86 (Eighty Six) belongs to Asato Asato.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own nothing.

| Reaper May Cry |

Morning had broken and sunlight gently descended into Shin's room, prompting his eyes to flutter open. The place was the one he rented since the day he went out from the castle. With a piece of silver, he could afford the spartan bedroom and two meals, breakfast and dinner. Suffice to say that it was a standard service the capital could offer.

He got up and stretched his arms, warding off the stiffness that clung to his body. Since he got transported to this world, he didn't have the luxury of doing normal physical exercise. In exchange, he moved much more than his old Reginleif pilot self needed for. He was the party's main hitter, after all.

As he returned his arms close to his body, a foreign metallic object greeted his limb with a soft thud. He hadn't been accustomed to the presence of his sword yet. Still, being a Reaper, he shrugged the surprise off like swatting a bug. He went out of bed and reached for a pail of water, moving with the slightest stagger in his steps.

'Lena, are you up?'

He earned no response from Handler One as he washed the sleepiness away from his face. It appeared that the ordeal yesterday had drained her.

He did some more stretches before he sat over a wooden chair. As his mind sorted out the agendas for that day, his eyes reached for the imaginary button hanging on the periphery of his vision. The moment the menu screen spread out, he recalled a very important thing. He jolted up with a start and quickly dressed into his battle attire, as if the Legion was waiting for him.

"… Just what am I doing right now? I don't think Gilford will be that forgiving, even though I'm the Sword Hero."

As he strapped a belt for additional items to his waist, he went out from his room in haste without any sound. The anger of his girlfriend was the second matter he could deal with. What he wouldn't want to face was the wrath of the expedition leader he had made an appointment with.

Lena made a huge yawn as she forced her legs to keep a steady march behind Undertaker–now the Sword Hero. She was not in the best of mood that morning since he woke her up earlier than she wanted. She wished that she could have slacked, just a little bit, but his fear for this warrior named Gilford apparently had won over his bravery against the most savage Legion unit.

The Bloodstained Queen and her Headless Knight arrived at the point of rendezvous. To her surprise, the other parties had been there, loading up their stuffs into the carriages parked before the guild building. She spotted their party members and the one waving at them was Allona.

"Miss Lena! Lord Sword Hero!"

"Oh! Boss, boss lady!"

"Good morning, Lord Sword Hero, Lady Milizé." Aleister greeted.

"Good morning, everyone!"

Shin only raised his hand, accompanied by his signature faint smile. However, that was more that enough to raise his team's morale. They gathered as a group and joined the crowd. Just a moment later, the expedition leader, Gilford Durandal, entered the place. He stepped onto a wooden crate and presented a speech.

"Thanks in advance for assisting us in this mission. I'll be brief. Remember that our main objective is slaying goblins. They're dumb, but they can still outsmart you in the wildest way you never expect. They're many, they attack in groups and they can see in the dark. Don't act rash. Check your equipment. Make sure your party members are also ready. When the bell rings, we leave."

As the crowd of adventurers dispersed, Shin's party went straight to their carriage. Some people greeted Shin along their way, giving their best salute to the Sword Hero. He gave them the bare minimum reply in return, much to Lena's concern. However, she didn't have the courage to point out his weakness, for it had ties with his painful past.

"Boss, does it kill you if you act friendlier? Those guys shivered after you nodded. For real."

"That's right, Lord Sword Hero. It's as if you're blaming them for nothing."

"Is it that worse?"

He turned to Lena and Aleister for a second opinion. They cast a look of discomfort in response. The magic scholar looked at his other companions reproachingly and sighed.

"Lord Nouzen, forgive us for our rudeness. However, as young Crawford and Allona had said, people will tend to avoid you due to your indifference."

"Is that so? Okay. Maybe I'll give it a try."

At long last, Shin's smile stretched a bit wider, a little too wide perhaps. Sincere as it seemed, his party members were taken aback. Even Handler One found how off his smile had turned. The longer he cast that smile, the more spooked his companions became.

"Sh-Shin, you don't need to push yourself!"

"Right, boss. Guess it couldn't be helped. Just smile like you usually do."

Shin's smile fell. He truly looked disappointed at his party member's responses. Even gaining back a natural smile would cost him a lot. Just how much Eighty-Sixth sector had robbed off him?

They boarded a carriage. As soon as they plopped down in their seats, the bell rang, marking their departure.

The vehicle gradually gained speed over the paved road. The guild building turned smaller in sight as they left the capital city. The constant soft rocking of the carriage brought a lull to the passengers should they occupy themselves with nothing.

Even the Slayer of Legion wasn't exempt from this soothing magic.

Shin regained his focus when the carriage's wheel hit slight a bump. He could hear Hicks chat with Allona and some other adventurers from another party. He looked to his left side and found Lena was quietly listening to their talk with much interest. He shifted his gaze to the front, finding a young priest close his eyes, a mace on his lap. His shoulder-length crimson hair reminded Shin to someone. Someone from a distant past, yet not so far.

"SHIN...!"

He pressed his hand into the discolored mark that wrung his neck. Now hidden under the frayed white scarf, it throbbed, giving him a phantom pain. The mark that linked him to those who called him, begging for an eternal rest they couldn't get.

A realization struck him at that moment. His good night rest, his tasty meals, and his unburdened feelings, all of them were due to the absence of a certain thing.

This world had no Legion. The wailing of the shepherds had ceased. The mechanical ghosts were no more.

Shin inadvertently clutched his free hand. It grew cold at that chilling realization. Most people would be delighted when a burden suddenly lifted off of them. But for an unknown reason, he felt uneasy. The cries of the wraiths that were jailed in thousands of Ameise, Grauwolf, Lӧwe, Skorpion, Dinosauria, Morpho and many, many more suddenly stopped.

Was that a blessing? Was that a curse?

As those questions froze Shin, the priest opened his eyes. His teal orbs glinted under the shade of the carriage's hood. His gaze was free from malice. The young man blinked several times, and cast a solemn smile when he registered a revered figure was in front of him.

"Oh, Lord Sword Hero. May I be of your service?"

"…"

The priest gave a concerned look when Shin failed to respond. Hearing someone struck a conversation with Shin, Lena checked on him. To her shock, he looked pale, his gaze unsteady. She reached his hand and a cold sensation doused the warmth in her hand. The warmth, however, pulled him out from his inner vortex.

"Lena…"

"Shin, you look unwell. Should I ask the coach to find a place for resting?"

"No need. I'm okay."

"Lady Mage, would you allow me to cast a curing spell for Lord Sword Hero? May it help to alleviate his ailments."

Lena was taken aback by how easy a stranger offer a help to them. She subtly sized the priest. She was aware that she wasn't a good judge of people's character, but her worry was unfounded. Thinking back to the events that followed their summoning, bearers of holy weapons were worshiped. It was natural for the people to offer whatever kindness they have to their supposed saviors.

'… But what about Naofumi?'

Shrugging the thought about the mistreated Shield Hero, she convinced herself. She faced the priest with determined look.

"Please."

"Lena, I said I'm okay."

"Understood." The priest nodded before Shin could throw any more complaint. "As the source of thy power, I offer mine. Reverse the law of nature. Cleanse the ailments that brings illness to our Savior. [First Cure]!"

As a green magic circle formed before the priest, a gentle green light wrapped Shin. He widened his eyes as a warm and soothing sensation flowed into him. His anxiety vanished and the momentary numbness that bit the tip of his fingers disappeared.

"I-incredible. Thank you."

Shin's expression of gratitude stunned both the priest and Lena. It probably was unthinkable for a man like him to make such a face that conveyed both relief and exasperation. It was a spectacular sight, especially for Lena. The way he opened and closed his mouth, clenched his hands and looked at his body in absolute wonder─those would burn deep in her mind for her to cherish.

Snapping out of his bafflement, the young priest gave an inquiring look. "Oh, you are welcome. How do you feel, Lord Sword Hero?"

"Much better."

"Thank you so much, Mister Priest." Lena bowed. "How should we compensate your splendid service?"

Since Shin had become the pillar of their party, she would feel bad if the man who mended him received nothing in return. Unfortunately, the priest's apologetic smile signaled his refusal.

"We, followers of God, should never take from our gracious saviors. Offering my service as long as my breath can still take me would even never be enough."

"Man~… You sure are humbling yourself too much. Our bosses are the kind─oof!"

A punch to his side and a tome to his crown stopped a certain thief's impudence. Shin could only sigh as Lena chuckled weakly at the sight of Hick's agony.

Undertaker wondered whether this young priest fit into the kind of clergyman he knew. In the end, it didn't help. The priest he knew in his life was only that old Alba man who had taken care of him and his brother. Surely, that man was kind and pious, but not as humble as this one. It left him with no choice but to accept the discomforting, gratifying kindness.

"Can't be helped. If that's how it is, then I'm looking forward to work with you in this mission. Oh, I'm Shinei Nouzen."

Shin offered his hand, and the guy took it with a surprisingly firm grip that belied his delicate appearance.

"Lord Sword Hero Shinei Nouzen. It is an honor for this Glenn Zoa to join your crusade."

On the evening of the first day of the journey, the subjugation force took a rest at a plain by the main road. The nearest town was located only two hours of travel by horse, but this place in recent years had become a frequented stop for merchant caravans, making it a safe point.

The adventurers unloaded their luggage and set up camps, making it a lively place for that night. Some merchant caravans from Faubrey and Zeltoble had been camping there. They soon opened a bazaar, raking in more profits from the adventurers.

Under the lights from lanterns and torches, Shin walked side-by-side with Lena. They explored the sudden fair, finding wares and things they would never see in their old world. They stopped before a vendor of souvenirs. The sparkle of pendants, rings and bangles bewitched them.

"Oh, a couple, I see! Have a look, dear sir and lady! I also have some charms that came as pair. Newlyweds and lovers usually rush to me for those."

Lena's cheeks slightly reddened. She was really happy when people regard her and Shin as lovers. Her blush went deeper when he turned to her, smiling. She just realized that he could cast such a warm smile, but only for her. It was a little bit concerning, but regardless, her selfish side was content.

"Choose whichever you like, Lena."

"You don't plan to drain your money just for buying me some souvenirs, right?"

"That's why I let you chose it."

"Okay, but can you at least choose them for me?"

Her upturned eyes that bore innocence could melt the hearts of those who see them. Even the Reaper wasn't invulnerable to that charm. He was glad that that dazzling sight was just for him to savor. He felt that he turned a bit greedy, but he swore that he would go as far as killing people like Motoyasu just to enjoy this side of her.

"All right. Still, I'm bad at this kind of stuff, so the final decision falls on you."

"I guess that's okay."

His face returned to his indifferent look as he browsed the items. His eyes fell on a pendant of a jet-black orb with a tiny red core. Under the light, its faint glimmer seemed like a camera eye. It prodded her interest, urging her to ask him.

"Remind you of something?"

"Yeah. Don't you think this looks like Fido's eye?"

His question pricked her heart. That scavenger unit was Undertaker's companion in the battlefield for the longest time, even longer than the core of the Spearhead Squadron. She heard from Anette that it operated on an AI prototype system Shin's late father had developed. It miraculously survived through countless battles with a single "death" during their final reconaissance mission.

It was her, Handler One, who sent him and his compatriots off to that mission that supposedly would rid them clean off the record. By the command of the Republic of San Magnolia, she shoved them into that hell for the last time. She felt like her stomach churn every time she recalled it. Up to now, she still had a haunting fear that he refused to forgive her for that action she had taken.

"… Lena?"

"Oh, um. Right, I also think it looks like Fido's eye. Are you going to buy it?"

"Maybe."

"That stone came from a monster called swamp crawler. They mostly prowl around the marshlands of Zeltoble. You can get this one with two silver." The vendor explained. "Not a bad deal for an item commonly used for jewelry among adventurers."

'Is it really cheap?'

Shin's telepathic link startled Lena. She turned to him with wide eyes for a moment, but she swiftly could recompose herself.

'Two days worth of staying at an inn. I think that's a standard price for us, adventurers.'

Shin only nodded and shifted his gaze to the other wares in display. He pointed at a pair of black rings of polished metal. Lena couldn't discern the material, but their shine really perplexed her. She could tell that the glimmer was the result of excellent craftsmanship and its base material.

"What about these metal rings?"

"Oh, you truly have a peculiar interest, sir. These ones are rings from processed Q'ten Lo black steel, Kuroki Hagane. They have a special property that raises physical defense. Fifty silver coins for these rare pieces, and they're yours."

Shin turned to Lena and she shook her head, pursing her lips. Their earning from the pest control quest the previous day was only around a quarter of a gold coin. An expense that much that didn't count as a vital equipment purchase was out of question.

Undertaker glanced at another pair of rings. Bleach white like the color of a Reginleif, their pure appearance teased him. His hand inadvertently went to reach them, only to find that they sat beside the expensive black steel ones.

"Those ones are from the tail bone of some… forgotten dragon. They can raise your luck, I think. Well, treat them as lucky charm. I even forget how I could acquire those, so let me throw them for 50 copper."

"A half of a silver?" Shin quirked a brow.

Whether it was formerly a part of a mythical creature or not, Lena just noticed that both the black steel and the dragon bone rings took place around the bottom corner of the display. They were likely unwanted items that stubbornly never got sold. She checked the middle part of the collection and their dazzle were real, probably as blinding as their price. She gave up on them and went with Shin's choice.

"Let's buy the dragon bone rings and Fido's eye."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. But before that…"

Shin could see Lena's breath that puffed out like steam. The air wasn't that cold since they were accustomed to this mild temperature like in the middle of fall, back in the Federacy of Giad. It sent him a wave of nostalgia of the days in the Eighty-Sixth Sector when he and his compatriots should fend off the cold in the shack called their base.

As Shin returned to reality, he found Lena lean over the wares, primming her wide-brimmed mage hat a bit. She used the mirror in display to check her appearance. He was curious at what she was about to do, and soon met a strange sight.

"So, dear sir, can you cut the price? You should be aware that we, adventurers, are not carrying a fat load of gold, right?"

The vendor's expression went stoic. He apparently had switched into his invulnerable mode where persuasion and even threat could hardly work. Shin without doubt rooted for his girlfriend, but he was also curious at the tricks this man would pull out to win this battle. There was so much to learn.

"Of course I know, young lady. But do you even know the hardships I must endure as a traveling vendor to present you these remarkable pieces? At least by buying them with their initial prices, you have supported the craftsmen and the vendor as well."

"That's your excuse to crank up the price. And has it ever crossed your mind that the people who made your travel safe are us, adventurers? From bandits, from monsters, and from whatever theats that lurk beyond the roads. Have you ever thought to cast aside your personal gain for earning a greater good by contributing to the society?"

"Adventurers and mercenaries are state's affair. You missed the bigger picture, young lady. We commoners use their service and pay the standard price for the quest which includes some tax. The state will use that money to support the guilds, that's why they're flourishing. Everything has its regulation. Now, rather that wasting your time to lecture me about your wistful ideal, don't you think you've made your husband wait too long?"

"H-husband?!" Lena stammered, her face all red.

So far, Shin seriously enjoyed the exchange. He was certain that her impeccable negotiation technique was her weapon that secured a constant flow of supplies for the Eighty-Six in the past. He envisioned how she should deal with many stubborn superiors just to ensure that the old Spearhead Squadron truly deserved their full support. However, that technique she polished within the chambers and white corridors of Palace Blancneige had no effect on this nameless vendor. He felt a twinge in his chest, and so he should step in.

"Two silver coins, and if it's not a deal, we leave."

"Hmm…" The vendor stroked his chin. "Now that I think about it, you seem like a real deal, sir. You've got your fair share of bloody battles. That, I am certain of it. Very well. Two silver."

"Thank you very much." Shin handed a couple of silver coins and took the wares.

He gave one of the ring and the monster pendant to Lena and pocketed his. There was a moment of surprise, but she truly looked delighted upon receiving the gift. Wordlessly, they walked away to continue their night stroll.

They had just taken several steps away from the stall, but a loud, shrill voice of a new customer struck them, halting Shin in his tracks. He tilted his head, seeing a feisty girl yelling at the vendor. Despite being a woman of cloth, her demeanor stained her priestly origin.

"Wha– What did ya say?! That swamp crawler core has just been sold out?! Guhh, cursed my luck!"

"Calm down and no worries, sister. I still have some in stock, have a look. I'll make sure to give you a special price befitting the servant of God. How about a silver?"

"For real! That's my man! Whoah, this one's big!"

Lena turned in puzzlement, following Shin. "Shin, what is it?"

"I don't think we'll be scot-free after seeing Hicks."

The first thing Shin and Lena found after they reunited with their companions was Hicks sour face. True to Shin's prediction, they would really get their ears chewed on. She gathered her hands in apology, bowing before the thief.

"We're so sorry, Hicks! We outright jumped into the festivities without you because I really want to go out with Shin!"

"You can have a date and go lovey-dovey for all I care. What did you buy?"

Hicks eyes bounced about the items the sweet couple had put on not long before their return. They could feel the thief's gaze burned their ring fingers. Shin pulled out the swamp crawler core pendant from his pocket, showing it to Hicks.

"Just these. Nothing much."

"Three silver coins for those." Hicks made a guess.

"Two and half initially. Two after we made a haggle. What about it?"

"Let me tell you…" Hicks let out a tired sigh.

"We've been ripped off." Shin continued nonchalantly.

"You know already? Good. Then make it as a lesson. Still–"

"Yes, father."

"Who do you call a father!?"

The sight of Hicks frowning at him while spouting a lecture and the way Allona and Aleister stifled their laughter brought a smile to Shin's face. Lena saw that rare, yet natural expression. She also learned that he smiled more often after he came to this world. Such a precious sight made her want to protect it at all cost. It was such a naive way of thinking when she had no strength to protect herself, but deep in her heart, she wished that her presence could keep him, and heal him.

A night wind blew, passing the lively place. It brought the smell of grass. Lena held the brim of her hat, fearing that the draft would snatch it away. She averted her gaze to the place where the wind came. There, beyond the green hills, their destination layed. That worrying thought pinched her heart.

Another day of travel passed and the group of adventurers finally arrived at their destination. At a foot hill, the entrance to an abandoned crypt was agape, huffing out stench of death from its belly. However, this smell of demise was still fresh with an excess of waste. Their prey had been waiting for their arrival.

The veteran adventurers frowned as they readied their weapons, their juniors following suit. The battle would be a messy one.

Shin on his part switched his sword into a short one with a sturdy steel blade, bearing resemblance to a Greek xiphos. He copied it from an adventurer who generously presented him with a variety of swords from several party members. He chose it after Hicks told him so, saying that a normal sword blade might catch walls and short ceilings in a cave. He knew quite well how the hindrance caused by a weapon could kill people in battle. The Eighty-Sixth Sector had hammered it into him.

The Sword Hero's party took a position in the middle of the raiding team formation. They would enter with the bulk of the adventurers. The first to enter were the heavy warriors, armed with hatchets. They would clear a path while the middle formation stood guard from any ambush from the flanks. The back formation would function as a support and reserve.

With bated breath, they made an entrance through the gate wide enough for a Grauwolf to pass. Not even ten steps had they passed, the stinky bastards launched some poison-laced arrows. The heavy warriors' armors easily deflected them, but the parties at their back were almost put off-guard. Fortunately, no one took a hit.

They marched forth, and more resistance came. The greenskins met the invaders head-on when the middle formation passed the gate. Coming in drove, they turned into heaps of chopped flesh, their strike was no match against the heavy warriors' superior fighting prowess and arms.

From his point, Shin observed how chunks of meat and gore flew about, coloring the dreary grey stone walls dark red. The tang of iron and the sound of tearing flesh didn't faze him, but Lena was different. She momentarily gagged at both the sight and smell, her hands trembling. Allona then grabbed it to calm her. When they noticed his gaze, the brawler passed Lena into his care.

"Don't force yourself, Lena. You can go with the back formation and rest." He took her hand.

Under the artificial illumination of magic, he could see her other hand tighten her grip on her wooden staff. Her lips quavered, but she put on a brave look.

"No, Shin. I must see this through until the end. I can't get stronger if this sight, which pales in comparison to Legion's atrocities toward the Eighty-Six and my people, still rattles me."

Shin's eyes widened. Her determination to reach a greater strength astounded him. She was not the Handler One, who hid behind a wall of command screen, he knew anymore. As a Nouzen, his inner warrior sensed a spark of flame coming from her. If she wished to be the true Bloodstained Queen, this path was only a beginning. He might be her headless knight, but if she desired to descend onto the bloody battlefront, he shall shackle her no more.

"Very well. Just make sure to stick with the main formation."

She replied with a nod and inhaled a lungful of air. The stench of blood still shook her, but she looked calmer.

The raiding force marched with a little hitch and arrived at a large hall. The light sources they brought soon revealed how spacious the place was, easily fitting in a hundred people. The rock chamber apparently served as the place to hold funerary rites before interring the deceased, deep within the tunnels. The adventurers took a break after clearing it from some greenskins. It appeared that most of the colony dwelled in the inner parts of the tomb.

As the raiding force were resting, Shin cast his gaze around. He looked at the intricate ornaments that had seen its better days, garnering some curious stares from his party members. He came closer and traced a faded relief on the wall, touching them as the corners of his lips rose.

"Shin, are you interested in that kind of thing?"

"I'm not sure, but this is the first time I see this kind of place. I wonder whether there is this kind of tomb in our world. The closest I've ever seen is an old graveyard I came across when I set out with Raiden and Kino."

Aside from mentioning the name of his dead comrade, Lena realized Shin's unnerving side that had a close link with death. She wished to deny it, thinking that it was just a coincidence, but the imagery of the Headless Reaper, his spade, and the fact that he put his friends to rest the moment they found no other salvation kept on haunting her mind. The magical lantern they brought for a moment revealed a glimpse of the scar on his neck. Its grisly appearance wrenched her heart. Added with the ghastly ambience of this place, he had become the Reaper in the the truest sense.

"I see. That must be a fantastic trip, I suppose." Lena made a subtle grimace.

"Well, yes. It's a waste that you weren't there that time."

While Allona and Aleister smiled at the couple's romantic exchange, the thief frowned. His irk had yet to fade from his face, and seeing how lovey-dovey Shin and Lena were, it got even worse.

"You two sure are taking your sweet time, huh? Even in the direst of moment."

Lena's face was flushed red in response, but Shin's remained stoic. His Pyrope eyes, the trait of a Maika witch, veered unhindered and stabbed Hicks in the face.

"Right. So, don't you have any plan to go out with Pamella after we finish this quest?"

"Wha–!?"

"Haha! Serves you right, Hicks!" Allona giggled at the stammering thief.

"Never underestimate the Sword Hero. His blade will cut your resistance before you can even think it were futile." Aleister nodded sagely.

"Shin, you're too mean."

"Well, maybe I am."

The group's back and forth ended when Gilford clapped his hands. They assembled and split into three groups.

Shin led his party and glanced at his dearest companion. The momentary respite seemed to have positively lifted her spirit, fortunately.

Three more parties soon joined them. They gathered in front of the third tunnel to the right. One of Gilford's aides acted as the leader. He gave a short speech before they proceeded into the dark corridor. As they walked in, Shin noticed two familiar faces among the adventurers. Glenn and the noisy nun appeared to be in the rank of these daring warriors.

They stepped into the darkness after the leader gave a final warning. For unknown reasons, the face of the last man Shin had "buried" flashed in his mind. The bespectacled boy, Eugene, smiled warmly as he waved at Shin. That vision only served as an omen. He took a breath, and the darkness ahead and their footsteps swallowed his worry, slowly.

"Gogya‒ghmbh!"

A slash to the throat and a stomping kick to the face were all the Sword Hero gave to end the goblin before him. The vile creature's blood pooled under his boots, but he paid no mind. The sensation of cutting through flesh was still new to him, but he only treated it as no more than a knowledge. Killing was something he didn't enjoy in the first place. He did it as a necessity.

As the other party members nearby were busy fending off against an onslaught of a goblin mage, a hobgoblin, appeared. With a frame that outmatched normal adult humans, this monster could easily wield bigger weapons. Of all teams that fought in this colony chamber, it chose Shin's party as the target of its wrath. With its hefty steps, it reached them in mere seconds.

So far, Shin got ten kills without breaking a sweat. Finding a bigger prey, his blood rushed faster.

Compared to Legion units, these creatures were relatively less innovative. They were dumb, but they weren't idiot. Just like what Gilford had said, they could still overwhelm a formidable fighter. It was more of a reason for him to be wary of this bigger one the moment he spotted it.

"Googhh!"

It slammed down its wooden club, its enraged gaze aimed at Shin. He managed to evade it easily, but the crack on the stone floor proved its vicious strength. One misstep and he would end up as a pulp. He didn't fight in his Feldreβ unit, meaning that his perception on this hobgoblin which was slightly larger than a self-propelled mine unit could deceive him. Not to mention that he had no proper armor on his person.

Despite that handicap, he was a Nouzen, born to be an excellent fighter. The blessing of his Onyx ancestors made manifest in his frightening level of combat adaptability. The more he fought, the stronger, the faster and the more lethal his strikes became. Even if he applied his outdated tactics when facing Legion, he would swiftly find some patterns to work with, allowing him to devise an effective method for landing a killing blow.

The hobgoblin swiped its club sideways. He dodged it with a backward step and switched his weapon with a steel longsword. With no limitation like short ceiling, he could go wilder. While he observed its movements, he spotted a wide opening every time it launched its attack.

However, before he retaliated, he stole a glance at his companions. They were at a safe distance, waiting his command. Lena was also on standby, her staff held aloft. Probably this once, he could let them join the fray. After all, they could deal with the smaller ones without any trouble.

"Shin."

"All right, guys, aim for its limbs. Follow me!"

"Right!" "Roger that!"

The hobgoblin wasted another downward blow. Dashing along the stone floor, Shin made his way as the greenskin was lifting its weapon. With a horizontal slash, he carved a deep gash below its right knee cap. A thunderbolt from Aleister jolted its shoulder, followed by Lena's ice chunk to its dominant arm. Hicks tailed Shin's footsteps and jammed a couple of stabs into its left thigh. Allona skidded and struck its calf with a kick. Its bearings lost as it roared in pain, suffering from multiple wounds.

With its limping body, it struggled to make a desperate strike. It thrashed its weakened arm, but the Reaper had already hovered behind its neck. His sword flew in a clean arc, beheading the greenskin with little hindrance. The head fell with a dull thud, rolling close to the body before it toppled entirely.

"Yay, we did it!"

"That's our boss!"

"An excellent work, Lord Nouzen."

"Well done, Shin."

He hadn't been used to shower of praises, but mustering a smile felt easier for him. Turning around, he found his companions' cheerful looks. However, his joy slipped away as the grim sight of other parties behind them struck him. They were having a tough time, engaging an almost endless wave of attacks from the greenskins.

"It's not over yet. Let's assist them."

His party members shared nods and bolted into action. Like antitank missiles, they spotted their preys and struck them, sparing no moment for hesitation. Hicks thrust his dagger into an archer's neck as Allona's roundhouse kick smashed the ribs of a lancer. Lena, though still in practice of a new ice element spell, managed to conjure an icicle spear. The dense, frozen water launched at a blinding speed, impaling and shredding several goblins in its line. Meanwhile, Aleister conserved his MP and went with a conventional, yet accurate rock spell, saving other raiding team out from tight spot.

Shin's party members made a careful, yet steady pace in the extermination effort. It was only the leader, however, who seemed like a boss overworking himself. He cut down every goblin within both his sight and slash reach, raking in body count like a man being possessed by a war-crazed devil. The faintest of heart would collapse at his indifferent brutality. And even if Shin's battle-hardened right-hand man, Raiden, were here, he would punch his friend to stop this mess.

Much to her regret, Lena was also too occupied in dealing with the green pests. She lost sight of her beloved knight as she kept on firing spell after spell, her breathing turning shorter with each successful casting. Gathering her focus became harder, but it was still milder compared to enduring sleepiness nights before a command screen, with Para-RAID active under a constant Legion assault.

"… Huh?"

In an attempt to regain her focus, she finally saw him. His appearance made her eyes widen. With an almost vacant look, he moved his blood-soaked arms, cutting enemies. His moves seemed far more fluid than the time they slew sewer rats and roaches. It caught her off-guard.

A rock hurled toward her. He dashed over, catching it with his free hand before it hit her. With a mighty throw, he returned it to its flinger, landing a hit to a goblin standing among its slinger companions.

"Take a rest, Lena. You've exerted yourself more than you could handle."

"Sh-Shin… I'm fine. I‒"

"Check your MP bar. It's reaching red. You'll faint if you push yourself."

"… Understood."

"We've slain plenty of them. Their resistance's going down. Only the stragglers remain."

Reluctantly, she retreated to a guarded spot for the wounded near the entrance. She sat and took an MP potion to replenish. Its bitterness couldn't get worse with the depressing sight surrounding her. People writhed in pain, begging for the healing from some exhausted priests. As their blood kept leaking, their companions were still locked in a combat with the greenskins. She wondered whether this was a similar sight in the Eighty-Sixth Sector during the early stage of the Legion outbreak.

True to his words, the battle soon came to an end with the veterans walking out from the deeper parts, chasing the remnant of the goblin colony out into the room. The tired rookies then butchered them in that chamber. Most of them could only kill two, but one among them slew five with a single swing. It was Shin.

"Seriously… boss? You've killed… that many and could still… go for 'nother round?" Hicks gasped for air. "You're just…"

"Oof… My legs give in. Someone, please carry me…" Allona dropped to the floor.

Aleister didn't fare better. Kneeling, he quaffed a minor MP potion, but his complexion didn't improve. He tried to stand and staggered, only to fall again on the floor as a severe headache struck. Besides suffering from mana depletion, post-battle fatigue added his anguish.

Shin in response only exhaled. He couldn't call this battle an easy one. Now that he finally experienced a combat against humanoid enemies, he had a feeling that one day, he would really wage war with humans. That worrying thought put a pressure on his mind, but after thinking back about the role he should play now, he realized that he had no other choice.

Being an Eighty-Six would only mean that he courted unfairness. And a Nouzen's place is the battlefield. Only in that bloody place would he find the meaning of his life.

Even in this world apart from the old one, that fate still latched onto him. His hands might not hold Reginleif's control stick anymore, but in his grasp was a sword. The usual sight of leaking bluish silver micro-machine now was replaced by the gore of his enemies.

He sucked another breath and cast his gaze around. Goblin corpses that were strewn across the floor filled his vision. They were monster, but not inorganic existence like Legion units. Harboring pity over his foes was something he never had, but what he saw still made him sorry.

"Whuh…! Huh?!"

Without wasting any words, he hauled Allona onto his back and pulled Aleister to stand. They walked over Lena's spot as Hicks nursed some sore spots on his body.

"Shin… No one's wounded, right?"

Everyone shook their head. They were mentally drained and sat near Lena. Shin even heaved a sigh, his blade that hung at his hip scraping the floor. He rested his back against the wall as some healers were running about to tend the injured adventurers.

A commotion appeared not far from the entrance, murmurs echoing. Curious, Shin left his sitting place. Much to his surprise, a nun was lying in the middle of the crowd. Her ragged breathing signed her severe condition. He scanned her person and noticed a tiny cut in her arm.

"She's poisoned. The antidote didn't work."

"Damn, man. That's awful."

"Those nasty bunch… She won't make it."

She was the feisty nun he had seen in the night fair. Just like what people had said, her condition kept worsening. He had seen dying people in the past, so this sight wasn't new to him. His captain once told him to deal with them, and from that day, he began his work as the Undertaker. This girl was likely in need of his service if no one ended her suffering.

"Excuse me, is there no way to save her?"

Even if he was skilled in his work as a reaper, he would rather see people alive. He became Undertaker because the Eighty-Six had no access to proper medical treatment, let alone healing magic. It would be a foolish joke to him if healing magic also hit a rock wall in this dire situation.

"Oh, Lord Sword Hero, about that, we're–"

"Sadly, there is nothing we can do at this point, Lord Sword Hero." Glenn interrupted, shaking his head. "By the time we rush her to the hall, her life will have expired."

Shin glanced at the sword hanging at his waist. As the nun convulsed and coughed up a copious amount of blood due to the spreading poison, the glint of its blade met his eyes. It was smirking, taunting him. He also had the same experience with his old handgun. Whatever weapon he wielded, they would signal him whenever a dying man was around him.

"Then, is there any way to ease her pain?"

"Giving her the mercy of earlier death would be a sin. But if the one who suffers were to beg for it, then it would be their only salvation."

"I see…"

As his hand moved toward his sword hilt, the dying nun managed to squeeze some words through her heavy whisper.

"…kill me."

Shin needed no more excuse to draw his sword. His hesitation waned with each step he took. His soundless footfalls were like the ringing bell that heralded the death angel's descent. He stopped before the soul in suffering. His presence struck horror and awe. One mortified man, another servant of God, managed to ask the Reaper.

"Lord Sword Hero, are you sure about this?"

"I was called Undertaker. Dealing with dying people is my job."

"I see. Then, we will pray for her passing. May God bless her soul and grant her the high place at His side. May her pure devotion open the vast hall, reserved for martyrs."

The prayers flowed and the grip of his sword tightened. Many adventurers knelt and gathered their hands, following the priest. Drawing his breath, Shin lifted his sword. With a single slash, his blade flew in a clean arc, cutting the nun's throat. As her blood gushed out down to the last drip, Lena slipped through the commotion and found Shin holding his blood-stained sword.

"Shin…"

The journey back to the capital was not a joyful one. The heavy atmosphere hung over the brave warriors as they mourned over the death of their companions. A cart was reserved to carry five bodies, speeding smoothly at the end of the convoy.

Before the adventurers hit their straight path home, they made a detour into a town near a trading point. They went directly to the abbey to hold a funeral for the five who had fallen in battle. Glenn's senior talked to the priest in charge and they made a preparation in haste.

Five pits were dug, each had a coffin lined up before it. The burial rite was ready by noon.

As some party members helped the clergymen to lower the coffins, some girls burst into tears. Losing friends, lover, or just seeing how someone met an untimely demise truly wounded their feelings. When the coffins finally reached the bottom of the pit and the priests fill it with dry soil, the women's cry got louder.

It was such a peculiar sight to Shin. It bore similarity to the time he attended Eugene's funeral, but that one felt solemn and no one cried. Tracing through his recollection in the Eighty-Sixth Sector, he sometimes found Spearhead members, especially the girls, sobbed when ones among them lost in a mission.

The name Anju Emma then came into his mind. Among the last survivors, she was a soft-hearted lady, trying her hardest to withhold her tears over the loss of her loved one and friends.

He fell deeper in thought and recalled that for once, he also cried. When he finally could put his brother who was trapped in a Dinosauria to rest, his heart ached so much that he bawled his eyes out, even forgetting to cut the Para RAID link with Handler One. She should have heard how he cried out loud.

That feeling which squeezed his chest suddenly struck, along with the image of hundreds of aluminum shards. A dam of memory burst. The smile of his old captain. The blackened, headless corpse of his brother, reaching for the cold winter sky in a church yard. His meeting with Fido. The day he was assigned to the Spearhead Squadron. The vow they made under the falling petals of cherry blossom. The days they lost one by one as the Eastern Front getting more vicious.

Were there people who mourned over the death of those Eighty-Six?

How many people cried over the loss of those children?

Didn't they also deserve a proper funeral like these adventurers?

The ache in his chest clenched harder. The pits weren't filled up yet, but he left the crowd of adventurers, trying to shake off the pain as his breathing went shorter.

"Shin, are you okay?"

Lena's call stopped him on his tracks. He turned around, finding her concerned look.

"Where are you going, Shin?"

"I need some fresh air."

It surprised her that the Reaper acted this way. She once thought that he was the most indifferent when it came to the matter around death, but perhaps she was wrong. She noticed that he suddenly looked so vulnerable. It was at this moment that he needed her help the most.

"Do you want to go over there?" She pointed at a small hill, overlooking the graveyard. "There, we can take a rest."

"Fine."

She held his hand and led the way through a path with flagstones. Four-winged black birds that resembled crows cawed from atop withered trees they passed. The cloudy sky only added the grimness of the air around them. They finally reached the place and sat under a tree, one that resembled an oak. They could see a green forest outside the abbey, a contrast to the trees in the cemetery that looked as dead as the deceased.

Lena turned to Shin. He looked calmer, now resting his back on the tree. A somber silence for a moment descended upon them. Only the caws of those crows that didn't let the tranquility claimed the place any longer.

"Shin, are you all right?"

"Yeah. I'm fine now. Thanks, Lena."

She was relieved to hear that, but she noticed a trace of trouble from his face. His eyes were shut, but his lips momentarily quavered, as if he was enduring pain. Something wasn't right. She should never let him carry all this pain by himself anymore. Else, he would break.

"Shin, please tell me what happened."

"It's nothing."

"I beg you, Shin. Tell me, please. You've supported me so far. This time, let me at least hear what's on your mind."

"I…"

She gently squeezed his hand and hugged him. His body felt a bit colder than when he was summoned. She knew he wasn't sick, but the burden from this journey had gnawed him.

"Tell me, Shin. I'll help you with whatever I can do."

"… Lena, is it okay if I cry when I remember my old friends back home? They… They just gone, dead and left in their Juggernauts to rot. They never had any proper funeral."

Her eyes widened. This boy had offered too much of him. Even having any feelings like a normal man did would be a fatal flaw. The mad battlefield had broken him. Now, it was her role to heal him.

"Of course it's okay, Shin. Whenever humans feel sad, they'd cry. Even us. When I lost my mother right after Gran Mur's fall, I cried. You've had it rough, so it's okay if you cry. Just let it out. I'm here for you to cry on."

~BGM: Avid, by Sawano Hiroyuki~

He didn't answer as tears trickled down his cheeks. Smiling softly, she brought his face to her chest. His whimper grew louder as he sniffed, grunted, and hugged her tighter. His sorrow reached her and tears welled up at the corners of her eyes. She was burned in his sadness as she cried, but she was also happy since she finally could be a person he needed. No matter how long he cried, she would be there for him.

Alone in the dark, with barely nothing to sustain her already sick body, Raphtalia folded her small arms close to her frame. Gathering the remaining warmth to brave the cold night in her metal cage, she huddled close to the corner.

Alas, a draft found its way to her place. Its caress was gentle, but its coldness impaled her body that was close to being skin and bone. She coughed violently. Each blast came with a stinging pain that filled her chest. She wanted to cry, but her tears had long dried.

Trying to console herself as the pain subsided bit by bit, her vacant eyes wandered to the only source of light outside her cage. It seemed so, so far away. She thought that whoever close to it should feel its warmth. If only someone would kindly share that warmth, perhaps she could ward off the merciless chill that refused to leave her.

She shifted in her sitting place and her rear felt a numbing pain. The bruises she got not long ago from multiple lashings still stayed, and they added nothing but more anguish to her idleness. She learned that the chill from the stone floor sometimes could ease the pain, but it helped only a little.

But now, everything was not as bad as it used to be.

The big dog with three heads had eaten her parents, but she could just forget that day.

Her beloved hometown had crumbled into ruble, but she didn't need to call people to rebuild it anymore.

That town was ransacked by rogue knights, but everything that went after that could vanish in the back of her mind.

She was sold to a cruel nobleman who lashed her every day, but now she was spared.

There were many children who were sold to that nobleman, but what about them? What about her friend, Rifana?

Looking down at the floor below her feet, she realized the joy of being with someone. Someone she could talk to, to play with or do anything with. This stillness turned out to be more frightening than being yelled at or being hit. That loneliness slowly ate her, and she had no means to protect herself from its insidious clutch.

Someone, she needed someone.

She wasn't sure, but it appeared that her prayer was answered. The lock of her cage opened with a clank and a tubby man hurried a boy into it. The boy had a pair of animal ears and a tail that stuck out from his tattered rag, just like her. He looked a little younger than her. He went in with a look of utter confusion.

"Rejoice, for I give you a companion for tonight!"

The man hobbled off as soon as he locked the cage. The boy kept on staring at him from behind the bars, seeing the man vanished to the place with light.

"Hey, where are you going? I want to search for my master! Hey!"

The boy looked energetic with no signs of torment on his skin. He used that energy to keep calling his captor. As Raphtalia struggled with her burning lungs after another cough, his desperate cry only met growls of the neighboring slaves. He kept on calling and calling like a stray kitten calling its mother. However, it agitated a slave next to their cage. It slammed its confine with a loud bang, shocking the boy. He fell to his rear, terrified by the sudden, unfriendly response. He covered his ears and and began sobbing.

"… Uuu…"

It was a cry that garnered pity from people around him. A cry of the weak, desperately begging for a consolation. Raphtalia was no exception. She was drawn in by his sob and wanted to help him. With her remaining strength for that day, she moved and took his hand. It was smaller than hers, but it was warm.

"… Huh?"

Her wish had finally been granted. At the very least, she hoped that this boy, who had delivered her the warmth she wanted, would calm down.

"Please don't cry."

The boy sniffed and stared at her. "… I'm looking for my master. Do you know where my master is?"

Raphtalia widened her eyes. She hoped that she knew, but she had no answer.

Her mother once told her that a man who had nothing cannot give.

Her father also told her that liars are the wickedest people in the world.

"Do you know where my master is?"

"No, I don't. I'm sorry."

The boy gave a downcast look. His look pained her. She didn't want to be a liar, but if her words could ease him, she would probably be one. She was afraid to trespass it, but she felt that if she didn't help him, she would one day regret it.

Yes, she still held into something called hope. As long as she was still alive, she would cling to it, no matter how feeble it was. Even if what she found at the end of the road was a mirage, she would grab it. Sharing this boy a hope was the best she could do.

"… But I'm sure that one day… one day you will meet your master."

"Really?" He gave a hopeful look.

"Yes, you will." She nodded. "I'm Raphtalia. What's your name?"

The boy rubbed the tears from his face with his free hand. He made a smile as his cat ears perked up, his tail swishing about. Raphtalia just noticed that his right ear had a distinguishable wide cut, a scar old enough that he likely earned it when he was still very young.

"Thermopylae."

Author's Note

Two years already and I only managed to squeeze 9k words? Apologies for that, but I wish that this chapter worth the wait. Let me see your opinion on the comment section.

Thank you so much for your support all these years, Dear Readers. I hope I can catch up and see you in the next update. ;-)