Small warning, long chapter, about more than twice the length of the previous chapter. I did consider splitting it by half, but it just didn't feel right to me.
Hinata holds the wheel with frown. She still can't believe she's willingly driving to Horaud of all places. Meld and Moku was sitting in the front seat with her. Moku was looking at the four wheeler and was confused.
"What is it Moku?" Meld asked noticing the child's bewilderment.
"Where's big big brother Shu?" Moku asked after not seeing the rabbit boy not in the back with Akira and Tio.
"Well he's-"
"YEEEEEEAAAHHHH" Meld's answer showed up behind him before he can say it. Everybody in the car looked outside the window and sees Shu riding on Hinata's motorcycle. Shu had always been jealous over Hinata, Meld, and Akira driving. He had been asking to be given a chance.
Meld being the nice guy he is decide to give the rabbit what he wants. While Hinata couldn't care less, if Shu was driving the motorcycle that would mean one less annoyance in the car.
Moku was mesmerized at Shu as he goes completely crazy on the motorcycle. The rabbit was performing flips after flips, even driving off a rock and doing a 360.
"Mama, can I ride one?"
"No." Hinata replied immediately.
"Pleeeeeaaaasssee."
"No."
"I wanna I wanna."
"Keep throwing a fit and I throw to the back with blondie right this second." Hinata focuses back on the driving as Moku gives up.
After the talk with Meld last night Hinata decided not to object the whole "Mama" thing. But only until Moku is 13 or something, after that she doesn't care how much the kid cries. Also, if she's gonna technically be a mother, she's not gonna be one that spoils her kid.
Meld comforts the sulking child. "It's alright, you just need to wait until you're older." Moku hugs his "Grandpa" and thanks him.
As they reach Horaud, Hinata and Meld can't help but give a long glance. A rush of feelings enter both individual as Meld muttered. "Where it all began.." After he said that his face was instantly hit with some kind of fabric.
"Stop feeling nostalgic and put that on!" Hinata ordered. Meld takes the fabric off his face and sees it's a long hooded robe. The two of them agreed they would try to hide his identity, though to be honest they don't exactly know how long their disguise was gonna last after being seen by Aiko.
"Now you go watch Moku while I go deliver this stupid letter." As Hinata stores the SUV and the motorcycle back. The other three had been curious of something since they find out they were coming here.
"Um, master." Tio spoke up. "I know how you feel about your classmates but...was there really no one you cared about, someone you got along with?"
Hinata looks away. "There were two people..."
"Do you miss them?" Shu asked.
"I guess...sorta, but not enough that I would drop my journey."
This time it was Akira who asked. "Did you ever wonder what things would have been like if you didn't fall?"
That question seemed to bother her and Meld. After all they know what would've happened if they didn't fall down there.
"No, not really...Now enough chatting, let's get this over with "
Not having anymore questions the three of them follows Hinata to Horaud's adventures guild building. It wasn't long until the people in there got on Hinata's nerve.
A couple of them called Hinata a runt and told her to get out. Seconds later that guy passed out after Hinata used herIntimidate, his buddies ended up halfway into the floor and Meld was covering Moku's eyes as fast as he can. The annoyance did not stop there when Hinata gave the receptionist her status plate, she just had shout out her gold rank to the entire guild.
Still annoyed, Hinata walks up the stairs to meet with the guild leader, a man name Loa apparently. As they were approaching the door they can hear some voices from the other side.
Before they were even near the door it suddenly burst open with someone rushing out.
"Where's the gold rank?!" The person shouted. Said person seemed a to be a teenager he had black hair and had bangs that covered his eyes. His black attire would make people assume he was an assassin.
Upon seeing this Hinata realizes she actually knows this guy "Kousuke?"
Endou Kousuke, the most unnoticeable person in the world and one of her classmates. Like most of the others, Hinata would often ignore him, sometimes accidentally. Hinata honestly isn't surprised, considering their luck, this was bound to happen.
"That voice...Nagumo?! You're alive?!" For some reason the boy was frantically looking around. "Where are you? Come on show yourself."
Hinata immediately smacked him at the back of his head. "Look behind you idiot!"
"Gah Nagumo?!"
"Seriously, you of all people didn't notice me behind you?
"Hey, I'll have you know I only need 3 tries at most to make automatic doors open for me."
"So it doesn't open 2 out of 3 times? That's a really sad defense."
Jokes aside, Endou regained his composure. "Wait, if you survived that..." Suddenly Endou grabs both of Hinata's shoulders. "Please come with me to Orcus!"
Hinata yanked his hands away. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I think I should step in." Everyone turns to the door and see a bald man with a scar over his eye in the doorway. "I'm Loa Bawavis, the branch chief of Horaud. Let's head inside then we can talk."
Following the branch chief's invite, they sat down and Endou finally calmed down and told his story. The hero's party had made it to the 89th floorof Orcus. Things were fine...untilsheshowed up, a demon named Cattleya.
One demon shouldn't have been a problem for the entire hero party, but unfortunately this wasn't the case. Cattleya had not come alone for she had a bunch of powerful monsters with her and they were able to overpower them.
Endou also told his guilt ridden explanation of how the knights accompanying them had sacrificed themselves to let Endou escape. Apparently Endou used his Assassin skills to slip away from the monster. Among the knights that sacrificed themselves was one Kuzeli Reil, Meld's replacement and student.
After Endou finished his gut wrenching story Loa expressed his desire to help the hero's party but unfortunately reaching the 89th floor would be impossible for any of their adventurers. And Hinata...was eating the sweets that had been prepared.
"So basically... you all got your asses handed to you." Hinata summed up before resuming eating.
"Would you take this seriously!"
Just then boys stepped. "Oy, don't you dare yell at her." Akira threatened as Shu and Tio gave the japanese boy a deadly glare.
Endou almost wet his pants before Loa spoke up "Hinata...I have read Ilwa's letter and I know Ilwa is no liar. So I would like to ask you to help the hero's party."
"Yeah!" Endou went through Akira and the others and face Hinata "Come on you can save them. Why are you so hesitant? They're you're friends."
Hinata tilts her head in confusion. "When?"
"What?"
"When was I friends with those guys?"
Endou froze as Hinata walks up to him. "Was it when people called me a gross otaku? Was it when they spread nasty rumors about me taking advantage of my friends? Was it when you and others ignored me while Daisuke's gang kept bugging me? Or was it when we got to this world, and you all thought I was useless? Kousuke, the two of us have never even talked to each other before today."
Endou tries to muster up some words, but to no avail as Hinata continued.
"Don't get the wrong idea, this isn't out of some grudge or anything." Her party was shocked after hearing that all three of them wanted to tear her classmates apart. But even more shocked that she didn't do it herself. "I have no problem being an Otaku and all of you are free to think it's gross if you feel like it. That's just how our "relationship" is, you guys saw me as some selfish exploiter otaku and I saw you all asnothing..."
Endou falls to his knees, did they ruined the one chance they had to live?
"I never gave two shits as to what Daisuke, Amanogawa or any of you idiots said about me. After all, why should I? If they're nothing to me, then their words would also mean nothing to me, the same goes for everyone else." Hinata squats down to Endou's level. "So can you get out? As soon as this meeting's done I can get the heck out of this to-"
"Kaori and Seiji." Endou suddenly blurted.
"Huh?"
Endou brought his head to the floor causing Hinata to stand back up. "What about Kaori and Seiji? Nagumo...I know that the rest of us treated you like crap. But those two didn't, I knew that you three were really good friends. They were really sad after they thought you died, they kept working hard to get stronger." Endou looked up, through his bangs, Hinata can see some tears on his eyes "I-I know you weren't exploiting them, a bunch of us did, but we didn't say anything and that was wrong. But please, can you at least do it for them?"
After the boy's begging, Akira and the other two started to think differently. If Hinata didn't care about her classmates, why should they? But if what Endou said about those two were true...
"Are you really not gonna go?" Akira asked.
"It would surely be a breeze for someone of your caliber." Tio reminded
"Hinata, if those two are your friends..." Shu said while worried.
Seeing her party change their tune she starts to think back to Seiji and Kaori. She remembered all the times they talked about anime, the times they would teach her how to cook meals, the time she taught them how to get into the dark web, the smiles they had. She then thought back to something Aiko said "lonely life" and then internally cursed her...
Hinata takes a deep breath and then...
"Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..." Everyone was bewildered by the non ending sigh and even more confused when she suddenly grabbed the back of Endou's collar and drag him out of the room with her party following all while still sighing.
Despite the questions Hinata continues to drag and sigh all the way through the building. Once outside she immediately goes to Meld and Moku who spotted them.
"Oh hey, are you- Huh, is that Endou?!" Meld was shocked when Hinata came out dragging one of her classmates and letting out a stretched out sigh before finally stopping and throwing Endou in front of her. Endou widens his eyes as he saw the former knight commander
"M-Meld ?! You're alive too?" Oh crap, he was so focused on Hinata he forgot about him.
Wait.
Could he have just asked Meld? Surely he would've helped without any reservation. Endou immediately shook that idea out of head. 'No, that wouldn't be right. What we did to Hinata was unforgivable. I can't just ignore it, not anymore.' He internally promised. It's not gonna be easy, but he has to try.
"Tio, you watch over Moku, Meld, you're coming with me, Endou, Akira, and Shu to the labyrinth."
"W-What? But why?"
"Wait Master I'm not going?"
Instead of indulging the Paladin or listening to Tio, Hinata just turned towards the direction to the entrance of the labyrinth "I'll explain on the way, but the gist of it is that we're gonna be saving some idiots."
Endou immediately beamed at that. "Nagumo-"
"Don't get too happy." Hinata cuts him off and glares at the assassin. "Every time Amanogawa gets all up in my face is another foot up in your ass."
"H-Huh!?" Endou shivered
"Now come on, let's get this over with."
The group kept dashing through the labyrinth, or more precisely Endou's speed. He was the only one who can navigate through the labyrinth because Hinata and Meld never went through it.
Using the magic circle they managed to teleport to the 50th floor. They would've liked to go to the 70th floor but that circle was destroyed after Endou escaped in order to stop any pursuers.
They kept running until they passed the bridge Meld and Hinata fell off. The behemoth had regenerated and Endou watches in awe as Hinata uses her gun to take it out with one blast and it was very satisfying for her.
But as they run, Hinata suddenly halts.
"Hinata, what are you doing?"
"This isn't gonna work."
"Huh?"
"All this running and we haven't even reached 80th floor."
"Hinata's right, there's a good chance we won't make it." Meld admitted bitterly. After he learned of what they were gonna his mind instantly focused on saving the students.
"Then what do we do!?" Endou asked while panicking.
"I got a plan." Hinata takes out her sick as hell railgun and starts adjusting it withTransmute."I'll try firing a single straight shot down to the 89th floor."
"W-What?! But what if you hit one of our classmates?" Endou asked concerned.
"If I don't do this, they're dead anyway. Besides, if I do hit one I'm hoping it's Amanogawa." That did not make Endou feel better.
"You really like using that thing don't you?" Meld commented.
"Yeah, because it's awesome." Hinata gets up finished adjusting her railgun. "Everyone stand back!"
After doing what she said, Hinata takes a deep breath before doing back a backflip jump and aims her railgun midair and presses the trigger.
Everyone closes their eyes because of the light. Once it's gone they now see a massive hole in the ground with Hinata just landing on the other side giving them a small smile.
"See you guys down there." With that she jumps. It was a long fall, as in an over 20 floor drop but hey, she once fell to the abyss, so this was no problem for her especially with her new strength.
Once she lands on the ground she immediately saw a half disintegrated body of something that was definitely not human, considering it was green and much larger. She then looked up and saw a black skinned woman with red hair matching the description of what the demon would look like. Which must mean this was Cattleya, the reason she had come here. Looks like they made it to the right floor and she didn't blast anybody.
But that would mean..
"Nagumo?"
She turns around to the familiar voice, one she hasn't heard in quite a while. There she sees it on a boy with short black hair and a girl with long black hair. The two of them looked nearly identical because they were twins. When they came here they even ended up with the same class. Instead of calling them by their last names, the class had opted to call them by their first names to avoid confusion.
Kaori and Seiji, the Shirasaki twins are the two of the most popular students in school. The boys drop dead for the beautiful Kaori and the girls are obsessed with the adorable Seiji almost as much as they do for the most popular boy in school. For whatever reason, the two have taken a liking to Hinata, to the point where they hang out with more than they do with their childhood friends. And that rubbed some people the wrong away. But Hinata couldn't care less and the twins were actually unaware of this because they didn't think anybody can dislike Hinata.
They looked shocked, they were both holding onto another girl on the ground, a girl with a ponytail, Shizuku Yaegashi a close mutual friend of the twins. Being pretty and a kendo master, it was no surprise that she ended up in the popular clique in school. Kaori might've been popular with most of the boys, Shizuku was also popular with a girls. A lot of them saw her as a big sister that they admire very much, she even has a fan club/cult about her. Though, unlike Amanogawa she never criticized Hinata, in fact, when Amanogawa does it, she actually apologizes for him. Not that Hinata really cared though.
Hinata surveyed the other students, it seems none of them are dead yet. But then she sees something the body of a blonde woman in armor on the ground bleeding. She might have that big wound on her body but she's still breathing, one ambrosia and she'll be fine. If the description matched this would probably be Kuzeli, which meant Meld would definitely want to save her.
Speaking of Meld, he and the others quickly joined her along with Endou, who mostly fell down and survived due to Akira.
"Hey guys, I brought help." Endou weakly said.
"KOUSUKE!" His party called out.
Meanwhile Shizuku and the twins still kept their eyes on Hinata. At first Shizuku was confused by what Seiji had said but now she was looking Hinata. She realizes that that is actually her,save for the white hair she has the hoodie, beanie, even the prosthetics. And if that's her than the white haired knight beside her is..
"M-Meld, is that you?"
"Huh? Oh Shizuku, it's good to see you again."
"Huh..but..wha.. how?" Shizuku kelt fumbling her words causing Hinata to snicker.
"Calm down Yaegashi, I thought you were the smart one." That was true. Unlike Amanogawa's hero dream, Shizuku only agreed to fight in order to get home, which Hinata actually understood and respected.
"Now Akira, Shu, go watch those idiots and make sure none of them die or something."
"Count on me."
"Roger"
Akira and Shu immediately jumped towards the students.
"And Meld, you might want to look over your friend there." Meld looks at where Hinata is pointing and his eyes widens in shock.
"Kuzeli!"
"Here." Hinata tosses something at Meld, who caught it.
"Huh?" It was a vial of ambrosia.
"You wanna help her right? So just hurry up and do it." This actually shocked Meld, considering how rare ambrosia is he never thought Hinata would be giving it to stranger with absolutely no resistance. But this wasn't the time to think about that.
"Thank you." Meld grabs the vial and rushes to the female knight.
Now Hinata faces the demon lady. "Hey lady, get the fuck out, now."
"What?"
"I've had a crappy day because of you. You're the reason I'm down here right now. So...last chance, get the hell out of my face."
"Grr kill her!" She commanded her monsters in anger. She might be wary of these new arrivals, whatever that girl did managed to take out one of her special beast in a single hit. But she will soon be overrun by the rest of her monsters including the ones she has hidden.
Hinata readies but before she did she glances to her right and proceeds to a turning right at a monster that popped out of nowhere smashing it's head completely. "Nice surprise" was all she said.
"How did you know they were there?!"
Ignoring her, Hinata starts the slaughter. She can't believe these weak things almost annihilated the hero's party. Hinata easily maneuvers around the monsters while landing bullet after bullet into the monsters' heads.
Meanwhile, the hero's party watch in stunned silence. They weren't only shocked by the now one sided fight but also by the fact that Hinata is alive and standing and fighting right in front of them.
"Is that really Nagumo?" The boy in shining armor asked. Kouki Amanogawa, the one Hinata dreaded the most in meeting. Not because she's afraid of him, but because she hates the guy. He was the most judgemental person she met, he often criticized her for all of her habits, especially after she started hanging out with Kaori and Seiji.
"Yup, that's her." Endou assured. "The same Nagumo that fell off the bridge with Meld that day. They both made it out of the labyrinth."
"N-No way." They turn to look at a certain asshole. "There's no way that's her, she and Meld died we all saw it! We can't trust them." The panicking boy was none other than Hiyama Daisuke, the asshole in class who always tried to mess with Hinata. Hinata never really knew why he held disdain for her, not that she cared. He's also the one who s-
"It's really them, I even saw their status plates." Endou insisted.
"Then they must've faked them!"
"What?! Why would anyone do that?"
"You're so annoying." They all turned to Akira who seemed quite annoyed. "Can you just shut up?" He stared to the jerk with cold piercing eyes causing Hiyama to fall down in fear.
They might have never met but he can tell this guy was the jerk that always bothered his beloved. He already wanted to kill him for what he did to Hinata back in japan but Hinata has told him not to for her own reasons. That was shocking to not just him but also Shu and Tio, they can't believe she would let him go after-
"RAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!"
One of the monsters readies it's club. In response the girl who has twin tails and petrified legs tried standing up. It was Suzu Taniguchi, she would be someone referred to as a mood maker in class. She might also be considered a bit perveted, often acting all flirty with the girls.
"Suzu!" A girl with glasses cried. Eri Nakamura, Suzu's best friend. From her looks alone people would automatically assume she is plain from her plain hairstyle, plain glasses, the fact that she's the library assistant.
"You need to rest!" A muscular boy advised. Ryutaro Sakagami, despite being a muscle headed idiot he was also considered to be part of the popular group. Not just because of his athletic skills but also because he was best friends with Kouki.
"I-I gotta...protect...everyone." Suzu's class was Barrier Master, so following the name she had the biggest role in the party's defense. But it seems not even her barriers couldn't protect her legs from being turned to stone.
She holds out her hand trying to create a new barrier but it was brought down by another hand. "Please, let us handle this." Akira requested with a soft smile causing the half petrified girl to blush.
"Shu, now!" On command the rabbit boy swings his hammer knocking multiple monsters to the air. Akira aims his hand and castsAzure Flameinstantly burning the monsters to ash shocking the students.
Meanwhile, Meld he had just fed Kuzeli the ambrosia. Despite it's powerful healing effect, Kuzeli still suffered a massive wound so it would take some time for her to completely heal. As he watched over her, monsters start making their way to them. But suddenly every single one of them was cut into pieces, with Meld being seen holding out his sword.
"I would appreciate it if you can leave us alone." He said in a low voice, he tehn stood up, sword still in hand and charges at the remaining monsters.
Back with Hinata she was finishing the last of the monsters around Cattleya. But it was then where Hinata noticed Cattleya mumbling some thing, sounded like a chant.
"Look out Nagumo, it's petrification magic!" The prick shouted.
"Dark Gaoul!" Cattleya summons a cloud of black smoke and sends it towards Hinata. The smoke turns the corpses of the monsters Hinata had killed to stone.
'So that's what happened to Taniguchi's legs.' Hinata nonchalantly thought while effortlessly dodging the smoke, even when she was in the air usingAerodynamic.Figuring that she can't get her, Cattleya decided to change targets.
She instead sends the smoke to Shizuku and the twins. "Shit." Hinata jumps in front of them, she knew she can't get all of them away so there's only one thing to do.
The smoke engulfs all four of them. Everybody yells their name worried. Cattleya starts walking forward, confident that she has won. "All are powerless under my smoke. Let's see how you look as a statue." That feeling of accomplishment was quickly shattered as she felt a gun aimed a gun at her head.
"Are you sure bout that?" Hinata said while sounding like she mimicking someone else's voice.
"W-What did you do?" Cattleya asked, her voice shaking.
"I just pushed the smoke using mana."
"Y-Your mana can push advanced magic?" Despite her absolute loss for some reason Cattleya smiled. "Tell me, are actually human?"
"Eh, 50/50 chance." Hinata shrugged. "Now you answer me, what the heck were you doing here?"
"Hm isn't it obvious? I came here to get rid of the hero's party. I tried to convince him to join but he was quite tro-"
"Ok, enough bull crap. There's no way you fought through the labyrinth just for that. Now just tell the truth."
"Hmph, why would I say anything that would help the humans?"
BANG BANG
Cattleya screams as both her are shot by Hinata's other gun.
"Don't go making assumptions, I ask for myself not for the good of humanity or some shit."
"And if I still don't talk?" Although she has two unusable legs, she is still trying to put up a brave face.
"Then I will, those monsters you used are some kind of ancient magic right?" The fact they were able to clear a great labyrinth would prove as to why the demons got stronger and managed to beat the hero's party.
Cattleya's eyes widened and her smile falters as Hinata continued. "Your next target was the ancient magic in Orcus. And with the hero's party here you were gonna try to use them to get through it."
Cattleya's face became more panicked but after Hinata finished her face to her somewhat nervous smile. "I see, if you know this much, you're like him."
"Him? Oh I see, so you got these monsters from the person who actually cleared it. In the end, you're just a weakling mooching off someone else's success."
"Enough! If you're done then just kill me already. Just know this my lover will avenge me."
"Oh honey you really shouldn't lie when you're about to die." Hinata said condescendingly.
"You doubt my words?"
"Oh no, I meant you shouldn't lie to yourself." Cattleya was confused and Hinata was happy to clarify. "Be honest, do you actually think your lover is strong enough to beat us?" Cattleya starts shivering at the realization as Hinata grins. "But hey, if you wanna believe in bull crap in your last moment that's your choice, goodbye."
Hinata gets ready to pull the trigger "Wait Nagumo!" When a certain annoying voice stoped her.
"Oh, here we go." she whispered, she then see Amano fucking gawa walking to her with Endou helping him.
"She can't fight anymore, she's defenseless. Let's just take her ba-"
BANG
In an instant everyone gasped as the lady falls to the ground with a massive hole in he forehead.
"Oh sorry, did you think I gave a crap about what you had to say?" Hinata said to the shocked boy and then...
BANG
"Double tap." She said before going to Meld. "So Meld, is this the knight you were talking about?"
"Yup, meet Kuzeli Reil, she was a student of mine and she was also the princess's guard. It was already decided that she would be my replacement should anything happen to me. And Hinata...thank you for the ambrosia."
Hinata scratches the back of her head. "Don't be so grateful. That holy water is just as mine as it is yours. I already knew you were gonna try and save her. If I had said no, you'd probably just take it by force." As the two share a smile, two more people walk closer.
"Hinata?"
Hinata sighs and turns around to the twins.
"Thanks for saving us." Seiji stated to tear up.
"And Ms Kuzeli." So did Kaori.
"Hinata I-I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you." Now they were both fully crying.
"Y-You too Meld."
"Now now you shouldn't worry about that. After all, I was supposed to protect you kids " Meld said.
"Yeah, I mean we're alive so no big deal." Hinata followed.
After seeing their smiles like that the twins couldn't help themselves and rush forward ""HINATA!"" they cried as Hinata jumps over them causing them to fall to the ground.
"Eh?!" was everyone's collective response.
"W-What was that?!" Shizuku spoke up. "Why did you dodge?"
"I'm no hugger, they know that." Hinata countered.
"Yeah but still-"
""Hehehe."" Shizuku then sees the twins laughing as the get off the ground.
"She really is back isn't she sis?"
"Yup that's definitely her."
Shizuku's expression calms down. She was glad to see her two best friends happy again. After their supposed deaths she would always check on their moods.
"Now don't be mean Hinata." Meld spoke up. "They thought you were dead for months, one hug won't kill you."
"Hmm.." Hinata grumbled.
Meld places his hands on Hinata's shoulders. "Go on and take your hug you two, I'll hold her down if i have to."
"""Hehe, thanks Captain Meld."" As the two run in for the hug Meld, can't help but notice they still refer to him as captain, it felt... nice.
As Seiji and Kaori gives Hinata a tight hug, Meld walks back to Kuzeli who was starting regaining consciousness. She slowly opens her eyes and with it she starts Meld's face above her own.
"C-Captain Meld?"
"Yes Kuzeli it's me."
"I-I see so I died. I hope that the heroes will-"
"Uhh, I'm gonna stop you right there. Neither of us are actually dead."
"...Huh?"
Meld scratches his head. "Uh yeah we're both still in the Orcus Labyrinth. And I was...never really dead." That statement causes Kuzeli to instantly filled with shock and energy. She looks around and sees the other students and corpses of monster.
She immediately believed that she somehow survived based on the facts. She then looks at Meld and tilts her head. "Uh, Meld sir, why is your hair.."
"Oh uh long story, you se-" He was cut off as Kuzeli hugged him
"I'm glad you're alive. I missed you." She had the highest respect for the guy and when he was gone she was distraught but not in the way she thought she wass.
Meld was shocked but returned the hug with a smile. "I missed you too."
Everyone was watching the heartwarming, a reunion of friends...well maybe not everybody.
"Seiji, Kaori, get away from Nagumo."
Shizuku looks at the idiot "Kouki what are talking about? Nagumo just saved us."
"But that woman was defenseless she had no reason to kill her."
"I agree with Amanogawa." Oh great...the asshole. "We could've just captured her for information." Of course this guys would oppose what Hinata did.
As Shizuku protests to the two boys a certain vampire was looking annoyed. "What hopeless people." He commented before going to the group hug. "Ok, that's enough." The trio breaks from the hug and looks at him and Akira was intensely staring at Seiji. "Get away from Hinata." He ordered scaring Seiji a bit.
"Whatever...let's just get of here." Hinata said not bothered by the atmosphere.
"Wait! I won't accept you as our allies until we talk."
"Oh so if we don't talk, you won't consider us allies?" Hinata quickly countered then clapped her hand in joy. "Sounds like a win win to me, see ya." She tried to leave again.
Kouki quickly steps in front of her. "Stop right there! I'm grateful and glad you and Meld are alive but honestly your attitude is still the same." He then looks at Akira. "And where do you get off calling people hopeless? You might've helped us but that is no way to talk to someone you just met."
"Oh and you being a judgemental bitch is?" Hinata argued, maybe it was about time she said something.
"Wh-What I'm just-"
"Complaining about me saving your ass?"
"No! I'm just saying what everyone would say?"
"Really? Cause right now, I only hear your annoying voice."
Kouki turns to his classmates. "Guys, come on, tell her she's wrong!" Even if Hiyama was supporting him earlier, the others can only stay quiet except one.
"Kouki, enough!" It was Shizuku "I told you that Hinata didn't do anything wrong. In fact I was trying to kill the demon too." She admitted with no hesitation. She knew what she had to do, but unfortunately she wasn't strong enough to do it.
"W-What?"
"So does that make me a bad person too?" Shizuku asked.
"No Shizuku you were doing that to protect us."
"So what? You're mad she didn't have a good reason, even though we were both doing the same thing?"
"N-NO it's just...grr" he was losing it. "This isn't about you Shizuku this is about the fact Nagumo killed someone who couldn't fight back."
"So that's your problem?"
"Of course it is, it's murder we're talking about."
After he said Hinata started snickering.
"Hehe..."
Then it became laughing.
"Hahahahaha.."
The laughing got more maniacal.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Everybody was by this disturbed except for Akira and Shu "Oh for the love of...seriously?!" She continued laughing before glaring at Kouki with a sinister smile. "Ok Mr hero, let me ask you something. If you're against killing so much, then why thefuckare you here?"
"H-Huh?"
"Did you forget what you agreed to when we first got here?" She spatted, her smiling face from earlier is now replaced one extremely pissed off one scaring everyone. "You agreed to fight in a war of humans and demons, you do know what happens in wars right?"
"B-But even so-"
"Don't even start! I'll give you a piece of advice, if it bothers you so much, just drop the whole hero thing like Sonobe's group. At least they knew when to call it quits, and I'm sure Sensei could use the help, especially since.."
It was at this moment Meld realized were Hinata was going with this "Wait! Hinata, they're not-"
"I killed Shimizu." That sentence brought chills to all of her classmates.
"Y-you w-what? How could y-"
"Kouki wait!" the scared boy looks at Meld. "Let me explain." All eyes were on him, Meld internally cursed he had hoped Aiko would be the one to break the news but leave it to Hinata to do something like this.
He takes a deep breath and then tells the story. He tells of what Shimizu tried to do and what he did to Aiko and why Hinata had to do what he did.
"So you see Kouki, I'm sorry, but Shimizu couldn't be saved."
"There must've been another wa-"
"That's enough sir hero." This time Kouki was stopped by Kuzeli. "You have the right to your own opinion but..." She turns to Hinata. "She is the one that saved us, so we do not have the right the judge and I will investigate the Ur incident in greater detail."
Kuzeli goes to Hinata and bows. "I must give my thanks not just to Meld but to all of you. I am very grateful for you saving my life as well as the hero's party I am in your debt. If you would please let me handle this." Meld was glad that Kuzeli hasn't changed.
Hinata rolls her eyes and lets Kuzeli take the floor. Kuzeli then proceeds to bow down again to Kouki. "Sir hero, first of all, I must apologize."
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Because I failed to teach you a very important thing." She admitted
"No! You've thought me so much." He protested, Kuzeli shakes her head.
"I'm not talking about swordfighting or magic, but rather...I never thought you to kill."
Kouki was shocked by that admittance as Kuzeli continued. "I was originally going to teach you to do it using some bandits, but the more I waited the more I grew closer to all of you until I couldn't bring myself to do it." She turns to Meld "I'm sorry Meld, I failed your students."
Meld places a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Do not say such thing, I understand how you must've felt." Because he himself had felt the same thing.
As Kouki remains silent trying process what he just heard Hinata walks closer to him and proceeds to slap him.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Bite me, it's about time I finally say this." She turns to her class. "And this goes to all of you so listen up!" Hinata takes a deep breath and lets it out. "With exception of the twins, every single one of you meansnothingto me."
Everyone flinched from that statement.
"Everything about all of you means nothing to me, your words, your feelings, even your lives." Her stare gets colder and colder, making some of her classmates tremble. "I only came here because I owed Seiji one. I never cared about any of you, not here, or in Japan. Every glare, every insult, every rumors you spread about me didn't bother me in the least." Hinata aims her gun at Kouki. "That's why I had no problem killing Shimizu, and if any of you get in my way, I'll do it again." After finishing her threat she puts the gun back down from the terrified hero and starts to walk away until...
"Wait!" Kaori shouted while running forward. "Insults, rumors? What are you talking about?" She asked concerned.
Hinata's face remained neutral. 'So she really didn't know.' She thought while keeping silent.
Being unanswered Kaori turned to her best friend "Shizuku, what is she talking about?"
"Uh well I..."
Shizuku fumbling was fumbling for answers as Kaori as goes to the rest of her class. "Guys?" Everybody was conflicted they wanted to answer but-
"Kaori stop." You'd think he'd had shut up for good. "Hinata is probably just making things, up there's no wa-"
"It's true" and then suddenly all eyes were on Endou who was rubbing his left arm. "It's true. You see, a lot of kids in school were jealous of Hinata hanging out with you and Seiji. Hinata was also made fun of because she was otaku. Eventually, there was a rumour that she was taking advantage of you and Seiji. A lot of people including me knew the truth but...we just ignored it, I'm sorry." Endou knew that he had to do it.
"N-No way...Why would you guys do that?" Kaori weeped. Seiji was stunned after listening to Endou. He sees Hinata completely unfazed. Did she not care at all about any of that?
"Hinata never took advantage of me or Seiji for that matter!" She stated.
"But Kaori, weren't you hanging out with her just to be nice?" Kouki stupidly asked.
"What are you saying?! Me hanging out with her had nothing to do with kindness. I hung out with her because I liked hanging out with her and Seiji does too."
"Y-Yeah that's right." Seiji followed.
Everybody was wrapped up in the awkward atmosphere until Hinata spoke up. "Ok, if we're done here I'm leaving, I've already been here longer than I'm suppose to be, see ya."
"Wait Hinata!" Endou shouted. "We're all still injured can we please tag along with you to the surface." He begged.
"...Whatever" she didn't even bother to face him.
Hinata was relieved to finally reach the labyrinth's entrance. On the way here, her classmates had witness more of her party's strength. Any monsters they ran into were immediately annihilated. And for some reasons the girls were gushing over Shu and how cute he is, that self centered rabbit soaked up the attention like a sponge. Perhaps they were trying to get away from the previous akward moment.
They step out into the light and the first thing they hear is..
"Mama!" A small hooded figure runs up and hugs Hinata "Moku? Were you waiting for us here?" She asked.
"Welcome back master." Tio said
The rest of her class had her jaws dropped, this might've been the biggest loop they've been through today. They never saw Hinata as a motherly figure, mostly because of her height. They were filled confusion and surprise...and concern trying to imagine Hinata as a parent.
'How did that happen?' Everyone thought in unison.
After letting go if Hinata Moku runs towards Meld. "Grandpa!"
"Eh!" This time everyone let out their shock and certain female knight more than the others. Meld kneels down and pats Moku on the head.
"You did well waiting for us Moku." As he said that a looming presence looms over him, Kuzeli stares intensely at Meld as he turns around to see her with some fear.
"Uh.."
"Captain Meld." Kuzeli grabs him by the shoulders and pulls him up and starts violently shaking him "What is this? How are you grandfather? You're not even married, wait, or are you?! Did you get married while you were away?"
Hinata chuckles seeing Meld being barraged by questions when she noticed Seiji walking towards in a bit of a daze.
"Hi...nata.."
"Seiji?" He places his hands on her shoulders and starts shaking her like Kuzeli did to Meld. "Is that really your kid? Who's the father? Akira, Shu, or that black haired guy?"
Kaori and Shizuku eventually pulled those two away and Hinata and Meld was finally able to explain as to why they have a small child calling them "Mama" and "Hrandpa" and how it was impossible for them to have an offspring in a matter of months. Seiji and Kuzeli immediately apologize with red faces.
"Honestly..." Hinata turns to Tio. "So did anything happen while we were down there?"
"Well you see.."
Before Tio can starts multiple men woth weapons on hand approach them out of nowhere. "Look, there he is!" one guy said
"Listen bub you messed up our guys earlier."
Hinata looks at Tio for an explanation. "As I was saying, the people that they're most likely referring to the man had tried to kidnap Moku and the ones I promptly punished."
"Hey! Stop ignoring us asshole, now hand the kid over and while we're at it maybe we'll take you too."
Hinata simply gives the guy a glare while the rest of her party feels somewhat pity for the idiot as she replies with. "Huh?"
Seconds later every single thug became a human pile of bodies(not dead).
"These poor fools."
"She seemed far more agitated."
"Maybe she was doing it for Moku?" Shu jumps towards Hinata. "Awwww Hinata you're so sweet caring for Mo- Ow!
Hinata chopped Shu in the head, while glaring daggers. "Not now."
"Oh, that spiteful gaze!" Tio gushed
"Even when you're angry you're beautiful." Akira stated.
"Grr bite me!" Seiji watches Hinata being playfully teased by her...harem. He then looked at the pile of thugs. 'She's as strong as ever' he thought after taking a swallow.
"Wish me luck sis."
"Huh?" Before she can ask Seiji sprints towards Hinata and calls for her "Hinata!"
"Yeah Seiji, what is it?"
"I-I..." He turns back to his sister, who had figured out what he wanted to do and simply made a double thumbs up. "I...want to- No, I'm coming with you!" He managed to let out.
"Wha-"
"You don't stand a chance." Akira cut in.
"What? Do you mean my feelings for Hinata? I can tell you that it won't lose to yours." He proudly countered. Seiji went pass Akira and faces Hinata and takes a deep breath.
"Hinata...I...Love You!" He admitted with a big blush.
Everyone was surprised by the confession. Most of the boys were confused and the girls were squealing. As for Hinata she remains quiet before finally answering "Seiji...sorry, but I'm not interested in the least."
It felt a light stab to the heart as Seiji as he tears up a little and Hinata continues. "Sorry dude, I gotta friendzone you, also I don't mean to be arrogant but we both know I'm kinda out of your league." Another stab.
Meld felt sorry for the rejected boy. "That sure was brutal." He commented.
"Yup that's Hinata." Kaori giggled. "Though to be fair, she's kinda right."
"Eh?" Meld didn't expect her to say that.
"My brother has had a crush on her for the longest time and he always struggled with confessing." Kaori loves her brother but she can imagine him as a dog pressing his face on window to a meat deli, longing for a meat but not smart enough to go through the open door. She looks at the rest of Hinata's party and knows Seiji is gonna have some tough competition.
Seiji wipes the tears away from his eyes with a smile. "I kinda guess that was gonna be your answer."
"Yeah...so I guess you changed your m-"
"But I'm still coming!"
"?!"
"The other guys love you too but you rejected every single one of them and yet...you still traveled with them."
"Reluctantly." she muttered.
"So it's ok if go too right ? My love won't lose!"
"Oh is that so?" Akira approached Seiji. "Then come along, I shall personally show you that you stand no chance." The boys glared at each other as if they were rivals for centu-
"Hey! Don't forget about me. I'm the one that's gonna get Hinata's heart." All three boys glare at each other causing some intense aura to seep out.
"Such passion..." Tio commented watching the three boys.
Hinata groans, did she have to deal with another lovesick idiot. She said herself that she prefered to be friends. Honestly today has been a stressful day mostly because of..
"Wait!"
Ugh him. The pain in the ass had the same world shattered face back in the labyrinth.
"Seiji...likes Nagumo? Where did that come from? Nagumo! What did you do to Seiji?!"
"Ugh seriously?"
Seiji steps up to Kouki. "Sorry Kouki, I'm probably being selfish, but I want to go with Hinata. So I'm leaving the party."
"You're kidding right?" The boy was pale when he whimpered that. "You're one of my closest friends right? We've been friends since childhood right? You're choosing Hinata over me?"
"Hey, stop it!" Kaori spoke up. "My brother can make his own decisions."
"No no nononono." the hero kept gritting his teeth and suddenly rushes to Meld "Captain Meld, you're coming back with us to the kingdom, right? Please convince Seiji to stay." He begged desperately.
Meld was a bit distressed by the boy's pleading mostly because of what he was gonna say. "Kouki...I'm not going back to the kingdom."
Kouki wasn't the only person stunned by that, Kuzeli and the rest of the class had a similar surprised expression on her face.
"B-But what about fighting the demons?"
"You needn't worry, I still intent to do so, but there is something I must do with Hinata. Sorry Kouki, but one day, I will explain my actions." If he told them now he was afraid of what the church would do.
"Grrrrr.." Kouki grits his teeth in frustratiion and goes back to Seiji. "Seiji, you can't go with Hinata, just look!" He points at Shu and Tio. "That guy's wearing a slave collar and that man called her master. Did you forget that she killed Shimizu, she's a heartless person, anyone that goes with her will be unhappy." He extends his hand to Hinata's with a smile. "I won't treat you like she does so come with us."
His invitation was welcomed with disturbed looks by all three guys even Moku.
"Is he actually serious?" Akira asked.
"I have a strong urge to punch him right now." Tio admitted despite his masochistic nature.
"Let's just back away." Shu advised.
"Mama, I don't like him." Moku said.
Kouki clenches his fist upon the rejection. "Grr, Nagumo lay down your weapons and fight me right now. If I win you let everyone go!" He demanded.
Hinata rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time. "Honestly..."
"He is just like you described him." Akira said, astonished by the hero's stupidity.
"Hey, what are you whispering about? If you're not gonna attack then I will." Kouki starts running towards Hinata with a fist. "You're defenseless without your weapo-."
*Shink*
Kouki stops in his tracks feeling the tip of Akira's blade.
"What are you..?! Nagumo, you coward! Hiding behind your party!"
"You are the only coward I see here." Akira replied.
"What?! How dare you? I'm doing this for you."
"Doing what ? Ignoring our choices? We chose to be with Hinata of our own volition yet not only did you ignore our rejection, you also challenged Hinata to a duel, out of nowhere, with conditions youthoughtwould have put her in a disadvantage, and then proceed to attack her before she even accepted. How is that not cowardly?" Kouki shuddered at the reprimanding as Akira continued. "Hinata described you perfectly, you really are a fool of the highest caliber. Now back off unless you have a death wis-"
"That's enough Akira." The vampire turns to his crush who has her arms crossed. "I'll handle this, this guy is stubborn as hell and not in the good way." Hinata grins. "Might as well give the baby his bottle."
Trusting her, Akira takes his sword away from an insulted Kouki and Hinata walks closer. "Alright Amanogawa, I'll agree to your duel and your rules, no weapons allowed only skills, magic, and physical attacks. We'll fight until one's not able to anymore, and if I win you shut the fuck up and leave me alone."
"Guh, fine and if I win you have to let Meld and everyone else go." A tick mark appeared on Hinata's head. Did this guy not listen to a single word Akira said ?
"Whatever you say." She replied with a shrug.
Meld watch as the two teens stare each other down, one more nonchalant than the other. He definitely didn't want this to happen if they ever reunited but he also knew this couldn't be avoided, he somewhat agreed with what Hinata said though perhaps in a less insulting way. He hoped that him choosing to not object to this this duel was the right one.
Kouki readies his fist. "Alright, here I come!" He begins charging towards Hinata similar to before but rather than being stopped by a lovesick vampire he was stopped by a kick to the crotch from Hinata who had suddenly appeared in front of him.
She had used Quick Step, then thrusted her foot forward down. Kouki was literally stepped down to the ground by Hinata through his little special area. The impact was enough to make him unconscious by the shock alone. Hinata takes her foot off from the fainted boy and proceeds to activate Transmute, opening up a hole that swallows the hero and closes.
Hinata walks back to Seiji and the other bewildered spectators, they didn't think that was how things were gonna end.
"So you still want to come along? I wasn't kidding about the Shimizu thing you know." Hinata reminded.
Seiji nods his head. "Yeah, I am. I know you've done a lot of...things but I know that you had you're reasons and I'll believe you no matter what." He ensured
Hinata scratches the back of her head and sighs. "Fine, we'll leave tomorrow morning." She had originally wanted to leave as soon as they were done but recent events has left her... fatigued.
Seiji was jumping for joy at Hinata's acceptance when Shu walked in. "Hey, wait a second! How come you got accepted easily?" Shu complained, he had to be frozen over and over by Akira to be accepted.
"Because he's less annoying." Hinata immediately replied.
"And he's not a self centered whiner." Akira added causing the rabbit boy to tear up.
"That's so meannnn." He cried.
The fun interaction was stopped when suddenly. "Wait!" A certain asshole shouted.
'Ugh, what now?' Hinata thought.
"Seiji, you're not leaving right?" Hiyama asked while panicking a little. "You're one of our top healer. We almost died back there if you leave we might actually die next time."
Seiji frowns at the begging boy. "Sorry Daisuke, I've made my choice." He replied.
"Guh, Hinata!" He turns to the white haired girl. "Why don't you stay? Come on I'm sorry, let's be frie-"
Hinata's stare was enough to cut him off. "What part of nothing, did you not understand?"
That shut him and in desperation he goes to Meld. "C-Captain Meld please don't leave us. Come on, you're suppose to be our teacher like Sensei, you're not gonna just gonna abandon us?" The boy had a pathetic smile that screamed desperate but it seems to be somewhat affective at the former captain.
"Hiyama, I..." Before he can muster up an answer Hiyama is suddenly pulled back by Hinata. She drags him away far from the group and turns their faces away. She then pulls the collar of his clothes down bringing his face to her level.
"You better just give up now." She advised in a scary soft voice. "You're getting so worked up I might have to shoot you with a fireball to actually cool you down...you would understand that wouldn't you?" She whispered.
Hiyama gulps at that statement. "Wh-What're you saying? I specialize in wind magic."
"Oh really? I could've sworn I've seen you threw a fireball once...right to my face." Her face was getting scarier. "On that bridge, on that day, with that cocky ass smile on your face. I remember it all." Her face returns to normal. "But who knows? I might be wrong. Anyway, neither me nor Meld is staying kay? That's final."
She leaves the boy frozen in fear and walks back to Meld who was confused by the interaction "Hinata what did you-"
"Oh yeah I forgot one more thing " she cuts him off. "Endou!" She called. out.
"Y-Yeah?" The forgettable boy answered.
"Time to pay up." She stated.
"Huh pay? What are you…Oh no!" Endou suddenly realized but it was all too late as Hinata was already in front of him with a sadistic smile. "
"Remember? I said everytime Amanogawa got all up in my face is another foot up your ass."
"W-Wai-" The hero's party can only watch with sympathy as the assassin is approached by the short girl.
"Here goes."
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Kaori and Hinata watches as Shizuku, Ryutaro, Suzu, and Eri pull an unconscious Kouki out of the hole. The rest of the party had gone back to the inn to treat Endou and get some rest, where Hinata's party had decided to rent rooms for the night. Kaori had pulled Hinata aside for a personal talk or at least she had intended to.
The two just kept quiet for a while Shizuku was digging Kouki out. Hinaya was leaning on a tree and Kaori was sitting hugging her knees. Despite the silence Hinata kept waiting until...
"Hinata...I'm sorry."
"About what?"
"About...all those things..." Kaori started to tear up. "I-I should've *sob* noticed and *sob* done some *sob* thing."
"It's fine Kaori."
"It's not though!" She gets up and grabs Hinata's face by her cheeks "I'm your friend. How can I just ignore what everyone did?"
As the tears fall, Hinata gently takes Kaori's hands off and pulls it down and faces the crying priestess "Kaori you're my friend because you didn't know."
"What?"
"Kaori, I already said I didn't care about that and I never wanted you or Seiji to care about it either. When I hang out with you guys, the only thing we all focus on is having fun. If you had kept bringing that issue up, I would've told you to fuck off so... don't worry about it ok?"
"Hinata.." Kaori then to wrap her arms around Hinata and unlike in the labyrinth Hinata returns the hug.
"But Hinata...about our classmates…"
"You still wanna be friends with them." Hinata guessed.
"Yeah..." Kaori whimpered.
"It's fine, you can be friends with whoever you want."
Kaori breaks from the hug and wipes her tears. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean I agree with what they did. Don't worry if anyone badmouths you again this time I'll smack them." She swears. "And I know that you'll take care of my brother right?"
"Of course."
"And you're gonna choose him too right?"
"What?" Kaori grabs Hinata's face but instead of tears this time, her face had somewhat an eerie smile. "You are gonna pick him riiiiiggggghhhhtt?"
"Uhhhhh..."
Hinata looks up at the moon while sitting in the fountain in the middle of town. She was grateful to Shizuku for getting Kaori off her. Thinking it was the right opportunity Hinata had actually given Shizuku a new weapon.
Everyone in class already knows about Shizuku's family and their Yeagshi style, which can only be utilized with a katana.
Katanas didn't exist here, so Hinata had made it for fun, but then realized that it would probably suit Shizuku better. After all, Hinata knew that Shizuku was the most competent in the class, she also knew Shizuku could use it to protect Kaori in her stead.
The katana had the same properties as Meld's sword. Hinata had thought that she could use it for close range combat (and maybe mimicking cool anime slashes) but concluded she was unsuited for it. With it being a type of swordplay Meld wasn't familiar with, it wasn't useful to him either. So this works out for both of them, Shizuku gets a new better weapon and Hinata got rid of something she doesn't need.
Shizuku expressed he gratitude but as she did Hinata noticed something...
She sounded nervous.
Hinata thought of Shizuku as a strong willed person, and didn't think that it was fear, even in the face of danger she was still resilient.
So what could it b-
"You're here all alone?"
Hinata turns and sees Meld.
"Where did you come from?"
"Well...I just came from the tavern after sharing a drink with Kuzeli and some other knights."
"They really missed you didn't they?"
"Yeah..." Meld couldn't believe that all those grown men had snot and tears running from their faces.
"So how did they take the news?"
"Oh they were..."
Flashback
"They what?! That many?" Kuzeli asked in shock as she heard Meld's story.
Meld looks down on the counter with a bitter smile. "Yup 4 people caused that much damaged." He let out a small sad laugh.
"You have quite the party there." The two of them drink a full glass before asking the bartender for a refill.
"So Meld...were you serious about not coming back?"
Meld's expression turn a little bit dark. "Yes, I am. Give my apologies to the king and the royal family, but I cannot let go of the current quest I'm in. I know that it's hard to acc-"
"I believe you." She interrupted
"Huh?"
"I believe you" she repeated. "I know you Captain, I know you wouldn't do this unless you had your reasons and I'm sure his majesty will understand. I know you're doing this for the sake of this kingdom or perhaps those kids you're fond of, either way, it's fine. "
Meld remains quiet
"I'll put my faith in you Captain." Meld felt a surge of relief but...
"Kuzeli, let me ask you something. What do you think of the church?"
"Huh? Where did that come from?"
"Just please answer.."
"Well, I appreciate the help they've given the kingdom and I also respect their faith in Ehit. But I might go to say they could be...too faithful?"
"Go on.."
"Well I guess...they mention Ehit a little bit too much for my taste that's all. Even after you and Hinata were presumed death, they still insisted the hero's party to continue fighting for Ehit."
Meld lets out sigh "Kuzeli, listen to me." Kuzeli was starting to get worry by Meld's change of nature.
"Kuzeli, if you witness anything and I mean anything strange revolving the church then you need to-"
"...fine with it. So anyway, how are you?"
"Uhhh I guess I'm fine too."
"Really?"
"Yeah I mean..meeting my classmates was a total bummer but hey, I got to kick Amanogawa in the balls and Kousuke in the ass." Meld grew worried by the grin on Hinata's face and decided to change the subject.
"S-So anyway there's something I'm confused about."
"What?"
"Back in the labyrinth you said something about you owing Seiji one, but you never mentioned anything like that. Was it just an excuse?" He teased.
"Uhh... well I sorta did...ok, so it was day before we went to Orcus. In the middle of the night Seiji came to my room freaking out over a nightmare about me vanishing and told me not to go...So I told him he was being ridiculous and told him to go away." Meld gives her deadpan stare. "Bite me, he kept insisting, so I told him to watch over me in case anything happens I thought then maybe when nothing happened he would calm down."
"But..."
"Yeah yeah, I know, jokes on me, regardless, I paid him back and I live. So...everything's fine."
"..."
"..."
Meld sits down next to Hinata. "So you're really letting Seiji come along,?"
"Well...I mean it's not like rejection worked the last four times."
"Of course but...do you think he can keep up with us?" He knew the kids had gotten stronger but not on the same level as they are.
"We literally brought a kid with us." Hinata reminded.
"Temporarily." he countered.
"Still stronger than a child, and unlike the other four I actually wouldn't mind traveling with him."
"Never thought you would say that." Hinata gives him a playful punch and they both a share a laugh that night.
When the "hero" gave his offer to Hinata's harem, at first I wanted them, Moku included to just look at each other and then give him the middle finger, and then Meld would asking Hinata why Moku knew that hand gesture, anyway, here's an omake:
Tio: So Meld, how about you, how do you think your life would be now if you hadn't fell?
Meld: Hm….things are so much different now, I don't think I can imagine
Hinata: I can.
Meld: Hehe, really?
Hinata: Yes, I imagine you being dead.
Meld: What, why!?
Hinata: If you hadn't fell ,you would've resumed teaching my class, and mentor characters like you have a high chance of being killed off.
Meld: What kind of logic is that!?
Akira: But wait a minute, isn't he still a mentor character, because he taught me swordmanship?
Shu: Yeah, and trained my family too.
Meld: Oh, don't talk like you actually understand her!
Hinata: No, he should be fine. After all, I came in and made his life both more and less relevant to the plot.
Meld: What does that even mean!?