Chapter 16: Parting

*Bang*

A tankard struck a wood counter.

"Another one" Hit was, once again, surrounded by cheerful people as he drank the night away at the hostess of fertility.

"That's yer fifth one, boyo. What's wrong, I thought you'd be happy!" Mama Mia was also there to annoy him on his last night.

Hit's cheeks were slightly tinged as he drank the mugs at quite a pace, and actually willed his body to become intoxicated.

"Just pour it. That was one of the strangest, and most awkward, experiences of my life..."

'...and that's saying something.'

He cringed as he thought back to his final meeting with the executives, and ensuing tour. At least he now knew of the familia's resources: baths, spacious training areas, secluded spots (something his guide found very unnerving to be asked about), library, food hall... His room was also a slight upgrade, compared to the hostess'. Thankfully, it was quite late, and everyone was minding their own business.

The mug clinked as Mia refilled it. "Haha! I know you're not a people person, but of course such strong adventures would have their quirks. You're the strangest one out of the lot, if ya ask me."

"Yes, well, I wasn't asking". Loud gulps sounded out as Hit drank the whole tankard in one go.

*bang* 'hmmmmm.' Hit hummed in delight.

The food and drinks of this planet were to die for. This was quickly becoming one of Hit's favourite places, despite the occasional disturbance.

"Wow, Mr Hit! You can really hold your liquor, huh?" Syr skipped up to our protagonist, silver hair shining in the candlelight.

Hit shut his eyes and sat back, hands behind his head. "Hm. Maybe just ignoring them would work?"

"So, tell me about your day! I'd like to chat before you leave..." Syr launched yet another puppy dog eye attack, although she was genuinely sad that her new friend was going away.

Hit peeked open an eye, quite the mistake, as he gave in. 'I suppose I could, she has helped me.'

Conversation was becoming more and more common to Hit, in this new life. He had no real friends in his past one; they would only grow old and leave grief behind, after all. Giving out death sentences to his victims didn't serve as very lively conversation either. "It went as well as it could, I suppose. I joined the Loki familia and they allowed all my conditions."

The girl's smile twitched down. "Great! I'm glad you're finally working safely! Any reason why you chose them?" Her serious demeanour made another return.

"The god seemed like the most well-adjusted out of the ones I spy... studied; still completely insane. I never got the chance to meet Freya, although, I do not like being spied on from above, so nothing lost." The bar, to be considered a trustworthy God, was quite high for Hit, and Loki was just about straddling it.

"O-oh. I-I see. Yes, Loki is a caring Goddess." Syr seemed taken aback at his statement, and a little embarrassed.

"What were those conditions, Hit? "Unfortunately, Mia had been listening to them and couldn't let that pass.

Hit grumbled and looked up at her, groggily. "That I won't be a slave or tool for her; I am not going to be chained down. ...And no inappropriate touching."

Hit knew that they wouldn't approve of his solo diving, so decided to avoid the lecture by humouring them.

"Pfft...HAHAHA!"

"Fufufu"

Laughter and stifled giggles resounded at his reply; thankfully, his omission had worked.

Mia wiped away a tear. "I woulda loved to see the look on her face".

Syr moved about, picking up his plates. "I think you're worrying too much, Mr Hit. Why are you so adamant anyway, do you have a partner?"

A tick mark appeared on Hit's head. "No, I simply do not want to be touched inappropriately by a stranger. All I want to do, is dive in the dungeon; I don't have time for that drivel."

Hit decided he had enough and got up, intent on packing his belongings for the next day.

Mia grinned at him, kindlier this time. "You'll find someone, I'm sure. Yer young, live a little!"

The boy grunted and walked off.

The girls watched him go; it was always fascinating watching his movements. Deliberate, calculating, and soundless. He was always ready, like a sheathed knife.

"Honestly, he gives elves a run for their money. At least they live an overly long time, so it doesn't matter so much. Good that he's outta this bar, he can finally meet some people." Mia shook her head and looked at her little waitress.

Syr fiddled with the frills on her dress, anxiously. "I'm going to miss him though. I wonder if we'll see him very often after tomorrow..."

"Oh, I'm certainly looking forward ta tomorrow, Heh." Golden points flickered in the chief's eyes.

Hit had eaten and drank heartily tonight, and she hadn't forgotten about their little deal.

…

As Hit made his way down the second-floor hall, he came across a tired looking Bell Cranel. Bell's eyes drooped down, followed by rigorous shaking as he forced the drowsiness away.

"M-Mr Hit?" The boy recognised his mentor and quickly got up.

"Waiting for someone?" Hit was not sure what else the boy could be doing; he stood opposite room 2, adjacent to his own.

The boy looked incredibly thankful and saddened as he looked towards the door. "Yes, my Goddess. She fainted after my battle against the silverback."

Hit was stunned; a silverback wasn't a magnitude weaker than a crystal mantis, at least based on their spawn points alone. Although, the speed and intelligence of the bug made it much more of a handful. How had this youngling managed such a feat? 'Hm. Maybe the boy's a quick learner. Although, I only fought him yesterday, and he couldn't have made that much progress; maybe a new skill?'

"So, you also defeated your opponent; I'm impressed. You have taken my training to heart? Or did you awaken a new ability?"

The boy nodded sleepily yet had immense respect in his eyes. "Yes! I've already been following your advice and just started running around the city walls. No magic or skill yet, sadly..."

Bell became much more aware and pulled out a dark blade of some sort. "Oh! My Goddess gave me this."

Hit marvelled at the onyx weapon Bell presented him. Blue lines and intricate markings pulsed throughout the entire object, as if it were alive. It had an otherworldly feeling to it and must be worth a fortune.

"A magnificent blade, use it well. Your progress is staggering, so keep at it". Hit walked to his room; he could tell the boy wanted to be left to his thoughts.

"I will, thank you so much Mr Hit..." The boy bowed and waited until the door shut behind the eccentric boy. After this, he returned to his sitting position, where sleep took him over.

...

Lying in bed, Hit thought back to the item. 'That must have been a magic weapon, perhaps it strengthens his attacks to some degree. There did seem to be a different air to the boy though, as if he had evolved somehow.'

Hit smirked at the memory of that idiot wolf; it was the correct decision to believe in the strength of the young. He also remembered Mia's advice, regarding his new lifespan. If he was currently human, he also possessed a human physiology and fragility.

'I'll just live life as usual, an early death is a possibility for anyone.'

Hit scratched at his back: there was still a phantom sensation of being part of something greater now. 'The falna should slow my ageing as well. But why would it confer such a boon? Hmm. When she blessed me, she infused her 'blood', or ichor, with some kind of energy, and melded it with my soul. Did she pass on her divinity, or an ember of it?'

Hit's mind flashed red and blue as he remembered the super saiyan God and super saiyan blue transformations. He could not sense them at all, being born of God ki. Just how had those saiyans become gods? Furthermore, why did God ki fall short before his own power and Jiren's? Ultra instinct, the pinnacle of divine power, was a technique, not a transformation, so what was the point of God ki in the first place?

Hit fell asleep, his mind buzzing with questions that would never be answered.

*munch* *munch*

Yummy french toast brought a sense of euphoria to Hit as he enjoyed his breakfast. It was 6:00 in the morning and the city was still incredibly drowsy; even more so than usual, due to yesterday's attack.

"Mornin' sunshine! How's my favourite recluse doin' this fine morning?" Mia sidled up to the counter and smiled lovingly at the boy.

"I wonder why you're so ecstatic..." *Munch* Hit didn't even look up at her.

"Aww, cheer up! I know yer not short on cash at the moment." Sadly, for Hit, Mia had heard masses of coins jangling about when he scampered to his room, the day before.

"So, I'll run you down the bill!" The giant pulled out a notebook and read it aloud. "First, there's the 2500 valis debt for your treatment, then our recent services: 1000 for yesterday; 1500 for the meals and drinks; and 200 for breakfast. Of course, it's double, so that makes 5400 valis."

Her pearly whites glistened as she beamed at the depressed looking boy. "That makes the grand total: 7900 valis!"

Hit's eyes watered at the price; it was utterly ludicrous. Nevertheless, he picked the coins out of the immense sack beside him. "You are quite an evil woman, Ms Grand. 8500 valis."

His 70,000 valis had already been reduced to 61,500 valis. Hit thought back to the immense Loki familia safe during his tour; he was incredibly tempted to take a few of the glittery gemstones.

"Haha! That's Mama Mia to you! And cheers for the tip." The overlord began counting the lovely, glittery objects, greedily.

Hit's chair wobbled as the slightly poorer lad flung himself away, glad that his debt was paid.

…

Hit's lovingly crafted backpack jangled as he checked himself over near the door. "I'll be leaving now."

Frantic footsteps were the immediate reply.

"W-Wait! Be sure to come visit us sometimes... Don't forget about me either!" Syr ran up to him; he hadn't given them much warning.

Purple hair waved around like violet dragon fire as he nodded resolutely. "Of course. I very much doubt I'll find better food elsewhere."

Hit had grown addicted to the lovely food here; once you try Earth cuisine, there is no going back.

Mia walked up as well; arms crossed. "Ya got that right! The Loki familia cooks pale in comparison to us! Loki loves this pub, so we'll be seeing you often, I'm sure."

Hit faced the imposing lady and inclined his head as a show of respect. "Thank you. For everything."

A large hand ruffled through his hair, reminding Hit of his temporary guardians. "See! You really are a big softie under all that grumpiness. Stop being a tsundere and the girls will come running!"

"Then I shall proceed as usual." Hit quickly disengaged, grumpy look in full force.

Mia huffed; the boy really did need to loosen up. "Hmmm. Well, maybe you'll find yerself a nice elf lass... or lad."

"Quiet." Hit was beginning to feel a little less upset about leaving.

"OI! GET OVER HERE, THE LOT A' YA, AND SAY GOODBYE!" Mia's shout was followed by a cacophony of clattering objects and frantic meows. The shellshocked girls bid him farewell.

"Nya! Bye!"

"Farewell..."

"Bye, Nya..."

"See you soon, Mr Hit!"

"Goodbye"

"Huh?! What did ya say? I'm in the kitchen!"

"Until we meet again" Hit walked off, chuckling lightly. He waved once and closed the door behind him.

Author's Notes

Thank you for the follows and favs :) Hope you have been enjoying it Will put a few up now, but I have a few busier days ahead. Don't worry, there will still be daily uploads.