1 DAY BEFORE THE EVENT
How did we get to this point?
First, I decided to go to the guild for a moment.
Second, I met Rin.
Third, the alarm suddenly went off.
Fourth, WHAT THE HELL IS A DAMN DRAGON DOING NEARBY!?
Fifth...kill me.
- We don't have much time; Wiz, prepare the teleport, we're leaving for the capital in 1 hour. So I'll get things ready.
- I'll do it.
I was lying on the couch, warmly looking at the ceiling as if it were my best friend. After we defeated the dragon, I couldn't see Rin anywhere... something that seemed quite strange to me, unless that woman wasn't a useless coward, but as a reward to all the adventurers present, they gave us a pretty good sum of Eris, so we decided to go back home to finish everything and go to the capital.
How the hell can this event happen so suddenly and so easily and without any explanation. No one in their right mind can think of a reasonable way for an enemy of such size to appear like this in a beginner's area.
And I assure you that this will have nothing to do with the future.
By the way, I completely forgot to mention darkness and vanir. Let's say that darkness is... is dreaming about the little birds. (He walks unconscious)
And vanir is as good as new and bothering the only goddess who supposedly did "ALL THE POSSIBLE WORK TO HELP US"
I'm going to say it one more time.
Kill me...
- Kazuma, Kazuma.
- Eh?... what's wrong Megumin?
- look, before we leave Axel... I want to do my daily explosion.
- ...? What's the point if you can't cast another Explosion for the rest of the day? I'm just saying this in case something bad happens in the capital today and we need your help.
- Wiz can restore my mana completely, so there's no need to worry about that.
Right...
- Also, I have the possibility of finding a monster as a target in a place near Axel that I found a few days ago with Yunyun.
- What were you and Yunyun doing hanging around in weird places-
- Do you accept it or not?
…
…
- Okay...
After a moment, Megumin and I headed towards the outskirts of Axel in the direction of the place Megumin had mentioned.
For my part, with what happened yesterday, I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up causing a holocaust.
- This is it!
We were on a mountain northwest of Axel, the place was practically a fairly clear meadow without trees, and in the distance there was a kind of cave.
- Then I guess that should be the place, the cave.
- You'll see what I'll do with this little place...
Megumin turned her staff and pointed it properly at the cave.
But before she started to conjure her explosion...
- Hey, Kazuma.
She slowly lowered the staff and turned to me.
- Actually, the real reason why I wanted to make my explosion here was not simply to see this cave fly; Do you remember the night I told you I had a gift for you?
- Yes, I remember.
Megumin took an object out of her clothes and raised her hand to give it to me.
- For everything you've done for us and for me... I think this would be a good gift; I don't know where we would be without you Kazuma... you can be an idiot who complains at the slightest thing and without a bit of tolerance. But I think you're the kind of man I can't get mad at even if I wanted to.
I...
I don't know how to feel.
- I wanted to give you this for your last birthday anyway. Just...thank you for giving me the chance to be on a team and be able to continue fulfilling my dream. Deep down...you're a good man.
The object was a necklace that was apparently handmade, it had the letter K in the middle and was made out of wood.
I took the necklace and put it on my neck.
Megumin gave me a warm and rather pleasant smile. And she started to chuckle...
So at that very moment, she gave me a big hug and only cut the moment of silence with a "Thank you"
So at that very moment, she gave me a big hug and only cut the moment of silence with a
"Thank you"
Megumin...
PART 2
How am I able to know how to feel at a time like this?
I feel happy...
My heart was still pounding as Megumin snuggled into my back. Though truly but unconsciously...I've realized that I really do have feelings for her.
There have been many times when there were moments when she was able to make me feel something. When I'm with Megumin, I feel...How can I explain it in such a way?...I feel...free.
So...is this what she meant by wanting to give me a gift that will keep us together forever?
What kind of things can I feel for her, kind of things...that I've only just begun to notice...I've only just begun to notice that I love her too.
We've bathed together.
We've slept together.
And hugged.
...
I really think wholeheartedly about dating Megumin at some point in the future. For now, we'll have to make do with what we have.
But back to what we said before.
I've been noticing that our main mission has been going off track for quite a while now, we had the dragon problem, Rin's thing, some issues to deal with me and now this.
How did the situation suddenly change so much?
A few days ago I was crazy to see Iris, now I don't even mention it.
I'm really pensive, I'll stop thinking so much and go back to concentrating.
When I was about to open the door of the mansion, Claire opened it.
- Hey, we've been waiting for you for a while. You better come, we've got everything ready.
I entered through the door without saying anything and put Megumin on a chair while Wiz transferred a large part of her mana to her.
I approached Darkness who was fixing a part of her armor.
- Hey, Darkness, do you know where Vanir and Aqua are?
Without looking up from her armor, she was able to answer neutrally.
- Vanir was with Aqua in the courtyard, they said they were going to try to resolve an issue in a friendly manner. I didn't pay much attention, but knowing how those two behave... I'd tell you to go see.
Suddenly Aqua shoots out the window.
- Go to hell...
- KAZUMA! HELP ME BEAT THIS DAMN DEMON!
- MUAJAJAJAJA, this goddess is really upset.
I started to stretch Aqua's face.
- USELESS! INSTEAD OF PREPARING YOURSELF, YOU'RE DOING STUPID THINGS!
- HEY, HEY, KAZUMA! AH! THE DAMN ONE STARTED-
- FOOL!
Top reasons why it's obvious to kill Aqua.
Number 1: WHAT A BITCH-
Darkness intervened separating the two of us
- Hey, could you not do this right now?
Ignoring the arrogant masochist, one of the clear reasons why I was somewhat upset knowing that this is already the case, is that lately we have been going around in circles without stopping and knowing that soon this issue in the capital is going to get worse and worse.
I couldn't help but feel a little worried about Iris.
But before I leave and put an end to all these growing issues and events, I had to do something with Vanir. A rather clever plan that I had been thinking about since yesterday.
- Vanir, what are you saying about this? Help me do what I ask you to do and I will buy everything they have in the store.
- I understand quite well.
The plan was the following, pay attention to the detail; When we managed to reach the capital, Vanir would try to discreetly transform into Iris and try to convince Claire that I could stay completely with me in the palace, Claire had told me "I will make an exception... but don't think it's out of this world."
Claire's "exception" was that I would only stay in the palace for 2 days, that's all. This war could last many days longer than expected, so I wanted to make sure by playing a clever trick using Vanir to my advantage.
Also, in any case or circumstance, Claire had given me the Symphony Necklace, so I could enter any place at my disposal.
I got up and we set off to go to the capital once and for all.
What's going on with the Excalibur sword?
Iris missing?
Where 's Rin?
How did a dragon of such an impressive level suddenly appear?
In the last few moments, many things have happened recently, my head is torn with questions without answers.
What chaotic days...
Claire approached me and spoke to me in a formal tone.
- I can barely trust you, but enough to have you responsible for Iris in case something... happens.
Her tone of voice was progressively lowered, apparently she wanted to say something that she couldn't.
- SATOU KAZUMA, DUSTINESS FORD LALATINA, MEGUMIN, AQUA, VANIR, WIZ! YOU ARE MY ONLY AND LAST RESORT IN CASE EVERYTHING GETS OUT OF HAND!
DON'T DISAPPOINT ME!
- ¡TELEPORTATION!
After that moment, I'll be back.
Dramatic ment from Claire, a blinding light flooded my entire vision and before I realized it, we were teleported near the Capital.
This was supposed to be a new step in this journey... I hope I can't regret this.
- KAZUMA, OVER HERE!
- HEY, BE CAREFUL!
- EVERYONE GET ASIDE!, LET ME SHOW YOU THE POWER OF SUPREME MAGIC!.
- E-eh..hhmmm, HMMMMMMM! AH~!
- fuck you... DARKNESS, GET OUT OF THERE!
- DIVINE STRIKE!
- CERTAIN SHOT!
We were teleported to a place near the capital, what we didn't count on was that there was a large mass of kobold enemies.
Seriously, isn't there a moment of peace where we're totally calm?
- Ex-PLOSION~!
The explosion created a giant crater, and we all flew backwards
The explosion created a giant crater, and we all flew backwards. All the kobolds flew out of the ground, throwing them into the air.
Megumin collapses on the grass.
- Kazuma, Kazuma. That deserves some...!, Huh?.
I was walking on the ground... my gaze was blurred and lost after the impact.
Suddenly, I completely lost consciousness.
"OnII-sAmA..."
...
"Hey, I'm OK"
...
"My ReSPECTS"
...
"USELESS"
...
"Hey, Hey, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
...
Huh?...what...happened?
I slowly opened my eyes with a blurry and lost look, the only thing I could hear were some voices in the background.
"She's waking up"
Ah...
My head hurts..
When I opened my eyes completely, I saw everyone around me watching me wake up. I was in a wide bed and a wet cloth on my forehead
Darkness approached me and spoke to me in a relaxed tone.
- Are you feeling better?
- Something like that...
- I'm glad you were at least able to open your eyes; Some were already really worried.
- wow...
I could slowly feel myself in bed. Everyone was there, except for someone who I noticed was missing.
- Hey, where's Megumin?
Aqua decided to answer me, she was looking out the window with some enthusiasm.
- He went to a nearby tavern, he must have gone to pick up some things or I don't know what he's doing, I'm not really interested.
I noticed that Megumin's hat was on a small table next to the bed, so I stared at it for a while.
Aqua approached me with interest.
- By the way, Kazuma. That new necklace, did you buy it yourself or was it a gift?
I grabbed the necklace and looked at it for a few moments.
- I could actually buy it at a store in Axel, maybe it came out a little expensive for me.
- It seems to be made of cheap material, how did something expensive come out for you?
Fuck you...
Aqua reached out her hand to touch it but I pinched it at the last moment.
- AU!, AU!, AU!, AU!, AU!. STOP, STOP!. WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO AGGRESSIVE!?
- Dare to touch it and I'll leave you without liquor.
- OK! OK!... it's fine.
- *Sigh* anyway where are we?
At that very moment someone opened the door...
- Onii-sama?
PART 3
Meanwhile, on Megumin's side...
- My name is Megumin! I'm an Archmage of the Crimson Magic Clan! And I'm Axel's number one mage!
- Is your name a nickname... or a joke?
- DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY NAME!? Come on, why don't you just say it to my face?
- C-Calm down Megumin!
Yunyun grabbed me by the arms so I wouldn't try to punch this woman in the face.
- Whatever, I think... I need some help with something.
- *sigh* What kind of problem?
- I think... it's better if you guys come and see.
I went to the nearest store to buy a few things for Kazuma who was still resting.
I think I threw the Explosion too close this time...
The capital seemed to be less empty than usual, but on the way I got a big surprise.
Yunyun was there...
I didn't know the motives or reasons why she was here, but I was not lacking in surprise.
Yunyun and I noticed a person who was looking for help, but no one was willing to accept it.
Why?...
So in my state of Glory, I decided to approach and strike a dignified pose to help.
"Is your name a nickname... or a joke?"
...
I'm thinking of not helping at all.
- This is it.
We were on the outskirts of the capital, in a fairly large area near a mountain.
- HELP HERE!
- WE NEED MORE PEOPLE!
The problem was this: There was a giant lizard in the middle of the whole field, it was getting pretty close to the capital. So several guards and adventurers went to counterattack.
- M-MEGUMIN!, THAT LIZARD HAS A NEARLY IMPENETRABLE SKIN!...E-eh, Megumin?
...
...
...
- Ex-PLOSION~!
A while after the whole field ended up in a mess, we headed back to the capital.
Yunyun was carrying me on her back, she seemed to complain a little...
- Wow... I didn't know this would end so quickly. Hey, thanks for everything, I'll give you a reward when we get to the capital.
- You're welcome, and what would that reward be then?
- How about...hmmm, I see your cloak has been worn out lately, I can make you a new cloak made of warm-
- YES! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE GIFT!.
The woman got excited after I quickly answered without even finishing.
- W-well... I'll change the subject a bit, what are you guys doing in the capital? I clearly know you're not from here.
Yunyun and I exchanged a quick glance.
- I'm here on the princess's orders.
- I-I'm only here because I was going to pick up a package at a store.
She asked me what you were buying.
- Well, I'm not from here either, not even from this country. I come from Elroald...
The country of casinos and millionaires, I don't have that many good memories of that.
- I'm visiting Belzerg for a few days. I'm an adventurer and a magician from my country, although a few of us left...we only do it for the common good of the country. Since the Prime Minister died, Elroald has drastically changed his destiny, so...they tried to lower the tension a bit by organizing a party and also in casino bets.
The Prime Minister... Wasn't that the guy who tried to pass himself off as Kazuma and tried to seduce me by talking nonsense?
Wow... what memories.
We arrived at a place a little far from the palace, it was a little shop. Inside they contained all kinds of clothes and accessories.
- Here, this is the reward for having helped me. I swear I couldn't even with my own magic, you're useful.
The woman handed me the cloak and I took it while I was piggybacking on Yunyun.
- Hey... I don't know how to thank you. By the way, what's your name?
- My name is Aiko. In general they know me by another name, they call me:
RIN
4 hours passed and I was already in the palace, I was able to try to move by myself and I headed towards Kazuma's room.
- USELESS!
- Hey...what's wrong with onni-sama?
- HEY, HEY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
- MUAJAJAJA, This can never change...
- Kazuma...
- I CAN SAVE MY RESPECT FOR WHEN YOU COME TO YOUR SENSE!.
It was a typical comic scene between us, I'm glad to be able to be with all of them.
I never saw the opportunity to fit in so well in a group, after everyone else had abandoned me.
I took off my hat and put it on a table next to Kazuma's bed.
I looked at him for a few moments. I really am, even if what happened is the biggest stupidity of humanity.
I'm really sorry...
I took one of Kazuma's hands and caressed it slowly.
"I wanted to give you this even if it's for your last birthday. Just...thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on a team and to be able to continue fulfilling my dream. Deep down...you are a good man."
"Finally, I love you, you who always complain about every little thing, but in the end you choose to help everyone. Even if you are not sincere with us, I understand that you are kind at heart. When it should be time for you to make a move, you decide not to, just as you are now. You can't act calm and you drop the ball at crucial moments, but that's you I love."
I started to remember several things I told him.
Am I really that affected by this man?
I stopped caressing Kazuma's hand and headed out.
- Hey, Megumin, Megumin. Where are you going?
Aqua approached me with enthusiasm and interest.
- I'll go... to the bar, I need to prepare a few things. Don't wait for me.
- Hey... I don't want to stay here. Take me please.
- LOOK, I'M GOING TO DO AN IMPORTANT MATTER!. IF YOU GO WITH ME I'LL START A REVOLT AT THE BAR!
Aqua insisted with a pleading tone.
- I'll pay you, how much do you want? I'll clean your room for a week-
I closed the door behind me quickly.
I started walking and I met up with yunyun.
- Then... Megumin, let's do what we're going to do.
- I have exactly what I want to do planned. I'LL DO WHAT I CAN IN THIS MATTER!.
I wanted to break the tension from before a little and started stealing the glory.
I started laughing a little.
- Unless you have something in mind, you know I can always rely on you yunyun.
PART 4
From Kazuma's side...
"Onii-sama?"
What...
I was somewhat surprised to see Iris, so Claire, seeing my form, decided to talk to Iris about this.
Claire crouched down to Iris' height.
- Princess Iris, I recommend you put this man under my surveillance. Whatever he does, I will take responsibility.
- Fuck you 30 times
- ..!?
Can this woman really distrust me so much? I will not allow her to distance me from Iris.
- PRINCESS, THIS MAN IS A BAD INFLUENCE FOR YOU! IF YOU PUT HIM UNDER MY SURVEILLANCE, I SWEAR THAT ALL THE STUPID THINGS HE DOES WILL END!
- Claire...Thank you, but I'm fine without any surveillance.
That's my little sister.
Claire looked at Iris somewhat confused at the answer, but decided not to insist further.
- I understand...
Claire turned to me and approached the bed and spoke to me in a firm tone.
- I'll tell you something, I don't like at all that you came, that's true. But I give you a warning, don't lay a hand on Iris.
- You're doubting me a lot, I would never lay a hand on Iris, I'm a grown man. I'm not a pedophile adventurer who goes around seeing all the minors possible.
I'm not a damn lolicon, what kind of things do you doubt behind my back?
- I hope you keep your word. But in the meantime we should go to a place outside the capital so we can locate a base of the demon king's army.
- Why are you suddenly jumping on me with topics? I should talk to my little sister for a moment, don't you think?
- Why don't you just shut up and pay attention to what I'm saying?
- *Sigh* I'm listening...
Claire crossed her arms and began to explain the problem to me in detail.
- After what Iris just told me while you were unconscious, one of our messengers said that the demon king's army has taken the tactic of gathering several commanders in several places...
Why? I think this has been the adventure with the most unexpected moments I've experienced so far.
- for which they are preparing to attack in the next few days in specific places, we thought it would obviously be just the capital itself, but it turned out to be several towns. We decided to try to carry out a trip to the outskirts to investigate one of the several camps that are established, so our current objective is to destroy the camp. Darkness has arranged to bring the supplies and the defense, so I think we have no problems.
- Don't worry! This goddess will protect you from all evil out there. If they trust me enough, we'll get out alive without a scratch.
- Dead or alive?
- ..!? Kazuma! You distrust me quite a bit. I've saved them from several occasions and circumstances. I can enhance your stats and I have some of the most powerful magic in this kingdom.
- It would be right not to argue with you, but you lack the 5 senses in your mind.
- Onii-sama... Regarding this case, we have to do it as quickly as possible. The army has been preparing the attack to invade the capital, so for my part I would listen to Claire and leave right now.
Iris approached me trying to see a ray of hope in accepting this.
I think... What would be the best way to solve this case? Having a masochistic tank, a useless girl who thinks she can solve everything easily, a woman whose mental state is based on the love for Lolis, a servant demon and a woman with the biggest tits possible and... Iris.
I'm missing Megumin...
Where the hell has she gone?
Without thinking much, I've made a decision.
- I guess I have no choice.
I got out of bed and stretched, but I realized something.
- Where are my things?
- I left them in the equipment area. I'll take you while the others get ready.
Darkness approached me and offered to take me to the equipment area.
- Fine...
Before leaving, I looked for a few moments at Megumin's hat that was on a small table next to the bed.
I could take it, but maybe not...
I wonder where she is right now. She would never go out without her hat, which seems strange to me.
Hmmm...
I grabbed the hat and headed out of the room.
When I and Darkness left the room, we were in a large hallway.
- Kazuma, I've been thinking that things have been getting worse lately, not counting the Dragon thing.
- Do you think? Clearly these days have been getting worse, we've had more problems than usual, this is something that's going to give me a migraine in the next few days.
- I'm not saying this mainly because of the problems in general, but on the part of you being right, you're right.
In the last few days... aren't there more fights than usual?
Really... what a chaotic trip and we're just starting.
Life is beautiful eh...
I put my arms on the back of my head and turned to Darkness to ask her a question.
- Do you know where Megumin is?
- I don't know, several hours ago I heard an explosion coming from the Outskirts of the capital.
What is that woman doing...
After telling me everything from before, It's strange that she didn't stay with me in the room.
I hope I can give her something in return.
Our relationship is getting better so...
When I finish this matter, I'll see what I do.
We arrived at the equipment area.
There I found my Bow, my chunchumarun sword, a dynamite that I made before coming and a rope.
I hung my Bow on my back, took my sword and equipped it and put away the dynamite and rope.
As for Megumin's hat...
I put it on my head.
I'm ready. Anything, I think I'm not missing anything.
- Let's go...
When we arrived at the outskirts of the capital, we headed to a hill northwest of the capital. There we were able to venture out and comfortably see the army camp.
Claire approached us all and explained the plans.
- Okay, listen up everyone. We can sneak attack and get out like nothing happened, so Kazuma will use stealth and approach the camp and see how the environment is. If everything goes as planned, Kazuma will come back and tell us the details and then we will get a chance to attack. If they discover us, we will have to use force, so for now, Darkness and Vanir will be in charge of defending, Aqua and Wiz will attack, Iris and I will try to defend from behind.
While Claire was explaining the plans, Aqua was using her powers to increase my defense and strength stats.
- That's it!
- I hope everything goes well.
- Don't worry, you can't die unless it's a high-rank enemy.
- Are you implying that if they discover me, you'll leave me to my fate in that camp?
- What? Where do you get so many doubts, Kazuma? Obviously not, I will be on the front line defending you. I will not let you fight alone, I am a goddess, it is my duty to protect you.
- I wish you were like this always.
When she saw the katharan dragon she did not hesitate to run away and whimpering as much as possible.
I hope I can trust her.
I headed towards the camp using stealth between the bushes and trees.
When I got close enough, I could see several kobolds gathered together.
It would be quite easy to finish them off.
- Excalibur's sacred treasure is currently in the palace.
- We will have to try to take down all those adventurers and guards to be able to enter.
..?
I heard a woman and a man, from the tone of voice... obviously it is not a kobold.
I ventured deeper into the camp to see who they were.
- I thought this would be a trip of a few days, not the whole week.
- SO WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO!? We can't just attack like that.
- The Demon King doesn't have the greatest plans to be able to invade this Capital. Shit... I had to listen to Ragcraft and not come to this garbage.
- NOW YOU HANG IN THE FLY, YOU USELESS PIECE OF CRAP!
- Hey, you're so angry for no reason. What's wrong with you?.
Hmmm... Ragcraft? The Prime Minister of Elroald?
What's going on here?..
From a corner, I could see the 2 people carefully.
Apparently, the man was wearing a black, prominent cape and a tailored suit and tie with some gloves on his hands. But he was wearing a mask... his face couldn't be distinguished apart from his hair.
As for the woman, she was wearing a hood and a long-sleeved shirt, so I could see that her hair was also covering part of her face.
Not to mention the 2 BIG issues that he has
...
I decided to get closer, to see each detail more in depth.
Crack*
- what was that?
I quickly hid.
Shit, shit, shit... I screwed up.
I stepped on a branch by accident, I want to kill myself right now.
Isn't this the part of a comic or a novel, where someone makes the slightest noise by accident and ends up getting caught?
I really feel that way..
- It could possibly be anything, don't give it any importance.
Indeed...
I didn't decide to risk it any more and decided to sneak back to the hill.
While I was running back, I could ask myself some things in my mind.
It doesn't need the importance of saying it.
- KAZUMA!
I heard Aqua's voice.
- I'M COMING!
- BE CAREFUL!
What do you mean, careful?..
Suddenly, I feel something hit me and I lose consciousness...
...
After a moment I open my eyes again.
- Welcome back, Kazuma.
I meet Eris.
- Have I died again?
- Yeah... this time, it was something unexpected.
- How did I die?
- Ah, this time, you were hit by an Explosion attack.
- What?
- Well, it's just as you hear it...
- How does this make sense? How is it possible that there is a possibility that someone else has an Explosion spell.
- In this world you will encounter inexplicable things, that's true. But learning Explosion magic takes quite a while.
...
...
...
Doesn't anyone know how to continue this conversation?
What an awkward silence.
- Hey, Kazuma. Do you hear me? I'll get you out of there in a jiffy. This situation is pretty ugly. I NEED YOU RIGHT NOW!
- HEY! WHAT'S GOING ON OUTSIDE!? HOW DID AN EXPLOSION SPELL KILL ME!?
- You better see it yourself...
- Then, we won't see each other again, Kazuma.
- I promise to tell you everything that happens there if I die again.
Eris giggles.
- I hope so. I hope you come back with the best news, Satou, Kazuma.
I wave my hand.
I hope this problem hasn't gotten any bigger.
Aqua is already reviving me.
Everything that's happened these days, I find it quite strange, I don't know why.
But I hope to end all this, as quickly as possible.
I hope this war doesn't cause more things...