."
"Uh... okay. Bandana, help me carry this guy."
The King then shoots a grappling hook and reeled in. After getting to her base, she took a sip of some stamina potions they stole in earlier runs, so her mana pool is in tip top shape. Except her body of course. As she swung from tree to tree, her main goal was to get back to YunYun. She could only hope that she was alright since well, she did leave her without any way to fend for herself.
She was never a religious one, but she prayed to Eris that she is safe.
After a few minutes of swinging, she finally arrived at where they slayed the demon. She saw how the body of it is still laying there, hunched over. Which meant that they actually killed it fully. That also meant that YunYun is close by.
She shot one final grappling hook before descending downwards and landing on her legs. She ran towards the spot where she left her.
When she got there, she saw then how YunYun wasn't lying on the ground anymore, but is now sitting against a tree. Her head hung low.
"YunYun!"
Hearing her name, she looked up. "Huh?"
"Thank Eris you're safe. I thought for sure you were eaten by some monsters." She said relieved.
"Is... Is Kazuma-san alright? Is he okay?" Her voice slightly cracked. She asked the all important question. Ever since the King left to attend the injured boy, her mind had not stopped to think about his fate. And her eys had not stopped crying ever since. Her thought going from left to right, just thinking about what happened to Kazuma.
Concerned spread through her eyes. The King saw her anticipation, and answered.
"I... don't think he'll make it."
Silence.
The King stared at her for a moment. The crimson demon's eyes were wide open, not blinking even after a few seconds.
Before realization kicked in.
"... Kazuma...san. Kazuma-san. K-Ka-Kazuuma- gigh!" Having the strengths in her arms return, she placed her hands on her face. The tears then started to flow.
Her hiccups grew erratic. Her tears not stopping. Her wails not getting any quieter. The King can only stand there in silence as she saw how heartbroken YunYun truly felt.
"KAZUMA-SAN!" She sniffed hard. "I'm-I'm s-s-so sorry-...!" Her legs, which somewhat had some strength in it, had pushed away the dirt on the ground. Her back lowered a bit after she did this.
Her chest went up and down as she tried to hold in the hiccups, so too did her belly. But it was useless. She couldn't stop it. Her cries continued as the salty tears coming out of her eyes continued to do so as well.
"Why? Why did it have to be like this? Why couldn't I do anything about it? Kazuma-san. Kazuma-san. You... you don't deserve me. You don't deserve a friend like me. How could I be so selfish to think that I'll be with you? Kazuma-san. I'm so sorry, that I couldn't save you. If only... I was more stronger."
"Kazuma-san..." She let out a whimper, before she cried some more. The tears not stopping.
"Come on, let's go back to my base. I... know we have our differences, but... you deserve to see him again."
The King got no answer as YunYun continued to cry her heart out. She couldn't take it anymore and went to pick her up, the mage didn't show any sign of objection.
"Let's go. We'll walk there." She knew how tired she was after this day. Plus, she knew how troubled the girl she was carrying is in, so taking it slow won't be so bad.
The King princess carried YunYun, while the crimson demon herself continued to cry uncontrollably. Her body twitched as she cried. She then dug her head into the shoulder of the Hunt, her cries continued there as well.
As she looked down on the girl, she couldn't help but feel empathy for her.
Where? Just where did this feeling come from?
Darkness. Darkness is all that he can see.
A void filled with nothing. No light. No sound. No smell. No sense of touch. No taste. Absolutely nothing.
The only thing he can see, is himself. His hand, legs, body. Yet, why is he here? Actually, where is he? Why is he trapped in this dark void.
He couldn't come up with an answer. He doesn't even know why and how he's even thinking in the first place. He's sure he's unconscious. Yet, here he is, thinking for himself.
Suddenly, he felt himself sitting on a chair. The darkness around him had suddenly formed a ground which is in a checkered patteren. He looked left and right. When he faced forwards again, he saw a familiar sight take place before him.
"Greetings Kazuma. It seems that unfortunately, you have died."
Died? Did he die recently? The only thing he remembered was that he was hanging onto rope before falling unconscious. Maybe he fell really hard and died after hitting the ground?
Wait. That isn't right. There's something more to it. He thought hard about a crucial detail he had apparently forgotten.
Right, how can he miss such a detail. His legs were frozen solid. No wonder he was meeting Eris right now.
But hold on a minute. He remembered again how before he even fell unconscious, Eris had said that she will help him live again. How after shooting out that electricity spell, he'll have enough speed and power to escape the icy grasp of the side effect to mana manipulation. So how was he meeting Eris?
Suddenly, the ground beneath him began to fall. The tiles had started to shake and fall into the endless void. As he looked down the falling tiles, he looked up again to ask what was going on.
But before he could do so, what was the point in asking, if you're talking to no one at all?
Eris had disappeared.
The chair he was sitting on fell, so too did his body. Falling in the endless void, he tried to scream, but no sound came out. Not even a faint breath, just nothing.
He panicked internally, trying to figure out how to stop the falling, why couldn't he scream, just why all of this is happening!?
"Kazuma-san, it's time for school. Breakfast is ready."
Who was that? That voice sounded too familiar. School? Breakfast? That's right, there's only one person who matched. That was his mom speaking.
"Your son has not been coming to class at all since he enrolled here. If this keeps up, we'll have to kick him out for good." That sounded too much like the principal back in his private school. He only met him once, but he could easily tell that it was him speaking.
"Don't listen to your brother okay? He's a failure to the family." That stern and authoritative voice, it was none other than his own father.
"Brother? He's not my brother. How can a neet be my brother?"
"He's not my childhood friend. Oh please, that was just in kindergarten. You really think he and I will be friends forever just because we met so early? Don't be silly."
"Look whose back! It's the otaku nerd who thinks he's cool because he watches anime!"
"What a chunnibyou."
"What 'Promise'? What're are you talking about you creep."
Laughter, denial, mockery. He heard it all. The void of nothingness is now spreading laughter from all directions. Different voices of mockery. He couldn't avoid it as he continued to fall.
Memories of the past began to show as he saw it all. The horrible sight repeated, reminding him of all his past failures.
His failure as a student, his failure as a brother, his failure as a son.
As he fell, little droplets of water were shining. He wondered where it came from. Until he touched his face. He was crying.
"Y'know. I know he died of a heart attack. But, I could tell he was just trying to save me. Even if it was just a tractor. And this game. I've always been a fan of it, I wish I got to know him."
As he fell further and further, the void of nothingness began to turn white.
"Kazuma-san!"
"Quickly! I'll heal him!"
"Kazuma! Please be okay! Faster Aqua!"
Blood spewed on the snow. The all white snow is now stained with dark crimson red. An unfortunate sight to behold as a man whose head is cut off is now being put together by a priestess.
"Unfortunately, you have died." Right, this is the moment where he died from the winter shogun. His first ever death in the new world.
"So that's how you died huh? Um... I don't have anything else to say other than... please don't go around and uh, do your fetishes alright? Especially to your friends." His second one. The one where a choker had wrapped around his neck and he must fulfill his wish before it tightens up and choke him to death. Fortunately, he didn't die to the choker. Rather unfortunately, he died from his friends for something that is quite reasonable.
"Kazuma... Why? Why did you do it? Is that the only way you could defeat Hans?"
This moment. This is where it all started to change. Eris had seen him on that chair one too many times now, and was starting to question his actions.
Explosion erupted as he saw Ferdinand getting his back on fire. He rolled on the ground to try and put it out. He also saw Chris being put in the air, completely immobile.
"This is where you meet your fate."
"Kazuma NO!"
Flames erupted, before a beam of light passed through to extinguish it.
"Kazuma, it seems that unfortunately, you have died."
"I'm saying it out of respect."
"I can't stand to see you die and sit on that chair and act like nothing happened!"
"I can't tell you."
The winter shogun, the collar that grants your wish, the battle of Alcenrentia, killing Hostis, it all has one thing in common.
"You have died..."
"Kazuma."
"Kaz."
"Kazuma-san."
"I've decided to give you my sword. It's a holy relic. It has powers in it. Don't get it stolen or lose it. You'll one day learn how to use it."
Droplets of water flew past him, the light above him had begun to grow brighter and brighter.
"I'm doing something that is breaking every rule that heaven has set out for me."
"Chris will be there when you wake up, and when you do, don't freak out okay?"
"Goodbye, Kazuma." He closed his eyes as the light began to be too much for him to look at.
After a few moments...
He woke up. His forehead was covered in sweat. He took his arm to wipe it off. He then blinked a few times, and looked downwards. There, he saw how his once frozen solid legs, had now gone back to normal.
He looked on in confusion. All he remembered was that his legs had been frozen and he was in tremendous pain before going unconscious after it was beginning to be too much to handle.
He then saw how light was hitting him from upfront. He looked away from his cured legs and onwards towards the door that had been opened.
He couldn't tell who it was. He had woken up, the senses in his body were still starting up, so his eyes couldn't fully render in who it was with all the light hitting his eye.
It closed shortly after. The last image of which he saw was strikingly similar silver short hair. It shone brightly as it flowed from the gentle breeze from the outside.
"... Chris."
To be continued...
Author's note:
This took way longer than it should've had.
I don't remember when I started, but I knew it was months ago. I felt really lazy writing this, but hey, I recently got the drive to do it after completing the third chapter to the right path, so that's good right?
Anyways, I'm sorry it took this long to come out. I've just gotten really lazy, maybe because I've been writing in the same setting for like 3 long chapters, so I grew tired of it? Idk.
But hey, now you know why I didn't combine this chapter with the last one. It's fuckin 14k words long. The longest I've ever written.
With this chapter complete, marks the end for the demon in the forest. But hey now, the arc isn't done yet, there's still one enemy left that Kazuma must face before we move on to the next arc. Don't think this demon I threw in was just some random plot that doesn't correlate to the story at all.
To recap, Kazuma finally learns how to use Chris's short sword. King Hunt finally teams up with him and YunYun, and the demon is finally dead.
If you think the last part of this chapter is confusing, my excuse is that it's a dream sequence where he see's all his past actions unfold. It's bit confusing but I intended that.
Hopefully the fight scenes are well written. Especially the part where Kazuma was cutting the muscles that connect the demons legs to it's calves. That one I think gets confusing. Just imagine him flying backwards then extends his left arm out and swipe it's back ankles, which all happens in like 10 seconds. Hopefully that made you all understand. I think? I hope so.
Now then, what will happen next? What other enemy would Kazuma now have to face? How would the King and YunYun react once they find out Kazuma is all fine and well? Time to wait for another year and a half to roll around to find out!
In the next chapter! See you later!