Jacob and the girls arrive back in town after traveling a few hours. It's still early enough that the group can get food somewhere before the restaurants close.

Jacob: I'm starving, let's turn this quest in and go eat.

The girls agree in excitement and return to the guildhall, Gushi is behind the counter packing up to go home after a long day at work when she notices Jacob and the girls.

Gushi: Oh you're back already. Did the griffons get away from the location?
Jacob: No they're dead, we brought their feathers as proof.

Gushi: You killed five griffons that quick?

Jacob: Yes, they were a challenge though two of us were poisoned.

Gushi: Oh no, I didn't know those were venom griffons. I'm so sorry.

Jacob: Venom griffons?

Sylvie: There are several different types of griffons, venom ones are a rarer species though.

Jacob: This world is full of so many surprises.

Gushi: Well normally if the threat is more dangerous than posted we would pay more, but the bank is closed until the morning.

Jacob: That's okay. We do need to inform you that the village we saved is in disarray from the attacks and they will need help and support from the guild.

Gushi: I will inform the guildmaster when she arrives first thing in the morning.

Jacob: Thank you Gushi, we're going out to eat have a goodnight.

Gushi: You too adventurers.

As they leave, Ale runs to the guild being followed by three guards

Guard: Princess Ale please stop, we need to protect you.

Ale: You don't have the power to protect me.

Ale looks forward and before she can stop she runs headfirst into Jacob.

Guard: Princess are you okay? How dare you get in the way of our princess commoner.

Jacob: Excuse me?
Guard: You got in the way of our princess.

Ale: Silence!

The guards, Jacob and the girls look at Ale who has tears in her eyes. She jumps into Jacobs arm and holds him tight crying.

Jacob: Ale?

Ale: Please help me, someone murdered my father.

Phoebe: What? Your father.

Jacob: When did this happen?
Ale: I don't know he was sitting in his chair with a knife in his chest when I got home.

Roxy: That's awful.

Inki: Do you know who could have done it?
Ale: No, but my father was strong, stronger than any guard in the perch. That's why I'm asking for your help.

Jacob: Do you need us to help find the killer?
Ale: I want to join you for my protection.

Jacob: Oh.

Guard: My lady, we know nothing of this commoner, how can we be sure he isn't the killer?

Ale: Because he and his group were on a quest miles away all day fighting venom griffons.

The guards are shocked at hearing that Jacob and his group fought venom griffons, and to them not have a single scratch or wound on them.

Guard: Sir who are you?
Jacob: My name's Jake, nice to meet you.

Phoebe: Furthermore, he is one of the prophesied heroes here to defeat the demon lord.

Ale and the guards are shocked. Ale didn't know he was one of the heroes. The guards bow on one knee sweating and regretting insulting Jacob, Ale looks up at Jacob even more starstruck than when he fired his final flash at the griffons.

Guard: Forgive us hero, we didn't know.

Jacob: Stand up, I don't deal with formalities, it just annoys me.

The guards follow his orders and stand at attention.

Jacob: Oh brother. At ease you mooks.

The guards relax and are surprised that the hero knows military language.

Ale: H-how did you know that would get them to relax.

Jacob: I was in the military where I come from, those words just seem to be multiversal amongst service members.

Guard: Wow to think the hero was a soldier like us.

Jacob: I was retired not long ago so some of what was taught is still in my head.

Guard: Well if you are the hero and a former soldier, we will put our trust in you to protect the princess.

Jacob: We'll do our best, and we'll help find the killer.

Ale: Thank you.

Ale releases Jacob and looks at her guards. She informs them that they can head back to the perch and that she will be back with her new guardian. They bow graciously to Ale and fly back to the perch.
Jacob: Sorry girls I guess we aren't having dinner yet.

The girls don't mind that they aren't stopping at a restaurant and are willing to wait until after helping Ale to eat.

Ale: Getting up to the perch will require a couple of trips but I can get you up there.

Jacob: I can get us there all I'd need is for you to go there and I'll bring us there.

Ale: O-oh are you sure?
Jacob: Yeah, trust me.

Slightly confused Ale agrees and flies back to the perch. Jacob puts his index and middle finger of his right hand on his forehead and puts his thoughts on Ale.

Jacob: Normally this trick would require sensing life energy, but I don't know how to do that so this will have to work instead.

Phoebe: Do you need us to do anything?
Jacob: Hold onto me and don't let go.

The girls blush and in unison say "with pleasure". They grab ahold of Jacob and snuggle up tightly.

Jacob: Girls you don't need to hold onto me that close.

They ignore him and keep holding as he imagines Ale. Finally he gets an idea of Ale landing on the perch when he and the girls flicker from the spot they're standing and disappear.

Ale sits on the edge of the perch waiting when Jacob and the girls flicker behind her. She turns around and sees the group materialize on the perch. Ale is so surprised at what she has seen, her eyes almost bulge out of her head from the shock.

Ale: H-h-how did you do that?

Phoebe: Yes I'd like to know that myself.

Jacob: It's called Instant Transmission.

Sylvie: Your techniques never cease to amaze me.

Roxy: You surprise us every time Jake.

Jacob: I've still got a few more up my sleeve.

Inki: Incredible we're so high up.

Inki looks down on the city, to her it's almost as if the night sky is on the ground. The group is amazed that the perch is so high off the ground. Ale coughs to get their attention and directs them to the throne room to see the crime scene.

The group follows Ale to the throne room. Rie's body has been moved to the floor and the knife has been removed. Jacob looks at the room and utilizes the genius detective work of Batman to determine how Rie died. By connecting everything he had seen and deduced, Jacob came to a realization.

Jacob: The killer got the jump on him.

Ale: What do you mean? My father was one of the best in the town, he couldn't have been caught off guard.

Jacob: He could've been if he was asleep.

Ale: Asleep, but when I saw him his eyes were open.

Jacob: The muscles in the eyes naturally are open since we spend most of our lives awake. It's possible the killer opened his eyes, or the pain of being stabbed did. Either way your father didn't notice his killer until he was already on death's door.

Ale: Daddy.

Jacob: Can I see the murder weapon?

Guard: Yes of course.

The guards bring the knife, upon further inspection Jacob realized it was a Pesh-Kabz, a more ornate knife with a curve near the end of the blade. Its wood is made of walnut and the blade has gold melted into it to imitate the vines of a hydrangea.

Jacob: Whoever owns this must be well off. There's gold in it with a design I'm sure belongs to some kind of wealthy family.

Ale: What's the design?
Jacob: I could be wrong but it looks like a hydrangea.

Gria: That sounds like the Shua family; they're known for growing hydrangea for medicinal purposes.

Sylvie: Medicinal?

Gria: Yes they made their fortune selling it to clinics to heal sick patience.

Jacob: Looking at you Sylvie I think you disagree.

Sylvie: Hydrangea is a notorious poison used by assassins for espionage. Several elves have been executed for trying to use it on leaders around the countries.

Gria: B-but that's not possible.

Jacob: What is your relationship with them?
Gria: The oldest son Tum Shua has been coming here for months as one of the many who wished to marry Ale.

Jacob: I don't think killing the hopeful future father-in-law would leave a good first impression.

Ale: I have constantly turned him and every other man down.

Roxy: I think he got tired of being turned down.

Phoebe: Now we don't know for sure if it is him, but still it's terrible.

Jacob: Well we just need to confirm if he did it or not.

Inki: How do we do that?
Jacob looked at Ale with a serious face and told her that she needed to invite him over to talk.

Gria: Now hold on, if this man is the killer I don't like the idea of putting him in front of my baby sister.

Jacob: Sir you don't have to worry, I'll be in the room with her. If anything happens I'll step in.

Gria: How can I trust you?

Guard: My lord, that man is one of the heroes.

Gria: What!

Jacob: Yeah yeah yeah, I'm one of the heroes. Don't make a big deal out of it. Ale do you trust me to protect you if things get dicey?

Ale: I do.

Jacob: That's all the insurance you need.

Gria: I don't like it, but I will trust you my sister.

Ale: Thank you.

Jacob: Alright, then let's prepare the plan.

The rest of the night is spent planning to get Tum into the perch, and find out if he killed Rie.

The next morning Tum is walking around the town none the wiser that he is the prime suspect in the murder of the leader. He walks into a shop to buy flowers in the hopes of wooing Ale. As he steps out the shop a group of guards from the perch meet him.

Tum: Um, hello. Can I help you?
Guard: Lady Ale wishes to meet you.

Tum: Really, she wants to see me?
Guard: We will take you there.

Two of the avian guards carry him to the perch and into the throne room where Ale sits alone at the base as Rie throne is still stained in his blood. She looks upset and isn't making eye contact with Tum.

Tum: Ale you wanted to see me.

Ale: Yes I was curious, how many times have you come here to try and court me?

Tum: Well I'd say around over a dozen times.

Ale: Why is it that you want to marry me?
Tum: Well because you're beautiful, and because it would be good for our families.

Ale: Good for our families huh.

Tum: Yeah, with your family's influence and my family's hydrangea medicine we could bring health to people all over the country.

Ale: What type of medicine is hydrangea used for?
Tum: It's used to help with injuries and internal pain.

Ale: How many people has your family treated with it?
Tum: You sure ask a lot of questions. We don't have much of a base since we are in a small village.

Ale: You were here yesterday weren't you?
Tum: Yes don't you remember, I was one of almost forty who was trying to win your heart.

Ale: Now that I think of it I do remember you. My father sent you away along with the rest.

Tum: Yes that's correct. But I'm assuming you finally decided to see me as your one true love.

Ale: Let me ask one final question.

Tum: Okay one more my love.

Ale: Why did you kill my father?

Hearing these words Tum tries to show a face of confusion but his sweating gives away he knows something.

Tum: What are you talking about? I didn't kill your father.

Ale: Then why did we find your family's weapon?

Tum: W-what do you mean how could you have found my family knife, I still have it.

Ale: I never said anything about a knife.

Realizing his mistake, Tum knows he's been caught. He starts laughing maniacally.

Tum: I was so tired of trying to be a prince charming, I had spent months of my life trying to get you to even notice me let alone love me. I snapped and decided that I would secretly hurt you in a way that would bring you into my arms.

Ale: Your mistake was using your personal knife.

Tum: My anger got the better of my logical thinking I will admit, but since I now know there's no way you'll be with me. I'm just gonna kill you. If I can't have you, no one can!

Still laughing, Tum withdrew another knife, this one being a douk-douk, much smaller than the one used to kill Rie. He charges at Ale who becomes scared seeing his contorted face which has a smile but is filled with hatred.

Ale: JACOB!

Before Tum can make contact his arm is stopped by an invisible force standing in front of Ale.

Tum: W-what what is this?

Jacob starts becoming visible, he's holding Tums arm and is nose to nose with him. Tums stares intently into Jacobs eyes, behind his hazel and gold eye was a rage ready to burst. Tums green eyes started to show fear, his legs began to shake and he started to sweat profusely.

Tum: W-w-w-who who are you?

Jacob: Your worst nightmare.

Jacob picked Tum up by his arm and threw him across the room. Tum crashed through the wall leading him outside and almost sending him off the perch. Tum is able to use his knife to slow his movement, although it was snapped in the process. He struggled to get on his feet as Jacob walked out of the hole. Tum put his fists up ready to fight, Jacob however stood in front of him unfazed ready to take whatever attack Tum had. Tums hands glow a brilliant red as he charges his mana, he jumps at Jacob with such force the wood under his feet cracked and splintered. He punched Jacob so hard the concussions could be heard at the street below as several people looked up. The guards came running around the bend to see Jacob had caught Tums fist and hadn't moved. The wood under his feet bent under the force of the attack, it creaked and cracked from the force.

Tum: H-how did you do that? That was my most powerful punch

Jacob: Then I see why you needed to assassinate the leader, that punch was pitiful.

Tum was freaking out, he never expected anyone to not only take his punch but be unaffected in general. Jacob flicked Tum in his forehead and sent him flying backwards, he did end breaking the finger as he used the One For All power, but he didn't care to notice.

Tum: HOW ARE YOU THIS STRONG, IT MAKES NO SENSE!

Jacob: Pushups, situps, and plenty of juice.

Tum: WHAT?!

Jacob used his power as a speedster to fun behind Tum and knock him unconscious. The guards came over and placed Tum under arrest and dragged him to prison. The girls along with Ale came running up to Jacob to check on him, Phoebe noticed his broken finger and started healing him without saying anything. Gria walks out of the throne room with two guards by his side.

Gria: Thank you sir Jacob, you have avenged my father and protected my sister.

Jacob: You can call me Jake, and it was no problem, I know what it's like to lose my father and I wanted to do my part.

Gria: I thank you, if there is ever anything you need, please feel free to ask.

Jacob: I will.

Ale runs up and hugs Jacob tightly. She finally releases her grief of her fathers death and the fear of almost being killed by his murderer. Gria looks at her and with a sad smile he understands.

Gria: Ale my dear sister, you finally found the one didn't you?

Ale doesn't move from Jacobs chest, she nods subtly.
Jacob: Uh, the one?

Gria: We've spent months trying to find her a husband to no avail. She wouldn't look at any man with love, it seems she has love for you.

Jacob: Oh man.

Jacob looks at the girls who look at him with straight faces but he can tell they're annoyed. Ale looks at all of them and bows her head.

Ale: I know it must come as a surprise but I did fall in love with him.

Phoebe: This is awkward as he is our boyfriend.

Ale: You won't need to worry about me, I don't plan on stealing him. I would however like to come with you and try and get him to fall in love with me and accept me too.

Roxy: Well she's not trying to be aggressive like Inki was.

Inki: Hey!

Sylvie: She is adorable, and sweet. Let's not forget she helped us with those griffons.

Phoebe: If not for her Inki would be dead, I have no problems with her joining if you girls don't

The others say they don't mind but Inki is annoyed that Roxy reminded her of her when she initially joined.

Jacob: Okay if you're all sure, then Ale welcome to the team.

Ale smiles and hugs Jacob tighter. Gria smiles happy to see his little sister excited for the first time in a while.

Ale: Gria, thank you for caring for me and being my big brother.

Gria: I couldn't have asked for a better sister. Go enjoy your life but please do come back to the perch and say hello.

Ale: I will.

Gria: Jake please take care of my sister, and if you could please reciprocate her feelings.

Jacob: I'll do my best, and if I happen to fall in love with her as well I will reciprocate.

Gria bows his head and walks back into his room to get some rest before continuing his training so he could officially rule the perch.

Jacob and the girls wait for Ale to pack a bag so she can leave. She stares at her room remembering all the good times she had with her father, playing with him, laying in bed as he read stories to her, and comforting her when she got scared. She smiles before walking out to go on her journey. She walks out of the perch where everyone waits, she smiles and prepares to fly down.

Jacob: Don't worry about flying down, I can get us down there faster.

Ale: Oh, you mean that disappearing trick you did the first time you came here?

Jacob: Yeah, everyone hold on.

The girls all cuddle up to Jacob like before.

Jacob: Can you four please calm down, Ale come on hold on to someone.

Ale walks up and grabs ahold of Roxys shoulder, Jacob puts his two fingers on his head and focused on Gushi at the guildhall. After a few moments the group flickers until they disappeared and reappeared at the guildhall in front of Gushi.

Gushi: Oh my, w-welcome back sir.

Jacob: Hello Gushi, we need to add someone to our party.

Gushi: Oh how lovely, who is it?

Ale walked out from behind Jacob and stood in front of Gushi, surprising her.

Gushi: P-p-princess?

Ale: Hello, Gushi.

Gushi: So is this it have you found your love?
Ale: I have and now I'm here to join his party.

Gushi: I'm so happy for you.

Gushi jumped over the counter and hugged Ale while tears of joy flowed from her eyes.

Ale: G please. Can you get the crystal?

Gushi: O-oh yes, I'm sorry I don't know what came over me.

Gushi ran into the storage room to grab the crystal. She came running out and put the crystal in front of Ale. Ale put her wing on the crystal and the status screen shone brightly for everyone to see.

Name: Ale

Species: Avian

Level: 44

Gushi: Oh my you gained quite a few levels since we last saw it.

Ale: When did that happen?

Phoebe: It's possible that when you intervened and saved Inki from the griffon you gained experience from the high level mission.

Ale: But that wasn't my mission.

Jacob: You gain levels from doing a lot of things when you're on a mission or not. I gained most of mine from combat and training.

Ale: Maybe?

Roxy: Don't think on it too much.

Gushi: Alright I'll go and add you to their roster. Congratulations Ale.

Ale: Thank you G.

Jacob: Alright this team is getting bigger.

Roxy: It's all because of you.

Sylvie: Every single one of us joined to be closer with you.

Jacob: You know I think we should add some guys to the team.

Inki: Why would we do that?

Jacob: I love all of you but being with a fellow guy could make this interesting.
Roxy: But what if we meet a man who was like Victor?

Jacob: People with that attitude aren't welcomed. I mean someone who's respectable but will still have guy to guy interactions like you four soon to be five have girl to girl ones.

Phoebe: I understand it, but we will reunite with sirs Marco and Ron eventually.

Ale: Who are they?
Roxy: They're Jake's oldest friends and also heroes summoned to defeat the demon lord.

Ale: Oh wow, are they strong like Jake?

Phoebe: They all took a different path so we don't know how strong they've become since they got here.

Jacob: Well they have a telepath so we might get in contact with at least Ron again.

Phoebe: I wonder how long until you two get in contact again?

Jacob: Not sure, but when it happens Rons gonna get an earful for not telling me the pain from ending a telepathy conversation.

Inki: Hahaha, seeing that intense face you have when wanting to combat your friend makes me love you even more.

Inki proceeds to jump on top of Jacob.

Jacob: Inki we're still in the guildhall!

Inki: Who cares, now kiss me.

Jacob: INKI!

The group laughed while Jacob was trying to wrestle the muscular oni off him. Ale started to smile seeing that the group she had chosen to join was a very fun group where everyone loved each other very much, she was excited to see the world with them and eventually meet Jacobs friends. Once Gushi came out with Ales guild ID and the group decided to spend the next few weeks completing quests so they could make S Rank.

In the demon country a shadow of someone running can be seen against the walls of the desolate town. The girl running is a young demon with bluish gray skin, horns curving out of her forehead, her long black hair going to the middle of her back. She was naked and her body was covered in scars from torture and expirementation. She runs into a collapsed building hoping to hide from whoever was chasing her. Loud footsteps can be heard passing the building she hides in, she lays in a fetal position under the window sill covering her mouth hoping not to be seen. The thundering steps pass by and disappear in the distance. She maintains her position not fully trusting that someone wasn't just standing there waiting for her to move. After what seemed like hours the girl sits up and sees she's actually alone, she looks through the building and finds tattered clothes she puts them on as she is cold. The clothes don't fit as the pants are for a child and the shirt is for a grown husky man. She gets a look at herself in broken glass, she is horrified that she is now a demon. She forcefully breaks her horns which bleed profusely and cause her great pain, she takes a shard of the glass and cuts her hair off until she is almost bald.

Girl: Who am I, what am I?
She leaves the building and escapes into the forest of death just outside of the town.