Chapter 1 RW: Arrival (Enter the Conquerors)
Author's Notes(A/N): Hello everyone! For those who haven't read the original Chapter 1, this will be the first time you will see soundtracks embedded into the text. The idea is to listen to them on a loop unless specified otherwise until you reach an 'End Soundtrack' cue.
If I have done my job well enough in writing and song choice, it will enhance the reading experience. Of course, you are more than welcome to ignore them and consider them a little quirk I'm adding to my story.
For those who have decided to read these rewrites, I aim to continue progressing the narrative, Chapter 10, at either the start or midway through Summer. But I think that's all I have to say. Like always, feel free to give any feedback, doubly so if it is critical. I hope you all enjoy!
[Start Soundtrack: Goblin Slayer Original Soundtrack - 02. Small Demon Killing Story]
Darkness.
Despair.
Destruction.
Death.
Decay.
Those five words describe a forest. Five dark elves were traveling through it, and it was evident that they were no tourists.
A forest where the shadows lie. A forest where the disappearance of hope was nigh. A forest where chaos ruled over all, leaving none to defy. A forest where life had been doomed to die. A forest where there were no more voices left to cry.
For no light could enter. For no joy could be found. For no earth was left unscorched anywhere around. For no grass emitted green. For no tree grew leaves… blood flowed through all of these.
None was the fault of the forest, itself a victim to the chorus. A chorus that the five dark elves were a part of as they marched in harmony. But what could five dark elves desire in a forest in ruins thanks to them? To return to the center, there they had their colony.
Their formation comprised two columns, with their leader in the space between them. They shared the same green-colored eyes and were nearly identical in equipment. The common factors were grey cloaks, brown leather braces on their arms, small chest plates, and bows and quivers on their backs.
Deviations arose concerning the coloration of their hoods and choice of melee weaponry. The four had grey hoods and twin daggers at their hips. Their leader's veil matched their eye color, and a pair of sickle swords rested on his hip.
Getting closer to their desired destination, the leader of the four permitted himself to break from the plain face shared by his subordinates and let out a sly smile.
"I could dream of his reaction when I tell him this. I'll earn the recognition I, we, deserve. After all this, it's-"
"About time."
The raised corner of his lips dropped, as did his accompaniment, who went down on one knee and placed their left fist on their chest. The green-hooded elf joined his men in saluting, although he did not kneel on the ground. All eyes were on the dark elf who uttered the words atop a small cliff.
The armor of the dark elf caused the five's to pale in comparison. His chest plate was joined by a back plate covering his entire torso. The protection on his legs was a combination of several plates in the front with reinforced boots. His arms were encased in armor, and pauldrons covered each of his shoulders. He was identical to the others, with green eyes and flowing white hair. Though said hair was longer than the others that kept theirs at chin height, he kept his just below the shoulders. For weaponry, a pair of duel-bladed swords were on his hip.
He leaped down from the cliff, landing in front of the leader of the four, who stuttered at the sudden movement.
"T-Top-Elite..."
"Captain, you better have a sufficient excuse as to why this detachment of your division failed to operate in the granted timetable."
The Captain's shaking quelled down, and he swallowed before answering.
"Of course we do. We have the best of reasons as to why we are late. We have information... on her."
"I see. Tell me what you know, and I will relay it to-"
"With all due respect, I should be the one who says it to our glorious leader."
The interruption of his words resulted in him staring daggers at the Captain. But this intimidation attempt failed to make him sweat.
"You are not going to take this privilege from me!"
Seeing that the Captain wouldn't back down, the higher ranking of the two sighed.
"Fine. You four scouts are to return to the barracks, and you are to follow me, Captain."
"Yes, sir."
The kneeling four arose, and the six dark elves finished traveling to their destination together. Arriving at their encampment, they were saluted by two dark elves guarding the entrance. They wore a similar armor style to the Top-Elite but were smaller and lacked shoulder protection. For arms, they had a pair of half-spears on their backs.
Inside this compound were three buildings: a barracks where the scouts were heading, an armory, and a command center that the Captain and Top-Elite were moving toward.
Clank
Clank
Shink
"Hya!"
The duo halted and observed the event happening to their right in a spacious area. Two dark elves in white robes were interlocked in combat against one in a green wizard hat.
The two wielded a staff carved from the dead wood, blood flowing through it. On top was a black crystal for concentrating magic, and a long, pointed blade was at the bottom.
Their opponent, clad in a black clock and standard shin and forearm armor, wielded a scythe as tall as he was. At the bottom was a spear tip, and near the top of his weapon, a green crystal was used to channel his magic. Surrounding them were the rest of their division.
[End Soundtrack]
"We call them mages, yet anytime Sorcerer is training them, it is never in magic."
"True, Sorcerer is the only one with variety. But given the properties of their magic, having just one is sufficient. Any offset can be made up for in melee combat."
One of the mages rushed forward, attempting to skewer the Sorcerer. This was nothing more than a pitiful attempt at an attack that was sidestepped and punished by the scythe ramming through the mage's forearms, blood spurting everywhere.
"Pathetic!"
The other mage saw this distraction as an opportunity, leaping up and aiming his blade at the neck of his division leader. Yet, this had already been seen through, and the mage would discover his folly too late. The Sorcerer dragged the first mage behind him and added the second mage to his shishkabob by stabbing him through the stomach.
"Slow!"
Their punishment was finalized when the blade was removed from them, and a kick sent them rolling across the ground. Their white robes were anything but; they were mixed with the dirt and blood gushing from their bodies, resulting in a brown.
Their weapons were kicked in front of them.
"Pick it up."
"!"
"Pick. It. Up."
Both looked up at their division leader, fires burning in their sight. All their expression did was cause their leader's lips to curl up.
"Are you not my mages?! Use that pain I've inflected to fuel your hatred. And with your hatred, transfer into the strength to keep fighting!"
"Grrrr!"
Ignoring their injuries, they grabbed their staffs and pressed on together. Blood still fell from their bodies, broken and fractured bones rattled around, but their faces were that one who couldn't care less.
One of the mages allowed the other to gain precisely one step ahead of him, them understanding the key to dealing with an opponent with a long weapon, staggering attention. Both aimed thrusts at the Sorcerer's face.
Both were thwarted by him redirecting his scythe to bounce off the first's into the second's. Neither lost their footing nor pursuit of their target. The first mage used the momentum from the bounce to slash at the Sorcerer's head.
Ting
That was the sound of it failing when it met the inside of the scythe. A perception of an opening was seen by the second mage, aiming a thrust at the side. But he forgot the rule when fighting a foe with a long weapon: don't lose track of the other end.
The spear tip of the scythe punctured the shoulder as the first mage was dragged over by the hooking nature of the weapon. He pushed them back in one movement, but both recovered with a twirl or a roll.
"Is that your best?!"
Their injuries and his words caused more teeth to be on display. The first twirled his staff about him and launched a slash at the midsection. His blade froze when it collided with the weapon's staff section; any chance to continue was halted when the Sorcerer ramed his scythe down into the ground, letting the blade find itself in the wrists of the mage.
The second wasted no time in reaching the Sorcerer's blindspot. Sound in nature, this pursuit failed to usher success when he dodged the attack, grabbed the staff's center, and set the mage flying back in a part of the surrounding crowd.
"That is all you had to offer?! How path-"
His mockery paused when the first mage's fist, coated in blood, came within inches of his face. While the punch was the closest to success, it still came short as he stepped back. The strike was avoided, but the blood falling onto the black garment couldn't be. The one responsible was gifted a kick, which sent him back to where the other mage had landed.
The Sorcerer wiped the blood off his hand and stared at it, a twisted grin meeting his face.
"Good. Now keep going until you faint!"
Their clash raged on, but the duo's spectating ended, and they continued their journey to the command center. The Top-Elite commented without offering the Captain even a glance.
"I must say, I am surprised to hear that you and your men have information on her after your unending string of failures."
"Failures?!"
"Yes, failures. You and your division have been cited as our "most excellent trackers," but what did you have to show after fifteen years?"
The Captain bit the inside of his cheek, resisting the urge to overstep his bounds and start a shouting match. He quelled part of his anger to allow him to speak and not scream.
"You're failing to notice two issues with your statement, regardless of validity. We have been looking for a needle in multiple haystacks, a needle that can change which one it is in at any given time. And last I checked, our glorious leader has not assigned any other division to aid us. A task he believed we were designed for and believes no others can be of assistance. Besides, we have information, some that will make him smile."
"I suppose it is fortunate that you have something for Centi today of all possible days."
The Captain paused, letting go of his anger towards the earlier remark.
"Why today?"
"He is not in the best of moods. He's been inspecting his rapier all day. Not an ounce of himself is to be found."
The Captain's teeth chattered, and he gulped.
"I see..."
"You can still hand the information to me-"
"Not a chance! My men and I found this information, and I will receive the proper credit I deserve."
The Top-Elite glared at him from the corner of his eye.
"Suit yourself."
Ascending the stairs to the central building, they pushed open the massive double doors. Inside were five doors, not counting the one they entered from. The large hall had been stripped of all character for some time, leaving it as a hollow husk of what it once was. Dread was the sole feeling that presided over their encampment, with the statins of death lingering in the central building.
The Top-Elite, the Captain in tow, pushed another set of double doors open. The artwork lining the walls had long since rotted, leaving only their frames. Golden linings for the table at the center of the room and the throne at the far end were the last semblance of those who lingered here no longer.
[Start Soundtrack: Bloody Soul - Solo Version]
On the decorative chair was none other than their leader, slouched forward in it. Unlike his subordinates, his hair was a yellow-green, kept right above his shoulders. The simple black and green scabbard was in his left hand, and in his right was the rapier it belonged to. The blade pressed onto the ground, and the clamshell design guard rested against his head. He had bags under his eyes, nothing but a single thought going through his jade ones, staring at his blade.
"You... will pay. I don't care how many more years I wait. I don't care... as long as I get the satisfaction of ending you. You will pay."
Clink.
His attention to his surroundings was lost but returned to him at the sound of the double doors closing. The Top-Elite saluted, left hand on his chest, and the Captain knelt before his leader. Yet, Centi's eyes did not greet them; only his voice did.
"I believe I asked not to be disturbed..."
"For that, I apologize. But Captain claimed to have sourced information about her."
Centi leaned back in the chair, granting the pair his sight. He pointed his scabbard at the Captain.
"Go on. Perhaps if I'm fortunate, it will be where she was a decade ago, or better yet, maybe you could tell me which side of the hemisphere of this blasted world she is in. Or even better, maybe you can continue to tell me where she isn't."
The Top-Elite moved out of the way of the kneeling elf. But the Captain froze at seeing this version of his leader. His mouth was left agape, but no words exited. The only things that left him were wasted air and drops of sweat. This expenditure of time caused Centi to snap.
"Are you waiting for an invitation?! Speak!"
"Y-Yes, sir! We have discovered something far greater than what you have mentioned as possibilities. We have learned about her current location; we know where she is!"
Centi arose from his chair, using his weapon to aid him. A dark aura started to release around him. What was expected to bring joyousness brought nothing but anguish. His sight was piercing the Captain.
"Perhaps my vision is failing me, but I notice she isn't here! Explain yourself before I give your rank to another!"
"T-Th-Thats's part of why my scouts and I arrived later than permitted. We spotted her leaving the dungeon, and as we prepared to grab her, no other than Princess Riveria Ljos Alf, daughter of King Larfal, was by her side. It was then, and after following them to their home, we learned she was part of Loki Familia. A prominent member, I might add."
CLANK
The brick floor shattered when he drove his rapier into the ground. He dropped his scabbard, fell back in his chair, and covered his face with his hands. His nails were moments away from piercing his skin.
"Out of every place you could've been, it had to be in the one that could withstand and counter our strength. Not to mention the group you surrounded yourself with! I shouldn't have expected much from a coward! When you have lost power, you hide behind those who possess it. I will find a way to drag you to hell, even if it means we go back with you, you little piece of shi-"
"Umm, sir?"
Peeping through the gaps in his fingers, Centi saw the Captain on the verge of speaking.
"Go on."
"The other part of why we were late might quell your frustrations concerning that city's strength. Talks of a War Game between Freya Familia and most of Orario were buzzing around. But we waited to see if their biggest question would be answered: Would Loki Familia participate? Our patience was awarded. They, or at least their most relevant members, will join the so-called "Alliance". While they could still lose, I believe that Freya Familia is now destined to fall. Meaning..."
"The most significant threat to us will be no more."
Centi and the Top-Elite shared those words. Upon speaking them, the former placed his blade in his sheath and placed it on his hip. He leaped onto the table, walked across, and looked down at the Captain. On his face was sheer glee.
"Excellent job, Captain! Though Freya Familia's expulsion won't give us free reign, it will allow us to take advantage of this moment of weakness."
He looked over at his Top-Elite.
"Like I have uttered, they are our-"
"Greatest trackers, I know. But it would've been ideal that they discovered her before she joined such a strong familia."
"True. It would've been nice if that were the case. But do you want to know what would be better? If we had exterminated her then and there instead of waiting for all this time. Besides, all this entails is that we must be cautious about how we operate. In fact..."
He looked back over at the kneeling elf.
"Captain, gather the other division leaders and bring them here."
"Yes, sir!"
The hooded elf ran out of the room, following his orders. But when the Top-Elite was about to leave as well.
"Not you. Follow me to my chambers."
"As you wish."
[End Soundtrack]
The pair of dark elves entered the room. Inside, there was a massive map of the world outlining every major city, village, or elven settlement. On the wall was the skull of an elf with a crown atop its head in a picture frame. Fingers spelled out the title: "The mubaram u uluk amirz oppose izishu" (The end to all who oppose us).
Upon entering, Centi began putting on his armor, identical to the elf with him but royal green in color. Once he was armored, he began speaking with the high-ranking elf.
"Do you know why I asked you to follow me?"
"No, sir."
A calm smile was shined by Centi.
"Please kneel."
The elf did what was asked of him. Moments later, the sound of a blade leaving its scabbard rang through the quarters.
"I have felt the need to do this to one of you Top-Elites for some time. That time is now."
The sword was placed on the right shoulder.
"To distinguish who among you four is my second-in-command."
It moved to the left shoulder.
"To have your word be an extension of my own."
Centi held his sword parallel to his face.
"Arise, Commander."
Standing up, the newly appointed elf was gifted two green pauldrons to signify his new rank. Putting them on, he spoke.
"Thank you, sir. This is an honor."
"No. This is a reflection of your performance. From now on, be at ease when conversing with me."
"Alright..."
Centi's sly smile faded when his right-hand man's eyes were attached to the floor.
"Anything you'd like to say?"
Sigh. "Why are we not trying to see if the other factions survived and join them as one united front? Like we did all those years ago."
Centi's face widened, and his head bobbed as he understood the reasoning behind the question. He walked over to the map, placing his hand on it.
"Discounting the fact that I believe that we are the fortunate ones, it is similar to why we didn't join Evilus with their endeavors in the Dark Period or recently. Tell me what our ultimate goal is."
"To rule over all. To-"
"Conquer. It is meaningless to rule over the dead, seeing as none of us are necromancers. That is why working with the remnants of the progenitors of evil or inventors of genocide is not an appealing option, even if they are still around. But if we had a common enemy, as we did back then, then things might be different. But now, it is just the fifty of us."
He placed his hand on the Commander's shoulder.
"Did that answer your question?"
"It did."
"Good. Now let us join Captain, Sorcerer, and Executive. They are surely waiting for us."
[Start Soundtrack: Bloody Soul]
The leader and his second excited the room back into the remanets of a throne room. The division leaders all sat at the far end of the table. The Executive, who wore similar armor to Centi but lacked coloration and pauldrons except on his left, which was green, saw the Top-Elite with two on.
"A new rank to preside over the Top-Elites?!"
Centi gestured to the elf next to him.
"More so a rank to establish who is my second. This is Commander; his words are to be seen as an extension of my own. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
A shared statement stated different excitement levels. The Captain exclaimed the most, but the Sorcerer and Executive were more reserved. Despite the varied enthusiasm, Centi took his place at the table, the Commander standing next to him.
"I do hope there is ample justification why the training of my mages was interrupted."
"There is Sorcerer. Thanks to the efforts of Captain and his men, they discovered her whereabouts. Pinning her location in the city of Orario. Her familia to that of Loki's."
The other two division leaders present fired their eyes open. What replaced shock was a scoff followed by a laugh from the Executive.
"Haha! I'm surprised you and your scouts achieved something for the first time. And here I thought you lot were nothing but frauds."
"Well, my scouts do pale in comparison to the achievement of your elites. What was it again? Oh, yes. If memory serves correctly, your men have the achievement of the largest percentage of our troops to be eradicated."
The Executive slammed his hands onto the table.
"Watch your tongue before I slice it out!"
"You certain you can do that without joining that statistic?!"
"ENOUGH!"
Centi's voice boomed in the room, and the hostility dropped, all eyes focusing on him.
"Bickering between ourselves?! Lacking any sort of fate in each other?! That is how our kind dwindled and how she won. You all have a purpose in the force. You all have a role, whether it be reconnaissance/marksmanship, magic, or brute strength. That goes double now that we know where she is."
The Executive licked his lips as thoughts of her impregnated his mind, pushing out reason.
"Then what are we waiting for?! I'll rally my elites right now to go over there and-"
The Commander crossed his arms and cut him off.
"And, in turn, force us to suffer the brunt of Loki Familia's force. Even if we could take them down, our numbers would die out when Ganesha Familia arrives. I'm also assuming Captain told you that Freya Familia might be heading out. If not, then you are trying to get us all killed."
Centi smiled in the corner of his mouth at how well the Commander was adapting to the role.
"Very well put. But you are right on one thing, Executive. We will drag her out, but we will do so with caution."
The green-hatted elf added.
"It seems to me that Freya Familia is the only rogue element in the air."
"Quite right you are. As a matter of fact..."
Centi arose from his seat.
"Captain, have a squad of your men get me the results of that War Game. If Freya Familia dissolves, you will all segment your companies to make infiltration into the city easier. Our rendezvous point will be announced later. Is that clear to you all?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Good. I haven't made many guarantees since that day... but if we go. She. Will. PAY!"
[End Soundtrack]
End of the Great Faction War
She was encompassed in her navy blue robe as it fluttered in the cool autumn air. Said robe shielded her face from any effect the Sun above may induce upon her perfect skin. Her long silver hair covered part of her face as it drooped down over it.
But it was not enough to cover those violet eyes intertwined with his ruby ones while he stood there, captivating all her attention. The same he who caused it all. The same he who made her lose it all.
Seduction.
Manipulation.
Corruption.
Her failed methodology, put into three words.
She couldn't obtain him by playing fair. She couldn't obtain him even when she let her obsession flare. She couldn't obtain him regardless of how much his body was broken, for his mind wouldn't tare.
The moment he landed that scratch... the moment his eyes were lit with a blaze... the moment he reinforced who he was, was when she saw the writing on the wall. A writing by the spinning cogs of fate that a deity couldn't subvert. But like many others who have heard that accursed phrase, it didn't cease her desperation against it.
Bribery, with a commodity more precious to some than any gemstone, had been denied for the sake of security, for the city, and for her rival. Loyalty by those in her familia, even those who recognized how wrong she was, fought for her as they always had. But it didn't matter. The wheels of fate began turning, and her desperation couldn't halt fate's march.
She lost her fortune, familia, reverence, and gazes of awe. She was nothing but a person who couldn't age, forced to walk this mortal plane. It was either that or facing Odin's wrath. But the most damning thing she lost was her last chance to be with the one standing before her. Yet, where many would have emotional outbursts, she was calm.
Ironic. The one she harmed the most in her pursuit of him was...him. But where others saw her falling as the chance to sack her riches and improve their status, he saw it as the opportunity to have one question answered: Who is she?
A question that was his reason for being here and why she hadn't walked out toward her inevitable destiny. He opened his mouth but was silenced by her pointer finger raising. Her lips formed a shallow smile.
[Start Soundtrack: Zelda's Lullaby - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]
"I ask that you allow me to do the talking."
Bobbing his head, she placed her hands on the side of her veil, looking down. The seconds rolled by, her hood remaining on. Her breathing slowed, her eyes closed, and her lips sealed.
"There's no point delaying the inevitable."
The veil began to be pulled back, and her face tilted up. When her cover was removed, it caused his face to widen and his mouth to drop. She was neither a proud goddess of beauty nor the bubbly waitress she masqueraded as. Her face was a combination of the two, with the silver eyes of the waitress and tears plastered over it, the same as that night. This was Freya. Her voice marbled.
Sniffle. "You'd think being the goddess of beauty and love would mean never struggling to find said love. But the endless line of men and women who claim to love me don't, no matter how much they convince themselves they do. They are nothing more than the byproduct of the charm I can't control. They are nothing more than victims, believing their infatuation to be proper feelings. But you... you were different. Always different."
"Different?"
"From the start, even before your first skill, your soul stood out against all others. When I first looked at you, I saw that your soul was white and shaped nothing but yourself. In all my time since I've descended, yours was the first to be what it is. When I discovered you were resistant to my charm, I knew then and there that you were my chance—perhaps my one and only chance."
She giggled to herself, tears still escaping.
Hehe. Sniffle. "Sorry, it's just...the amount of times I've caused problems for my familia, searching for the one I call Odr, the person who would fall for the woman I am, not the goddess, only to have him end up here is too funny to not laugh a little at. But the funniest part is that I've waited eons to find someone to be in true love with, and you show up, only not to be able to have you."
She bit her lip, contemplating her following words. When she unearthed them, they were joined with a smile of purity despite it coming from such a tainted being.
"I know what I'm going to say won't change anything. I know that it is too late. But I will say it anyway. Bell Cranel, I love you. I love you as a man. But now, as these tears subside, I find it all so amusing. To think I did all that... when now I must surrender these feelings. But it is what I shall do, no matter how difficult it might be."
She wiped away her remaining tears with the sleeve of her robe and held up two fingers.
"I have two things to ask of you; you aren't obligated to, of course. First, may I be allowed to embrace you one last time?"
"... alright. Just... don't try anything."
"I won't."
She took a step forward to take him in her arms; his head was inadvertently pressed into her bosom. A hinge of red lined his face as he looked away.
"What was the second?"
She leaned closer to his ear.
"Secure her heart."
"Ehh?!"
As she whispered those words, redness spread to his ears. He frantically pulled away, and she laughed some more.
"I do hope you'll become bolder in the future. I, too, hope she'll understand just how rare someone like you is."
She recovered herself with her hood; the face she had hidden away for so long didn't vanish. The waitress's eyes remained as she waved while walking backward.
"Goodbye, Bell Cranel. I wish our paths to cross again, under... better terms."
"Bye... Freya-sama."
[End Soundtrack]
She turned around, her back to him, and she approached the nearby city exit. Her hand was placed on her cheek.
"I deserve this."
The only thing left to her was the clothes on her back and the peace the conversation brought her. But as she was about to take her first steps towards her destiny outside Orario, a voice from a large boar man said her name.
"Freya-sama."
[Start Soundtrack: Danmachi I OST - Kami to Ko wo Tsunagu Mono]
Turning on her heel, not only was her strongest there, but the rest of her executives gathered in a semi-circle. The boaz took a step forward.
"Allow us the honor to accompany you."
Following was the "dark edge lord", covering his face with his left hand.
"The final calling of judgment may have been made and your name sullied beyond reason, but what are we but servants to your-"
His phrase was cut when his counterpart bonked his head, speaking over him.
"He's saying that despite all the hatred towards you, we are willing to continue serving you as we have before, blessing or not."
Allen and the Gulliver Brothers, not adding anything to the conversation, still stepped forward, signifying their stance. She bounced her eyes between all of them, recalling their valiant efforts against fate.
"You all are nothing short of amazing. Each and every one of you."
A smile beamed off her face at them; her words betrayed the expression.
"No."
Their faces filled with reserved shock, but none questioned her reasoning.
"This... this is my calling, not any of yours. This city no longer has use for me, but it does for you eight. But if you could see me as your goddess once more, I only ask that you kneel."
Respecting her wish, they all went to the ground on one knee, the brothers removing their helmets. They waited to see what she would say or act. The first to experience her action was the cat, having his hair messed with by her hand.
"Thank you for being my chariot."
She moved in between the two elves, rubbing both the long locks of the blond and the shorter hair of the white. A tint of red encroached on their faces.
"Thank you both for being my knights."
Moving onto Alfrigg and his brothers, her hands jumped between them.
"Thank you, four, for being the Bringer."
Arriving at Ottar, the boaz expected her to act the same. But he was caught off guard when she threw her arms over his large shoulders.
"Thank you for being the King. To think that you were the same little kid I named..."
She put her lips close to his ears, whispering soft enough to where only he could hear. His face remained stiff when he nodded and uttered,
"Of course, Freya-sama."
They all stood up, and she held her arms behind her back and began walking towards her destiny. Still feeling them watch her, she blew them a kiss over her shoulder, causing them all to blush. She laughed to herself before walking on. They continued to watch until she was no longer in sight, and they all began walking in separate directions.
[End Soundtrack]
He didn't move from when she bid her farewell to him, watching her say goodbye to those most loyal to her. The ruby-like eyes that observed the collection of his reward now quivered as he looked at the palm of his hand.
Upon traversing here, he understood the logic behind the sentiment everyone shared regarding her punishment: she needed to be exiled. Part of him even agreed with said sentiment. It was logical to believe such as her most prolific victim.
Should he have been like most others, his mind would've been damaged past the point of repair by the torture that took all forms. Should he have been like the small percentage of those who could sustain themselves against such odds, remorse would be an idea that never could arise. Everything was because of a rejected confession of love.
No sane individual would ever have the notion of forgiveness come to mind, no matter the reason. Hence, his attention was focused on answering a question.
"Am I insane?"
His mind was already uneasy seeing the reward he shattered bones and split buckets of blood to achieve. If that was all he would have seen, a simple question in passing would be his sole mental hurdle. But her last words to those who carried out her will and shattered much of his body sparked a discussion with himself.
"This...this needed to be done! She didn't just mess with me; she messed with everyon-"
Her joyful smile when she waved goodbye to him flashed in his mind. He became short on breath, clutching his shirt, the crisp air failing to combat it.
"She tried to make me lose who I am! She tried to make me forget about my familia and all my friends! She wanted me enough to do all that. That's more than enough of a reas-"
Sniffle.
The sound of her sniffles echoed in his ears. The droplets of tears became pronounced. His hand started to become numb.
"Was this right?"
He shook his head.
"Of course it was! I had to win; otherwise, she would've torn me from my familia. That by itself... is what I ended up doing to her instead. The-There had to be some other way to save her, but she only showed me who she was because we won..."
Contradiction after contradiction piled on top of the other. The reality was simple: there was no middle ground. Losing ensures that she would not be saved. Winning entails the events that played out. But the one uncertainty that would etch into his mind was whether she accepted her path to walk alone out of a desire for betterment or if it was an act she placed on.
But no further thoughts could be given right now as...
"Bell!"
Someone had wrapped their arms around him faster than his base reaction speed could process. His confused expression fell into an embarrassed one once he caught sight of the distinctive golden hair of the woman who held him. His mouth felt like it had been dislodged from its hinge, and his face turned bright red.
It wasn't as if this was his first or even the most intimate interaction shared between them. He's been on the receiving end of countless lap pillows throughout their training. But all of those were when he was knocked unconscious. He is fully awake as her chest pressed against him.
To experience this with the girl he has spent his entire adventuring career trying to catch up to was causing the synapsis in his head to misfire. It served no help that his brain was already scattered from earlier. Her words... her voice, only added to the ongoing chaos.
"I'm so relieved you guys won! And I'm so glad to see that you're doing alright."
"Eh? I... uh. Oh... th-thanks. Tha-tha-that-"
The combination of the warmth, the flowing hair, the elegant voice, and the proximity to her... features only continued to fuel the ever-raging inferno that was his mind. Even the simplest of words became taxing endeavors.
Bell Cranel, the boy who had overcome adversity time and time again. Bell Cranel, the boy who pushed through any notions of limits. Bell Cranel, the boy who was part of the winning team against the strongest familia in Orario. This very same Bell Cranel was overwhelmed by an embrace from the woman he fell for. She left less time to adapt than Freya's executives did. Her voice was as pleasant as the weather.
"I'm so sorry for not seeing you up until now. I-I owed Freya a favor. One that she used to keep me from seeing you, training you, or even participating in the war game."
"..."
His silence resulted from his essential brain functions frying, but to her, it felt disapproving.
In an act of final desperation, she took his right hand with her left, interlocking their fingers. Resting her forehead against his, she caressed his face with her free hand. Their face but a few inches apart; when he looked into her golden eyes, she asked,
"Bell, can you please forgive me?"
The desperation to pull away was outweighed by one thought that brought order to the madness.
"Wait! If I pull away, then... she'd be just as hurt as she was back then."
His mouth shut when words of Welf bounced in his mind.
"Be a man, huh..."
He used his right hand to bring her forward by her wrist, and with his other hand, he pushed back some of her hair by placing his palm on her forehead. The redness that described his face meer moments earlier was shared between them. The gold and ruby eyes became intertwined, and a soft smile arose on his face.
"Ais-san, you don't need to ask for forgiveness for something I wasn't upset about. Especially since... if I didn't remember you during her charm, I would've lost all hope. I should be the one thanking you for that and everything you've done. I-I am also thrilled to see you again."
"...Bell."
A heat began accumulating in her chest, different from anything she'd felt. Both remained silent, the city's ambiance being the only source of noise... until they were forced apart by a 4'7" goddess.
"What are you doing with my Bell-kun, Ais Wallenwhatsherface?!"
"I..."
The short goddess spun around without allowing the golden maiden a chance to respond and started jabbing Bell with her finger.
"And what about you, Bell-kun?! I allow you to go off and have Freya uphold her end of the agreement. What do I end up seeing?! You and Ais Whatshername being lovely dovey with one another! Was this why you took so long that I had enough time to convert that elf to our familia and have us wonder where you were?!"
"N-No, I was- wait, elf? Do you mean-"
"Yeah, she joined our familia, BUT I'M THE ONE ASKING QUESTIONS! GOT IT?!"
"Y-Yes. I understand, goddess!"
His interrogation was interrupted when a voice from afar called out to him.
"Argonaut-kun!"
Hestia turned around and saw Tiona in the distance, a smile adorned on the amazon's face. A few feet back was Tione, her hand on her hip. She turned to Ais, intrigue lining her words.
"What was with you taking off all of a sudden?"
"I...umm..."
The question left Ais flustered, scampering around for the words. However, Tione's question was answered in two different ways. First was her eyes going back and forth between Ais and Bell. The second was when the height-deficient goddess pointed at Ais.
"She was harassing my Bell-kun!"
"That's not-"
The cheerful one of the batch looked down as she rubbed the back of her head.
"Oh, hey, Hestia! Didn't see you there for a minute."
The goddess pouted, then extended her arm over Bell to shield him and pointed at the two sisters.
"And what do you two amazons want with my Bell-kun?! Are you two trying to seduce him as well?!"
Tione was the first to speak up.
"Actually, we only ran over here because we were curious where Ais bolted off to. But now that we are here..."
Tiona's eyes sparkled in amazement as Bell saw his reflection in them as she moved closer.
"Argonaut-kun, you did amazing in the war game! To think that you were the one to deliver that finishing blow on Ottar! Most of us have still been talking about it!"
"I'll say! Finn, Gareth, and Riveria struggled to take him down, even when they were level-boosted. I'm unsure if they could've done it if it wasn't for you, even if it wasn't for that long."
Bell's face became flustered at the string of compliments and praise, but Hestia answered for him, buffing out her chest.
"Of course, Bell-kun managed to do that! He's MY Bell-kun, after all-"
"But of course, we only had a chance at winning because of you and the other participating members of Loki Familia. We couldn't thank you guys enough for that."
The amazons weren't the ones to respond as another person spoke behind them.
Tsk. "Don't bother thanking us. Let's be real; we've been looking for an excuse to get rid of them for a while now. That charming crap she pulled was all the reason we needed!"
The elder sister looked over her shoulder at the werewolf executive.
"That's not entirely true, and what are you even doing here?"
Tsk. "I was curious to see where you two idiots went."
A silence would've permeated if not for Tiona turning to Hestia.
"Hey, Hestia! We were already on our way to Mia's. You, Argonaut-kun, and the rest of your familia should join us!"
"Uh... sur-"
"Great, see you guys over there!"
Bete had already been walking away for a bit. But when Bell looked at him, he saw a hidden thumbs-up from his pocket. As the distance between the werewolf and the rest of the group grew, thoughts entered his head.
Tsk. "That rabbit is almost as strong as we are! To think he was running away from a Minotaur less than a year ago, now he's a first-tier adventurer. Unbelievable!"
"Yo, wait up!"
The sisters shared the exclamation as they sprinted over to catch up with him. But as Ais was about to go join them,
"Ais-san."
"Yes, Bell?"
Their eyes served as perfect mirrors for the other. Perhaps they saw something more in their eyes. But in Ais's case, the heat accumulating earlier came forth once more despite them not touching. Yet, Bell's thought was slashed short by his overprotective goddess, whose eyes twitched.
"We'll see you over there. Come on, Bell-kun!"
She pulled his hand, forced them apart once more, and started walking over to Hearth Mansion. But as Ais watched, she couldn't help but think,
"What were you going to say to me?"
As she was still pulling Bell, she uttered to herself and him,
"Come on, Bell-kun. The sooner we get everyone else, the sooner we can get over there, and the sooner I and supporter-kun can get our answers of what you were doing with Ais Whoisit?!"
Bell's eyes met the ground in defeat, but one glimmering thought came through his mind—one that allowed him to smile through the drudgery he would encounter.
"You were always like a flower, flowing in the wind. And for so long, you were at the limit of my sight. Now... now I feel as if I can reach my arm out and almost touch your back. But I will wait until I'm not just looking at your back but when I'm standing with you... so I may stand next to you."
Current Day
Orario was given its first true reprieve in months from endless chaos. That chaos came in the form of monsters roaming the city, Evilus's most significant attack on the city in recent memory, and even the desperation of a goddess's inability to accept the word 'no'. The city that didn't sleep never quelled its nerves for a moment. That went double for those who participated in said events.
That was the norm until now. The city was approaching three weeks of no incident, and its inhabitants used it to return to their calmer lives. People walked up and down the eight busy main roads of the city. Business owners pedaled their wares and opened up shop. Adventurers were going to and from the dungeon.
It really was a day like any other. If one were to ask for an example of a typical day of Orario, this would be presented to them.
Not a cloud was in the sky to obstruct the rays of warmth. Yet, despite the lack of wind, there was a chill in the air. All the city's people knew it meant one thing: the autumn months were coming to a close, and winter would soon take hold.
In too many places, winter is seen as nothing but gloom. Yet nothing could be more untrue in the case of Orario. Some would argue it is the most lively season for the city. It was the one season with the most events scheduled. As such, many looked forward to it, and many more had begun preparing for the events it would entail.
The city felt calm again, and everyone enjoyed that fact. Everyone... except the fabled record holder.
One would think that Hestia Familia's financial state would've improved following their victory over Freya Familia, but there was one major issue with that thought process. The number of familias participating all took their respective portions of the wealth, leaving almost nothing for them.
The situation worsened when their familia rank increased, and so did their taxes. Although with some clever convincing and borderline begging, their rank, which should be an A, only rose to a C. A fact that will change the very moment they acquire a new familia member or when Bell was to level up.
Regardless of their fiscal situation, they still agreed upon a rest day from the dungeon. One day, he found himself taking advantage of, walking through the city with no destination in mind. Aside from his knife, he wore his typical attire. But while he lacked a destination, this stroll didn't lack purpose. It was his attempt to answer a question.
"Everyone seems to think that we did the right thing and that it was something to celebrate, but was it really the just thing to do? Why does it feel like I'm the only one who found winning bittersweet at best?"
Ever since witnessing those two sights, that question was like an eternal plague upon his mind. It rang in his head from time to time since that fateful day, but today was when he felt like his mind was about to split from it. He started rubbing his temples and looking at the ground.
"I should really talk to my familia about this ... if I could ever figure out the proper way to bring this up. I know they wouldn't be too harsh, so why is it so difficult to talk about it?"
He approached a fountain and found a spot to sit. There, he looked up into the sky.
"I should be thankful Ouranos-sama is giving us a break until our next expedition. I just hope I'll be all there when he does."
His sight returned to people continuing their lives and finding a way to return to the status quo despite hardships. Life finds a way. This statement seemed to hold true for everyone except himself.
"Everyone else has moved on, and I'm still thinking about it. This is just... pathetic. I really need to-"
"Bell Cranel!"
Once he heard his name, he broke out of his inner turmoil and returned to reality. The voice was all too distinctive, making him recognize who it belonged to before even turning to it. But once he turned to face his self-proclaimed rival, he paused momentarily. Her face and voice were the sole factors that remained constant.
She was outfitted in a way he had never seen. The elf had a handful of blue gems, including two at the end of her cape and two connecting her red and purple thigh-highs. She wore a purple vest over a white dress and held her hair down instead of her typical ponytail. The finishing touches to her new appearance were in the form of a blue feather on her left ear.
All these changes culminated in uncertainty about who she was at a moment's glance. But he would soon realize that these were nothing more than outward changes, her core remaining intact.
"L-Lefiya-san?"
"Yeah, and I got some questions for you..."
She leaned forward and started jabbing his chest with her finger. Her brows arched down.
"How are you doing it, and what is your goal?!"
"...Eh?"
"Don't play dumb with me! I know you're behind it somehow!"
"I-I don't know wh-"
She backed up and started stomping the ground, resembling a child throwing a tantrum.
"Every damn time I go out, I hear someone mentioning your name! I used to be able to tolerate it, but now? Now, I'm certain you're pulling the strings. Take now, for instance! I cut my new training short to go on a little walk, and guess what? Instead of hearing your name, I run into you! What is your end game with this?!"
Any surprise Bell had towards her new appearance was overshadowed by confusion. It wasn't for not understanding what she meant, as his fame had grown exponentially since victory in the war game. But it was more so the accusation itself. He started waving his hands.
"I swear that's not me! I wouldn't even know how to plan something like that!"
Her sapphire eyes pierced his ruby ones. Sweat started forming on him, and his teeth chattered. He could feel her trying to burn the truth out of him. Although she did drop her hostility, after a few seconds, that felt like an eternity. She crossed her arms and sighed.
"Fair point. I doubt you'd have the intelligence to figure out something of that scale."
She began rubbing the temples of her head and talking to herself aloud.
"I guess that's my luck. I swear this world is trying to cut my patience."
"Umm, speaking of cutting, you said you ended your training early. Why? T-That is, if you don't mind me asking."
Her elven ears perked up upon recognizing the verbal slip-up she had indulged in when making her accusation. It left her with two options. One: Be truthful and expose part of her vulnerabilities. Two: Tell a modified reason that would paint her as superior. It should be obvious which one she chose, considering she is Lefiya conversing with Bell.
"I-I-I was walking about as a different part of my training! One that clears the mind of any stress that standard training causes! Yeah, that's it! I'm surprised you don't know about it with how common and useful it is!"
"Wow. You really are amazing, Lefiya!"
A hint of red ran across her face, and she hid it by turning away. She flicked her hair, and her lips curled up into a smile.
"Y-Yes, I am! It is about time you recognize that!"
After basking in her manufactured glory, she turned back around.
"Now that I've established my reason for being here, what is yours? You do know that your massive debt isn't going to go away on its own?"
"Today is just my familia's rest day for the week, so I decided to take advantage of it to..."
Bell rubbed the back of his head.
"To take advantage of how peaceful the city has been lately. It's a nice change of pace, don't you think?"
"Human... you are a horrendous liar."
His face went pale, and his vision met the ground.
"Yeah... I know..."
He returned to the state he was prior to speaking with the elf. A state that caught her off guard, and she formed a fist.
"Something is... different about you. Something's wrong, and you're doing a terrible job hiding it. I should force it out of him and demand to kno-"
Her thoughts halted for a few seconds.
"Or maybe I should try something new..."
She let out a sigh and sat down beside him.
[Start Soundtrack: Goblin Slayer Original Soundtrack - 10. Thirst of your Heart]
"Alright. Tell me what's wrong."
"Huh?"
"You heard me."
"I did. It's just... I thought you were going to yell at me..."
Pop
She cracked her knuckles at the remark.
"What kind of person do you take me for?!-"
She cut herself off and facepalmed.
"I've gotten too predictable."
"I guess doing that only furthers that expectation of me."
She crossed her legs and looked out to the bustling crowd of people.
"Tell me, when was the last time you and I spoke?"
"I think it was when I searched for Hestia-sama after she stormed off."
"And to think you were just a level 3 at the time. Quite a few things have changed since then."
"Yeah, your outfit being one of them."
Creek.
Her head turned to him like an old wooden door, glaring at him with sheer murderous intent.
"And why are your perverted eyes indulging in my body, you filthy human?"
Bell recoiled.
"I wasn't, I swear! It was just an observation!"
She dropped her anger after a stare-down that felt like it had lasted forever. Bringing her hair in front of her, she started running her fingers through it.
"On the topic of my new appearance, I've been considering if I should cut my hair short."
"I think you'd look great!"
"If I wanted your opinion, I would ask for it! Though... it is appreciated."
No words were exchanged between them for a minute, allowing the chatter of the various conversations in front of them to fill the void. The silence ended when Bell had a slight smile come up.
"You are right, though."
She peered over at him as he looked at the palm of his hand.
"Right about what?"
"That things have changed. I guess that's part of the reason I'm here. Things are changing so fast. It doesn't feel like long ago that I was a nobody running away from a minotaur. Now, I'm a level 5, and it feels like just a few days have passed sometimes."
Hmph. "I think I can relate to the sentiment, at least."
"You can?"
"Well, no one can relate to your fast growth. But these past few months, heck, this entire year, has been nothing but hectic. If you told me half of the events that would occur, I'd call you crazy. But here we are. My familia is now the strongest in the city, and you've hit level 5, along with getting a few inches taller. But do you want to know what I call this kind of rapid change?"
"What do you call it?"
"Life."
She held her hand to her chest.
"There's a reason everyone, even those with extended lifespans, is told to enjoy it. So much can change in a day... within seconds. Those can be for the better, but more likely it'll be for the worse. That's something that we adventurers need to keep in mind. Every day could be our last. Whether it be that dungeon or something else. The most anyone can do is cherish the days that bring us joy or hope that the following days will be better than the ones we struggle to get through."
Bell's face widened at the comforting words originating from the person he least expected.
"Thank you, Lefiya-san. I appreciate it."
"You better. But you said that was part of the reason you seemed down. So what are the other parts?"
While her words did help in improving a minor component of his current standing, the main problem stirring within his mind was more challenging to express. As he debated whether he could bring up this issue, she rolled her eyes.
Sigh. "If you don't wish to tell me that, that is alright. I'll be on my wa-"
"Wait!"
Lefiya saw the desperation on his face.
"You mustn't have talked to your familia about it. But why trust me? I haven't exactly been the kindest person towards you."
Despite her suspicion, she allowed herself to be the first person Bell would confide in.
"The other part is... I'm still hung up on everything that happened with Freya Familia."
"You were forced to train with them, right?"
"Yes. But that... that wasn't training. They wanted to try and break me."
The elf scoffed.
"Then no wonder you're so hung up on that. I don't think anyone could face what you did and come across as fine afterward. There is nothing to feel ashamed of. So listen to me when I say you should take as much time as you need to recover. No one should expect you to blink and be over it."
She paired her words with a smile that she never dared to send his way prior to this interaction. He rubbed the back of his head as an awkward expression approached him.
"Thanks, but that wasn't why."
She grabbed his shoulders and started shaking him back and forth while shouting,
"EHH?! SHE DID EVEN WORSE STUFF TO YOU?!"
Her screams were loud enough to cause part of the crowd to look over. Despite her quick release of Bell, it was too slow to halt the desire to ship held by the populace.
"Hey, isn't that Thousand Elf and Rabbit Foot?"
"Yeah, there she goes, yelling at him again. But hey, she definitely doesn't have a thing for him."
"Haha! Yeah, that's totally not the reason she tried to break into his home that one time."
She hunched forward, a sour look in her eye.
"I don't have a THING for him! I'd rather die!"
There was one part of their conversation that caught Bell's attention.
"You tried to break into my home?"
Her pointy ears lowered.
"Yeah... that was during the Xenos incident. I wanted you to explain yourself... but we are talking about you, not me!"
Bell held in a chuckle before continuing to talk.
"When we won the war game, Freya-sama upheld my request of her. She showed me her true self. A self that was beyond desperate."
Lefiya tapped her elbow.
"Point being?"
"I guess after everything..."
The pain Bell hid within himself seeped into his eyes.
"I still feel sorry for her-"
"WHAT?!"
After her initial reaction, Lefiya covered her mouth with her hand. Seeing that no one else heard, she grabbed Bell by the collar of his shirt and spoke with utmost seriousness.
"You feel sorry for her? You admitted that she tortured you on a physical and mental level. How the hell can you feel sorry for her?! For someone like that?! Do you just want to save every crying girl? Womanizer!"
The pain in Bell's eyes became recognized upon him, adding a forced grin. He couldn't deny things anymore and just accepted her words.
"It's funny...Lili called me that a bit ago. For how I can feel sorry, Ryuu said that I focus on the good in people. I know she meant that as a compliment. But now? Now it feels like a detriment..."
She released her clutches on him.
"There I go, hurting him..."
Lefiya leaned forward, peering over at him.
"Hum- No... Bell. That isn't a detriment. It is a quality that fits your character and has done several great things for you."
She shifted her body to face him, crossing her legs.
"That supporter of your familia, she used to be a thief. Now, she is one of your most loyal members. She tried to wrong you, and you did something that I can't think that most other people would do; you forgave her. You could've turned her over to the guild, maybe even abandoned her, but you didn't. That ability for you to forgi- no... for you to give those who wronged you another chance, a chance to be a better person than they think they can be, is worthy of envy."
"Lefiya..."
"You've gone through what I'd call hell, but you've not lost an ounce of your innocent nature, which I tried to claim was just a ruse in our other interactions. That is a strength that I've not seen anyone else have. That is a strength... that I wish I had."
Her ears drooped forward, and that last comment had a crack in her tone.
"Did-Did something happen?"
She nodded.
"Ever since that last assault on Knossos, my appearance and training have changed. Bete-san helped me change my position from a dedicated mage to a magic sword user."
She reached into her garb, pulling out a blade.
"This belonged to Filvis-san. She gave it before... turning to ash."
Lefiya took a long breath, followed by an even longer exhale.
"She was part of Evilus. Not out of her own free will but corrupted and forced to do their bidding. Of course, we still had to stop her, and as she was dying, she whispered something into my ear..."
"I-I'm sorry, Lef-"
She cut his words off with a smile and raised her pointer finger.
"Don't be. You've managed to go through everything and remain true to who you are. While I know I've changed, I refuse to be held down by what happened. I'll keep moving forward!"
[End Soundtrack]
The two shared a smile and returned their vision to that of the city life in front of them. With how easily they conversed, one would struggle to believe that it wasn't that long ago she hated every fiber of his being. They looked like close friends or perhaps more to some people.
Their enjoyment of the return to normalcy ended when she tapped her head.
"Bell, there are a few things I want to talk to you about."
"What are they."
"Not here. Too many... prying ears. Follow me."
Arising from her seat, she waved for him to follow. Makin their way to a nearby alley, far away from the lingering ears of the populace. Once they had reached an acceptable distance, she turned on her heel and held hands behind her back.
"Seeing that I haven't had the chance to say this yet, congratulations on reaching level 5."
"T-Thank you!"
She formed fists and held them at her side.
"The other thing I must say is... regarding your romantic interest in Ais-san."
"Eh?! I-I-"
"We've already established that you couldn't lie to save your life, so how about we go past the whole denial phase."
She bit down on her lip and tensed every fiber of her body. Beneath her eyelids, a raging inferno was brewing. Her face scrunched, causing Bell to sweat.
"He deserves her!"
"No, he doesn't! He is a disgusting human!"
"Wrong! He's fought to improve for her!"
"So what?! He'd be fine with any woman with a body!
"That's not true, he rejected Syr/Freya!"
This self-destructive exchange with herself soon ended with her hunching forward, her hair covering most of her face.
"I entrust you won't say this to anyone else. But, despite my original opinion of you, I...I..."
The veins in her neck and hands became pronounced, attempting to force words that she physically struggled with. But, even though it was the most forced-sounding thing, she did let it out.
"I support your pursuit of Ais-san. The way I see it, you're the sole person I have ever met who comes close enough to being what she deserves..."
His face had what can only be described as a 'ray of sunshine' came over him. His most prominent critic, if not the one who despised him the most, just supported one of his goals. Using his forearm, he wiped away tears formed by his ear-to-ear smile.
"T-Thank you! You... you don't know how much that means to me. But I won't stop improving for her, and I can promise you that!"
"Good. But know this..."
She closed the gap between them and began caressing his cheeks with the flat of her blade. She started letting out all the malice she had repressed to say those kind words.
"If you ever, EVER, end up hurting her, my familia and I will ensure that you are disemboweled! Understand?!"
"Y-YES!"
A cheeky smile came over her, and she retracted her knife and took a few steps away.
"Good. One last question before I leave: When do you plan to start making advancements toward her?"
"When I become a level 6!"
She was caught off guard by the speed of his response.
"Like I said, I won't stop improving for her. I want to fight by her side and protect her as she protected me!"
The elf smiled.
"Well, given your current growth rate, I have no doubts you will become a level 6 within the next few months. I have faith in you."
"Lefiya..."
His crimson eyes sharpened, and his voice filled with sheer worry. He tightened every muscle to try and reach her.
"LEFIYA!"
Grabbing her shoulders, he pushed her against the wall. She winced, and her face ran red hot.
"W-W-WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HUMAN! I take back everything I said! You're just a pervert who wants her for her body! You disgusting-"
She stopped speaking when she saw an arrow sticking out the ground from where she stood. No sooner did she realize that when five figures dropped into the shadows before them.
Past their general outline, no details of their appearance could be determined. Releasing his friend, he returned to the center of the alley, trying to cover her with his arm. But all she did was walk around it and shout.
"Hey! Which one of you sho-"
Two of the five emerged from the shadows, revealing themselves as dark elves as they approached her. Their speed left no time for her to reach for her blade under her garb as one was about to grab her.
What she didn't account for was Bell's reaction time. He rocketed a punch at the nearest dark elf, having him flying into a wall and leaving a perfect impression of him.
His defense of her didn't stop there when he grabbed the arm of the second dark elf and tossed him over his shoulder. It ended with the elf impacting the ground hard enough to bounce.
He drew his black goddess blade and pointed at three figures in the dark.
"Stay away from her!"
A snap rang out from the one behind the two of them.
"DREPA!" (Kill)
Within an eye blink, a bolt was fired at him, and one sprinted at him.
In one motion, he sliced the arrow down the shaft and intercepted the encroaching blade of the nearest elf. As he was about to be stabbed by the secondary dagger being drawn, Bell pushed him back, causing him to stumble. Another arrow fired at him, and he cleaved it down the middle.
"They're good!"
The first elf recovered and leaped at him, both daggers in hand. Taking a step back, Bell forced the elf to miss and countered by pushing the elf by his face into the ground. The still-conscious elf was forced to pass out when Bell stepped on his chest.
Seeing this, the second elf charged but was greeted by Bell extending his arm.
"Firebolt."
An electrified ball of fire sent him flying back. His comrade joined him when Bell kicked him across the ground to the shadow where once he had come.
"I'll say it again! Stay away from her!"
Lefiya looked at him with amazement on her face.
"That was... incredible."
But the one hiding in the dark let out an audible sneer. Sounds of his blades being drawn rang out. He sought to end this himself and revealed his hood to be green compared to the others' grey. But a voice spoke from above.
"Halt."
[Start Soundtrack: Ghirahim's Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]
The green-hooded elf sheathed his weapons and knelt down to his superior. Said superior had dropped down from a rooftop and was clad in green armor and a helmet. His eyes began entangled with Bell's as the latter held his arm over Lefiya and pointed his blade at him. This staring contest would end when Bell shouted.
"Who are you?! And what do you wan-"
"You watch your tongue, boy! You are in the presence of-"
The dark elf in a green helmet raised his hand.
"I do not need you to speak on my behalf, Captain. He does not know who I am; thus, why should I expect him to address me in a proper way?"
He leaned forward and held out his hand.
"I do wish to know who I am speaking to, though. Who are you?"
"I am... Bell Cranel."
Pfft.
The dark elf failed to contain his laughter, it seeping through the gaps in his finger. He wiped away a tear from his eye as he looked over his shoulder.
"Haha! No wonder he was able to handle your scouts! You are quite fortunate I stepped in when I did; otherwise, he would have embarrassed you."
Turning back to face the duo, he removed his helmet and held it out in front to show their symbol: a magic staff being crossed by a sword and bow. Though Bell spoke before he could.
"Who are you, and what do you want with Lefiya?!"
Tsk Tsk Tsk. "You should learn something called patience, perhaps even manners. But Lefiya? So that is the name you are going by now, fitting. But as for who I am. "I am Centi, leader of this force, and we are The Conquerors."
His words boomed through the alley, landing in the ears of the unamused Bell, still ready for battle, and Lefiya's irritated ones. The latter shouted.
"Mighty big name for such a small force! There are only six of you, and Bell took four of you guys down already!"
Centi smiled, tilted his head about forty-five degrees, and twitched his eye. Anger that dwarfed anything Lefiya had for Bell was presented at her.
"Oh, you should know all about that! After all, because of you, our current numbers are nothing but a fraction of their peak! You and your damn kind!"
His voice caused Lefiya to recoil; her cocky attitude was dropped. Bell glanced back at her.
"Lefiya, what is he talking about?"
"I-I have no idea!"
Centi began stroking his chin, his eyes fixated on her.
"But your comment was only half true. Our numbers pale compared to what they once were, but the amount you mentioned is far from correct. The four he knocked out are part of a larger division of my forces."
Snapping his finger, sixteen identical elves to the ones Bell encountered appeared on a rooftop to his left. The boy shifted his body to face them as Centi pointed at them with an open palm.
"They are my scouts, the embodiment of our reconnaissance ability! They are my greatest trackers, information gatherers, and expert archers. You've already met our lovable Captain. He is their leader."
Even in the face of this revelation, Bell remained silent; his expression remained unchanged, a fact that Centi was quick to pick up on.
"Are you not impressed? Then again, why should you be, Record Holder? But this next detachment of my forces will make her choke at the sight of them. Knowing that they are still present!"
Snapping again, a group of around sixteen elves in white robes presented themselves on the building adjacent to the scouts. Another to their number was one in a green wizard hat. Centi pointed at them.
"They are my mages, the embodiment of our magic capability. What they lack in variety, they more than makeup for with potency—strong enough to bring those who oppose us to their knees! And the one with the scythe and green wizard hat is our dear Sorceror, their division leader. He is as competent a magic user as he is combatant."
Lefiya's breathing became heavy as she held her hand to her chest.
"Why am I getting nervous all of a sudden?! Why does seeing them make me shake?!"
It was, for a reason, lost to her. For her friend, Bell's collective attitude was starting to crumble as a bead of sweat fell from his face. Something that wasn't as hidden as he had hoped.
"Getting nervous all so soon? Don't worry... there is even more!"
His finger snapping caused seven dark elves to show on a roof behind the scouts. Six were identical, while one had a green pauldron.
"They are my elites, the embodiment of our strength. To think they were our mainline forces... they are led by the Executive. His bloodthirst against those who disgrace our name is larger than the glaive he wields."
Bell's eyes couldn't help but begin to quake, and Lefiya's confidence had long since vanished.
"I just love the smell of fear!"
Centi smiled and expanded once he snapped for the last time. Four more dark elves appeared on the building behind him, one distinguished from the others.
"And they are my Top-Elites! They embody our highest-ranking members—my personal guard. The one with green pauldrons is the newly created Commander—my second in command. But enough with the introductions. You asked what we wanted with... her."
The elf girl bit her tongue and positioned herself in front of Bell.
"I haven't done a thing to any of you! I don't even know yo-"
The Executive grabbed his weapon and was mere moments away from launching himself at her. Centi stopped him by raising his hand.
"As I mentioned, his blood lust can get the better of him. But prior to me answering what we wish to do to Viridan, allow me to explain the why."
Bell's face scrunched, and he pulled his friend behind him, noticing the crucial information.
"This Lefiya Viridis, not Viridan! You have the wron-"
"Viridis? Haha! At this point, why don't you wear a sign that says, 'I am not the person you are looking for'? But be aware you can change your lineage; you can even 'lose' your memory, but we will not forgive the transgression greater than the butchering of us to a few dozen."
Bell's throat began to dry as Centi showed no signs of backing down.
"That being?"
Centi dropped his expression and took one of the utmost seriousness.
"Honor."
"Huh?"
The pair shared That questioning remark, and both looked at each other with uncertainty.
"Killing the lot of us already cast a blot on our honor. But to not even let one of us have the satisfaction of killing you? That was the ultimate disgrace to us, to myself. We have lived for this moment where we exact our revenge. The deaths are nothing compared to that."
Bell's muscles tensed in his neck and his hand.
"Honor?! You want to take her life because of some meaningless honor?!"
"Meaningless, huh?!"
Centi's eyes sharpened like daggers. His left hand formed into a fist and punctured his palm, letting blood flow. His right arm, holding his helmet, started to make the metal groan. But all paled in comparison as a dark energy started to radiate outwards.
"What do you know of meaningless?!"
Centi's knuckles started to pop, and his teeth looked like they were about to shatter.
"Spend most of your life wishing you had done something in that moment. Watch your force dwindle to several handfuls, and then tell me what matters more than your own principles!"
CREEK
The helmet approaches the point of breakage.
"You are nothing but a boy in this world. You could never understand!"
Lefiya's hands began to shake, and her teeth started to chatter. But Centi's dark energy vanished when he presented a smile. Laughter joined the frye as if there were two different personalities at work.
"Forgive me. It would appear as if the bloodlust from our dear Executive has begun infecting me. But as for what we are going to do, it should be obvious now. If I gave the word, our entire force would come down upon her. And you might wind up dead in the process, record holder. But as you can see, that isn't the case."
He extended his bleeding hand forward to Bell.
"You see, I am not fond of senseless bloodshed. Which is why I am offering you a choice."
"And what makes you think I'll take it?!"
"Perhaps I'm hoping you can use your frontal cortex to understand the severity of messing with us. But the deal is simple: walk away. If you do, no harm will come to you, and we will leave the city with her to try her for her crimes. If you don't, you will understand what world you've entered, boy."
Lefiya held onto Bell's left arm with pleading eyes—eyes that didn't need to be looked at for him. His face, while shaking, had one idea going through it: protecting her.
"No. I won't abandon my friend to her death! I will protect her!"
A hint of red formed on her face, and Centi began to sneer.
"Here I was hoping that people would start developing brains."
He put on his helmet and pointed at them.
"Get them!"