Chapter 36

Days later

In Melromarc's Capitol, the surviving man from the mansion knelt before the king.

"What news do you have on the Dagger Hero?" The King asked.

"Sir, the Dagger Hero had ordered the rest of the men killed." The survivor reported. "He cut off each of our fingers, then slit their throats." The survivor held up his right hand, showing his missing ring finger.

"Hm. I did not expect such an outcome." The King said softly.

"Sir, there's more." The survivor continued. "The Dagger Hero seems to hold a high standing in Siltvelt. He implied he was going to take control over the guards. He also said that Siltvelt was now under the protection of the Red Right Hand. He said that we are to no longer bribe his guards. We can no longer put Demihumans into slavery, and we can no longer arrive unannounced. Honestly, sir, after what he did, I'm terrified of the consequences of defying these orders."

"Consequences?" The King repeated as if insulted. "The Dagger Hero is an insect! A fly."

"Sir, because of his relationship with the Shield Hero, the government of Siltvelt has already placed him on a pedestal." One of the King's advisors added. "Some of the guards are even considering to work for him already. He's done nothing but prove his worth, all while thwarting off threats. He's respected to a large degree there, and everyone sees it."

"There's one last bit." the survivor said softly.

The King sighed in frustration.

"Go on."

"The Dagger Hero also said if there is to be one more incident, of any kind, he would personally see to your execution." The survivor stated, slowly rubbing his hands nervously.

However, despite the man's fear, the King laughed.

"He threatens me?!" The King said before bursting in hysterical laughter. "Send more men."

Over in Siltvelt, Mercury rubbed his eyes as he watched the recording on the magic orb before him.

(That guy never seems to learn.) Mercury thought.

Opposite him stood an average heighth woman. Golden red hair flowed down her back like a waterfall of flames. A dark scar lined her right cheek, as well as one just below her lower lip. Her dark red eyes held a burning for excitement.

"Thank you, Lilly." Mercury gestured to the coin pouch on the desk. "Your payment is there."

Lilly picked it up and pocketed the coin.

"Pleasure doing business with you." Lilly said. Her British accent was easy to distinguish. "Will I be seeing another job in the near future?"

"I'll keep you posted." Mercury told her.

With that, Lilly took her leave.

Before the door was able to close, Makoto walked in.

(Who never seems to learn?) She asked, having heard him.

"The King of Melromarc." Mercury answered. "Where's Sully?"

(Out back. He and Michael are training with Christine.)

"Right." Mercury got up and headed out back, leaving Makoto in his office.

(Say, what's your goal with this 'Red Right Hand' business?) Makoto was watching from the window.

(Peace.) Mercury answered simply.

(By force, or respect?) Makoto asked.

Mercury lit another cigarette, taking a puff and blowing it out slow.

(Both.)

"Michael. Sully." Mercury said their names as he approached, getting their attention. "Tell the guards to have patrols on every road in and out of Siltvelt. I want to know of every passing trader, merchant, even civilians. Go on."

Michael and Sully nodded before heading off.

"What's going on?" Christine asked.

"Melromarc has chosen war." Mercury said. "I've sent someone to tell the officials. I believe it is me they're targeting."

"How do you know Melromarc is preparing for war?" Christine asked.

"I have men in Melromarc. They've sent me a video message on one of those... magic orb... things."

"Right..."

"We're preparing for war." Mercury told her. "I want you to stay here and watch after the kids if I get killed."

"Me? Why me? I'd be more useful in battle." Christine stated.

"That is why I'm having you stay."

Christine let out a sigh.

"Alright."

Reaching into his cloak, Mercury pulled out a letter.

"Send this out, will you." Mercury handed Christine the letter. "It's to Naofumi, letting him know I won't be able to make it. It also states that I, along with Siltvelt, are preparing for war against Melromarc."

After a moment to process, Christine left to carry out the order.

Returning to his office, upon entering, Mercury spotted a beautiful fair-skinned woman with purple hair that was tied up in a bob with collarbone-length bangs hanging on either side, purple eyes and pale purple lipstick. She wore an intricately-decorated royal gown, with what appeared to be a bronze breastplate.

"If you're here about the job, then-"

"I'm here on behalf of Melromarc." The woman interrupted.

Mercury's eyes twitched as those words dug into his ears.

Turning to face her, Mercury leaned against his desk, crossing his arms.

"Good or ill intentions?" Mercury asked.

"Peace." The woman answered. "Strictly peace."

"Sure." Mercury reached backwards across his desk, opening a drawer and retrieving his cigarettes. Popping one in his mouth, he lit it and proceeded to blow the smoke upwards. "You smoke?" He offered the woman one.

"No."

Mercury shrugged as he tossed the pack onto the desk.

"Exactly, what position do you hold in Melromarc?" Mercury asked.

"Queen."

Mercury raised an eyebrow as he looked the woman up and down. Looking into her gentle purple eyes, Mercury saw no lies in them.

"Queen, huh?" Mercury repeated as he took another drag. "Your husband is a real piece of fucking shit, y'know that right?"

The Queen slowly nodded her head. "I am well aware."

"Too bad you couldn't actually do anything about that. As much as I hate to admit it, he is king." Mercury commented.

"I hold more power in Melromarc, actually." The Queen informed him.

"You do, huh?" Mercury said. "Then why has he been ruling?"

"I've been away." The Queen answered. "I'm returning there now. I stopped by to speak with you and, hopefully, change your mind about going to war."

"Believe me, your Highness, I don't want war." Mercury told her, being as respectful as he could be. Mercury didn't know why he was showing this stranger respect, and yet, here he was. "But, if your husband attacks this city, I will fight."

"I know."

Mercury slowly nodded his head.

"Good."

"May I have your word you won't seek out war?" The Queen asked.

"You have my word." Mercury answered.

The Queen nodded, bowed, and took her leave. As for Mercury, he let out a breath, relieved.

"Fuck..." Mercury mumbled to himself softly as he sat in his chair. Rubbing his eyes, Mercury took another drag of his cigarette.

(Queen of Melromarc...)

A few days later

Out hunting a creature with his party, Mercury, Michael and Sully followed the beast to a cave. The group had been hunting a creature that was terrorizing a neighboring village.

No one had ever seen the creature, just knew where it always went back to. All Mercury and his group knew was that it was big and deadly.

Mercury heard about this thing from an old fisherman. The man said he came from the village. He was exhausted and had a dark cloak over his shoulders.

Before entering the cave, Mercury gestured to Michael and Sully.

"You two stay out here and watch the entrance." Mercury ordered them. "If it tries to run, kill it."

"Kill it?" Michael repeated. "Isn't this thing supposed to be-"

Suddenly, a fireball came hurling at them from the forest. Grabbing Michael, Mercury pulled him into the cave to dodge the attck. Once the fireball hit the entrance, multiple rocks to fell from the ceiling. Not a moment later, countless more came flying towards the trio.

Before Sully could retreat into the cave, massive rocks blocked the entrance, separating Mercury and Michael from Sully. The duo in the cave heard arguing and the steel scraping of Sully's blade as it slid out of it's sheath.

"What the hell is this?!" Sully shouted as Mercury and Michael tried to move some of the rocks.

"By order of the Church of the Three Heroes, the current heroes are not fit to protect this word and will be eradicated." An unknown man's voice stated.

Cut off from Sully, all Michael and Mercury could do was listen. Soon, the two could hear scuffling outside the cave, followed by Sully's voice.

"Get the fuck off me!" He shouted. "You have any idea who you're fucking with?!"

"Prepare yourself, child." The man before spoke. "This is going to hurt."

The two heard Sully let out a scream of pure agony.

"Sully!" Michael began moving rocks quickly.

Mercury joined in, but they weren't making any progress.

"We're gonna have to find another way out." Mercury stated as he pulled out his dagger and ignited it. "C'mon."

Michael, seeing no other option, punched the wall of rock before following Mercury.

As the duo walked, Mercury kept scanning the cave. After a few minutes of walking, the two could see daylight ahead of them. Jogging to it, the two stepped out and into a forest.

"Finally." Michael dashed ahead and around the side of the cliff, hurrying back around to Sully. Upon reaching the other side, Michael saw Sully lying on the ground, unmoving.

Falling to his knees, Michael rolled Sully over and saw he had a deep gash over his left eye. He was missing his ring finger on the right hand, and the word "animal" was carved into his chest.

"Those sick fucks!" Michael said as he began to see if his friend was still alive.

"Is he breathing?" Mercury asked.

"Yeah." Michael let out a sigh of relief.

"Can you get him back to the mansion on your own?" Mercury asked.

"Yeah." Michael answered. "You gonna hunt those fucks down?"

"That's the idea." Mercury confirmed. His eyes were on multiple sets of footprints heading away from the cave. "They couldn't have gotten far." Mercury looked off into the trees. "When you get back to the mansion, tell Daenerys to come after me. Just her, no one else."

"I will." Michael picked Sully up and had his arm around the back of his neck for support.

With that, Mercury began running off in the direction the Church had left.

Days later

"When are we gonna attack?" Daenerys asked. "We could've been done days ago."

"I heard these bastards say they were gonna kill the other heroes." Mercury told her. "If that's true, we're gonna follow 'em until we can wipe all of them out."

"Ugh, we've waited long enough." Daenerys whined. "I wanna go home."

"Shut up." Mercury said quickly as the duo followed from a safe distance. "Look."

Peering out from behind a few bushes, Mercury could make out, in the distance between the trees, a massive dome. Outside the dome were countless people, all dressed wearing matching robes.

"What's going on?" Daenerys asked.

Mercury closed his eyes as he drew his dagger.

(Succubus sight.)

Inside the dome, Mercury could see multiple lights. Some pink, some blue.

"People are inside that dome." Mercury told his companion. "Daenerys, would you mind changing forms."

Daenerys did as requested and shed her human form. Within seconds, a dragon stood behind him.

"What now?" Daenerys asked.

Mercury pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

"Those people..." Mercury pointed to them. "All they're doing is pouring their power into the dome. I doubt they'd attack a person, let alone a dragon."

"What're you thinking?"

Mercury blew the smoke from his lungs.

"Disrupt the priests, make sure they can't cast their spells." Mercury ordered. "The weaker we get that dome, the easier it'll be to break in."

"You want inside?"

"That's where the head priest is." Mercury stated as he ashed his cigarette.

"How can you be so sure?"

"If he isn't, I'll track him down anyway." Mercury answered. "Just keep those people distracted. Don't kill anyone unless absolutely necessary."

Daenerys nodded before the duo emerged from the treeline. Approaching the massive group from behind, Mercury gestured for Daenerys to charge in whilst Mercury drew his dagger.

As Daenerys knocked down a group of people, they began shouting and panicking. After all, it's a dragon.

As for Mercury, he charged the dome as he heard the sounds of fighting inside. Jumping into the air, Mercury pulled his arm back and slashed the dome, to no affect.

Pausing her focus on the people, Daenerys even took a go at the dome, to no affect.

(How thick is this damned thing?) Mercury asked himself as he prepared another attack, to no affect.

Mercury leapt back before kneeling down, activating multiple skills all at once in order to break through.

(Fuck it.) Mercury thought. (I'll use everything.)

Activating his flame ability, Mercury doubled up with the strength of the wendigo he'd killed.

Continuing to add ability after ability, it took everything Mercury had just to keep the abilities active. His weapon wasn't meant to have multiple skills active at once.

The air around Mercury vibrated as electricity coursed through the ground, shattering it like a pane of glass. Suddenly, Mercury vanished, appearing halfway up the dorm. Slashing the dome, it parted enough for Mercury to slip inside.

Inside, the other heroes, along with members of their parties, were fighting the High Priest. They all saw Mercury break through the dome directly behind the priest.

Before he could turn around, Mercury dashed in, allowing no time for the priest to react. With his dagger at the ready, Mercury attempted to pierce the priest's side.

However, the High Priest seemed to be able to move at unnatural speeds. He was able to deflect Mercury's blade and knock him away with the bottom of his spear. The force of impact caused Mercury to drop his dagger before being sent back.

As he rolled across the ground, Mercury suddenly vanished, appearing before the priest once more and catching him off guard. Slashing at the man, the priest managed to deflect the attack again, only getting a gash across the cheek.

Retaliating, the priest slashed Mercury across the arm with his spear before knocking him down to the other heroes.

"Merc!" Naofumi rushed to his friend's side.

"I'm fine." Mercury quickly got back on his feet. "Thanks for saving some of the fun for me."

"Don't mention it."

Naofumi stepped in front of Mercury, his shield at the ready. As for the High Priest, he glared passed Naofumi and directly at Mercury.

"You shouldn't be here!" He snarled.

"Merc, I can distract him. Think you could get behind him?"

Mercury took a quick look around the dome. Making out a pathway in his head, Mercury nodded.

"Yeah, I should be able to." Mercury answered.

"We can help, too." Itsuki said, his bow already drawn back.

Ren had his sword at the ready, and Motoyasu was preparing his own attack.

"Let's give 'em hell!"

Naofumi and the other heroes all rushed the pope at once. Mercury began following out the path he laid in his head. Jumping on the wall of the dome, Mercury sprint along it, directly for the pope.

Ren leapt toward the pope as Itsuki launched a lightning arrow. Deflecting both with relative ease, the pope wasn't quick enough to block Motoyasu's strike. Having to jump away in order to dodge the attack, Naofumi didn't let him get far.

"Air Strike Shield!"

Having a green shield appear behind the pope, he ran his back into it. With the shield fading, Mercury threw his dagger behind the pope. Appearing at it, Mercury ignited his blade before swinging it right for the popes neck.

Before the blade could connect, the pope crouched, avoiding the attack. Countering with a low kick, the pope swung Mercury into Naofumi, knocking them both back down.

Wiping the blood from his lip, Mercury got back on his feet. Glaring at the pope, Naofumi joined his side, the two brandishing their respective weapons.

Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu were continuing to work together to attack the pope.

Suddenly, the air around Naofumi began to vibrate as dark, spiked armor formed around him. His eyes went entirely red. Red veins even lined his body.

As for Mercury, he wasn't as pissed. Having just joined the fight, he hadn't gotten the chance to really lose it just yet. But Naofumi was clearly done with this guy's shit.

"I'll protect you so you can get in close." Mercury ordered.

"Just get me an opening, and I'll do the rest." Mercury replied.

"Don't fuck up." Naofumi said last before charging towards the pope with his shield raised. Mercury was right behind him.

As the pope launched an attack, Naofumi pointed for Mercury to dodge left. Just before the attack landed, Mercury and Naofumi both leapt to their left, continuing to dash towards the pope.

Launching fireball after fireball, hitting Ren, and Motoyasu, Naofumi kept gesturing which way for Mercury to jump. Since his eyes were focused on Naofumi's hands, Mercury was relying entirely on Naofumi to avoid the pope's attacks.

As the two neared the bottom of the pope's position, Naofumi gestured for Mercury to jump over him.

With one final attack from the pope, Naofumi took the massive fireball directly with his shield. The flames were suddenly absorbed into his shield, allowing Mercury to leap over Naofumi.

"Air Strike Shield!"

A green shield appeared under Mercury, acting as a jump pad for Mercury to gain higher air. Rising above the pope, Mercury pulled his arm back, as the pope readied himself to receive the attack.

"Bird Hunting!"

Snapping his head in the direction of the voice, the pope glared at Itsuki.

"What?!"

Itsuki shot his arrow into the air. While in the sky, the arrow shattered apart, raining dozens of arrows down on the pope and Mercury.

Forced to deflect the attacks, the pope took his attention off Mercury. As for Mercury, he didn't care. His focus was entirely on the pope.

Taking some of the arrows, Mercury grit his teeth against the pain. Once he finally reached the pope, Mercury thrust his dagger into his chest.

As Mercury twist the dagger, time seemed to slow down for the pope as he realized he was drawing his final breaths.

(That damned Bow timed his attack with the Dagger in order to force me to take my focus off him...) the pope could feel as Mercury violently removed his dagger from the man's chest. (This can't be...)

Time for the pope returned to normal as the Dagger spun around, slitting his throat to bleed him out quicker.

Looking up at Mercury as he clutched his throat, the pope saw the pure anger in Mercury's eyes. That gaze was the last thing he saw as his eyes finally shut.

Looking over to the weapon the pope used, Mercury walked over to it. Picking it up, he tried to feed it to his own dagger, curious to see if anything would happen. To his surprise, Mercury watched the weapon vanish into his dagger. However, nothing appeared to happen. He didn't see any new skills, or stats, or anything of the like.

Suddenly, Mercury became light headed. The ground began to spin quick, making him lose his balance and fall. As he hit the ground, an arrow that was piercing his back was forcefully shoved deeper.

He quickly lost consciousness due to blood loss.

End of chapter 36