ã€ŠI accept the contract! Reincarnate me to Another World!ã€‹


 Chapter 1: Kyubey, Grant Me My Wish!

    In the world of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Kyubey forms contract with young girls to fulfill their wishes - in exchange they have to fight the Witches throughout their whole life. Witches are entitiy borned from despair and negative energies, while Magical Girls are its anti-thesis as the one who represents Hope.

    Witches have power to kidnap and spirit-away people, control their minds to do the unthinkable and cause so many harm to the people. Magical Girls combat these evil through their power.

    Each time they use magic, the power in their Soul Gem would be consumed. Killing the Witch would cause them to drop Grief Seed, which they can use to cleanse and purify their Soul Gem.

    Failing to purify their Soul Gem would lead to their death - and them turning into a Witch themselves. Though very few Magical Girls know the fact that Witches are born from Magical Girl. Most of them only thought they would dissapear from the world.

    However, with the sacrifice of a certain magical girl, Kaname Madoka, she gave salvation to all Magical Girl - she became a God, Madokami, that gave mercy and let Magical Girls end their life with a smile - at least they won''t spread despair onto the world.

    Witches no longer exist since Madokami established a new rule of the world - before a Witch can be born, Madokami will come and give Magical Girl salvation across all timelines no matter the place. The rule is called ''Law of the Cycle'' as named by Kyubey. This new rule causes Witches to cease to exist - but negative energy still creates monsters called Wraiths.

    In the new world, MG are granted a wish in exchange to combat Wraiths - they too drops Wraiths Cubes that can cleanse their Soul Gem.

    However Homura; who had turned back time using her Time Shield multiple times remembers everything. She cannot accept the fact that Madoka had sacrificed herself. The very person she loved became a concept, a rule of the world. She cannot accept this.

    Through Homura''s rebellion - she stole a part of Madokami power - turning her into a similarly powerful figure with godlike power, Homucifer. She splits the human part of Madokami from its divine counterpart, trapping her in her Labirynth.

    Through struggle between the two cosmic entity, another new world is born.

    However Kyubey who obtained a piece of time shield - Homura''s weapon that can turn back time - Kyubey remembers the existent of Witches.

    And Keichi, an unnamed rare Magical Boy remembers them too. He remember the existence of Witches due to his dreams that he had as if he had went through different timelines.

    ...

    Sensing the spatial fluctuation, the white angel of a goddess with pink hair and golden eyes comes out of her God space.

    A spatial fluctuation concerns Madokami as it can affect the stability of the world.

    Homicifer also comes out of her God space, fluttering her fallen black angel wings, annoyed at what that psychopathic bunny- kyubey is doing this time.

    She glanced at what seems to a spatial crack, then at kyubey, and the gir- a boy(?), who is about to establish a contract.

    Through multiple timelines, neither Homura nor Madoka ever sees this happening.

    Perhaps it is one of the special timelines where the boy somehow had a very high karmic potential and made a different wish this time.

    In fact, Keichi is just a normal magical girl (boy) that aren¡¯t even named living in Kamihama City.

    Through repeated timelines, with butterfly effects in place, Keichi holds greater and greater karmic potential. Why? Because each time Homura resets time, Keichi somehow felt he had a long dream about the previous time. At some point he felt like he had gone through the same thing multiple times. At some point he even thought he was crazy. Because he can predict what happens next. The crazy part is that¡­ He remembers failing to stop his closest friend, and his lover¡¯s suicide over and over again and eventually the city is destroyed by Walpurgistnacht or even crazier witch that sized so big Keichi think it can destroy the whole planet [Kriemhild Gretchen - Madoka Witch].

    He remembers fighting such a Witch with every magical girls across the whole world. They ultimately failed. He had fragments of memory, trying each time to save the one he had loved with the fleeting dreams he had, making different wishes to Kyubey. He had wished to reset time once but was told he don¡¯t have enough karmic potential, whatever that is. He remembers he died in different dreams he had. And some of them it was cut short.

    And thus, Keichi has a high karmic potential at this point. Seeing the potential, Kyubey comes to make a contract. They pick teenage girls because their emotional fluctuations are the highest and thus have the higher energy gain. But there are few exceptions where a teen boy also has similar emotional sensitivity.

    Keichi is, you could say, feminine. He personally identifies himself as non-binary as he never put any thoughts about his gender when it comes to his feelings and decisions, but he does prefer men in terms of sexual attraction. While it¡¯s unclear whether that have an impact on Kyubey wanting to make a contract with him, he thinks it¡¯s beneficial.

    ¡­

    ¡°I want to live in another world, with Magic, Gods and Dragons, like in fantasy stories I read! I want to be free from this meaningless cycle. Please grant my wish, Kyubey!¡±.

    ???

    Kyubey stares at the boy with its blank red eyes.

    Kyubey, who had always been rational actually regrets trying to make a contract for this boy.

    ¡°Such a wish is impossible. There¡¯s no such thing as ¡®another world¡¯ with concepts such as gods, magic and dragons you are referring to. Though, I could however send you to a different civilization that had creatures similar to dragons and similar technology¡±.

    ¡°No¡­¡±

    Sigh¡­ Keichi can only sighed. He believed this bunny words saying he could grant him any wish. Suddenly he can¡¯t.

    ¡°Nevermind then¡­¡±

    ¡°Let me think of other things¡­¡±.

    Keichi had tried to remember most of his dreams. Each time he remembers he wished something slightly different. But he can never change the outcome.

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    It¡¯s because of society, the world itself, that the very person he loved leave this world. And even the one time he thinks his wish went well, even the ending are twisted - causing him to fall into despair and died.

    Keichi had gave up trying¡­ and wanted to run far away.

    Of course, kyubey can¡¯t grant it. But what comes next surprised them.

    ¡®A foreign energy?¡¯. Kyubey exclaimed in disbelief.

    Kyubey looks at the sky. In fact, every kyubey and magical girl in kamihama city look at the sky with an incredulous look.

    A spatial fluctuation and a crack in space appeared, as if trying to force a gate open.

    The spatial crack opens up enough and a white ethereal hand goes to grab Kyubey, pinching him between the two titanic fingers.

    Kyubey who had always been rational can¡¯t seem to rationalise the energy behind the figure. As if it has a different physical law entirely.

    Another world.

    Kyubey and its network confirmed readings of wavelengths that did not comply to the physical law ¨C confirming existence of another world. Kyubey thought the multiverse was made from branching of times. But this energy coming from the spatial crack is an independent existence made up of an entirely different physical law.

    Since it can be observed, it means it can be experimented. Kyubey and its hiveminds had their usual scheming.

    Regardless.

    The ethereal fingers, after few seconds of holding kyubey infiltrates kyubey¡¯s mind and even their hiveminds!

    ¡°Impossible. You are able to see through our minds, and stealing our secrets? What are you¡±.

    The ethereal fingers simply flicked Kyubey into the spatial crack like it¡¯s some trash.

    [I can grant you your wish. In exchange, live in my world, and simply live as fate decides]

    Keichi was shocked at this sight. What the hell is that?

    Madokami and Homucifer stood by watching. Feeling the foreign God of another world is not hostile and does not mean harm, they only watch. As for the contract, it¡¯s up to the boy to decide.

    Although Keichi is still shaking and trembling at this bizarre yet majestic sight, he can¡¯t help but agree.

    ¡®Yes. I accept. Please grant my wish!¡¯.

    White light surrounds him as his soul is condensed to form the silver white soul gem. The soul gem then transforms into a hairclip with a white glowing diamond on it. The glow recedes.

    The ethereal hand reaches out to him, attracting him with a pulling force pulling him close to the gate. Soon Keiichi enters the spatial crack and disappears from the world.

    ¡­

    He soon found himself awake in the middle of the forest. He wonders where is this. He enters the gate and now he¡¯s in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully the full moon somewhat illuminates the forest a bit.

    As he walks around, he found the forest is easily silent. Although he could hear rustling leaves here and there but there¡¯s nothing else.

    ¡°What power do I have as a magic user anyways¡­¡±.

    Keichi tried to cast magic thinking about ball of light with his imagination.

    Of course, it doesn¡¯t work.

    Then he simply conjures his soul gem, and used it as a torch light.

    *Rustle*2

    He felt alert hearing a sound from the bush. He touches his soul gem. Hoping to use its power.

    Then a white bunny ear plopped out of the bush.

    ¡®Kyubey?¡¯.

    Kyubey went out of the bush, calmly crawled out and licked his paw like a cat.

    ¡°Keichi. You are here as well¡±.

    Of course, from kyubey perspective, he got thrown into the spatial crack and lost contact with the rest of the kyubeys.

    Kyubey sees Keichi and simply jump onto his head.

    ¡°You have become a magical boy I see¡±. Kyubey eyed the soul gem on Keichi¡¯s hand.

    ¡°kyubey, do you know where we are?¡±.

    ¡®Unfortunately I don¡¯t¡¯.

    Keeichi shrugged. At least he has a companion now to walk along this¡­eerily silent forest.

    As he walked, he suddenly felt the ground felt off.

    Earthquake?

    But the more he walked, the more the vibration felt clear. It¡¯s not earthquake. Something is walking and its enormous weight is shaking the ground!

    Keichi stop his steps and walk in the opposite direction. He doesn¡¯t want to deal with whatever makes even ground shakes.

    As the walk the vibration reduces. He felt relieved¡­

    Until he feels the vibration is increasing, and feels more obvious. He even hears the trees shaking and as if something is running at fast speed causing them to fall and leaves to rustle behind him.

    Sense of doom overwhelms keichi.

    Kyubey screamed,

    ¡®Keichi, it is coming at us! Run!¡¯.

    Keichi hurriedly ran as fast as he could. But the thing is still approaching closer and closer.

    At some points it¡¯s only tens of meters away!

    Kyubey turned his head to observe what it was.

    ¡°Keichi, it¡¯s a Wraith with 2 heads chasing us¡±.

    In kyubey¡¯s view, he saw a tall humanoid figure with 2 heads with horns and sharp teeth rushing towards them. It¡¯s called double headed ogre in their world Elysia but of course kyubey can only say it¡¯s a Wraith although that¡¯s inaccurate.

    ¡®You can try to transform and use your power to defeat it¡¯.

    With kyubey reminder, Keiichi conjures his soul gem and placed it close to his chest.

    It glows a bright light before engulfing Keichi body.

    [Transformation scene]

    Keeichi, with his tears in his eyes, and his heart broken, tormented from dreams of the future that is waking sluggishly suddenly tripped and fall into a white portal causing to transported into the past. He keeps walking and end up tripping at the same place and returned back again. It repeated countless times. Tears finally fell from his eyes.

    He took of his shoes and placed them on the ground. He jumped into the portal, giving up everything. As he falls another portal appears below and transport him into the sky. He falls into a portal and transported to the sky. Again, and again. Each time he passes the portal a part of him is transformed into his magical uniform.

    He is now adorning a silver white light armour, his ears turned longer to be like the elves, and he seems graceful and beautiful, like an elven warrior. The silver metal plate covers his pads and chest, while chainmail covers the rest.

    His hair turned white and his eyes remains a sapphire colour. He was caught by a glowing whitish silvery net, or rather, a tangled mess of silver ropes tied with a loop at the end.

    The tangled sheet breaks as it can¡¯t hold it and snaps causing millions of light particles to assemble and forms half a cape on Keichi¡¯s back in an instant. He fell to the ground gracefully. He stood up. A tiara with his soul gem embedded in it forms around his head as the final touch. Keichi stood in the empty space and reach out his hand into a white illusory portal and took out a silver white rapier, holding it with a wry smile.

    [Transformation scene ends.]

    He turned his back. He felt nervous and yet excited at the power he had.

    He has a feeling about his power. The power of space.

    He stabs the air with his rapier, stabbing the space!

    It stabs into an illusory white portal-

    the blade ends up protruding in front of the ogre front another portal, stabbing one of the ogre¡¯s necks!

    He took out the rapier and now did a slash,

    The sword forms a spatial cut at the location of the slashing and around the ogre¡¯s other head. The sharp edge of the blade comes out to slit it¡¯s throat!

    Although there¡¯s not much explosive display of power, Keichi thinks he is very strong.

    The ogre fell down and seemingly dead.

    Keichi released a sigh of relief.

    He took a rest as he untransformed himself.

    He wonders what direction to go to find a nearby human settlement¡­

    ¡®Dodge!¡¯.

    Kyubey suddenly screamed. Keichi quickly look behind and-

    A huge tree is being sent to Keichi. Unable to react, it directly crashed into Keiichi¡¯s body and slams him to the others trees. Multiple bones are broken. And one of his legs is twisted 180¡ã degree.

    AAAHHHHH!!!!

    Keichi screamed out in pain feeling his own bones puncturing his lungs, stomach, spleen and every organ he had as well as his twisted leg.

    The ogre is still alive.

    The one head which he stabbed at first is still barely alive.

    ¡°RAAAAAWWWWW¡±.

    The ogre screamed in anger as it sluggishly jogs to Keichi.

    Keichi is still wincing and crying in pain with tears in his eyes. It''s so painful. All his body is screaming in pain. His soul gem had faded a bit with a hint of dark grimes appearing.

    Ah¡­ He didn¡¯t expect it would be so painful¡­ He don¡¯t even know where he is ... And he will die all alone like this¡­

    His soul gem shows a hint of despair as a few dots of dark impurities covers his soul gem.

    He really just wanted to start anew. Wanted to find a place he can be free from everything.

    The ogre stood in front of him.

    ¡°Keichi! Keichi! Don¡¯t give up yet! Your body is made up of magic and its¡­¡±. Kyubey wants to tell him his body and soul is separate and stuffs and wants Keichi to repair it with his soul gem and that he cannot die unless his soul gem is destroyed.

    Kyubey voice is fading. Keichi really wants to sleep right now. The pain is slowly fading somehow. Along with his vision.

    While his vision is blurred, a massive fireball hit the ogre causing it to fall backward¡­

    Keiichi¡¯s vision soon fell dark.

    ¡­

 Chapter 2: Fateful Encounter

    ¡­

    Crack*

    Sound of firewood splitting awoken Keichi.

    Keichi opened his eyes. It¡¯s quite dark. But hints of light allow him to see the fabric green roof.

    He turned his head sideways and sees he is in a tent. He tries to feel his body and found it¡¯s bandaged here and there.

    ¡°Ahhh-!¡±.

    Keichi gritted his teeth as he now felt the pain coursing throughout his body.

    Kyubey stood next to him.

    ¡®Keichi, you can turn block your sense of pain and heal your body with magic. Just feel your soul gem. You can isolate your consciousness¡¯.

    Keichi nodded and touched his soul gem. He feels the power flow, and he felt his pain senses are numbed to not feeling anything at all.

    Then he repaired his body with the soul gem. Even the twisted leg turned itself back right.

    Keichi look at his soul gem and noticed the glow faded with grimes around.

    ¡°Kyubey, my soul gems seem dim and murky¡±.

    ¡°It¡¯s because your magic can run out¡±.

    ¡®What happens if I run out¡±.

    ¡®You die¡¯.

    Kyubey state it as a matter of fact.

    Keichi felt despaired. He thought he simply can¡¯t use magic if it runs out but to hear he would die¡­ Perhaps he should have asked Kyubey for more information before making this wish.

    Note that Keichi only had fragments of dreams about events that transpired. But he doesn¡¯t know, or even remember when he transformed into a Witch. Most magical girls never knew that their ¡®death¡¯ can lead to turning into a Witch.

    ¡°How do I refill them¡­¡¯.

    Kyubey is silent.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±.

    Keichi is stupefied.

    Don¡¯t know???

    Is he saying is should just die???

    Kyubey is being honest. He is not sure if Wraith or Witch existed in this universe since Fay is the first magical boy contracted to him in this world.

    No Wraiths = No Grief Cubes.

    The ultimate outcome, might as well means Fay will become the very first Witch in this world. Kyubey thought about the whole thing.

    Since Keichi can¡¯t do anything about it for now he turns to look through the gap of the tent. But it¡¯s too small. Some light from a campfire is seen through.

    ¡°Kyubey¡­ How did I survive?¡±.

    ¡°You simply passed out from pain. You never are going to die. Unless your soul gem is destroyed¡±.

    ¡°You mean¡­?¡±.

    ¡®Your body is a construct made of magic. And your self is in the soul gem, where your soul is. Any bodily injuries, even if you are decapitated, you can heal them ¨C given you have enough magic that is.¡¯.

    The realisation dawns on Keichi. His flesh isn¡¯t human anymore.

    But he took it quite well, because there¡¯s nothing different technically speaking. It¡¯s just stronger and more convenient.

    He moves to the tent opening and poke his head out to see outside.

    ¡°You are awake!?¡±.

    A guy- a beastman with wolf ears and a fluffy tail. His skin is a bit tanned. He had his sideburn extends across his sides. He looks young yet have stubbles around his chin, and has a big bulky build. He looks manly and quite handsome.

    He looked at Keichi up and down and is shocked. He thought he would be dead much less this fine.

    After he throw a fireball to the ogre, it just fell and died. He observed the corpse and see their necks are slit and stabbed. He looked at the young teen under a fallen tree. He used his enhanced strength to lift the tree and carry the mangled body of Keichi, feeling it¡¯s still alive as he heard its heart beating and a very light breathing.

    He did his best to stop the bleeding with some blood clotting potions and healing potions and hope for the best. He never expected this however.

    The person stood in front of his just fine like he was never injured!

    ¡°How did you¡­, why are you fine¡­? ¡°.

    ¡­

    Keichi replied with silence thinking of the right response.

    ¡°N-nevermind¡±.

    Of course, since there are many magic and tales in Elysia, there are many strange things. He thought he shouldn¡¯t pry further about it.

    Seeing Keichi was silent. He continues¡­

    ¡°What are you doing in the middle of the forest? The guild already warned everyone to stay away. Thankfully it¡¯s dead. It seems to be already injured though¡­ Did you fight it?¡±.

    Keichi is formulating the words to say. He even asked Kyubey who took the liberty to sit on his head what he should say.

    He decides to act like he lost his memory.

    ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t remember¡±.

    Wain frowned. He looks at the teenage boy again. He had rare black hair and blue eyes ¨C a very rare combination. He looks quite cute too.

    ¡®Come sit here.¡¯.

    Keichi nodded and sat next to him a few metres away.

    ¡°I am Wain. My party members is dismantling the ogre¡¯s body. They would come back soon. Here.¡±.

    Wain passed a bowl of stew to him.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±.

    Keichi thought for a moment.

    ¡°Fay.¡±. He answered. He wanted a restart, a new life. Hence a new name.

    ¡°Do you remember anything else? Did you injure the ogre? Where you live?¡±.

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember¡±.

    ¡°Then do you have this with you?¡±. Wain showed him a silver tag.

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    ¡°Mmm¡­ No¡­ What is it?¡±.

    ¡®It¡¯s the adventurer identification tag. Everyone registered at the guild should have them¡­¡¯. He looked at Fay curiously.

    His skin is glistening and seems soft. His smaller body frame and slightly chubby cheeks makes his appearance more adorable. The sapphire eyes are very beautiful constating his black hair.

    Wain felt he had another feeling brewing inside him but he holds himself back. He thought Fay is a girl but when he bandaged him, he noticed he had that part. He reminds himself he¡¯s a guy, and Fay is also a guy. But he can¡¯t help it but look at Fay again.

    ¡°¡­ Thank you, for saving me¡±. Fay looks at Wain with grateful eyes.

    ¡®Hahha. Don¡¯t mention it.¡¯.

    Wain blushed a little. He involuntarily had to pat Ray¡¯s head.

    ¡®Ah. Sorry. I felt like you are like my little brother haha¡¯. Wain laughed out his embarrassment. Still a blush forms on his cheeks.

    ¡®It¡¯s okay¡­¡¯. Fay liked it actually¡¯.

    ¡°Are you really fine? Does it hurt anywhere?¡±.

    ¡®I am fine really¡­¡±.

    ¡°Okay.¡±.

    ¡­

    Fay curiously looks at Wain. His wolf like ears, the side burn extending to his ears. And his stubbles. He looks so¡­ manly, so masculine. As if he could protect him from danger. Very much his type.

    He observes the tail behind Wain wagging here and there slightly. It looks very cute.

    Wain noticed the gaze and looked back. They locked eyes, for a second or so, before Fay turned his eyes away.

    Wain felt his heart stops for a moment. Such pretty eyes got highlighted due to his black hair. With Wain noticing Fay had eyed him, he went to ask.

    ¡°You are¡­?¡±.

    ¡®I am Wain?¡±.

    ¡°I mean¡­ Your ears and tail¡­¡±.

    ¡®Oh. I am a beastman from the wolf tribe. I was born here actually. My parents travelled from Beastia to this kingdom to start a new life or something¡¯.

    ¡®... I see¡¯.

    Fay can¡¯t help but keep looking at his ears and fluffy tail. It¡¯s so fluffy. He remembers he has a cat, Yuki. An orange cat he found scavenging the garbage can outside his house.

    Wain noticed Fay is looking at his tail. He embarrassedly moves his tail closer to Fay.

    Fay is surprised and look at Wain.

    While he¡¯s blushing, and can¡¯t look at Fay directly, he said

    ¡®You can touch it if you want. A lot of people are curious after all¡¯.

    Fay happily touches it. Feeling the soft fur. He remembered his cat once again. He pats the fluffy tail.

    He forgets it¡¯s a tail of a person as he sniffed it like he sniffed his cat and buried his face into it. It¡¯s smelled like Kentucky fried chicken for some reason. He missed the fast-food branch. Kyubey who''s sitting on Fay''s head only silently watch.

    Wain face is as red as tomato. Normally touching tails is only for lover. And for him to¡­ Do this. Wain heart is beating really fast. It felt like Fay is seducing him. He even had a rising that is not the shield hero feeling Fay sniffing his tail.

    But he lets Fay do all that. He likes his touch.

    ¡®Bro. Damn¡¯.

    Suddenly a guy with brown hair and brown eyes come out of nowhere. He first had a shocked expression, then had a curious, seemingly dirty smile.

    The initial shock is seeing the young cute guy is alive after all that. The second curious expression because he sees something quite interesting.

    ¡°A-ah- Trevor¡±. Wain embarrassedly pulled his tail away from Fay.

    Fay also realised the tail is Wain¡¯s. He felt embarrassed that he overdoes it. Fay noticed Trevor. He¡¯s also of similar big build like Wain. He seems to be carrying a large shield on his back.

    ¡®Heyy. I am Trevor, this dog¡¯s party member. He didn¡¯t force you to¡­ Do anything didn¡¯t he?¡¯. Trevor eyes Wain.

    He knew the culture of beastman. And seeing Fay even sniffing and burying his face into it is something quite intriguing. Not to mention tonight is a full moon.

    ¡®No¡­?¡¯, Fay innocently said.

    ¡°Haha. No, he¡¯s just curious to see my tail that¡¯s all¡±.

    ¡®Ah¡­ Sorry Wain. It¡¯s so soft and ¡­smells good. I forgot its¡­ your tail¡¯.

    Wain had his heart paused again.

    Trevor smiled seeing this cute couple. He asked about his injuries and Fay simply said it¡¯s magic.

    Soon another 3 come along. Red haired girl Lisa, a blonde male elf Elvis and another short white-haired girl with a witch hat, Amber.

    They went to do disassemble the ogres useful parts like its bones, horns and most importantly, it¡¯s magic crystal.

    Supposedly, Wain with his wolf sense should detect the ogre and they should all go to subdue it. But somehow Wain comes back with this young man, with horrifying injuries telling them the ogre is dead.

    After an interrogation session, they decided to leave the camp seeing Fay is fine back to the town Angis.

    The town is what you would see in a medieval fantasy setting. No high-rise buildings. Only a few buildings is 2 floor height. Some structure is made from wood entirely while some uses stone as its foundation.

    Since it¡¯s nighttime, they went to check in to the inn they were staying.

    ¡°Wain, you stay with Fay for tonight¡±. Trevor said so with a devil smile.

    Wain nodded and keep a stoic face.

    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be a problem, right?¡±. Trevor teases him. As Wain¡¯s closest friend from the town, he knew a special peculiarity of the wolf tribe.

    ¡°No of course not¡±. Wain keep a stoic face again. But in truth, his heart wasn¡¯t calm at all.

    During the full moon, which is tonight, his friend Wain is particularly sensitive and- okay he¡¯s very easy to be sexually stimulated.

    Considering Fay had encountered such a terrifying monster and injured close to death, they get one more room.

    So, Lisa (red girl) and Amber (white girl) shared a room, while Trevor and Elvis (elf) shared another room. 4 men in one room is a bit too tight after all.

    Unfortunately, there¡¯s no double bed and only a single bed.

    Everyone went to their rooms to get sleep.

    ¡°Mmm¡­ Fay, you can sleep on the bed. I can sleep on the floor here¡±.

    ¡®N-no. I can sleep on the floor. You helped a lot already¡¯.

    ¡®Hey. You had a rough night. Just get some rest.¡¯

    Fay is quiet, sitting on the wooden chair in the room. His cloths is drenched in his blood and don¡¯t want to dirty the room much.

    Wain took off his dirty clothes, revealing his toned and built muscles. Quite a lot of spares brown hairs all over his chest. More hairs on his stomach, going down his crotch. Thick hairs seen under his armpits. He sees a part of his peach under the fluffy tail.

    Fay really can¡¯t help it but steal glances. So¡­ Hot¡­

    Wain of course noticed the gaze and can¡¯t say anything. He¡¯s particularly in heat this very might and noticing the cutie stealing glances at his body is making his son excited.

    He turned his back; afraid Fay sees it. He took off his pants while wearing his towel and went to the bath.

    Wain thought Fay might be eyeing him.

    Maybe¡­he likes his body?

    He can try to sleep with him tonight?

    Ah! What if he¡¯s wrong?

    What if it¡¯s all in his head and he wrongfully made an assumption?

    He entered the bathroom and closed the door. As the shower turns on, he can¡¯t help it but release a part of his brewing desires.

    ¡­

    Thinking about the cute, grabbable waist Fay had, the smooth skin, the cute pinkish lips.

    The blue sapphire eyes are so beautiful. The way his hand touches his tail and sniffs them. He imagines sort of things with Fay. The image is too good he gasps and releases all his essence.

    ¡®Damn¡­¡¯.

    He cleaned himself properly and went out in his towel. He looks at Fay is still sitting there waiting.

    He dried himself and wore a set of clothes. He looked at Fay standing blankly.

    ¡®Um¡­ I don¡¯t have a towel¡¯.

    Wain realised the problem. It¡¯s already late and the innkeeper probably asleep already. He doesn¡¯t want to disturb the poor old woman.

    ¡°Here¡±. He simply passed his towel to him. Although a bit dam, it¡¯s alright.

    Fay nodded. He took off his bloodied shirt and pants. Revealing the soft clear skin he had. No body hair to be seen, except some short hairs on his armpits and a bit on his crotch.

    Wain gulped his saliva. The pinkish accessory on his chest. The slender arms.

    He looked away, and steal another glance.

    Wain wants to have a taste...

    Ah! He¡¯s really going crazy. Damning the wolven heritage he had.

    Fay went to the bath in his towel with Kyubey on his head as usual.

    ¡®Kyubey¡­ Do you have any idea how to replenish my magic?¡¯.

    ¡°Since the ogre, seemingly having an energy signature comparable to a Wraith , has been taken down why not ask Wain if it drops a Grief Cube or something similar.¡±.

    Fay nodded. He cleaned himself as dried blood melts away from his body. He also washes Kyubey. Unlike his cat Yuki, Kyubey is very calm. He went out of the bath when he finished.

    Wain who had simply placed a blanket on the floor steal a glance again.

    The soft white skin¡­ The pinkish d¨¦cor¡­

    He¡¯s damned. A tower rises.

    Fay stood quietly there.

    ¡°W-Wain¡­ I don¡¯t have any clothes¡­¡±. Fay fidgeted his fingers, feeling quite embarrassed.

    ¡®O-oh¡¯. Wain finally realised.

    He took out a set of clothes for him. Fay wears them. It¡¯s very big, oversized enough to see Fay¡¯s collarbone.

    Gulped. Fay looks very cute this way.

    He can¡¯t do this anymore really. He wants it. He keeps looking at Fay with desire and look away. Occasionally stealing glances.

    He wonders if he should initiate it somehow, in case he wants it too.

    Fay went to lay on the single bed. Turning around here and there. Wain closed his eyes, trying to sleep on the floor covered with a blanket. But the tower is standing and demanding.

    ¡°Wain¡­ We can sleep together if you don¡¯t mind¡­¡±. Fay poke his head to the bed side, looking at Wain laying on the floor.

    Badump, badump.

    Wain sits up straight and look at Fay.

    ¡°Sure¡±. He kept a straight face and stood up and crawled next to Fay. Of course, he¡¯s a man with desire.

    Badump badump.

    Fay had a bad day truly. He felt close to death. And it¡¯s the worse pain he ever felt, physically speaking. More than when he tried to slit his wrists before.

    Although he wanted to be free, he felt scared honestly in this unfamiliar but dangerous place.

    He felt a fluffy tail next to him. He thought it¡¯s Kyubey so he caressed it.

    Huh? It¡¯s long. Too long.

    He realised it¡¯s Wain¡¯s. He¡¯s sleeping sideways facing away from him.

    ¡®Sorry¡­ I thought¡¯.

    He wanted to say it¡¯s Kyubey but since he can¡¯t see Kyubey, he can¡¯t explain it either.

    ¡°Its¡­ Soft¡­¡±. He gave an excuse.

    Wain gulped. Is he¡­ Seducing me?

    He can¡¯t help it anymore and turned around.

    ¡°You can, touch it if you want¡±. He moved his tails over his body close to Fay. His heart is beating fast, close to exploding. They are now sleeping sideways facing each other.

    Fay felt, this hot man, facing him like this making him felt particularly excited. Still, taking the opportunity, he caresses and hug the tail.

    Wain¡¯s tower is standing and already excited over the limit.

    He can¡¯t control himself anymore. He went closer to Fay, his legs intertwining his. His hand crossed over Fay''s body, essentially hugging him.

    Fay was surprised at this sudden affection.

    He gulped. He looked at Wain. And Wain looks at him. They both agreed with their eyes, they want each other.

    Fay moved closer and give him a hug. With his other hand, he touches the crease between the sculpted chest.

    Their hearts beating fast for each other. Their desires reaching their limit.

    A night to be remembered happened.

    ¡­

 Chapter 3: New Life

    Knock3.

    Wain is awoken from the knock.

    The door opens.

    Shit! He forgot to lock the door!

    Lisa, Amber, Trevor, and Elvis was surprised at the scene.

    Two of these guys naked on a single bed, hugging each other.

    Wain sat up straight, followed by Fay who awoken by the movement. He sees a group of people staring at them. He pulled up a blanket and close his face.

    ¡°S-sorry for disturbing.¡±.

    Trevor sends a huge smile and closes the door. Amber who had always been a quiet person screamed in excitement while covering her face, even weirding out Lisa.

    Kyaaaa!!!

    Fay and Wain didn¡¯t speak much. They are both embarrassed and feeling awkward. As wain get out of bed, he used his hand hide his tower standing due to morning problem.

    Fay caught a glimpse of it. Last night it¡¯s too dark to see. He can only feel the outline. But seeing it, he gulped.

    As wain stood and crouch to get his pants that he threw too far away, Fay eyed the cake beneath the fluffy tails. He gulped.

    He turned his eyes away. Wain throws Fay¡¯s shirt (Wain¡¯s oversized shirt) to Fay. He wears his pants but it really is too big.

    Wain gives him a simple rope and he use it as a belt of sort.

    They went out to see the group standing outside, waiting for them.

    ¡°Hahaha. Wilding huh?¡±. Trevor smirked making fun of them.

    ¡®S-shut up¡¯. Wain quietly muttered.

    Lisa and amber hurriedly flock to Fay.

    ¡°Fay, he didn¡¯t force you, right? If you need to talk to someone, sisters will listen.¡±. They eyed Wain, obviously not trusting him because he is in fact quite a playboy because he confessed his liking to both Lisa and Amber once.

    ¡®Ah¡­ No¡­¡¯.

    Fay is red with embarrassment while scratching his neck. Seeing this they all went quiet about this and get breakfast. Wain is distant and don¡¯t talk to Fay the entire time. While Fay is always quiet.

    Everyone could see they are both awkward with each other.

    Elvis spoke.

    ¡®Fay needs a new cloth it seems. Let¡¯s get him new one before going to the guild.¡¯

    Elvis is naturally a calm person as a long-lived race. He¡¯s already seen a lot of things after all.

    Wain looked at how cute Fay looked in his baggy clothes. He remembered how good the night is. More than any women he ever slept with. Remembering last night, he really wants to do it again.

    Wain turned his eyes away again. He wonders what Fay thinks.

    As for Fay. He felt it¡¯s unreal. Of course, he likes it. Although Wain is a stranger and he just met, but after such an emotional roller coaster of being close to death, and the first person he saw is Wain who happens to be hot, you could say Wain friendship meter directly filled up to 30% from 0%.

    Although he only met Wain, but he¡¯s handsome and definitely his type.

    Kyubey who¡¯s sitting on the table occasionally taking a bite from Fay¡¯s food have no comment.

    For him emotions are something he can¡¯t feel nor understand. But he does theoretically know how humans have attractions towards the opposite sex is to reproduce although sometimes there are differences but that¡¯s normal in any organisms as variants are inevitable.

    He doesn¡¯t really care personally.

    ¡°Kyubey.. did you see¡­.¡±.

    Fay remembered Kyubey as he sees him stole a bite from his sausage.

    ¡®I did observe for a while. I don¡¯t have the capacity to understand nor judge it, you don¡¯t have to feel embarrassed. It is quite interesting to see how men copulate, however¡¯.

    Kyubey said it nonchalantly.

    Fay ears went red, thinking Kyubey is watching what they were doing in bed.

    They finished eating and went to the nearby clothing store. Amber and Lisa went together to the store to play dress up Fay.

    Fay hesitantly had to play along.

    They tried various clothing¡¯s. Upon Fay request, they relent and get Fay a simple white button shirts with a simple brown pants. They also get a few sets for him.

    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±.

    Fay had in his mind he will have to pay for everything back to them. They helped him a lot and it leaves him feeling guilty.

    They went to the adventurer. After few minutes they finally got invited to a private room with a crystal ball inside. Fay went to place his hand on them.

    The girl frowned, because it meant Fay hadn''t registered in any adventure guild in the human kingdom at least.

    She suggested he register as an adventurer as it could provide him with an identity card. She gave him a form to fill. Somehow, he understands and can write in their world language courtesy of the goddess of course. He writes that he had an encounter with an ogre and lost his memory of his origin and his hometown.

    The woman just let it be and still gives him an identity tag as he got few people testifying, he''s not a harmful person or people working in the dark areas. Not that she would believe such a cutie would be so shady.

    -----------------

    Name: Fay

    Adventurer rank: Low Copper

    Age: 16.

    Elemental Affinities:

    Profession:

    Skills:

    Spells:

    ----------------

    The information that Fay can put is for other adventures and the guild to see when it comes to hiring for certain tasks. It''s like a quick resume for adventurers. Although the downside is that, people can lie on the profession, skills, and spells they learned since no one regulates it.

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    As for the elemental Affinities, they had to check using a magic artifact only owned by the adventurer guild or the Mages Association.

    The woman brought another crystal. This time it''s translucent and whitish in colour.

    She asked Fay to channel his mana. Fay don''t know how to channel his mana. But he felt like by instinct, the crystal ball is trying to suck out something from him. He let it suck it out.

    Soon the crystal ball had lights flickering here and there in 2 colours. Green and blue.

    A dual element. Very good. The woman nods in satisfaction. About 30% of people have dual attribute, and less than 5% have triple and even lesser those who have more.

    What is interesting is the intensity of those blue and green is very bright indicating very high affinity for both elements. This is very rare even for dual elements.

    She added the information to Fay''s tag.

    Elemental Affinities: Wind (High), Water (High)

    It''s done. As for the skills occupation or whatnot, Fay don''t know yet.

    As they are done registering, and seeing how clueless Fay looks, they decide to let Wain teach him anything necessary.

    While they are party members, it''s not that frequent they went to get a quest together. After all, smaller individual quests that can be done alone or in pairs is more efficient.

    Only for subjugation of difficult beast would they team up as 5. Otherwise, normal beasts would just take 2 or 3 or them so their party is quite flexible. Everyone decides to take simple quests while leaving Wain and Fay by themselves.

    "Umm... I don''t know much about... The jobs here...".

    "Uh... Anything you are particularly good at? Any magic? Or you know about herbs and stuffs? Alchemy?"

    Fay just swings his head sideways.

    This is troublesome. How did he live all this time? His memory lost is to that extent? He remembered about Fay''s injuries that healed in an instant.

    ''You can use healing magic?''.

    "Uh... It''s more like regeneration. I can only heal myself".

    Hmm... Wain felt troubled. There''s an option for Fay to...fight like a madman since his regeneration magic is so potent it healed him from close to death to full.

    But seeing Fay cute small stature, and the scream he heard back in the forest, he don''t want Fay to go that route.

    Of course, Wain couldn''t simply just take care of a whole other person. He''s not a saint, and it''s not like he loves Fay... Although he does want to date him. Or just be friends with benefits.

    Kyubey on Fay''s head tells him to ask about space magic. Since Fay can use it even without transforming. Fay can access an empty space through his portal while minimal magic unit. The space seems endless as he had tested secretly in the bathroom.

    "I know space magic". Fay said.

    Wain opened his eyes wide.

    "Space magic!?". It''s unbelievable.

    Wain dragged Fay to a secluded corner.

    ''Can you show me?''.

    Fay nodded and conjures a white illusory portal. He inserted his hand into it, and took it out.

    "I can store many things there". Fay explained while pushing a leather bag amber and Lisa bought him into it. And taking it out.

    Wain made an O shape. This is one of the rarest skills in Elysia. Of course, there''s soul, mind, and even time magic but those are only heard in stories and legendary heroes.

    The use is really good. There''s no need to bring and carry monsters¡¯ parts by hand. The tents, their foods, all monster¡¯s meat and parts can be brought and stored fresh.

    And merchants would definitely kidnap Fay to make him work for them. Not to mention even smuggling things will be so easy if Fay wants to do illegal jobs.

    "How about other skills?".

    Fay mentions his high dual affinities. Water and wind.

    "Hmm you can learn magic later from mage association branch. Or you can ask amber. She''s a water magician but well... I think you should go to the association".

    After all, asking for someone who''s barely an acquaintance to teach you something they pay for with their money and hard work is rude.

    "Yes, I understand.".

    Fay added,

    "Oh and... I can attack as well".

    Wain didn''t understand.

    Fay simply opened 2 portals, 30 cm away from each other. Fay pokes a finger on one portal and the finger went out from the other portal.

    Wain made another O, even bigger this time. He knows the potential is endless.

    "How long is your range, and how long you can maintain this.".

    "Uh... I can maintain it as long as I have mana". Fay calls the energy within his soul gem mana. It''s actually a different type of energy though and can''t replenish naturally like mana in his body.

    As for the distance.

    "It''s about 20 meters away maximum".

    ''So, you really did injure the ogre...''. he finally convinced. He can guess how he did it.

    "Oh right... This is the magic stone from the ogre. You deserved it since it''s already close to death when I killed it".

    Kyubey on Fay''s head suddenly spoke.

    "Fay! It has similar property to a grief seed. You can replenish your magic with it".

    Fay took the crystal from Wain big rough hand.

    "Can you teleport people?".

    ''No. It takes too much mana to open a bigger space opening''.

    ''What weapon can you use?''.

    Fay thought for a moment and pulled out a white silver rapier.

    It''s such a beautiful blade as if it''s made by magic.

    Who is this guy who can use crazy regeneration magic, can use space magic and now this rapier that seems a dwarf craft them for a noble?

    ''Emm... I don''t really know how to use it well. I just swing it across the portals and hit the ogre''.

    Wain understands the circumstances. It''s already overpowered in a sense.

    "How about using a bow?".

    Fay opened his eyes wide at this idea. Kyubey told him he can make a bow with magic. But to avoid suspicion he says he doesn''t have a bow.

    Wain asked Fay to come with him to do a simple beast hunting. Any beast really.

    Usually, beasts found around the perimeter of the forest are weaker and a lot of it is edible like the large horned hare, boars and giant chickens.

    So, Fay went to follow Wain out of town. 15 minutes of walking and they soon arrived at the perimeter of the forest. Soon he found a track in the ground and found a boar nearby.

    They stealthily walk around the first and soon found the boar, munching on some mushrooms.

    "Okay, Fay, you try to use your ability".

    Fay nodded. Fay took out his rapier.

    He wanted to stab it a space in front of him but suddenly wain stops him.

    "Fay, here''s how to hold your sword better".

    Wain shows him how he handles his sword. Although it''s not a rapier, but principle is the same. To use all your muscle in your swing and thrusts.

    Fay nodded and tried to swing it.

    Wain went closer and held Fay''s soft arms, guiding him the way to swing.

    Fay is slightly touched. Wain too actually. But he kept a stoic face.

    "Now try".

    Fay took a deep breath and assumes a posture. He lunged, 10 meters away from boar to stab the air-

    Instantly 2 portals appear in front of Fay sword as it''s thrusting forward and the blade went though the other portal appeared right in front of the boar, causing the rapier to stab its forehead.

    The blade reaches it skull and it stops moving. The boar keeps crying in pain and flaying around. Fay rapier keeps shaking as it hit the edges of the portal as if it''s hitting a wall. The rapier is about to break.

    Fay use both his hands to put more force and magic into the rapier, finally stabbing right into its brain causing it to stop spasming and die.

    Wain gives an incredulous look. If Fay is good enough at this, he might become an Adamantite level adventurer.

    Not to mention Fay mentioned he has high affinities for both wind and water magic. If Fay grows enough, he would be a monster with his cheat space ability.

    "Is it okay?". Fay asked Wain for his approval

    He smiled and pat Fay''s head. Kyubey had to roll off Fay''s head and jump to Fay''s shoulder to avoid being noticed.

    He jumped back onto Fay''s head once wain finished.

    "You did good. You can do so many things with your space magic. I don''t know much about it but you definitely can be a high-level adventurer".

    Wain gives an honest review.

    "Let''s hunt some more".

    Fay nodded. He hunted another boar and a large horned hair easily.

    Although he missed the vital point on the boar and had to stab it twice. It''s quite difficult because the distance of the portal conjured is far and he only relies on his magical instinct. But he felt like he started to get the hang of it.

    He tested what happens if a boar hits the small portal. It seems like it had hit a wall. It tried to poke through the portal as the tusk also came out in front of Fay, almost stabbing him. Thankfully he had taken a distance away. The portal is basically a 2-sided sword. The enemy can attack him through the same portal. This is a weakness to keep in mind.

    He also tested closing the portal while an object is still in between. when it closes, it cuts them clean. He also tested two vertical portals and let a rock fall into them.

    It falls infinitely until it reaches terminal velocity where the air resistance limits its acceleration.

    He also tried to stab a hare sideways. Fay stabs forward, but the blade comes out from the hare¡¯s side. It works wonders as it caught off guard.

    While wain is peeing on some tree, Fay took the chance to conjure his soul gem from his hairclip. He looked at dots of black impurities and how it''s dimmed.

    He took out the magic crystal he got from the ogre and contacted it to his soul gem. All the impurities got absorbed as the magic crystal lost some of its sheen and became darker.

    Kyubey theories the monsters are a sense of a part Wraith because it has negative energy mixed with the foreign energy called mana, creating the monsters. And this magic crystal has property of a grief seed.

    Fay felt like his magic power in his soul gem is replenished instantly and it glows as bright as new.

    He unconjured his soul gem back into his hairclip.

    Wain is done with his business and they went to butcher the meats near the river. While the butcher can do it but that means losing money. They can do it themselves.

    Wain taught Fay how to remove their blood properly by hanging, butcher them, how to skin them and wash them properly and wrap them in leaves.

    They would sell it to the butcher or eat it themselves usually unless there''s a specific request from adventurer guild for the meats although it''s usually from the nobles asking for ridiculous beast meats.

    But since Fay is here, he asked if he could keep all the meat and leather in his space. Fay of course allows it naturally. Now they don''t need to carry so much anymore.

    They went back to town in the afternoon and sell most of it to the butcher and then keep a portion of the boar to ask the chef to cook it as they went to get their lunch.

 Chapter 4: Reasons

    "Wain. How did you start to work as adventurer ".

    Fay wanted to talk to him so he asked such a question.

    "My parents were working hard as one when I was little. And I happened to have Strength Enhancement skill and good enough fire affinity. I figured I should just be an adventurer too".

    Fay nodded. If you re born with that particular talent, then just do what''s easiest for you.

    ''Fay. Do you really, lost your memory?''.

    Wain did have some doubts. It felt like something is off.

    Fay hesitated for a moment. He asked Kyubey if he should tell him the truth. Because he felt like wain is trustworthy.

    ''Just do as you wish'', Kyubey said.

    Fay decides to say a bit about himself.

    "I do remember...".

    Wain looked at Fay in surprise. He didn''t expect Fay to tell him.

    "I just want to have a restart at life. I leave my hometown behind, leaving everything behind. I even changed my name. I ran away. I end up in that forest somehow".

    Wain hears it with compassion. And he felt closer to Fay now that he opened up to him.

    "Why?".

    ''I just, can''t find a way out. No matter what I try... I can''t. So, I just... Escape. I want to forget and moves on, living the life that I dreamed of. In a sense I escaped reality... literally...''.

    ''I see''.

    "Umm... If you want to talk about things, I can hear you out". Wain scratched his cheeks.

    Fay felt touched at the care.

    ''Thank you. I don''t really like to talk about them. But... If I need to, someday, I hope I don''t trouble you too much"

    ¡°It''s fine it''s fine. We are friends.¡±. Wain leaned closer and pat Fay''s head.

    ''Wain do you, have a girlfriend?''.

    Fay fidgets his fingers out of nervousness. He did like Wain.

    Hearing the question, he felt his heart beat a little differently.

    He broke up with his latest ex a month ago. So, he is indeed single.

    "I am by myself for now". He said calmly, keeping a stoic face

    ''I see ...''.

    What followed is silence. Wain is wondering should he ask to be his girl- boyfriend(?) [At times he forgot Fay is male and subconsciously treats him like he''s a female].

    Why is Fay silent? He asked the question so... Doesn''t he want to be my boyfriend?

    Wain is getting nervous by the second.

    "Umm... Where do I learn to gather herbs?".

    Wain is surprised at this question because it''s truly out of nowhere. Yes Fay is sooo nervous he had to change the topic.

    "The guild sells a simple guide on it. But you can read them in the library for free".

    Fay nodded. He told Wain he wanted to go to the library and so, he showed him around town while at it.

    Wain felt like he had lost the opportunity to tell him he likes him.

    Wain looks at Fay as he looks around the market he''s at. It feels like a date.

    Wain tails wag for awhile. Spending time like this, he felt quite happy.

    Fay felt thankful for wain to make him feel more safe and secure in this unknown place.

    He has no money and no one. It''s really difficult than he imagined. He has no jobs and no idea how to make a living. Even the pain he got when the ogre almost killed him is unbearable... He''s afraid of such injuries again.

    But at least he knows he can isolate his consciousness fully in his soul gem so his senses become dull and he won''t feel pain anymore.

    It''s not easy still. He was naive.

    "Wain...".

    Wain looked at Fay.

    "Thank you, for everything". Fay shyly said it.

    "Ah no. It''s nothing really". Wain wags his tail more.

    Wain saw a nearby stall selling flowers. He had a desire to buy them for Fay, but hold himself back because they aren''t that close yet, he thinks. They had a one-night stand as it is but that''s... Just a one-night stand.

    Fay looks at Wain. He''s such a reliable person. Helped him through things. Guided him. And he''s handsome. His ears and tails look cute as well. And he is very hot in bed... Fay fidgets, feeling a bit nervous being with wain.

    Wain noticed the gaze. They both looked at each other''s with some feelings brewing inside.

    Fay looked away, embarrassed. But Wain felt that Fay do feel the same affection. He had dated a lot of women and know that look.

    The kind of true affectionate look that is very rare. Only when someone truly likes him that he sees that look. He too knew his feelings, that he does like Fay.

    But he''s afraid to say it really. It''s a bit too short of a time to say he likes him. Fay too thinks the same.

    Wain sent him off to the library. Fay registered and took some books from the shelves.

    He read on "Introduction to Mana and Magic". And books "Basic to Wind element" and "Basics to Water element".

    The magic system is basically programming that you chanted, that''s what Fay concluded. But Fay naturally has zero idea about programming nor what language is it using.

    The basic book contains simple spells like Breeze and Blow for the wind element, and Water conjuration and water stream. All of it are useless in combat and only do some soft wind or to make water and is simply the simplest spells to use as an example.

    Even the most basic combat spell should be bought with money from the nearest branch of Mage association. Knowledge can''t be free. After all, those who made new spells need to be rewarded as well. Of course, you can always ask your dear mage friends to teach you no one is stopping your or them really.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    But it''s something people pay and not many are simply giving things for free. It''s like asking to share your Netflix account but you don''t pay for any of it. People would definitely stop talking to you.

    When he keeps turning the page, Fay realised there''s something wrong.

    Because he remembers the book perfectly. As if his memory is enhanced ever since becoming a magic user.

    "Kyubey, did my brain become better?".

    ''Naturally. Since as a magic user you need to fight Wraiths, we made durable bodies and faster and stronger brain to process information".

    Fay nodded. That makes sense. But he still feels a bit weirded out that his body isn''t human.

    "Fay. What is your plan in this world".

    Kyubey suddenly ask. He''s genuinely curious. Since he got his wish to live in another world granted, be wanted to ask.

    "I just want to start anew..."

    "You know Kyubey. I had thought about wishing to reset time, to change people, and to control fate. But through the dreams I had, I know it''s useless.¡±.

    Kyubey is silent. While he has no idea how those dreams are relevant, but he knew the reason for Fay¡¯s wish naturally. It''s because of his last lover, Ryo.

    Given the circumstances... Ryo took his own life.

    He blamed Fay for causing him to love him. It''s bizarre in Kyubey''s opinion. Because if he loves Fay, why would he do that? He really can''t understand human emotions.

    "But I realised I can''t change it... I might need at least 2 wishes for that to happen as I wanted. And I don''t have enough ''karmic potential'', whatever that is¡± ...

    "So, I just... I want to move on, move away from my past and everyone that contributes to it. And I want to live freely as I dreamed it as. To go doing quests with new friends, enjoying the scenery, enjoying freedom. I know it''s selfish of me but... I was done trying really".

    ''I see.''. Kyubey didn''t respond much.

    Fay continued to read the book lighting fast speed.

    He tried to cast Water Conjuration and conjure water into the space portal. Then tried Breeze, cashing a soft wind hitting his face.

    He moves on to see an old tattered book.

    He curiously takes a look at it.

    " Relationship to the elements of the world - fusion magic hypothesis".

    The topic fusion magic sounds interesting.

    He reads through and the researcher focused on how the building blocks of the world is created from a combination of basic elements and the special magic in the legends like wood, lava, corrosive, crystal, and ice magic is derived from a certain ratio of elements.

    Ice magic... He read now it''s a combination of water and wind magic.

    Although the method is unknown to the author, the magic association may have a grimoire for it.

    He immediately heads to the branch of Mage association. It''s basically a library full of books. He went to the old man with spectacle in front asking about the price to get a basic combat spell.

    It costs 3 silver coins! That''s like selling 12 boars!

    ''uhh... Nevermind...''.

    The old man of course noticed this.

    "If you are talented, we do lend one basic spell for each high affinity you have! You just need to give us your issued identity card".

    Since all the guilds are pretty much connected, it''s easy to chase people to collect debts.

    But anyways, to prevent the hassle they do lend it to talented ones only since it''s more likely they are able to use the skill for work and pay it.

    Fay retested his magic affinities as the old man nods at the rare dual high affinities. He gave 2 scrolls that contain Wind cutter and Water Bullet. That''s 6 silver coins.

    Fay shuddered at how much boars he had to hunt. 24 boars... Never mind. Given how he can hunt them alone, easier now, it should be relatively simple. And he can do other quests like killing a proper monster.

    Fay sits quietly and read through them. The chants are instantly imprinted on his mind due to his enhanced brain.

    After 5 minutes, he stood up and asked the old man again.

    "ummm... Do you have magic for ice magic. Like, wind and water fusion magic".

    The old man had a thoughtful look. It''s rare for someone to ask about fusion magic. Because no one can use them. He knows there''s a grimoire passed down thousands of years ago by the Frost Sage. As for other fusion magic, he''s not informed much but there should be some passed down by a legend or something.

    "We don''t have them here. Fusion magic, while it''s not restricted or anything since no one can use them, but it''s a rare knowledge. You can get them at the capital. And it''s incomplete because it''s worn down through time. And it can be very expensive. Not to mention you might not be able to use it. I heavily recommend you stay away from it"

    The old man knows what the young cute guy is thinking. Since he has wind and water affinities maybe he can use ice magic! - It''s good to have a dream but it''s not so simple. He only hopes he doesn''t waste a few gold coins to buy an incomplete spell he can''t even use...

    "How much does it cost...?".

    ''It should be no less than a gold coin, no more than 10.''.

    Fay nodded and calculated how many pigs he needed to kill. Too many... He might disrupt the ecosystem.

    "Do I have to return the scrolls?".

    ''You don''t have to return them since its just a copy we sell''.

    "But you CAN return them to get some cashback for the paper and ink. It''s still cost a bit to copy things so it saves us a bit".

    "Oh. Okay here". Fay hand over the 2 scrolls he had been given 6 minutes ago.

    "Mmm?". The old man is confused. Why is he giving it back. Did he give up?

    "If you can''t seem to understand them, I can suggest a good teacher for a beginner like you¡±.

    "no no. I want to sell them back."

    ????

    ''you finished them already?''.

    "uhh. Yes?".

    ???

    Did he found a new sage like in the legends or is he just too ashamed to admit he can''t understand the basic spell.

    "ehem. But you still have the pay for the 6 silver coins alright. We also have interest of 20% every month.".

    Fay nodded. The old man takes away the scrolls and give Fay 38 copper coins for it.

    Wait... Is he a fraud that make them lend scrolls, then sell them back to essentially get free money? What is this?

    He eyes Fay up and down. He looks too innocent for such a scam. Not to mention for a mere 38 copper coins.

    He shook his thoughts away. He just hopes he pays them otherwise his superior would nag him.

    Fay remembered be originally wanted to learn about herbs. He forgot about it. So he went back to the library.

    His brain absorbs things very fast. Kyubey also read along with Fay. Kyubey also requests Fay to take out all books on all elements. He shrugs and just gives it to Kyubey to read.

    In fact, Kyubey, being a technologically advanced race, can infer from the chants used in the spells based on programming language and he can derive new spells from them based on theory.

    Kyubey wags his tail as he reads. The foreign energy is called mana. He wonders if it can solve entropy, heat death of the universe back on his home universe.

    He wonders if the other kyubeys could find a way here. Since they could observe, and therefore, measure, and therefore experiment with the spatial crack across universe, perhaps they could someday. In a sense kyubey is readying himself for that day so he can share his knowledge directly through the hive.

    "kyubey. Have you tried using magic?".

    Kyubey didn''t blink and stared at Fay with his red round eyes.

    "Yes. I can use them".

    ???

    "Why didn''t you tell me".

    "Because it''s not my scope as the incubator. And you never asked. And not to mention, you aren''t my contractor".

    Oh. That makes sense. Kyubey is simply being thrown into the universe. And it''s the foreign God who makes a contract with me. Kyubey had zero obligation towards me.

    "so uhh... Why are you around me then".

    ''I don''t really have anywhere to go''. He said, blankly staring at Fay.

    "And you don''t mind, do you?".

    ''I like your company kyubey. Because you are cute''.

    "I don''t have feelings to appreciate the term cute, but thank you.".

    ''So, uh... What element can you use?''.

    "All of it". Kyubey stated as a matter of fact.

    ''You tried?''.

    "Yes".

    Fay waited for more explanation but there''s none.

    "How do you know the spells?".

    ¡®I derived them from the 2 scrolls you just reads. But it''s only basic. I need more access on more spells to make complicated ones as there''s lack of information on the language they use¡¯.

    Fay made an O shape with his mouth. What is this? A magical beast pet of SSS rank? Making basic spells of other elements from 2 basic scrolls? Fay is bewildered.

    ''Wait so you can help me with combat then''.

    "Yes. But I am not obligated to".

    Fay only sighed. That sounds right.

    "But since you asked, I will. Although I don''t care about my life, since I am here I might just live with you.".

    Kyubey stared at Fay with its round eyes. Fay felt touched and gave kyubey a pet and sniffed his fur. It smells like nothing, literally nothing. Never mind.

    "Thank you kyubey". Fay sent his thanks through his mind.

    "Welcome". Kyubey replied with his neutral tone but cute voice.

    "But there''s a problem. I only have one body. If a fatal injury comes, I will ''die''".

    ''You don''t have to push yourself too far''.

    "You can give me the magic stone. I can use its energy and the magic residual energy it absorbs from you to create another body. You can give me more magic stones for me to modify my body to be capable of storing and producing more mana as well".

    "uhh...okay".

    Fay decides to give kyubey the slightly dark magic stone from the ogre. Kyubey swallows it whole. He stared into the air for a few seconds, before suddenly he split into two smaller kyubeys.

    ???

    "This will do". Both of the small kyubeys spoke at the same time.

    "Wait so you guys are... The same kyubey?".

    "We share the same mind, like a network". Said one of the kyubey.

    Fay opened his mouth again in surprise. He learns something new about kyubey each time. (Author note: oh he would be surprised...)

    So if he had a thousand kyubeys, who''s invisible to the normal people''s eyes, isn''t that basically the greatest information network.

    Given that kyubey is willing to work with him of course, since he had said he''s not obligated to him. He doesn''t want to trouble kyubey too much.

    One of the kyubey slipped out and went outside.

    "Where is he going?".

    ''Walk around''. Kyubey replied simply.

    Fay shrugs it off and keeps reading the books.

    Hours passed. He read on things including monster¡¯s encyclopedia, basic to alchemy, geography books and history of Elysia just out of curiosity.

    There''s so many things that Fay want and need to know in this new world. Thankfully, he found new friends quickly just as he arrived here.

 Chapter 5: Kyubeys Scheming

    As Fay is heavily absorbed and lost sense of reality, a figure came to him while he was reading a book. He whispered to Fay''s ear, surprising him.

    "Fay. We are going to get dinner. Let''s go".

    It''s Wain. He''s too absorbed reading he didn''t realise he is here.

    Wain looked at the table with bunch of opened books. He swears he sees one of the pages turning by itself at the corner. Maybe it''s the wind.

    Fay quickly placed all the books back in place. It''s rude to leave them after all.

    Wain took a book and browsed it while waiting for Fay.

    Seeing Fay is done they both went out to meet the other party members in a restaurant.

    Fay noticed the usually quiet Amber is looking at him, and at Wain. As if she had something playing in her mind. It''s a mystery really.

    Fay took out most of the money he had got from his shares hunting some beast that afternoon and gave it to Lisa. It¡¯s to pay for the clothes and the inn rent they pay for him. They refuse it, but since Fay insisted, they still take them.

    While waiting for dinner to be served, they chat around. Fay is naturally a quiet person and he don¡¯t really know how to start to reply to conversations. But the party members know not to force Fay to speak. After all there¡¯s also another quiet member of the group, Amber.

    Trevor suddenly asked Fay, what Skills he has and if he learned spells from the Mage Association branch.

    Skills is basically what you are born with. It¡¯s like spells, but requires no chanting and use mana. There are also skills you can learn by training as well. Such as using Sword Aura where you slashed can be imbued with mana, increasing its range and potency.

    Fay is silent for a while, thinking whether he should tell them about his space magic.

    He felt closest to Wain, and so he told him without much thought.

    Wain had already told Fay that his space magic is very rare and would be sought after. He also advised him that it would be his decision to tell anyone about it.

    Fay decides to trust the party members, since they are Wain¡¯s friends.

    He explained the space magic he can use. Their mouth is wide agape.

    Space magic is one of the rarest magic in the world including other equally crazy magic like time, soul and mind magic.

    After Fay explained how he has a big space storage, and can keep as many things as he wanted, probably - they once again are amazed.

    Trevor immediately asked if he want to join their party. Although a ¡®party¡¯ is really flexible, since it¡¯s not necessary to join in missions together and even members outside of the party can just join in to do missions together, it¡¯s more like a circle of close friends or the people you really like working together with.

    Fay nodded. Since he thinks it doesn¡¯t really matter if he joined a party or not given how the system works.

    After a while food arrives. Fay got himself some flour coated deep fried chicken beast meat. It¡¯s good but it tastes generic with no unique characteristic to it. As in, he can make it himself.

    He missed KFC¡­ Or maybe McDonald¡¯s fried chicken. They have a unique oomph to them, giving them characteristic taste. He wonders if there¡¯s a restaurant that specialises in that kind of thing in this world.

    Once they are done, they were going back to the inn.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Trevor teases Fay.

    ¡°Fay, you can get your own room you know~¡±.

    Fay considers it seriously. He doesn¡¯t want to trouble Wain too much.

    As for Wain, he doesn¡¯t want to make a comment on it. He didn¡¯t know if Fay wanted to stay with him after all that. After all they slept together and it felt very awkward to stay in the same room.

    ¡®Umm¡­¡¯.

    He looked at Wain, seeing his response. Wain kept a stoic face, as if trying to not show any emotions.

    ¡°I guess I will get my own room¡±.

    Amber had a disappointment look in her face. Perhaps she¡¯s the biggest WainXFay in the entire group and had so much wild things going on in her head about them.

    Fay looks at Wain. His tail is down, and even his ears seemed to flop down a little bit.

    Trevor felt like if he hadn¡¯t suggested it, Fay would have stayed with Wain. Did he make some mistake? He even felt Wain was looking at him with an annoyance.

    Well, the die is cast and Fay gets his own room.

    ¡­

    Wain sat on his bed. Remembering how good it felt to have Fay with him. When he pats his tail, his ear, and sniffs him here and there.

    Maybe if he is a little more daring, he would have directly asked him to stay with him.

    He can only sigh. He blamed Trevor for even mentioning it.

    Neither Fay or Wain mentions they had slept together. As if it never happened. He wonders what Fay thinks. If he wanted to do it again as well.

    Fay do think about it. But he felt too awkward to be completely honest about it. If, Wain asked him however, he would agree. He likes his company after all.

    They both slept on their own, secretly missing each other¡¯s touch.

    ¡­

    A week passes while Fay do some simple missions with Wain and at times other party members like killing goblins and kobolds, harvesting specific herbs, and beast material requests. He is getting used to using his magic and his MG abilities. Fay is also quickly promoted to be a bronze level adventure. (Adventurer level as follow: Copper - Bronze - Iron - Silver - Gold - Mithril - Adamantite)

    Morning comes.

    ¡°Fay, want to join us on a beast subjugation?¡±, asked Elvis.

    He explains a Red Scaled Lizard had been terrifying the nearby Noah village, eating their livestock and causing them to be afraid to go to the woods to collect woods and herbs. The quest is placed by the local lord to the adventurer guild and the reward is quite generous.

    Fay nodded. He does remember the details of the red lizard when he read the encyclopaedia. A monster of 5 to 10 meters in length, has a hard scale and has venomous saliva and claws.

    ¡­

    [Noah village, a few days prior, at night.]

    The gigantic red lizard stretches its mouth and swallows the cow whole. It smacks its lips, enjoying the fat juicy cow.

    It hears a movement inside the wooden building. It moves its eyes and crawls towards the wooden house, staring through the window with its slit eyes.

    ¡°Shush¡­¡±. The old woman placed his finger on her granddaughter. Eli had tears in her eyes feeling the giant lizard nearby.

    She can hear it¡¯s breathing. It¡¯s right outside the window.

    They are hiding behind the bed close to it hoping it doesn¡¯t notice.

    But unfortunately, the lizard does notice. A delicious smell.

    It clawed the window with its hand and pushed its nose into it trying to break in.

    Eli wanted to cry and scream in fear.

    The grandmother took out the pitchfork she had readied herself with and stood up from her hiding. She will try to drive the beast away.

    As she stood up, the lizard let out a screeching scream and broke one of the planks of the window. He wants to get it.

    The old woman bravely stabbed its right eye. The lizard winced in pain and lunged its head towards the old woman.

    The old woman can''t dodge and had his arm bitten. The lizard didn¡¯t release its bite and flayed around until the poor woman¡¯s arm was torn off her body.

    ¡°aarrghhh!¡±. The poor woman is thrown on the wooden floor.

    ¡°Grandma!!¡°.

    Eli can¡¯t help it but went to her grandmother. The lizard had escaped the scene back into the forest.

    ¡®Grandma¡­ Grandma¡­wuuuu¡­¡¯.

    Eli cried seeing her grandmother in pain and the blood kept flowing out of her torn off arm. The end of the arm shows signs of blisters and rotting flesh due to the venom of the lizard.

    Eli tried to find a rope and tie the end of the torn off arm. But the venom is still spreading.

    ¡°Grandma¡­grandma¡­ Wuuuu¡±.

    Grandma Chen gave a weak smile to Eli.

    ¡®It¡¯s okay. Grandma is already old. I just want Eli to be happy, okay?¡±.

    She soon closed her eyes, wanting to rest.

    ¡°Grandma¡­ Wuu¡­.¡±. Eli kept crying.

    Suddenly she felt a furry thing brushed past her. She turned around to see a bunny-like thing stood on the broken window.

    ¡°I can grant you a wish for a price. In exchange you have to fight magical beasts and Wraiths for your entire life. Do you want to make a contract?¡±.

    ¡°Please, save my grandmother! I don¡¯t care what it cost me¡±.

    Eli begged the creature. She no longer cares if it¡¯s the devil. She just wants her grandma safe.

    A bright green light surrounds the girl as a bright green soul gem forms out of her soul.

    Her grandmother is also engulfed in a green light. Her torn arm grew in an instant and the injuries that she got when she was thrown into the floor visibly healed.

    ¡®Grandma!¡¯, Eli put a tear of relief. She looked at the creature with big round eyes, with its tail wagging.

    ¡°Thank you¡±.

    ¡®You are welcome. You are now contracted as a magical girl. If you have any questions, ask me anything. I will answer them. You can call me Kyubey¡±.

    ¡­

 Chapter 6: Red Scaled Lizard Subjugation

    ¡­

    Back to the present.

    Fay used his inventory space to keep all of the party members items since it does weigh a bit. There¡¯s some dried food and all. The village is nearby so they can reach them by carriage directly in the evening. And hopefully stay in one of the villagers¡¯ houses. Otherwise, they had to set up their tents.

    ¡®Kyubey, don¡¯t you worry about leaving the other kyubey?¡¯.

    ¡°No¡±.

    Fay does wonder where it went. But it shouldn¡¯t matter much since kyubey is still here. It¡¯s a bit confusing because they are both the same kyubey. Fay can only think of it as kagebunshin no jutsu from Naruto but it¡¯s actually alive.

    The journey Is smooth. They finally reached Noah village greeted by the village chief. He expressed urgency as it even dares to break into people¡¯s houses and some of them even got injured.

    ¡°Thankfully Eli recently got the skill to heal! We are definitely lucky to have someone blessed by the Gods¡±.

    The chief let out a sigh of relief. If not for Eli, some of the villagers who encounter the beast accidentally might have died. He wonders if the village would be even more prosperous after this. After all, being able to heal means to be acknowledged by the Gods. Usually only high priests and devoted believers can use Heal.

    Although the livestock it ate reduces the village income, and they would worry about winter, but at least they are still alive for now.

    Fay nodded. Thinking about how healing magic is basically a power shared by the Gods in this world. But Fay thinks that¡¯s not necessarily true. He¡¯s sure there¡¯s also healing magic that uses logic and based on biology instead of pure miracles and power of the Gods.

    The village ¡®chief led them to an empty house especially for visitors. They make themselves at home before Elvis and Wain go out to scout the area and the location of the lizard beast.

    Fay took out the potions, antidotes, and a few bags belonged to the party members. The potions are made from plants and materials with magic property. It¡¯s not as potent as healing magic from the members of the church but it¡¯s still manageable. So far, they never got any injuries that bad.

    The journey itself isn¡¯t much since they ride a carriage. But to return with the loot of monsters¡¯ corpses they would need a second carriage if the monster is big enough. But thankfully Fay is here.

    After waiting for a while, Elvis and Wain came back.

    ¡°We found its tracks and followed them. It leads to a cave nearby. It¡¯s probably resting there¡±.

    Elvis spoke,

    ¡°We should stay alert for tonight in case it went inside the village. But if it didn¡¯t, we will subjugate it at its nest¡±. The lizard is mainly nocturnal after all.

    Everyone nodded. Each member take turn scouting the village around to see any activities going on while the rest would sleep. While Wain insists Fay don¡¯t have to because it is his first time, but he refuses. He wants to do his job as a party member as well. Since they are 6 of them, it really just amounts to an hour or more of being alert so it isn¡¯t much.

    Fortunately, the night is peaceful.

    The party cook their own meal with fresh ingredients that Fay stored. After all they shouldn¡¯t trouble the villagers to feed them.

    ¡°We will move and set an ambush an hour later¡±. Elvis spoke.

    Everyone had prepared their items. The party composition is somewhat balanced except there¡¯s no healer. So far, they do just fine with potions and they never encountered a life-or-death situation. And the party never risked going for too difficult opponent either.

    The party consisted of Wain (Fire mage/Melee/Range DPS), Trevor (Tank), Lisa (Earth mage/ranged DPS/Control/Support), Amber (Water mage/ranged DPS), Elvis (Wind mage/Archer/Ranged DPS), and finally the new member Fay (Mage/Ranged DPS/Support).

    Lisa acts as the team backline cover as the Earth mage have many defensive spells to shield incoming projectile attack and can use Earth Bind onto the opponent to stop its movement.

    While Fay space magic can be used offensively, but it can be used to shield and redirect attacks so it¡¯s very useful for support as well ¨C but Fay is not used to it yet so he still needs to practice it. Since Fay can hit the monster very easily, his main role is as DPS since he can stab and slash the lizard at a safe distance. He can opt for bow and arrow and but since he never used them, using the sword is a better option.

    Trevor, as the tank, since he keeps taunting monsters in the party, he developed the specialised skill important for Tanks ¨C Aggro. He wore a full set of heavy armour and uses a very large shield. He had a short sword on his waist as well. He sprayed himself with monster attracting oil. It¡¯s made from some type of plant. With the skill and the oil, he pulls the hatred and focus of monsters towards him in few meters¡¯ radius towards him.

    He shares the aggro with Wain, somewhat. If Trevor got injured and need to use his potions Wain could take over. As a beastman, his physical strength is better than normal human overall.

    Seeing the lineup, Fay feels confident in his first monster subjugation. Although there¡¯s lack of healer but it should be fine.

    Healer is especially needed for difficult monster subjugation naturally since they reduce fatality rate significantly. They are pretty much necessary but very few had skill to heal so there¡¯s too much demand. Not to mention, parties would pay high prices for them so there¡¯s competition.

    They marched together to the cave. The lizard should be sleeping right now. Everyone is ready to face it.

    Elvis readied his arrow and use wind magic to reduce air resistance and enhance it. Wain lights up the end. The arrow is shot into the cave. As it travels, it hit lizard¡¯s body waking him up.

    Trevor knock on his shield to make sounds to attack it.

    *Rumble*2

    Fay can feel the ground vibrating from its crawling.

    The giant lizard pokes out its head. It¡¯s so big!

    Now he knows what 9 meters sized lizard looks like.

    Trevor walked backward while using his taunting skill. It rushes out to bite him!

    As the body moves out of the cave, Lisa quickly use her spell, Earth Fall causing the roof of the cave to break down closing it. This is to prevent the lizard run back into the cave. It would be difficult to fight in close tight space.

    Trevor uses his big shield to block the bite. The lizard use it claws and swipe at the shield, only causing Trevor to move slightly backward and only a scratch forms on the shield. Trevor very heavy armour prevents knockback.

    Lisa once again uses her spell. Earth Armor ¨C wrapping Trevor already thick metal armour with magic hardened rock ¨C further increasing his defence.

    With enough space, the party moves close to the monster. Elvis shoots wind enchanted arrows, manage to pierce slightly through its thick scale.

    Amber chanted her strongest piercing water spell she knows ¨C Water Jet. Magic circle forms in front of her as water is conjured and accumulates.

    Lisa also uses stone bullets since she¡¯s free. It¡¯s only a basic spell since she needs to conserve mana for emergency situation.

    Wain use flame enchantment to coat his longsword with flame magic. He sees a chance and dashed to slash at its neck. The monster unfortunately moved and the sword only manage to injure its hand. It got angry but Wain already retreated.

    Fay took the chance to take a deep breath, ready his stance. He charges up his mana to flow into his body muscles. Who have time to charge up in battle? Only Fay can do this.

    He slashes at the air with all his strength. He did a vertical slash at the air ¨C the sword went through a vertical portal as the sword appears next to the lizard¡¯s neck ¨C slitting its throat!

    Spurt!

    Critical Hit!

    The portal dissipates the instant Fay finish his downward movement. Fay luckily hit deep enough to damage its artery. The blood flows out so much. Not to mention, Fay¡¯s rapier made of MG magic is very sharp.

    The monster turned around to see who attacked it only to be more confused and enraged. If they draw out the battle, the lizard would definitely die from blood loss.

    The monster is in an enrage state however. It uses all its strength to be crazy. Even Trevor got pushed back and fell down.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Wain uses his longsword as a shield to fend off the monster attacks for a while. Wain has an agile movement and can dodge the monster erratic claws and bites.

    Fay slashes at the monster here and there through spatial slashes, only causing more and more confusion as the lizard had to turn its head to see its left and right and his behind but can¡¯t understand what the hell is hurting him. Fay also tried to use his Wind Cutter and Water Bullet through the portal, launching the projectile through another portal close to its body.

    It only leaves a scratch and give some pain to the lizard unfortunately since it really consumes little mana and it¡¯s a basic offensive spell.

    Fay also gave a lot of space for Wain by these attacks.

    Amber finally finished her chants. Wain and Trevor stepped aside at Lisa¡¯s reminder.

    Water Jet!

    A stream of highly pressured water shoots out at the lizard. It missed the head but hits its body, piercing its scales while even pushing the lizard backward! The sheer pressure and force even manage to move the lizard.

    It bleeds profusely.

    The lizard is close to death as it¡¯s losing more and more blood. It turned its back and walked sluggishly towards the already-closed cave.

    It soon stops moving and died peacefully.

    ¡°Whew. That went well.¡± Wain exclaimed his relief.

    ¡°Ergh¡­ my body hurts¡±, Trevor interrupted. After all, even with armour and rock protecting him, some of the force still reach his body.

    In fact, most of the potions always end up used on Trevor, and Wain is the second one to use them.

    ¡°Amber, your magic is really strong!¡±. Fay got really excited seeing how the Water Jet pierce the lizard scale into its body and even manage to push back it¡¯s 9 meters long body.

    ¡°Yes¡­Your magic is strong as well¡±. Amber said quietly. Amber is usually the team finisher. Her Water Jet never fails. Although she can only shoot them 2 times before her mana runs out.

    Although in Amber¡¯s opinion, she has to chant for a long time to do it. While Fay can use his space magic close to instantaneously. And as far as she knew, Fay haven¡¯t had a proper training.

    Kyubey who is on Fay¡¯s shoulder spoke,

    ¡°Fay, I already recorded her chants for Water Jet¡±.

    ¡®You WHAT!?¡¯.

    ¡°Do you want to learn it? I can¡¯t write with my paws so I will tell you¡±.

    Fay felt guilty. That sounds wrong. Hopefully Amber won¡¯t be mad at him.

    He shook his head. He doesn¡¯t know if it¡¯s right or wrong. After all, Amber probably paid a lot of money for the spell and yet he got it for free.

    Fay finally remembered Kyubey can¡¯t be seen by ordinary people. Can¡¯t he sneak into the Mages Association branch and just read everything there. He shuddered. He¡¯s not a pirate. He shook his thoughts away.

    Fay also admires Lisa use of Earth Magic. She is very versatile. While as for Trevor he admires that he could took a heavy beating and face the monster directly. He doesn¡¯t think he can do it like Trevor. Is he a masochist? Every arrow launched by Elvis hits the monster accurately and piercing its scales. Although not lethal, it hurts the monster.

    And Wain looks like a warrior with his flame sword and his agile movement. He looks like a handsome warrior.

    So¡­ handsome¡­

    Fay moves his eyes away from Wain, blushing a little while scratching his cheek.

    The team members move to dismantle the giant lizard. Fay also tried to help. The scale of the lizard is tough yet light, and can be used to make a light armour. It¡¯s saliva and its salivary gland is poisonous and can be sold ¨C it has a medical use to treat a variety of warts - a trivia Elvis just blurted out of nowhere.

    Lizard meat is edible but it¡¯s not really delicious. So, they burn the rest of the corpse. They stored the harvested materials inside Fay¡¯s inventory space.

    The subjugation is a breeze you could say.

    They returned back to the village to report their success.

    ¡°Thank you, thank you! Finally, we can rest at night¡±. Chief let out a sigh of relief. He signed the paper confirming the Quest is completed so the guild can release the rewards.

    ¡°If you are injured you can meet Eli at the house over there. She would be happy to heal you people¡±. He pointed out a particular house.

    They decide to visit Eli, the so-called healer.

    A middle age woman comes out of her house with a baby in hand. She bowed profusely and thanking Eli so many times for treating her child¡¯s fever.

    Eli smiled and wave at her.

    The woman nodded at the party coming in.

    Eli also looks at the adventurers. She nodded and say her thanks. A very old woman also comes out to greet them.

    ¡°Come in, come in. You slay the beast for us, it must be tiring. I will make some tea¡±.

    Elvis can¡¯t refuse so they just went in. The house is pretty small but comfortable. The members noticed the broken window as if something pried it open.

    ¡°Maam, did the lizard tried to get into your house?¡±. Asked Elvis out of curiosity.

    ¡°Oh! You won¡¯t know. I almost died! Thankful Eli got her power to heal. Gods truly give Their grace to us¡±.

    ¡°How old are you, Eli?¡±.

    Eli replied she¡¯s 14. She then offered to heal the party members. Everyone except Trevor refused since they aren¡¯t injured anywhere.

    Trevor takes off his armour. Fay can see some bruises on his body. Although it is very far from fatal, it must still hurt¡­

    Eli uses her magic. Green light covers Trevor as his bruise visibly heals.

    Fay noticed something peculiar. The bracelet with green gem that Eli wear. It glowed when she does so¡­

    It¡¯s like when he used space magic.

    And he felt a connection. There¡¯s no way, right?

    He asked Kyubey just because,

    ¡°Her power feels like a Magical Girl from our world¡±.

    ¡®Indeed, she is.¡¯. Kyubey replied nonchalantly.

    ¡­

    ¡°WHAT!?¡±

    ¡°How??¡±.

    ¡®She made a contract to be a magical girl¡¯.

    ¡°What-why-you-¡±.

    ¡°Is there Kyubeys in this world too? Or did you meet this girl? Is there other Kyu-¡±. Ah. There is another Kyubey.

    Is this what Kyubey had been doing behind his back?

    Fay had a headache. He can¡¯t really stop Kyubey¡¯s decision. And he knew Kyubey power to grant wishes is certainly strong and comes with benefit. He won¡¯t deny a life changing wish to anyone.

    ¡®What is her wish?¡¯.

    ¡°I can¡¯t disclose it. But you can guess from her power¡±.

    Oh. Connecting the story of how the grandmother almost died, and her wish, and her healing power it¡¯s very easy actually.

    ¡°Kyubey¡­ I saw she had used her power many times. Won¡¯t she¡­ run out of magic?¡±.

    ¡®Yes. She is halfway to running out. You can help her as a fellow magic user if you want. She doesn¡¯t seem to have ability to fight magic beasts alone¡¯.

    ¡°Then why did you give her a contract if you know she can¡¯t?¡±.

    ¡®It¡¯s an experiment. I don¡¯t really care if she is able to survive or not. I already told her the consequences. And she benefitted from the contract. It¡¯s mutual¡¯.

    ¡°I see¡±. Kyubey at times sounds very cruel. But he can¡¯t understand human emotions, so I guess it¡¯s what to be expected. But to hear such a cold statement in his cute voice is quite unsettling at times.

    Trevor thanked Eli. Elvis had a thought and asked Eli if she wanted to be an adventurer. The party does need a healer. She refused, saying she wanted to stay and take care of grandmother. Elvis can only sigh. But maybe someday Eli would be one. So, he can still wait.

    Fay took the chance to talk to Eli. He drags Eli to a corner of the house. The party members do have questions but let him be.

    ¡°Eli. Do you have this?¡±. Fay conjures his still quite bright silver soul gem.

    Eli is surprised.

    ¡®You¡­ meet the bunny too?¡¯.

    Kyubey finally shows up and jump on Fay¡¯s head. Another Kyubey also shows up and sit on Eli¡¯s head.

    ¡°There¡¯s two Kyubey?!¡±. Eli is surprised again.

    ¡°Yup.¡±. Fay looks at the other Kyubey for a while.

    ¡®Eli, you know if you run out of magic¡­ you die, right?¡¯.

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±. Eli turned his eyes down.

    ¡®You need magic crystal to replenish them. Kyubey must have told you¡¯.

    Eli nodded.

    ¡®Mmm¡­ since you are a healer, you can join adventurer guilds. I am sure many would want you to join. Or you can ask Elvis-san there to join us. You can buy or get magic crystal this way¡¯.

    ¡°I can¡¯t leave grandma alone¡­¡±. Eli do want to solve this problem.

    Fay thinks for a moment and got an idea.

    ¡®How about, open up a clinic?¡¯.

    Eli blinked twice at the suggestion.

    ¡®You can get people to pay for your service, then use the money to buy magic crystal from the market. Or exchange healing service with magic crystals. You don¡¯t have to leave grandma that way¡¯.

    Eli eyes shined. That¡¯s a good idea. But her magic is already halfway used.

    ¡°Umm¡­ I will try to talk to Elvis-san for the beast magic crystal¡±.

    ¡®Y-You don¡¯t have to. I will try to find a way-¡¯.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright¡±.

    Fay leaves her and went to Elvis side. Since he is the team leader and accountant, he asked if he could take the magic crystal. He doesn¡¯t know the market price. But he promises he would pay the rest back if his cut won¡¯t buy it.

    Elvis went to talk to the other party members. They have no complaint and let Fay take the magic crystal.

    ¡°Thank you!¡±. Fay felt grateful for his party kindness.

    Fay passed it to Eli. Eli reluctantly takes it. She tried to cleanse her soul gem with it as Fay also observes. The grimes all went into the magic crystal, causing the crystal to lose its sheen and becomes darker while the green soul gem becomes as bright as new. Kyubey told them it can still be used to recharge a third of the Soul Gem power.

    Fay remembered his own Soul Gem. It¡¯s only used about a tenth of his magic. Fay uses little magic in combat actually, so he¡¯s not in a rush.

    The last time his soul gem becomes very dimmed is because he used most of the magic to heal his near-death injuries. So, he lets Eli keeps it.

    Fay told the party how Eli wants to open a clinic and ask for their support. The party have no objection. Elvis also thinks it¡¯s a good way to curry favour with Eli when time comes, they needed a healer to join them for a mission.

    They went with Eli to tell the Chief about it and he agreed. The party members will help spread the words and simply post a simple advertisement on the boards of multiple guilds about Eli¡¯s clinic. Chief agreed to pay for advertisement for Eli because it still meant the village would be more prosperous with visitors.

    They said their farewell and ride a carriage back to Angis Town.

    ¡°Fay, why do you give the magic crystal to Eli?¡±. Elvis finally asked. He¡¯s curious.

    ¡®Umm¡­¡¯. He doesn¡¯t know what to tell really.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to tell me¡±.

    Fay stayed silent.

    But he decides to at least tell he, and Eli needed magic crystal.

    ¡°Eli¡­ and me, needed magic crystal to use our magic¡±.

    Elvis digested the words. He finally remembered magic that uses magic crystal and is shocked!

    ¡°Y-You guys are contracted to a spirit?!¡±.

    ???

    ¡®Uhh¡­?¡¯.

    ¡°You know- the spirits eat magic crystal and can cast magic- I know that much¡±.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We can keep secrets you know? You don¡¯t have to hide them. Although they are very rare, but its not unheard of¡±. Elvis tries to convince Fay.

    ¡®I guess, it¡¯s kind of a spirit¡¯. Fay replied.

    ¡°Can you show me the spirit?¡±. Elvis is very curious. His whole life he never seen one. Although spirit contractor is mostly from the elves, but only very few can see and contract them.

    ¡°Kyubey, do you mind showing yourself?¡±.

    ¡®I don¡¯t mind¡¯.

    Soon Kyubey suddenly appeared sitting on Fay¡¯s head.

    Elvis opened his mouth wide open. The party members also saw the creature.

    ¡°Waaaa so cutee!!!¡±. Lisa screamed and tried to pat Kyubey, but Kyubey dodged and clinged onto Fay¡¯s shirt.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like strangers much¡±. Fay exclaimed.

    ¡®I am Kyubey¡¯. He said with his cute neutral voice.

    The party members wait for him to speak more, but only silence prevail.

    ¡°Uhh¡­ he doesn¡¯t really speak much¡±.

    Seeing there¡¯s nothing else, Kyubey hide himself from other people. Fay can still see him however.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know spirits look like a bunny¡±. Elvis exclaimed.

    Fay is pretty sure they don¡¯t. Kyubey isn¡¯t a spirit after all. But he will ride the tailcoat of misunderstanding since its easier.

    The excitement died down after a while as Fay explains his space magic is from Kyubey. He hides that Kyubey can copy chants from others however.

    Elvis explained about the elemental spirits to Fay, since Fay seems to just happens to meet Kyubey and don¡¯t really know what he is. There are elemental spirits that represents the elements of the world.

    They act as the world natural regulator. Each spirit is very proficient in their elemental type magic. There¡¯s very rare elemental spirit like Time Spirit and Space Spirit as well, which he believes Kyubey is.

    Elvis felt jealous towards Fay knowing this. Most spirit contractor are the elves due to their natural closeness to nature ¨C even then its already rare. And Space Spirit contractee is unheard of and yet Fay a human race can get a contract with it.

    Since Fay already explained to them about his spirit magic, the party members also felt its better to give Fay the magic crystal in the future.

 Chapter 7: Blossoming Affection

    The party arrived safely back to the town at dawn.

    They had dinner first before going back to their room to rest. It does consume a lot of energy after all especially for Trevor and Wain who had to face the lizard head on.

    Fay got into his room and took a quick bath. He lay down on his bed, feeling cozy after a long day.

    "Kyubey, do you plan to contract more magical girls?", Fay asked.

    He did think about the consequences. He personally believes Kyubey''s wish granting ability is something that isn''t bad especially when it comes to this world. There''s no Witches or Wraiths. And magic beasts with magic crystals are plenty.

    There''s no problem with sustaining Magical Girl energies and there''s no competition unlike in the original world. Perhaps it''s even a part of the Goddess plan when it threw Kyubey here.

    ''Yes'', Kyubey answered honestly.

    "Why?".

    ''To test the limit of Wish that could be brought about in this world''.

    "I see".

    Fay doesn''t really understand what Kyubey meant.

    But since there''s no harm, and the wish is technically a contract and it''s really up to the girls to accept or refuse them so he wouldn''t mind much.

    He just doesn¡¯t want to disrupt this world stability. Although that might be something that a mere human shouldn''t be concerned about.

    He doesn''t really want to interfere. If anything, in a sense the Goddess approved of it since She threw Kyubey to this world.

    ...

    *Knock*2

    A knock sounded on Fay''s door.

    He went to open them. It''s Wain.

    ''Hey. What are you doing?''.

    "umm... Nothing really. It''s a bit early to sleep so I just lay around".

    ''I see''.

    ''Want to, hang out in my room?''. Wain finally got his courage to hang out with Fay.

    Fay nodded happily. He went to Wain''s room and looked around. His room is pretty simple. His shirts and pants seem to be piled on the wooden chair.

    Wain took out a card game from his cabinet.

    ''You know how to play this game?''.

    ''Not really''.

    "No worry it''s easy-".

    ...

    "hihi". Fay smirked as he won for the fourth time in a row.

    ''Howwww!?'', Wain is losing his mind.

    Fay shrugged.

    "I am just lucky hehe". Fay felt amused seeing Wain''s expressions. His ears and tail movement make it more obvious and it''s quite funny.

    Grrrr.

    Some angry noise come out of Wain as his tail wags here and there. Fay thought Wain looked silly like this. He taught Fay once and he got beaten so badly. His pride is injured.

    *Knock*2

    Wain is annoyed at who''s interrupting them.

    He opened the door to see Elvis and Trevor.

    "Heyyy! You guys played without inviting us! No fair!".

    Since Elvis and Trevor is next door, and that the wall is quite thin, they could hear some chattering and a scream (from Wain losing). So, they went to check what is he doing.

    They both went in uninvited. And somehow there''s already four players.

    "Come on. Roll the dice". Trevor insisted.

    ...

    "Man. You are so unlucky". Commented Elvis on how Wain is always the last one.

    Wain has no comment. Today is not his day.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Trevor yawned he''s already quite sleepy.

    ''Its already late. We going to go back to our room''.

    As they went out, Trevor turned to look at Wain and winked multiple times at him.

    Wain keeps a stoic face, as if there''s nothing in his mind.

    Since everyone finished playing, Fay should go back to his room too. Fay stood, reaching out to the door.

    "Fay".

    Fay turned to see Wain. His tail is wagging uncontrollably.

    "Want to stay over?".

    Fay felt his heart beating fast.

    Looking to his side, his hands at his backs, fidgeting. He gulped a saliva.

    ''Sure''. Fay looked at Wain. They both locked their gazes for a while.

    Wain went to close the door, and lock it this time.

    Wain lay down on his bed, moving close to the wall to give space for Fay.

    Fay naturally comes and lay down next to him.

    They both are awkward still. Not saying anything.

    It''s really difficult to initiate after all.

    As Fay closes his eyes and wonder if he should just sleep, he felt Wain held his hand. Fay firms his hold onto the rough callused hand. He felt, safe and secure like this.

    Wain gently pulled the hand he''s holding and place it on his crotch. Fay felt it''s already half stimulated.

    Fay looks at Wain, who has his eyes closed with his other hand. He''s too embarrassed about all this as well.

    Desires expressed. Another night to be remembered happened.

    ...

    Nothing major really happened for the 2 months after.

    Fay pretty much got used to living as an adventurer. His skills got improved by leaps and bounds as he gets used to using his sword and magic.  He also now able to do quests solo by himself. His perfect memory allows him to gather various herbs, his space magic and rapier made by the same magic cut through monsters like butter. And his mastery over his MG magic gets better and better to a point he can summon multiple rapiers and chop monsters like vegetable.

    And his relationship with the party members becomes closer as well. Especially with Wain.

    During the 2 months, he had slept with Wain multiple times - at some point it''s a once-a-week thing.

    Sparred using wooden swords while training Fay. Hanging out together. Do a lot of quests together. Neither of them says anything about their relationship status so far. But every party member knows they liked each other so they just support secretly from behind, giving them space and leaving them alone by themselves for example.

    And today is the Lovers Day and there''s a small celebration going around with the market being very lively.

    ''Fay, wanna to go around the market?''.

    "Sure. I would love to". Fay smiled at Wain.

    Wain don''t remember since when Fay smiled this much to him. The more he knows Fay, the sweeter he becomes. He likes more and more as he spends more time with him.

    As they walk around, Wain took a leap of courage and held Fay''s hand for the first time.

    Fay had his heart beats fast. He firms his hold onto Wain big rough hand.

    They went to a stall nearby. Wain got him a candied apple.

    Suddenly a beautiful half elf greeted them.

    "Wain! It''s you! I hope you are doing fine".

    The half elf had a huge smile on her face seeing Wain, and the person he was holding hands with.

    ''Ah. Hi Akasha. Yeah, I am fine, I am fine. Rare seeing you out here''. Wain only replied a little before continuing to walk faster.

    ''Hey? That''s all you gotta say after cheating on me?''. Akasha says it out without any filter whatsoever.

    ''Stop making things up you crazy elf''. Wain swallowed his pride and ignored the half elf.

    Akasha was stunned speechless. Making things up? I am the one who''s crazy? The resentment she had grew twice in size afterwards.

    Wain gulps and took a deep breath. Damn crazy elf. She really has to say it out loud. She must be saying this just to make Fay hear it.

    Wain keeps walking, dragging Fay along faster, away from the crazy half elf.

    Of course, Wain isn''t perfect. And it''s true he did cheat on Akasha and got caught. Her anger is quite justified. And when Wain calls her ''crazy'', it''s really to just deflect her ''accusation'' (facts).

    His pride is at stake. Men and their ego are hard to be separated.

    Fay did feel uncomfortable hearing it. He''s more uncomfortable hearing Wain call her crazy, than the accusation that he cheated. It sounds really harsh. And if he were in Akasha''s shoes, it would feel hurt to be called crazy like that.

    But he doesn''t have the courage to mention or ask. It should be none of his business really.

    Although... he did suddenly have a fear in his heart. He dislikes the idea that Wain might be with another woman, but more so is the idea that Wain could lie in that way.

    He just, hopes that the elf is truly crazy and is accusing Wain. He can''t bear the thought of Wain, lying to her face that way just to save his own face. He expects Wain is a nice and gentle person. And he wants to believe he is that kind of person.

    After they are far away from the half elf, Wain takes a look at Fay. He wonders what Fay thinks about him now. Did he believe her? Is he disappointed in him? He felt a bit bad that his image was ruined on his date.

    ¡°She''s a bit deluded and not really right in her head. Don''t mind her". Said Wain calmly.

    ''I see...''. Fay just nodded.

    ...

    He wants to believe in Wain. It''s just that, seeing Akasha emotions and her expression, her anger seems genuine. Maybe it''s a misunderstanding between them...

    Fay shook the thoughts away. He is spending time with Wain, and he felt it''s more important to enjoy them.

    As they walked around, there''s a stall selling flowers. Wain bought a bouquet and give it to Fay.

    "Here". He scratched his neck.

    Fay happily accepts them. He sniffed them to smell the fresh scents.

    "Thank you. It''s smells lovely".

    They got some food from the stalls and sat on a nearby bench.

    ''Emm... Fay''. Wain feels like it''s time to properly confess.

    Fay looked at Wain. Wain seems nervous, and his tail is wagging a little.

    He gulped and took a deep breath of air.

    ''I like you-''. Wain closed his eyes when he says this out of nervousness.

    He opened one of his eyes to see Fay''s response.

    Fay unconsciously carved a smile on his face, drawing a single dimple on his right cheek. Wain looks at Fay''s smile and his eyes with large pupil.

    Fay can''t contain his smile and had to cover his face with his hand and turned to look sideways.

    He can''t stop smiling. He can''t!

    Wain waited for him to calm down. Wain knew the answer already, but hearing it from Fay himself is a different matter altogether.

    Fay too had to take a deep breathe. Still with a smile he can''t contain, he gave Wain the answer.

    ''I like you too''.

    Fay still can''t afford to look at Wain directly. It''s a bit too much.

    Wain wags his tail even furiously. He felt like he''s the happiest man alive.

    He held Fay''s hand, intertwining his fingers into them. He leaned in close. Fay had to look at Wain back. Seeing his eyes, he can''t help but be immersed in his affection. He closed his eyes, leaning forward to receive the kiss.

    The bystanders stop by to watch the cute couple seemingly forgetting people are watching. It''s lovers¡¯ day after all.

    Smiles carved on all their faces seeing such a sweet scene. It even led to another unofficial couple to pronounce their feelings to each other as well.

    ''A-Ah Wain... people are watching''. Fay stops Wain who had even pushed his tongue in.

    "Oh- sorry". Wain can only scratch his cheek while looking at the bystanders watching them. He forgets they are in public.

    He pats Fay''s head and ruffle them. Fay is so cute, he thought. He held Fay''s shoulder and sit closer to him. They both enjoy their food in each other company.

    They returned back to the inn. Lisa happened to also comes back after getting some food. He looked at Wain and Fay who¡¯s holding hands together.

    She can only smile at this.

    ¡®Congrats¡¯.

    Wain gives a wry smile and scratch his neck. While Fay who still can¡¯t contain his smile since earlier had to cover his face with his other hand, turning his face sideways. They are official now.

    As they reached their room, Wain whispered to Fay¡¯s ear.

    ¡®Wanna stay over?¡¯.

    Fay nodded while looking sideways, unable to respond with words.

    ...

 Chapter 8: Unexpected Danger

    *Chirp*2

    Melodies sung by the birds pronounces the morning comes.

    ¡°Waky-waky¡±, Wain playfully wakes Fay up.

    Fay had buried himself under Wain¡¯s arm, probably sniffing him while asleep. Wain wonders what he smells like that Fay liked it so much.

    ¡®mmmhh¡¯, Fay frowned and turned around and lift his blanket more, not wanting to wake up.

    Wain went to poke his cheek and sniffs his neck.

    He smells like vanilla. It¡¯s a perfume he happens to get when a wandering caravan visits.

    ¡®I will bite if you don¡¯t¡¯.

    Wain went to put his ear''s under his lips.

    Fay grumbled and turned around.

    His eyes are still closed but he just hugged Wain and drag him back to laying down on bed. He moves his hand to grope Wain¡¯s tower and caresses it making it stand proud.

    ¡°W-We have an escort mission today remember?¡±.

    Fay moved his head a bit to lay on top of Wain¡¯s 6 packed stomach. His fingers went to fiddle the bells under the tower. He kissed Wain¡¯s tummy while at it.

    ¡°Fay-¡±. Wain voice already becomes weak.

    Fay woke up sleepishly.

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±. His eyes are half closed.

    And Fay just went to the bath to wash himself.

    ¡­

    Why Fay like to tease him like this. He always makes him late to the party¡¯s meeting doing this to him.

    Urghh how can control himself.

    Fay really do like to tease Wain. Seeing it excited, he felt loved and wanted. Sort of. You know, its like having someone you liked showing their desire towards you.

    Wain followed Fay to the bath. A little here and there to freshen up they say.

    After so, Fay went to wash Wain¡¯s hair. Although he¡¯s higher than Fay, his hand can still reach it. He took the liberty to play with Wain''s ears, folding it as he got reminded of scottish fold variety of cat. He even washes his back for him and caresses his tail. Wain muscly arm makes it hard for him to reach his own back after all.

    Wain looks at his lover.

    What happens to the cute and shy Fay? It¡¯s been 2 months since they were dating but it felt like they were married at times since they moved in together.

    He noticed Fay really starts to give him undivided attention since they dated properly. They get very close quickly as Fay gradually loses his shyness towards him day by day, as they shared their body more and more.

    Fay seems really happy to be with him. He never asked anything from him. He really just likes his company. He really just likes to look at him and be with him.

    Honestly it even scares Wain. No one has ever shown that much affection to him before.

    He never thought about settling before. And when he dated new people, it was really just because of mutual liking and he wanted to feel some excitement or something.

    He felt that he was too young to commit and settle for a single person. And his parents told him they wanted him to bring a wife or two and have many grandkids when he left the capital to be independent.

    And he really is not confident at how his parents would take the news of him, settling with Fay, who¡¯s a guy. Maybe he could adopt some children but¡­ does Fay want a child? He¡¯s not sure.

    When it comes to the same sex relationship, while no one condemns it or anything, there are a portion who might have negative view on it. Saying it¡¯s ¡®unnatural¡¯, or that when they would feel disgusted if it¡¯s them ¨C so they project it onto others.

    Although he never really sees Fay as a man, but he acknowledged he had that part. He can¡¯t say he¡¯s gay, and Fay is the first guy he ever dated and did things with. And the only person he felt so close with.

    These things that never crossed his mind eventually got brought up into his head at some point.

    Wain felt like trash thinking this. He does likes Fay. He likes him very much. Committing however, is a very different thing. He can¡¯t immediately firm himself to love Fay and marry him for life.

    Maybe Fay haven¡¯t said it verbally, but Wain is sure he loves him. Love is a very heavy word.

    And the way Fay had looked at him, had treated him, it¡¯s beyond just girlfriends/boyfriends. When Fay went to cook for him, do his laundry for him, fold his cloths for him, massage his body after he got tired fighting beasts, he felt loved truly. Although he do feel bad when Fay do things that he considers he as a grown man should have done it himself.

    He¡¯s not ready for commitment really. And although he felt very happy, he felt anxious and scared for petty reasons.

    He feels like a jerk at times, thinking like this.

    They keep all items necessary for the escort mission. It¡¯s to escort a massive trading caravan from a very large company. They are bringing luxurious goods from another kingdom to the capital.

    His parents also happen to live in the capital. He should visit them when they reach them. He starts to make his plan and firm his resolution. He wants to introduce Fay to them. He¡¯s anxious at what they would think.

    Everyone gathered at promised time. A long march of caravan is definitely very enticing to rob on the way.

    Half of them guard the front and other half guard the back. Fay, Wain and Amber are together in the carriage at the back.

    There are also few normal guards around riding horses to survey and scout the surrounding area.

    They travelled across villages and small towns. It¡¯s all good and dandy.

    ¡­

    But something unexpected (but possible) happened.

    Unfortunately, at night on the 2<sup>nd</sup> day when the hunchback beasts carrying the caravans is resting, the bandits had come to attack when it¡¯s passing through a desolate road in a sparse forest.

    ¡°Bandits!¡±. A guard screamed out when he noticed them.

    The robbers had been eyeing the caravan. They are luxurious goods after all. Every member is ready to protect themselves and the goods.

    The robbers of this world are ruthless. They would kill.

    Fay is afraid because it¡¯s his first-time handling humans. He¡¯s afraid to hurt them. He¡¯s afraid of killing another human being. His hand and feet are slightly shaken.

    Eventually the robbers come with masks on their faces and weapons in their hands.

    It¡¯s a very large group! More than 20 people! This is very unexpected.

    The party felt anxious.

    The fierce burly bandit leader screamed out his command.

    ¡®Kill and plunder! Who killed most gets the most!¡¯. The bandit with scarred cheek and fierce look said loudly, commencing it.

    The caravan is surrounded. The supervisor and caravan driver had already hidden themselves inside a carriage.

    Few of the bandits threw projectiles magic, arrows and throwing knives at the 2 different teams.

    Amber and Fay use Waterwall + Windwall. Wain block with his explosive flaming sword attack.

    On the other side, Lisa makes a durable earth wall to protect the sides. Trevor tanked any that missed.

    Then the melee assault comes. The bandit leader and 9 others went straight to Fay¡¯s team. While the other 10 bandit group went to Trevor¡¯s team.

    ¡°Target the mages at the back first¡±, the leader spoke.

    The bandit leader went to attack Wain, the melee of the group. Although Wain is already promoted to Gold level, he struggles with the bandit leader. But that¡¯s not the problem.

    The problem is 9 people are assaulting Fay and Amber!

    Fay!!!

    Wain starts to think they are really underpaid for this.

    Elvis spins his head. He too felt the same way as Wain.

    He climbed the earth wall and shot his arrows swiftly. And Lisa occasionally threw some rock bullets across. They manage to kill or incapacitate 3 of them.

    The rest of the bandits managed to climb the earth wall and went straight to them. Trevor blocked the 3-melee assault with his smaller shield and short-sword fighting in melee.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    While 2 bandits team went straight to Lisa and Elvis.

    Elvis took out his curved sword and used wind enchantment on his body. Elvis managed to take out one of the bandits but he got hit with a Wind Cutter cutting a wound on his chest and sent him flying back. The bandit now is casting magic towards Lisa. Elvis won¡¯t let him! He shoots an arrow straight to his head.

    Lisa too manages to incapacitate the 2 guys approaching here with her fast control of earth magic.

    Lisa uses a mini-Earth wall to make the bandits approaching her lose their footings.

    One of them threw a throwing axe but Lisa intercepted it with a stone bullet in an instant. But it only manages to redirect it sideways, still managing to slash her thigh.

    She winced in pain before regaining her focus.

    She simply uses more stone bullets to finish them off.

    ¡®Shit¡¯.

    Trevor cursed as his arm got stabbed by one of the bandits.

    Thankfully his pain resistance is the highest as he takes the most beating for so long. He already incapacitated one bandit.

    Lisa took the liberty to shoot stone bullets to finish off the guys assaulting Trevor at front.

    Elvis just lay down and sat bat, poured anaesthetic and healing potion onto his large wound. It¡¯s deep but not fatal. He looked at the side to see if they could handle it.

    Lisa probably is close to running out of mana. He hopes they can fend them off.

    Lisa winced in pain and took an anaesthetic potion and healing potion pouring them all over the wound as well. Lisa had run out of mana and still went to the other group to throw last 2 or 3 more stone bullets to help.

    On the other side.

    This bandit is crazy. They don¡¯t care if they destroy some of the products. The caravan few losses isn¡¯t much since they do have much more to loot.

    The number of bandits and their skills surpassed their expectations.

    Wain fiercely counters the leader bandit sword like they are dancing.

    Clang! Clang! Clang!

    The bandit leader cursed seeing his other team get annihilated just like that. It¡¯s 10 vs 3 and they still can¡¯t do it?

    He looks at what happens on the back.

    While Fay had always kept his space magic a secret to outsiders, he had no choice this time.

    Amber uses her water bullets spell fast shooting heavy balls. It can¡¯t be compared to earth magic instant spells because it lacks structure and power.

    It¡¯s not strong enough!

    She only manages to take cause 2 of the bandits to be pushed back and slightly injured, while the other 3 fierce men managed to close in to her.

    A bandit swings his blade.

    Amber can¡¯t even scream and only close her eyes in fear. Her death is coming.

    The blade slashed into a white portal!

    And another portal appears behind the bandit at the same time, slashing him with his own attack!

    Spurt! Blood flashed out a straight wound on the bandit¡¯s back.

    Amber opened his eyes in surprise and look at Fay with his hand hovering towards her.

    ¡°BOSS! WE NEED HELP HERE!¡±.

    The other bandit is hesitant to attack now. What the fuck was that?

    Fay used his space magic to redirect a fireball thrown at him and hit the mage back, killing him by surprise.

    He used his portal again as he is stabbed in his chest by an assailant, only for the blade to comes out of the assailant owns chest.

    Of course, he can¡¯t dodge or redirect everything.

    An arrow flies straight Fay¡¯s neck piercing it completely! A spray of blood spurted before stopping.

    But Fay already closed his pain senses and his body is a zombie so he really is fine.

    But Wain saw this and lost his composure!

    Fay!!!

    He screamed out and looked at the arrow piercing Fay¡¯s neck.

    ¡°Kid, your opponent is me!¡±.

    The bandit took the chance to slash a wide wound open on Wain¡¯s shoulder.

    He winced in pain and took held his sword firm. His eyes still went to Fay.

    Fay¡­

    Fay is still holding well and is close to killing them all. He overreacted it seems¡­ Although the arrow still sticking in his neck.

    He looked at Fay, with an arrow sticking out, still have the ability to use his spells and cut the limbs off the bandits one by one. He had a confusion in his head.

    The bandit leader took the chance to do another big swing.

    Wain lost his focus and got slashed deep into his chest. Blood spurts out.

    He fell down from his injury. Blood flowed out of his body forming a pool of red under him.

    Burning pain, followed by tiredness.

    The grip slowly loosens, releasing the sword he held. He can¡¯t move anymore.

    Fay finally does the last swing to the last bandit. He dodged, but Fay stabbed the air in front of him, into a portal, the blade stabbed out from the bandit side, fatally injuring him.

    He looks at the Wain.

    ¡°W-Wain!¡±.

    He saw Wain had just fallen down with blood pool forming beneath him.

    Lisa and Amber quickly shoot all projectile spells onto the bandit leader.

    The bandit leader decides to retreat under the assault. But he glared at Fay one last time.

    ¡°Space magic¡­¡±, he muttered.

    He can¡¯t believe his assault failed. The earth mage is very strong and can instantly cast basic spells with high accuracy.

    He didn¡¯t expect a mage capable of such combat. As for the black-haired boy there. He¡¯s the worst problem.

    He thought a mere Silver Tier adventurer party of 6 won¡¯t be too much so he brought a third of his bandit group that¡¯s staying at their base.

    He clenched his fist. He will remember that kid. He fled like the wind into the dark forest. Lisa still tried to throw the Rock Javelin she had chanted for a while but it missed. Lisa fell down on her knees due to her mana exhaustion.

    Amber, Lisa, and Trevor went to see Wain who¡¯s resting on the ground filled with pool of scarlet with heartache. And noticed the arrow sticking out of Fay¡¯s neck.

    ¡­

    ¡°Wain¡­ Wain¡­¡±.

    Fay already crawled and poured all anaesthetics and healing potions he had onto Wain¡¯s body.

    His wound only heals slightly but the blood is still flowing.

    ¡°Wain¡­¡±. Tears flowed down his cheek. So much tears covers his eyes, even blurring his vision.

    Wain opened his eyelids. Only half of them.

    ¡°Fay¡­¡±. He looked at Fay who still had an arrow deeply embedded into his neck. Blood trickled from there as well.

    He¡¯s a bit confused. Maybe it¡¯s because he¡¯s felt like dying. Maybe it¡¯s just an illusion. But Fay is still fine it seems.

    Fay¡­ I am sorry for still thinking of petty things. You cried so much for me¡­ Wain had his last thoughts.

    ¡®I love you¡­¡¯. Wain let out his last word before closing his eyes.

    ¡°No! No!! Wake up¡­ Don¡¯t close your eyes¡­ No¡­.¡±. Fay soul gem is tainted and filled with grimes.

    ¡®Please¡­. Not again¡­¡¯. The dark grimes almost fully fill his soul gem.

    Kyubey who had watched the battle spoke urgently.

    ¡®Fay. Quickly transform and use your portal to go to Eli. She can heal him¡¯.

    Fay is shocked. He remembered now. His power with space magic had grown enough. He can cross long distance now with people but he needs to transform to unlock his full power still.

    The soul gem in his hand shines a bright silver light covering him.

    [Transformation scene]

    Lisa, Amber, Trevor and Elvis are all shocked at this transformation and the aura emanating from Fay.

    A fairy warrior adorning silver armour. That¡¯s the word they could describe.

    Fay quickly carried Wain¡¯s body with his enhanced magical form strength. He used remaining magic to form a portal with Eli in his mind. White spatial cracks slowly open a portal. Fay stepped inside.

    ¡­

    Eli who¡¯s asleep is awakened by a bright white light blinding her eyes.

    ???

    She looked and saw a white spatial crack. A silver elegant warrior with white hair carrying a bloodied body comes out of it. She was shocked. And she realised who it was.

    ¡°Fay!?¡±.

    ¡®Eli! Please save him. Please. Quick!¡±.

    Fay quickly rushed and put Wain down. Fay had tears in his eyes. He prayed to the goddess who brought him here to let Wain live.

    Eli without hesitation use all her healing power. But the wound doesn¡¯t change.

    Eli finally uses her magic transformation for the second time.

    [Transformation scene]

    She wore a white outfit with green vest and a green mushroom hat with white polka dots.

    She held a White Bell flower (her magical girl weapon), ringing them.

    Ting! Ting! Ting!

    Green light illuminates as phantom grass, mushrooms and butterflies and greeneries grow around Wain¡¯s body. Green light forms around his wound, finally closing it and healing them at a speed visible to human eyes.

    ¡°Wain¡­¡±.

    ¡®Fay, quickly purify your soul gem. You won¡¯t hold up for long¡¯. Kyubey quickly reminded Fay.

    Fay felt his soul gem. It¡¯s really blackened and very dimmed. If he stayed in his magic form another few seconds, he would die.

    He quickly takes out 2 magic crystals from his inventory space and cleanse his soul gem. It becomes clear and bright as new.

    Kyubey does wonder if the law of the cycle works in this world. And to be honest, he had wanted to experiment and let Fay fall into despair. He could have not reminded him about his power and just watch what happens.

    But something in him changes slightly with the time he spent with Fay. With him separated from the hiveminds, and no longer care about heat death of the universe, he does care for Fay in his own way. You could say, if Fay died, he truly loses his ¡®purpose¡¯ in this world. And there¡¯s always other magical girls he could contract and observe. It¡¯s not worth losing Fay for.

    So, he tells him he should go to Eli.

    ¡­

    ¡°He¡¯s safe now. His vital signs are completely restored and stable. He just needs to rest for awhile before he wakes up¡±. Eli let out a sigh of relief.

    Fay took another magic crystal and gave it to Eli.

    ¡®Eli. Thank you. Thank you so much¡¯. Fay finally cried it all out.

    His hands are shaking from killing humans for the very first time. And from almost losing Wain. If he hadn¡¯t hesitated and used his power all out Wain don¡¯t have to suffer this injury. Eli went to hug and pat Fay¡¯s back.

    ¡­

    [Back at the caravan]

    They are very confused at what the hell is going on.

    The caravan goods are slightly damaged. But that¡¯s alright because ultimately lives are more important.

    The Supervisor of the caravan felt his heart moving here and there from the beginning. From being scared, to relief, to scared again, and then to aww and shock!

    He watched what¡¯s going on from the small glass window.

    Not to mention that power of space. There¡¯s another power as he sees Fay transforms into a white angelic warrior. He wonders if he is a hero from the legend, or a saint representing a god. Should he keep it a secret or tell his boss about it? He considers it.

    Elvis also is heavily injured and Fay completely forgets and didn¡¯t notice him. But still, with potions he already closed his wounds and he just need rest now.

    He does have an idea where they went to. Fay naturally has power of space and it doesn¡¯t take a brain to guess he can travel across vast distance now.

    Elvis don¡¯t take it to the heart that Fay forgets him. Those couple loved each other too much that everyone else is really just a side character. Elvis sighed. Maybe he too should find a woman soon.

    Trevor, Lisa, Amber and Elvis all had their mouth open seeing the scene just now.

    Seeing Wain dying is already making their hearts break down. And the arrow sticking across Fay¡¯s neck is already so bizarre. But seeing Fay¡¯s true power shocked them even more.

    ¡°Do you think, Wain is safe?¡±. Trevor spoke. He¡¯s worried and can¡¯t handle the thought of losing his close friend.

    Elvis shared his thought.

    ¡®I think he went to see Eli¡¯.

    Everyone nodded at the assumption. And they are right on the money.

    Elvis finally says his final complaint.

    ¡°We aren¡¯t paid enough for this¡±.

    Everyone nodded.

    ¡­

    [Eli¡¯s house]

    ¡°Fay, what happened?¡±.

    Fay starts to talk shortly about their escort mission. She nodded in understanding.

    ¡°They must be injured as well. Take me to them¡±.

    Fay agreed at this idea. Fay once again opened his spatial portal. Cracks forms and opens.

    ¡­

    ¡°Hey, look!¡±. Lisa noticed the light cracks in the air.

    A crack in space opens up and Fay, with Eli, went out together. Eli is in her mushroom hat Magical Girl uniform.

    ¡°Fay!¡±.

    The team members flock to them. They asked how Wain is, and instead of talking nonsense, the team members directly enter the portal and see Wain, resting on bed peacefully with no wound in sight.

    Everyone let out a breath of relief.

    ¡°Let me heal everyone¡±.

    Eli once again rung the White Bell flower, her AOE healing magic as phantom grasses and greeneries grow surrounding all of them. All their injuries visibly healed.

    They all are shocked again. Only Saints can use this kind of AOE healing magic at this fast speed. What is this? Everyone is confused and shocked once again.

    ¡°Uhh¡­ I can accept magic crystals as payment¡±. Eli nonchalantly said.

    The team is quiet. They had to pay? Although no one asked to be healed, Eli just went out of her way to heal them, and they still had to pay?

    Still, no one complains and gives a crystal they had and pass it to Eli.

    Eli shamelessly took them and used one to replenish her soul gem.

    Everyone thanked Eli and returned back to the caravan. Kyubey on Eli¡¯s shoulder said he could tell the other Kyubey when Wain is awake so they could pick him up. Fay nodded. Thanking Eli again.

    They went back to the caravan through the same portal. Fay untransformed himself back into a normal person.

    The team is quiet watching this. A lot of emotions that night really. A lot of questions. But they knew Fay kept it hidden because it¡¯s his secret. And they respect it.

    Everyone continued to rest for few more hours while still staying on alert in case the bandit comes back. But they aren¡¯t worried much since they already killed all of the bandits that approached them. Sadly, the leader manages to get away.

    Thankfully the hunchback beast is untouched so they can carry the remaining caravans.

    They finally reached the capital in the afternoon the next day. Fay is notified Wain is awake the morning he woke up. He will fetch him once they arrive at the inn.

    They are truly tired. And they planned to stay in the capital for a week as a vacation for the party.

    Finally, they can rest.

 Chapter 9: Elvis&Gang Vacation Time and Ice Magic

    The caravan unloads its goods into its company¡¯s own warehouse. The supervisor thanked the team multiple times and increased the payment by twice the amount.

    "Can you please keep it a secret, about what you see back then". Elvis does worry about Fay. There''s a risk involved when it comes to unwanted attention.

    The supervisor nodded and promised. Although, he never planned to stay true to his words but at least for now he will keep them since they saved them after all.

    The supervisor also added to the Mission Completion letter to commend them on their effort and ability. He redacted the space magic thing.

    Of course, he asks for their party''s name. He wants to keep in contact especially because of Fay. Their official party¡¯s name is really Elvis&Gang. It''s a joke but somehow it got registered officially and it stayed like that. No one bothered to change them either.

    After confirming the success at the largest adventurer guild, the party silver rank status upgraded to gold rank.

    Because the bandit leader is none other than the infamous Grenhar, the one of the top dogs of the largest bandit group in the human kingdom. Their connections spread deep in the black business communities and the black market. To fend off 20 bandits led by such a person and survive is a praiseworthy achievement.

    They finally can truly rest as they check out at one of the biggest inns around. It has so many rooms and the price is expensive compared to their town but it''s reasonable since it''s the capital.

    They get 3 rooms as usual.

    Fay transformed into his magic form and opened a portal to pick up Wain.

    Wain is resting on an empty bed, curiously watching Eli who''s healing a patient who comes from afar because of an incurable disease of his flesh growing uncontrollably inside him. Eli with her majou shoujou power can even cure cancer.

    The middle-aged man who was once a successful merchant cried tears of joy as he felt the pain in his stomach finally subsided and disappeared entirely. he thanked Eli and held her hands tight while shaking them up and down. Eli felt uncomfortable at this gesture but just smiled.

    The middle-aged man took out all the gold coins he had in his entire savings and many magic crystals he had.

    Eli only takes 2 gold coins and 2 magic crystals, saying this much enough.

    She gives him the look of a benevolent angel who heals to save the people instead of money. She still eyed the pouch full of gold coins and the rest of the magic crystals, gritting her teeth. (Note 1 gold coin = 100 silver coins = 10000 copper coins. For reference a single boar can be sold for 24 copper coins including its leather and meat)

    The middle-aged man still bowed respectfully to her. Even the church''s divine power can''t heal him. Perhaps she is a Saint in the legend. So generous. So kind.

    He leaves with a fire in his soul, finally having the spirit to live for another day. He feels bad for abandoning his family. He will make things right again. And he wants to start his business back. He set new goals in his mind.

    After the man leaves, Kyubey messaged the other Kyubey it''s clear.

    A white spatial crack opens, followed by Fay coming out of it.

    "Eli. I am here". Fay went out and turned his eyes to Eli. And to Wain, who is giving him a shocked and surprise.

    Because Fay in his eyes, looks like an angel knight from heaven. His white hair and sapphire eyes are adorned with a Tiara with white diamonds. The elegant light silver armour with chainmail covering the gaps. The half cape behind his back. He opened his mouth wide.

    Fay realised it''s Wain''s first time seeing this.

    "Emm... It''s my magic...". Fay just scratched his neck.

    Not sure what to explain. His magic uniform is a bit too eye catching, at least in comparison to Eli''s - only her big mushroom hat looks cute and goofy but otherwise it''s still normal.

    ''Wain...''. Fay looked at Wain. Still his mouth is wide open.

    Wain stood up and hugged Fay.

    Fay cried out. He really feels relieved. He really had fall in love with Wain. He had wanted to love him. He opened his heart for a new person. And Wain had always been kind and guided him.

    "i-i am so scared...". Fay cried and hugged him tight.

    "I thought ... I thought you...".

    Wain is teary hearing him cry like this.

    ''I am fine. I am fine... Look at me". Wain smiled and stood proudly, wagging his tail to show he is very fine.

    ''I was worried for you too...''. Wain remembered seeing the arrow plunging straight into Fay. He really, really can''t afford to see him gone. He realised his care towards him had reached quite a deep level.

    He really doesn¡¯t know what to say to Fay.

    He gets the whole story from Eli. Fay used his power to move him to Eli to save him.

    ''Fay... Are you fine? Your neck...?''. Wain looks and touches his neck. It''s clear and smooth with zero injury whatsoever.

    Although Fay looks strong and beautiful in this form, he still looks at Fay with tender care.

    ''ouh. Uh... I didn¡¯t tell you but... Um... Later I will tell you. I promise. But I am fine really. How about you?''. He doesn''t really want Eli to hear their bodies are like an undead. It''s really creepy to know they could get decapitated AND live because their soul is somewhere else - if they have enough magic to repair their body.

    Fay raised his feet a bit and kissed him just because he missed him and felt so scared of losing him. Wain blushed and replied to the kiss. They kissed each other for a while.

    Eli is going red watching the scene. Grandma also gives an incredulous look and quickly covers Eli''s eyes. These young people being inappropriate in her house!

    ''Emm... We reached the capital already. We can go. Oh right''.

    Fay went to reach into his inventory space and take out some takeouts of food and souvenirs from the capital.

    "Eli. I bought this from the capital. This Elven dessert (with stupid amount of cheese) is trending over there".

    ''Wow. Thank you!".

    But suddenly Eli had an idea.

    "uhh. Fay... Can me and grandma follow as well. I have money no worries!". Eli had never left the village. She wanted to explore the capital and have a vacation with grandma. Even her grandma only visited the town nearby and never went further.

    ''Oh Eli. I am already old and can''t walk much. You go. I will just rest here''.

    ''Grandma just come with me. You can stay in the room if you get tired of walking. Come onnn grandmaaa''.

    Grandma just sighed at the relentless request. She just gives up. They pack a few items and are ready to go to the capital.

    Fay naturally agreed since it shouldn''t be a problem.

    Hmm? Will he become a taxi now?

    Of course, his magic costs magic crystal. That cost effort = cost money. Even if he wants to be a taxi, he will have to charge people for it later. Since Eli saved Wain, he would taxi her for free this time. He nodded at his own thoughts.

    Fay opened up a spatial crack into his room. They all walked into the portal.

    Eli looked out at the window from the inn. The high-rise buildings and busy streets. It''s very different from the village! She feels very excited. And she can see more of various races. There are elves, dwarfs, and beastmen from different tribes!

    She starts to wonder if she opened her clinic here. She counted the number of people in the streets.

    5 silver¡­ 24 magic crystals¡­ she calculated and estimates how much she would get. Eli don¡¯t really set a price for her healing magic and its minimum is a single piece of magic crystal. But for a priest, 2 silver+ is usually their market price for light injuries. But Eli only put a price of 50 copper coins to heal any level of injuries. She come from a small village and know not many can afford the market price. But if anyone wants to give her more money, she would shamelessly take it within reasons.

    So... So much money... She had drool in her mouth imagining it.

    Eli went to the innkeeper to get her own room. She reads the brochure on places to visit in the capital while she''s there. There''s a cultural museum, Argus Magic Centre, Entertainment District, and much more. She got excited and counted so many places she wants to visit.

    Theres also carriage service like taxi that would bring them to tour the city. And there''s also a magic bus; new technology that''s being implemented. And food is the most important. The brochure mentions the night market and popular restaurants around.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Fay too had taken the brochure and read them in his room. He asked Wain where should they go later.

    The party decides to take a vacation this time since they are already here.

    They decide to get lunch and rest for the evening.

    At nighttime, they went out to see the capital at night. Magic lamps illuminates the street. Carriages still busy carrying stuffs and passengers.

    The shops are still open with lights illuminating their inside. Although the forge of the dwarves is already off but they are still open to sell weapon and armours.

    Trevor wanted to get a new shield. Lisa and Amber wanted to check out the Mages Association Grand Library here to check out the spells available. Wain too wanted to check out new swords. Elvis seemingly interested in the market had already departed himself.

    ''Fay, where do you want to go?''.

    "I want to check out new spells". Fay replied.

    He wanted to check out Ice Magic.

    Although Wain thinks his spells are already enough, he still went with Fay - along with Lisa and Amber.

    The Mages Association Grand Library is truly very large. Endless rows of books and research transcripts that are free for the public and also the ones required to be paid to read a copy. It covers range of topics closely related to magic.

    The Mages Association had catalogue that records all kind of spells and its variation they had based on elements. There''s also a catalogue for non-elemental spell. Non elemental spell can be used by anyone. It includes spells like Kinetic Lift where you use mana to convert it directly to kinetic energy to hurl any object to someone.

    Lisa and Amber read the updated catalogue for Earth and Water magic respectively, listing newly added or improvised spells. Wain also checks out the fire spells catalogue since he''s here.

    While Fay had to talk to the guy at one of the counters.

    "Do you have the spells for Ice magic. Like, fusion magic".

    The young guy seems clueless about what Fay is talking about and had to go and search his colleague.

    Then an older woman come with him.

    ''We do have them. For Ice Magic, a copy of the whole grimoire of Frost Sage cost 1 platinum coin. It''s the only one we have for ice magic. But do keep in mind the original grimoire was not complete and many parts is lost when it was excavated from the North Region thousands of years ago.'' (Note 1 platinum = 100 gold coins).

    Fay mouth opens wide.

    The saleswoman of course saw this.

    ''We also sell spells part by part from the grimoire. If that''s what you are looking for''.

    Fay only has saved 44 gold coins so far. He worked quite hard since he does want to have a target to get his hands on ice magic.

    Now, 44 gold coins in a few months working as an adventurer is far from normal.

    Fay is already a gold tier adventurer like Wain. When no one is looking he soloed a difficult monster with his full magic transformation.

    He even slayed a chimera and a black giant mamba solo, gaining him the qualifications - and attention. And he did it easily although he downplayed and made up for its difficulty and hid the method. Now do note the money he could get from a Gold tier beast materials is 20 gold or so. And for parties of 5, it would mean each one would get 4 gold coins. But since Fay soloed it, he take in all 20.

    Wain felt disheartened the first time Fay asked him to let him solo quests. But over time he did ease up and was able to trust Fay''s abilities.

    As for the gold rank monster, Fay secretly goes do the quest to kill the chimera without telling Wain because he''s sure Wain will strongly prohibits him.

    Wain never knew and saw Fay''s true power so it''s understandable. As for the explanation, he only says he luckily stabs the chimera vital point and it''s dead. Fay downplays the real event where ten of swords slashes through space at the chimera at the same time like a blender. The chimera doesn¡¯t even know who and what hit it.

    Wain don''t really believe the Fay explanation. But he respects his secret. And for him he just wants Fay to remain safe.

    Note that currently in his full magical transformation he can summon multiple rapiers that fly around and can summon multiple portals at the same time to dice and chop monsters like vegetable. He is confident he can even go up against Adamantite rank monsters like the dragons in his full power.

    But he only killed 2 gold rank beasts so far. Not that he can''t kill more it''s just a bit too eye catching so he did hold himself back to hunt lower rank ones as Wain advised.

    The guild leader back in Angis did ask him to meet but Fay refused to share his skill still. Thankfully it''s not a necessity to share them. He did attract a lot of attention from his quest completion.

    Back to the ice magic.

    Fay do know he''s technically strong enough. But he can''t really use his magical power from his previous world so freely.

    Not to mention, there''s nothing wrong with adding more power to himself. And he loves using the magic of this world because he had to chant in his head and feel the mana flow in his blood and veins. It felt very chunibyou. It''s very exciting to use the magic of this world compared to MG magic where you simply use instinct mostly.

    ''Umm... How many spells does it have and what''s the cheapest one''. Of course, Fay wanted to test the cheapest ice magic first

    The old woman already expected this. She did get request for fusion magic here and there throughout the times she''s working there because some people just want to try them or do research on them.

    ''The cheapest one is the spell Snow, 3 gold coins. There are 27 spells. Buying them one by one is more expensive than buying the whole grimoire just to let you know. The 1 platinum coin is already a bargain''.

    Fay nodded and handed the 3 gold coins.

    She hands over a tattered scroll. But everything is readable. Probably an old copy of the grimoire because no one buys it.

    She showed Fay to the testing facility they had. It''s a room with a long range. At the end of it, the wall is plated with Adamantite metal. The metal is highly magic resistant and have very high strength. We are supposed to shoot out magic to the wall or the ground. Adamantite is the most difficult material to craft weapons and armours from. Only 3 master blacksmiths, and their apprentices probably, could handle them in the entire world.

    Fay uses the spell ''Snow''. As he read the scroll and chant, he felt his mana channelled for a second but it stops midway.

    ???

    He tried again and again.

    ''Kyubey, do you know what''s wrong''.

    Kyubey who had been sitting on Fay''s head all this time spoke. (Fay got so used to it he''s basically like his shirt he forgot he''s there).

    ''Its incomplete. But I can''t complete them because it has unique language used in them. I can''t infer from the other elemental spells since there''s new words.

    ''You can buy more spells. Maybe I can infer the language if I have more data''.

    Fay sighed.

    He went back to the counter and ask for more ice spells. The middle-aged woman wanted to give advice but refrain from doing so.

    A customer is a customer. Money is money. Let them waste money. The profit is theirs for taking.

    Fay got himself an Ice bullet, Freeze, Icicle for a whopping 14 gold coins.

    For spells that are supposed to be unusable it''s so expensive Fay wanted to curse.

    Of course, he doesn¡¯t test it. Instead, he let Kyubey reads them.

    After 5 minutes. Kyubey finally able to infer the use of specific words in the spells.

    ''Fay. I can complete the spell Snow and Freeze. But for Ice bullet and Icicle I need more data''.

    He still needs more???

    He might as well buy the whole grimoire at this rate. But he doesn¡¯t have enough. Huhu.

    But he wastes no time and just went to the practice room.

    He chanted the completed spell from Kyubey. He felt his mana flow without obstruction. Light blue magic circle forms in front of his palm.

    And soft white snow produced out of it. It looks soft and quite beautiful. If he channels more mana into it and make it very big, it would be a very nice scene.

    Fay still feels very happy. He is the first Ice mage since thousands of years ago (at least what''s been recorded).

    He conjured some water as it floats in the air. Then he chanted the spell Freeze. The water turned into ice block.

    It''s so good. He can make ice cream and slushie this way.

    Since he planned to use Ice magic in public anyways, he wants to try to get the grimoire somehow. He will disclose he can use ice magic maybe he will get special treatment and they would give it freely or something.

    ''Miss. Miss.''.

    The middle age woman looks at the wasteful customer.

    ''Uhh... I can cast ice magic!''.

    She doesn¡¯t believe it. But she pretends to agree.

    ''I see. Congrats mister!''. The woman gives a big smile.

    ???

    Isn''t it supposed to be impossible. What is this response. Did he misunderstand something?

    ''Oh- Yes... Uhh... I want to get one or two more spells. The next cheapest ones¡±. Fay felt disappointed. But he still hopes she gives a discount.

    ''For Ice Prison and Ice Wall it''s 13 gold coins.''

    Okay there''s no discount.

    Fay calculated the coin he got left. A whopping 30 gold coins for all the spells he bought. Urghh. And it''s only basic spells some more.

    Fay hesitantly gives the 13 gold to the woman. The woman gives a big smile and passes on tattered scrolls to Fay.

    Fay thanked the woman and went to practice again.

    ''I completed all the spells''. Kyubey replied.

    Fay felt happy but not quite as much as he would like.

    He chanted Icicle as instructed by Kyubey, and a large spike of ice forms. It rotates like a drill and is launched at the Adamantite wall. Thunk! And the ice spike also shatters to pieces leaving frost sticking to the wall and white smokes around.

    Ice spells, like rock spells carry weight and have physical effects as well.

    That seems powerful! And it''s capable of freezing the target as well it seems. Although he''s not sure if it''s strong or not since its target is the Adamantite plated wall. He needs to target a monster to be sure.

    He tested Ice Prison as icicle of ice forms a dome to cover an area. Inside the dome the target would be sealed while freezing it at the same time.

    He tested Ice wall. It''s a simple wall of ice. It''s a clear crystal kind of ice. It''s quite beautiful and looks thick.

    He''s very satisfied with his trip. He just had wished it''s not so expensive.

    He wanted to buy something for Wain. He guessed 14 gold coins is still quite a lot of money.

    Never mind. He went out of the target range and saw Lisa and Amber also done testing new spell they bought. Lisa got herself Stone Golem. Her first advanced tier spell. It uses up all her mana to make one golem. But she feels very happy as it can even carry her around in its hand.

    Although from Lisa''s excitement and chatter, the golem can last for an hour before disintegrating.

    Fay does have a bit of disagreement in his heart.

    Lisa acts as a backline support and she usually is very efficient in her mana spending and always acts as the backup for the team. She almost exclusively only uses basic spells which are close to instantaneous and very mana efficient. Her use of spells is truly effective in keeping the formation together.

    Fay doesn''t think the golem is that great of a purchase with the current party play style. The team doesn''t lack dps. Although an extra tank would be appreciated, a pure support Lisa feels more valuable.

    But of course, having one advanced spell is a step to be a gold tier and above as a mage. Fay judges Lisa should have been one even without it.

    Her combat instinct, speed and precision are truly admirable as he observed. Lisa is indeed a genius. If only she had a high mana pool, she could be some Earth Sage probably. Regardless- it is her decision to make.

    While for Amber she bought the improvised Water Jet spell - Hyper Jet Spell which is improved to Gold rank. This time it can be cast to shoot more water, more pressure and can be redirected to do a cutting action. It''s like an extra-large water jet cutter. As the team ''Ultimate'' attack, her finishing power is improved.

    Amber lacks a strong basic spell, since the water element itself has that kind of weakness. But the intermediate and advanced ones that use high water pressure and high-water volume start to become very lethal.

    Wain finally comes out of a testing room.

    He had a somewhat bent and seemingly melted sword.

    "Wain! What happened to your sword!". Lisa exclaimed seeing his sword half melted. Fay, along with Amber and Lisa flock to him.

    His ears flopped down. Fay can see he''s sad. The sword was given to him by his dad and he used and maintained them for so long.

    "I tried to use a new flame enchantment spell I got... The blade melted".

    Lisa and amber look at each other. Not sure if they should laugh or cry.

    They went to calm him down.

    ''Its okay let''s check out the forge tomorrow. We can try to find new sword¡¯. Fay tries to keep things positive. And taking the chance, he wants to buy a new sword for him.

    Fay went to hold his hand while at it. Wain just smiled a little. His dad would be mad at him. He already hears his dad voice saying he had used the sword for all his life and it never got damaged and that sort of nagging.

    Everyone finished their business and went to the night market to get some food before going back to the inn.

    Fay noticed Wain is still sad and at times looking at his already melted sword. He pulled him onto bed and crawled on 4 on him. Wain tail wags a little seeing this. And his ears perked backward. He blinked twice at Fay.

    Fay runs one of his fingers down from his chest, to his stomach and to his crotch. He gives him those seductive eyes and smile.

    Gulp.

    Since when does Fay start to take control? Wain wonder where''s the shy Fay that can''t even look at him in the eyes back then.

    Click.

    The magic lamp is switched off to give them space. Kyubey also went to sleep on the desk, no longer curious nor care about such things since he can''t understand them.

    ...

 Chapter 10: Mother-in-Law, Father-in-Law

    ...

    In the morning, they all went for a group tour of the capital along with Eli and her grandma. Someone even willing (with payment) to carry grandma Anise on a wheelchair because she can''t walk too long of a distance.

    So, they all went into the newly implemented magic bus. They went to few places. The Beasts Beastiaries (a zoo) where they see many captured wild beasts and monsters. Augustus Magic Centre where it displays and shows history of magic, spells, and magic artifacts. From ancient times and its development history and theories. The magic bus is some kind of magic artifact as well. They rest for the evening.

    Fay took the chance to bring Wain to get a new sword at the forge.

    Clang! Clang!

    The dwarves are hitting the metal blade non-stop. The human sale assistant welcomes them to their workshop.

    ¡°Hello. We are looking for a longsword¡±.

    ¡®I will use flame enchantment on it. The gold tier one¡¯. Wain added to Fay¡¯s sentence.

    The sale assistant thought for a moment. To withstand gold tier flame enchantment, alloys with high heat and high magic conductivity is important.

    Enchantments onto weapons are definitely a popular fighting style. It¡¯s just unfortunate they don¡¯t have premade one for longsword ¨C they do have fire one for a normal sword.

    ¡°We have 1 but it¡¯s a medium sword. You can ask Mr Odi if you want to custom made them¡±.

    They nodded and went to Mr Odi. Wain explained the specifications.

    He only nodded.

    ¡°I will need to use fire stones and verrum-athenium alloys. If you have the materials, I can cut the cost. I have the materials in stock though¡±.

    Wain and Fay definitely don¡¯t have them.

    ¡°It would take 3 days and 12 gold coins¡±.

    Wain is speechless. He doesn¡¯t have enough money¡­

    His tail and ears visibly drop.

    ¡°Ah. I see. Can I take a look at other longswords?¡±.

    Wain ended up not buying anything. He had a thought to reforge his old sword. But it¡¯s just better to buy a new one entirely. He put aside the longsword issue for later.

    At night they all went to the Entertainment district. It''s like a fun fair. There¡¯re stalls selling food but the mini games are what''s important.

    There''s an archery range and shooting them the target give them prize. They all went there first.

    Wain wanted to get that large Cockatrice plushie for Fay. He aims and shoots at the target but everything misses! Fay just smiled silly.

    ''Wain. Let me get them for you.''.

    Elvis feels it''s time for him to shine. Who else but him that could get them through this easy game?

    He holds the bow...

    ?

    The damn bow feels so wrong in his hand. It''s too flexible. It felt fragile. And it''s too light.

    He touched the quiver.

    ???

    It also felt wrong. Its too rigid, and weight like nothing and its crooked. And the feather behind isn¡¯t aligned properly.

    He pulled the string.

    ?????

    The string felt so damn weak and stretched too much.

    This is a scam!!!!

    He shoots and obviously misses. This is an insult to archery! Elvis wants to scold the store owner but held himself back.

    "Ohhh. I missed the time I hunt beasts in the forest''. Grandma anise suddenly spoke.

    "Grandma let''s tryyy".

    ''Oh grandma is too old to play this-''.

    "No no it''s just a game"

    Grandma stood up from her rented wheelchair.

    She readied her bow and arrow.

    She took a deep breath. Straightened her back. Her posture is like of an elven marksman. Her eyes sharp locking in the target. Even Elvis was shocked.

    She set her eyes on the smallest targets. With her steady breath, she released the arrow and hit it perfectly!

    Bullseyes!

    ''Ouch. My back hurts''. Grandma massage her own back after straightening her posture like that.

    "Grandma you amazing!".

    ''Ouh. Bows carved in the village back when I was young is really bad. I had to practice a lot back then. I was the best hunter in the village once too. Huh...''. Grandma Anise remembered her younger days.

    Elvis has his pride hurt. This old woman beat him in archery. He wants to hide his face.

    The store owner of course has no complaints since it''s fair and square. The giant Cockatrice plushie is won. Eli happily takes it of course.

    They went around the fair and play a few games here and there.

    ...

    The tour went on for 3 days straight going to various places.

    On the third day in the evening, they went to the shopping district. It''s the last thing in their programme. It''s very busy with stalls and shops and people walking around.

    Wain saw a jewellery store and went there. He looked at the necklaces and rings, with various colourful jewels.

    He saw a simple ring with a polished sapphire gem on it. He remembers Fay''s blue eyes and thinks it suits him well.

    But he held back. A ring is... Too much. The moment he died back then he already had set his feelings for Fay.

    But still...

    It''s very heavy when he thinks about it. He calculates how much time he had known Fay. Is it too fast? He felt nervous just thinking about it. He felt like, he¡¯s afraid to rush things to proposing today. He¡¯s not ready. His parents haven¡¯t even meet him.

    He stopped looking at the ring and went to the bracelet section. He¡¯s taking a safer gift.

    He saw a very beautiful one. The bracelet had beautiful carved markings on its body, probably carved by hand by a master craftsman. And three small gleaming sapphire gemstones arranged in pattern like stigma of a flower. It''s very beautiful.

    "How about this one?".

    ''Its only 69 silver coins'', smiled the sales assistant.

    Wain thinks carefully. He initially only had 10 gold coins. And he used 5 for a new spell. He still had 5 gold coins and compared to magic artifacts and equipment; cosmetic items are cheaper.

    The party had subjugated gold ranked beast only once so far because the risk is too high - and so the party aren¡¯t really that rich because they play it safe. Except Fay who had soloed 2 gold tiered ones within months.

    But then he now calculates how much a house cost in Angis. It''s really only 20 gold coins above for a simple small house and a land. The down-payment should be 4 gold or something. It can be paid over the years though so he really could move into a proper house with Fay already with his earnings each month.

    It''s just that everyone started from the bottom and the inn becomes their default home. He wants to live in a single house with Fay someday. Just him and Fay. He starts to imagine how life would be. It''s probably the same except there''s more privacy and they don''t have to keep quiet at night. But if he wants to have children someday, he definitely needs a house for himself.

    But he never asked Fay¡­ would he want to settle and be with him for life? Would he want to raise a child with him? His mind went through so much things in few seconds.

    He is having some relationship crisis in his head just from seeing a ring.

    He returned to reality purchases the bracelet.

    "I will take it".

    The sales assistant packs them in a neat box.

    Wain found everyone is hanging out and resting at the square. Fay is sucking on some candied fruit of sort.

    He sat next to Fay.

    "Fay...".

    ''Yes?''.

    Wain, somehow feeling nervous, opened the box. He took out an elegant bracelet adorned with 3 sapphires.

    Fay is stunned. He doesn¡¯t know how to describe his feelings. He felt, like he had everything he had wished and wanted at that moment. He can only look at Wain, and only him.

    Wain holds his hand, and slide it on.

    "It fits", Wain smiled as his ears twitched a bit. The size is just right. Although the bracelet size is for a woman¡¯s wrist, it fit Fay¡¯s small hand perfectly.

    ''Wain....''. Fay felt touched.

    Anyone can see it''s an expensive gift. Although it can''t be compared to spells and their equipment made from even more expensive and useful material - but for a cosmetic item with no practical use, it is an expensive gift. Anyone can see a craftsman meticulously carved the silver bracelet designs.

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "I love it...". Fay didn''t look at the bracelet anymore. But at Wain.

    Because truly, his heart is moved because it''s him.

    "Woohoo!!!¡±. Trevor interrupted Fay heartfelt moment. He cheered and clapped for them both. The other members also noticed the occasion and just smiled at them.

    Fay had a blush form on his cheeks.

    He leaned in and kissed him. Amber and Lisa felt in aww.

    They start to wonder when can they fall in love like that. Even Elvis feels like he should find a girlfriend soon. As for Trevor, he too thinks the same.

    Trevor did like Fay actually. Having a crush on him unexpectedly on some random day because Fay decides to give him a little massage as he got beaten up badly by a Blue Armoured Bear tanking its attacks.

    His soft hand touching his back never left his memory. He even imagines a scene where Fay went to massage him each time after he got beaten up. His heart even had its desire to ask Fay if he could massage him again, also seducing him at the same times. But time passes and, he had to keep his feelings to himself.

    If he''s not mistaken, Wain and Fay haven''t dated properly yet that time. He wonders if he had taken a first move, officially, he would have been there. He''s aware he¡¯s too many steps too late. Not to mention Fay and Wain had already slept on the very first day of the meeting. And then, he really doesn¡¯t want to ruin his years of friendship with Wain.

    He''s not a jerk. He can only keep his feelings hidden.

    It really stays there and never grows more thankfully, since Fay had only Wain in his eyes. If Fay had, even once, cast a glance at him he¡¯s afraid he wouldn¡¯t hold himself back. But that¡¯s only in his imagination - because Fay never looks at him the same way he looked at Wain.

    Still, he¡¯s sure if he found himself a girlfriend he could just move on. It''s just that there''s no one so far. He¡¯s still happy for them both still.

    Fay too had a surprise gift for Wain.

    He didn¡¯t expect Wain to give him a gift first. He feels the bracelet in his hands and felt touched at the gesture.

    They ride their bus back to the inn. The programmes by the touring agent are finished. They decide to take one more day just to chill.

    ¡°Wain, come follow me¡±.

    ¡®Where to?¡±.

    ¡°Just follow me¡±.

    Fay smiled and went out of their room.

    Wain just followed him around, walking along the streets.

    Fay finally stops at the dwarf¡¯s blacksmith.

    Fay went to Mr Odi.

    ¡°Mr Odi, is it finished?¡±.

    ¡®Yes yes. Its finished since yesterday evening¡¯.

    Mr Odi took a sheathed longsword from a corner. He took out the blade. It is azure in colour, with tinges of black. The edges of the longsword look really sharp and polished. The long handle is a fire-resistant alloy handle wrapped with fire lizard leather.

    He sheaths the sword back and give it to Fay. He smiled a little because he knew it¡¯s a gift for that wolf beastman over there. Of course he put a little more effort into it and even finished it earlier than expected just because he felt like it.

    ¡°Fay¡­¡±.

    Wain can¡¯t express how he felt. It¡¯s a sword he not only wanted, but needed. And he can¡¯t afford it. Compared to the bracelet he bought Fay; the value of the sword far exceeds them.

    ¡°I¡­¡±.

    He really felt heavy to accept such a gift.

    ¡®Wain. Here, it¡¯s yours¡¯. Fay pushed the large heavy longsword to Wain.

    ¡°Fay¡­ its too expensive for me to take¡­¡±.

    Fay is a bit stunned hearing it. He thought, Wain would be happy to accept it.

    ¡®I¡­ I just want to get you something. Take it. It¡¯s yours¡¯.

    Wain reluctantly takes it from Fay¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I will pay you back later¡±. He doesn¡¯t know why he said that word. He knows its wrong to say such things after receiving it.

    ¡®N-no- It¡¯s a gift¡¯. Fay felt worse hearing his response. Is it too expensive that he felt reluctant?

    Fay went to hug Wain.

    ¡®I feel happy to give them to you. Please, accept them¡¯. Fay looks at Wain with his round eyes.

    In a sense, his gift is the way he expresses his feelings. Wain rejecting his gift does imply his feelings being rejected.

    But do note that Fay buying the sword for Wain is equivalent to buying a car for someone in terms of value. Of course, Fay never thought in that perspective.

    ¡°Thank you¡±. Wain had to accept them. Fay had bought it for him. It¡¯s rude and unreasonable to pay him back even.

    And the value of sword does imply how much love Fay had for him. What makes it heavy is more because Wain realised how much Fay deeply loved him, even the sword that would take all his life savings is given freely.

    It¡¯s as if, the gift is Fay¡¯s expression to say ¡®I love you, and only you. I will stay with you forever¡¯.

    He felt like tears would come out of his eyes. Out of feeling touched. Is he that special in his eyes?

    They went back to the inn with the new longsword. Wain is still blank after receiving such a gift. He felt speechless.

    He sheathed the blade. It¡¯s beautiful. He touched the blade with his hand and felt how cold the blade is. It implies the heat conductivity is very good. The handle is comfortable and the weight is just right in his hand.

    Fay is reading a magazine on his bed, minding his business.

    Wain keeps looking at him.

    He almost forgot he wanted to bring Fay to meet his parents. But after receiving the gift he suddenly felt like he was not ready.

    But he had to decide. Will he live with him until his death?

    Fay noticed the gaze.

    ¡°Yes?¡±. Maybe Wain wants to have a hot time?

    ¡®Fay¡­ Umm¡­ I am visiting my parents tomorrow¡¯.

    ¡°Ohh! I forgot your parents live around here¡±.

    Wain scratched his neck out of nervousness.

    ¡®Ummm¡­ I want them to meet you too¡¯.

    Fay felt a bit speechless.

    Meet him?

    It implies advancing the relationship. Fay wasn¡¯t sure if he¡¯s ready to meet his parents. What if they don¡¯t like him? He has anxiety about his parents¡¯ reaction to him being with Wain. Because he¡¯s a guy technically even if his soul was not.

    But still, Fay gathers his courage. One day he had to do this anyway.

    ¡°I would love to meet them¡±. Fay affirms himself. Even if they don¡¯t like him, he will make them like him.

    Wain nodded.

    They didn¡¯t do any activity this night. Perhaps they are both nervous.

    Everyone does what they want to do on their free time the next day.

    Fay and Wain went to ride a carriage to the outer part of the capital. It¡¯s the residential area for the common people.

    They soon reach a humble beached-coloured house made of bricks. It has a modern touch to it.

    Wain knocks on the door.

    After some time, a buff looking middle-aged wolfman with dark and a bit grey hair opened the door.

    ¡°Wain! Why you didn¡¯t send us any letter before visiting? Come in come in¡±.

    He noticed the small build human next to his son.

    ¡°And this is¡­?¡±.

    ¡®Ah¡­ he¡¯s my¡­¡¯.

    ¡®Friend¡¯.

    Wain had accidentally blurted that kind of word. He felt stupid and horrible.

    ¡°Oh. Come in come in¡±. Hein spoke welcoming him in.

    Fay didn¡¯t take it to the heart. He knows Wain felt nervous. Even he felt like he would have said the same.

    A slightly shorter but quite buff middle-aged wolf woman come to greet Wain.

    ¡°Wain! You never send us any letter. How is it living in Angis now? Are your party members here as well?¡±.

    ¡®I don¡¯t have much time to write letter to you mom. We went on an escort mission and we just take a vacation while we are here¡¯.

    ¡°Oh, did it go well?¡±.

    ¡®Uh. yes.¡¯ Wain don¡¯t want to worry his parents that he is close to death.

    Kiana finally sees the small human seemingly hiding behind Wain.

    ¡°And this is¡­?¡±.

    Before Wain can formulate the right word to say-

    ¡°HAAA!!! Honey!!! Wain brought back a wife!!!¡±.

    Kiana jumped in excitement and hold Fay¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Oh, such a pretty girl. Why, what¡¯s your name¡±.

    ¡®I-I am Fay¡¯. Fay felt nervous. Wain¡¯s mom already jumped straight to wife.

    ¡®Ehem. You are making him feel nervous.¡¯. Hein tried to calm his wife down.

    ¡°Sorry. Sorry. Wait. You are¡­ a man?¡±. Kiana looks at Fay carefully, he¡¯s too pretty to be a man. But his short hair and flat chest is an indicator.

    ¡®-Yes?¡¯.

    ¡°Oh¡±. Kiana replied with a simple oh. Fay can¡¯t interpret her emotion. He¡¯s getting nervous.

    ¡°Come sit down. I will make some tea¡±.

    Kiana went to make tea while Wain went to freely take out biscuits from a jar on the table. Hein already sat on the table with them, but continue to read the newspaper.

    He passed the biscuit to Fay. Fay reluctantly takes a bite. He tasted smoked meat in them. It¡¯s a traditional biscuit of the beastmen.

    Kiana served the tea and sit down with them.

    ¡°Are you staying here for the night? We haven¡¯t cleaned your room¡±.

    ¡®Ah- no. We would leave tomorrow¡¯.

    ¡°Ouh¡­ leaving so fast. Mother feels so lonely¡­ why not stay longer¡±.

    ¡®You have dad there¡¯, countered Wain.

    Hein didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Alright then¡±. Kiana¡¯s ear flopped down a little.

    ¡°Umm Fay, right?¡±.

    ¡®How is Wain over there. Did he do fine by himself?¡¯ He doesn¡¯t get injured much, did he?¡¯.

    ¡°Ah, -miss. Wain is fine. He¡¯s really strong. And he guided me a lot too¡±.

    Kiana nodded. He looked at his son, who seems nervous.

    Now the main topic finally comes.

    ¡°Mom¡±.

    Kiana perked her ears. She already expected it.

    ¡°Fay is my- b-boyfriend¡±.

    Fay don¡¯t even know where to put his eyes.

    ¡®I see¡¯. Kiana smiled.

    If Fay is a muscly man like his husband, she would be devastated. But seeing how pretty and fair Fay is, she can accept it openly.

    ¡®As long you are happy, we would give you our blessing. Don¡¯t worry!¡¯. It¡¯s not entirely accurate, but of course you can¡¯t satisfy everyone and why mention something that didn¡¯t happen or existed. Thankfully they can accept Fay as he is.

    Hein put his newspaper down. He also nodded.

    Even Hein would have been devastated if Fay is some burly bulky man, although given his quiet stoic personality, he wouldn¡¯t mention it. Because for him it¡¯s Wain¡¯s life and he shouldn¡¯t make any decision for Wain. But of course, he doesn¡¯t want his son to be¡­topped¡­ by another man. Even if that¡¯s the case, he wouldn¡¯t make a comment even if he would feel like he had failed raising a son. But Fay is given a complete pass because he can guess the dynamic.

    ¡°Thank you, mom.¡±. Wain can only smile at the reply.

    ¡®Thank you, miss¡±. Fay also said his thanks.

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me miss. Call me mom. You are with my son naturally I am your mother¡±.

    ¡®Umm¡­ yes, m-mom(?)¡¯. That felt weird for Fay.

    Wain too had a complaint. That felt a bit unnatural. Maybe mother is fine. But mom???

    ¡®Oh, by the way how did you guys meet¡¯, Kiana went to chat.

    Fay did tell them about himself. He is half-honest about how he run away from his home to escape. And changed his name.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t¡­ some illegitimate prince of the Empire or something right? Or¡­ some assassin family¡­¡±. Kiana does have a worry.

    Hein raised his eyebrows because he felt his wife is too silly. Kiana doesn¡¯t want her son to be involved in some bloody thing. His abnormally pretty face, and his mysterious background makes her imagination runs wild. It¡¯s a no no if that¡¯s the case.

    ¡°Ah- no no. I just had it hard back in my home. It won¡¯t trouble Wain I promise¡±.

    Kiana nodded. It¡¯s a bit too mysterious. But he can¡¯t force Fay to tell them about his true origin. Even she and her husband ran away from to escape from Beastia because of the conflict between tribes back then.

    Hein barely speaks and only focused on the newspaper. But that¡¯s just his personality.

    Hein finally noticed the new longsword Wain had. He can guess it¡¯s very expensive. His son must have been a Gold Rank adventurer and in a Gold Rank party for sometimes at least.

    He wonders why he changed his sword.

    ¡°Wain. Your new sword looks great. Can I have a look?¡±.

    Wain is nervous. He hopes his dad don¡¯t mention it.

    Hein open the sheath. He noticed the azure colour and the black tinges. It¡¯s the standard for conducting even more powerful fire element. He nodded at his choice of sword. It¡¯s even better than the one he passed to him.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t use the previous sword anymore, give it back to me. I have a lot of memory with them¡±.

    ¡®Ah. I don¡¯t bring them with me. Maybe next time¡¯. Wain lied through his teeth. Fay side eyed Wain. The sword is GONE. There¡¯s no next time.

    Hein just nodded.

    Anyways, it went well.

    ¡°Fay, take care of Wain for me okay? Tell us if you guys need anything¡±.

    ¡®Yes m-mom¡¯. Fay can only give a wry smile. He also wonders if he should talk to Wain¡¯s father as well. But even Wain himself barely said anything to his dad unless Hein start the conversation. It¡¯s just how they are.

    Kiana went to give them 2 jars of homemade biscuits to bring back.

    ¡°You should visit us more often¡±, Kiana complained to Wain.

    They bid their farewell. They both let out a breath of relief. Wain parents can accept him to be with him. He felt glad.

    He remembers in his previous world, with Ryo. Everything was¡­ bitter. From his own parents, to Ryo¡¯s parents, to Ryo himself. Everything was depressing, and complicated. He remembered being sent a text from Ryo¡¯s mom blaming him for turning his son gay or something.

    It¡¯s truly crazy back then. He gave up really. He gave up on trying to make things work. He had dreams of Ryo always ending up killing himself no matter what he did. He had a dream where, things did work out. He doesn¡¯t remember what is his exact wish, but he had fragments where Ryo end up cheating on him with a woman still. He tried to treat it as a dream. But he knows that¡­ had happened. He doesn¡¯t know what happened next though. (Since he Witched out. And Fay never realised this fact).

    ¡°Fay?¡±.

    Fay finally awakened from his day dreaming.

    He looked at Wain. He loved him. He loved him a lot. And he wanted things to stay this way. He just, want to be with him.

    Tears already pooled under his eyelids.

    ¡°Fay¡­ what¡¯s wrong?¡±.

    ¡®Ah¡­ nothing¡­¡¯.

    He wiped his little tears away.

    ¡°I am just, happy it works out¡±.

    Wain went to hug Fay tight. He¡¯s not sure what went through his mind. But it doesn¡¯t matter. He¡¯s there with him.

    They went to ride a carriage back to the main district of the capital. They get themselves some food and take an evening nap. The rest of their vacation time is really just spent on finding food around.

    The next morning comes. They wished they could have spent more time on vacation. But regardless, money does not fall from the tree. They need to work just because they are living.

    ¡°Umm¡­ We don¡¯t have to get a carriage to get back. I can send everyone back¡±. Fay volunteered. Because no one had mentioned it to him, he said it himself.

    They all ride a carriage to some deserted road and walked into the trees for few minutes.

    Fay transformed into his magic form and opened up a spatial crack. He sent Eli and her grandma back first, and then the rest of the party back to their rooms in Angis.

    It¡¯s a nice vacation really.

    Wain looked at Fay in his magic form. The white hair matches his clear and light skin and sapphire eyes. He went to kiss Fay. He takes a closer look at Fay¡¯s outfit. How do you take them off???

    ¡°Can you take them off?¡±, asked Wain.

    Fay blushed a little. He¡¯s not sure. He never tried. And probably no magical girl ever tried.

    Kyubey who had always been sitting on his head casually made a reply.

    ¡°You can. By default, each time you transform the magical outfit would be constructed from magic, increasing your strength and performance. You can remove the magic from parts of your outfit to take them off¡±.

    Fay tried to use his consciousness to take back portion of magic from the plate covering his chest.

    It disappears with particles of light, leaving on a skin-tight chainmail behind it.

    ¡°Oh¡­ I can¡­¡±.

    ¡­

    Click.

    Wain locked the door behind them.

    ..

 ElysiaMagica Side Story 1: Amy

    [At night. One month after transmigrated to another world.]

    Kyubey ate the 5th magic crystal, he split himself into two again.

    The 3rd Kyubey too went to ''walk around'' without Fay being aware of it. This time it walks in a different direction looking for a potential candidate to be a magical girl.

    ...

    Amy is a commoner girl living in a town. She had short dark brown hair and eyes. She grew up in an abusive household.

    Her own father had violated her, her mother ignored her cries and please. Amy''s heart is broken from the constant torture. She hates her life. She hates her parents. She doesn''t know how many times she cried herself to sleep. She wanted to tell someone, she wanted to escape.

    She tried to run away once. But the local guard who she trusted, sent her back to her parents again. She was devastated and stopped running since then.

    *Flop*2

    Kyubey''s ears twitched as he stared at the girl who was laying naked on her bed, crying, after a man who''s supposed to be her father had done with her.

    She tiredly looked at something sitting on her window. She rubbed her eyes, thinking she was only seeing things. It''s still there. She looks more carefully. It isn''t a bunny but it''s cute.

    "Hello".

    Huh?

    She stared at the creature. Did she hear things now?

    "I am Kyubey. Would you like to make a contract?".

    She is shocked. But Elysia is a world with Gods and Dragons, while it''s rare it''s still something not unheard of. She composed herself.

    ''Contract?''.

    "I can grant any wish your heart desires in exchange for a price".

    Is it a devil? She heard stories, how they would seduce men with promises in exchange for their soul.

    ''What will be the cost? My soul? My life? Or my limbs?''.

    ???

    Kyubey wondered what use her soul and limbs would do and why it''s the first thing she thought.

    Regardless, he continued.

    "You have to live your whole life fighting magical beasts and Wraiths. You would be the symbol of hope, that fights for the sake of the world".

    She understood magic beasts. But what is a Wraith?

    ''What is a Wraith?''.

    "It''s a different kind of monster than a magical beast. If a magical girl is born from hope. Then Wraith is born purely from despair and negative energy. While a magical beast is born from negative energy and mana".

    But from Kyubey observation, perhaps there''s no Wraith because all the negative energy gets distributed evenly into magic beasts based on their strength in the whole world. That''s why the magical beasts are so... Violent.

    So, there shouldn''t be any Wraith in this world, in theory. Perhaps it''s a system the gods of this world implemented. Kyubey does make some notes. It''s quite efficient in terms of balancing the positive and negative energy, but it''s akin to giving every person on the planet some form of power or access to power for them to eliminate the curses of the world. But in terms of overcoming entropy, it didn''t achieve that purpose. The system only maintains a balanced equal state, in equilibrium at least from his rough calculations.

    ''But I don''t have any abilities to fight magic beasts...''.

    "You would gain power to use magic power once you made a contract. Becoming a magical girl, while having great power, also comes with great risks and responsibilities."

    ''Can I wish for my parents to... Die?''.

    "It''s possible".

    ''What happens if I refuse to kill magic beasts, and whatever Wraiths are?''.

    "As a magical girl, you would need magic to sustain your own life. And each use of magic would consume a limited quantity of energy. You need magic crystals dropped from magic beasts to recharge the magic you spent. Even if you don''t use any magic, you still spend some magic energy to maintain the minimum state of activity for your body".

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    ''I don''t understand. I don''t need, magic, to live as I am right now, right?''.

    Kyubey is silent for a few seconds. Because very few had asked far enough questions.

    ''When you made a contract, a new body would be constructed for you. A stronger, tougher body that requires a minimum amount of magic to run. Because you would need to fight magic beasts.¡¯

    ¡°Then if I run out of magic, I die?¡±.

    ¡®Yes¡¯. Kyubey answered straight.

    "I see...". Amy thinks about it seriously. To fight magic beasts her whole life...

    "How many magic crystals are we talking about here?".

    ''It depends on your magic expenditure, and how strong your magic is''.

    That didn''t answer the question.

    But Amy had already made up her mind.

    ¡­

    She took a deep breath, before saying her wish out loud.

    ''I want my parents dead. Grant me my wish, Kyubey!''.

    Deep Purple light envelopes Amy as a purple soul gem formed.

    "The contract is successfully formed. Congratulations, your wish is fulfilled and you have become a magical girl".

    "If you any more questions, do ask me".

    ...

    Amy went out of her room, to see her parents lying dead, lifeless on the floor. She has no regret, no remorse over their death.

    She went to her mom''s dead body on the floor and kneeled in front of it.

    "You always let him do what he wants to me. You too, deserves this...".

    She cried over her mom body. She wished; she had a nice loving parent like everyone else. Of course, she''s aware that a wish is also possible but ultimately, she doesn''t want her parents to be changed by some devil magic. It won''t be real. It would only be a fake illusion if she makes such a wish. It will never be real and sincere.

    Thus death, is what they deserve.

    She stood blankly at his dad body. This monster. She hates that she had to call him dad.

    But it''s over. It''s really over now.

    She opened the windows, letting fresh air in.

    She sees the people in the streets. She noticed something peculiar. She can see a type of energy in their body.

    ''Kyubey. I see... Something, in the people''.

    "As a magical girl who wished for death, you have some access to powers related to soul. Naturally, you can see others life force in their body, and have power to extinguish them".

    ''Kyubey, I can see an old woman with a very tiny light''. (Like a candle light).

    ''It probably means her life force is already weak, and her life would come to an end. It''s possible for it to represent a creature''s lifespan''. Of course, it''s possible for someone to die while still having large amount of life force through accident or the like. It''s basically the energy that naturally carried by your soul, to be able to maintain connection with your body and consciousness.

    "So, I can guess people''s lifespan now".

    She looked at the dead lifeless bodies in the floor. There''s no light in them. They are truly dead.

    She let out a small laugh. Thinking how everything ended in an instant.

    After hours of recuperating in her room, she finally went out to see a guard, telling them her parents are dead. The guards check her house and carried their bodies. They questioned Amy as she is under suspicion of murder.

    After a few days, it is confirmed her parents¡¯ death are ''natural''. As if they had a heart attack at the same time and died naturally.

    The case is dismissed, although many had doubts. Regardless... Amy finally starts to register as an adventurer.

    ...

    In the forest, Amy summoned her purple soul gem. She can see... Her own life force in them. It''s very bright. She knows what it meant. That her soul, is in the little thing called Soul Gem. Her body is simply a puppet of sort. She accepts it quite well.

    But she realised the implication. Her body is an undead.

    She asked Kyubey about it, and she understands and tried to accept it. She also learns from Kyubey she can isolate her consciousness into her soul gem and dull her body senses.

    Thus, her first mission to kill a few goblins is executed.

    She saw a goblin munching on some beast meat. It''s a disgusting green creature with sharp fangs. It has a smaller light in him, indicating its short lifespan. Naturally, since the goblin has a corresponding fast reproductive ability.

    She''s afraid as it''s the first time fighting a monster.

    The goblin noticed and make strange noises.

    ''Kyaaa. Hwuuuu. Kaaa''.

    It held a wooden club in its hand and dashed to Amy. It''s small and agile body is fast. Amy quickly transformed.

    [Transformation scene]

    She wore a dark purple cloak, with skull like markings on her face. Her inverted triangle Soul Gem on her choker shimmered in purple glow. She summons her weapon - a large dark purple scythe.

    She roughly swung it. The goblin dodge and it only manages to scratch a tiny wound on the goblin upper arm.

    Instantly she sees the light in goblin body flickered and reduced to half. The goblin becomes slow and weakened instantly. As if some of its life force got destroyed from a mere scratch.

    The goblin weakly went to dash at her still. With its slower movement, she slashed the scythe directly at the goblin body, cutting the goblin into two pieces directly.

    Dead.

    The light extinguished instantly. She sees the goblin body in 2 pieces. The cut is clean. She''s very strong. So strong. She realises how her power works. She can extinguish their life force, weakening them and shortening their lifespan. As for being able to cut the goblin into half, that''s purely her physical strength and her scythe sharpness.

    She dug out the goblin magic crystal from its bloody body and keep it for herself. Then she cut the left ear as prove of subjugation.

    She puked a little, smelling the blood and flesh.

    More goblins tried to ambush her because the goblin makes noises before calling aids.

    She got hit by a wooden club on her side, but she only winced a little bit and simply punched the goblin away crushing its face.

    It doesn''t feel that painful... She looks at her newfound power.

    After killing 6 goblins, she looked at her still somewhat bright soul gem. She used only a tenth of her magic power.

    She took one the goblin magic crystal, placed it on it. The soul gem purified instantly and the small magic crystal turned completely dull, showing it''s already totally consumed.

    She has to say, at least she doesn''t have to worry about overspending her magic and dying from it.

    She decides to destroy the entire goblin nest while she''s already so strong. And mostly to vent her frustration and anger at how shitty her life is.

    ''I killed them. Haha.. hahahaha... HAHAHAA!''.

    She keeps mincing and cutting the goblins that are beating her with clubs and one even bit her flesh. She laughs and keep punching, kicking and swinging her scythe like a madwoman.

    It''s a walk in the park as flesh and organs scattered across the cave ground and walls.

    A hundred goblin fell by her hands on her first day as adventurer. Even managing to kill the Goblin King and Queen, and even killing a goblin shaman despite she got injured here and there. Due to her dulled pain senses, and she can heal her own body instantly, she has no problem whatsoever.

    In the process she learned how to shoot magic waves from her scythe carrying a powerful magic that extinguishes life force.

    She became a bronze rank in her first day, giving her the title of ''Goblin slayer''.

    ...

 Chapter 11: That Is NOT a Fire Drake

    After the party returned to town of Angis, they started their adventurer work as usual.

    Taking smaller quests, days passed. After 2 silver level beast subjugation - they found it''s easier after they upgraded their equipment and spells. And so they decide it''s time to take higher rank subjugation quests from now on. There''s one posted on the board.

    Gold level beast, a fire drake.

    It was sighted near Ashen village by a villager and there were many witnesses seeing it flying far above the sky of the forest. Although it didn''t injure or harm anyone yet, they are worried. Fire drake, although unable to use dragon tongue magic unlike true dragons, it can shoot fire balls that are really dangerous.

    Aside from that, it''s not that noteworthy. The beast can fly, and the party definitely has no way to prevent it from flying and running away except injuring its wings.

    But they don''t have to think about that problem because magical beasts are... slightly insane. They are hateful. If they see a human, and get provoked enough, it would definitely stay around and have its revenge.

    The minds of magic beasts are corrupted because of some negative energy and curses they are born with - at least that''s what Kyubey theorised. They are aggressive and would be more likely to actively attack people. But they still have the inner instincts of an animal.

    Trevor should be able to tank fire magic from the dragon. He got a better-quality shield - a 10% Adamantite alloy anti corrosive and anti conductive materials. It''s far weaker than a pure Adamantite armor or shield in terms of magic resistance - but it''s still close when it comes to its durability and has a certain effect to reduce magical attack damage.

    Elvis got himself a stronger enchanted longbow made from iron-tree back in the capital. Its heavier, slower and requires more power to pull the string back.

    But its power is very high.

    He thinks he lacks high attack power when it comes to injuring big and tough-skinned beasts so the bow solves that problem.

    Elvis does a short discussion on how to tackle it on the way to the village. It''s the usual strategy. Trevor tanks, Wain would attack when he had chances, Elvis just shoots, and Amber will chant her ultimate move. Lisa would watch their back, and use earth wall to block the monster movement if they charge the backline or to protect if it shoots projectiles at them.

    But Lisa shows her grief in not being able to use her newest magic Earth Golem this entire time because it consumes most of her mana.

    The team really needs someone to watch their backs. One direct hit led to death. It''s that easy to just die. They can''t play around.

    But upon seeing Lisa sad, Fay told Elvis not to worry since this time he will watch their backs and make sure to keep them safe.

    Lisa clasped Fay''s hand thanking him. Fay will become the team''s pure support for now, or at least most of his focus will try to keep the team safe. She can''t wait to see her Earth Golem in action. Fay too is curious to know how the Earth golem would fare against a fire drake.

    Trevor may not have to worry much because he''s heavily armored. And Wain, who fights at melee range is agile enough to dodge and hide behind Trevor.

    The party rode the carriage to the village. Fay can only use his portal to places he had already gone to so they can¡¯t just use that. They reached the village at night after crossing another one village before it.

    While the fire drake can still attack the village, but it''s known to be diurnal so they all slept at a house village chief pointed to.

    The next morning, they all venture deep into the forest led by a villager to direct them a to the general direction of the drake.

    Fay has zero worry because his true power can chop any beasts like vegetables from all directions. If anything, he is the true trump card for the party. But his party never saw his offensive power. They know he can use a portal to move across vast distances. That''s already mind boggling. If they see him with tens of swords rotating and slashing monsters through tens of portals at the same times they would faint.

    But space magic has become quite boring for him now.

    He wants to train his ice magic. Fay figured his mana is on the very high end because his body is artificially made through Kyubey magic.

    He barely used any of his wind and water magic because it felt insignificant compared to his space magic. And it felt kind of boring for him. Wind and water magic just don''t hit his soul. Like it has a bland flavor.

    But ice... That''s so cool! And so cold! Not to mention it''s very rare and made him feel like the main character. Of course, he doesn''t count his space magic. It''s a bit too easy to use and too OP. Of course, not every magical girl is as powerful. It''s just that Fay type of magic is a cheat itself. Although he doesn''t have explosive pure magical power.

    If you compare it to Homura, a magical girl who can stop time, he had the same level of power. Fay''s rapier is only stronger and sharp than standard sword.

    But he lacks the ''nuke''. Take Homura who can stop time, she can''t defeat Walpurgisnacht with thousands of bombs and C4s. But Madoka, a magical girl who had become a God, can one shoot the same Walpurgis with a single magical arrow nuke.

    Fay definitely can''t one shot it. Because he doesn¡¯t have strong pure magic nuke.

    He did have a trump card. He can bait and make beasts enter a portal and close it - dissecting them through the force of spatial closure. It''s just that he had to bait monsters to walk into it.

    He can''t create portals around or into solid matter. When he creates a spatial portal, air particles are pushed to make a vacuum space where spaces can be cut and connected.

    The force from the closing of space connection has nothing to do with his power - but simply the physical law returning space to its original state. It consumes zero magic to cut beast using the closing of the spatial portal.

    Can Walpurgis body withstand the closing of space? He doesn¡¯t know. He never fought it with his space power.

    Right... He shouldn''t bother about Walpurgis. There''s no Walpurgis here, probably (hopefully). And there''s something worse, something that can even devour the whole planet, the Witch Kriemhild Gretchen. He''s sure he can''t do anything to it and can just watch and wait for his death even with his current power level.

    Coming back to the forest, wain and Elvis who are experts in tracking lead them. While Amber also uses Mana Detection spell once in a while to detect high mana signature.

    They eventually reached deep into the forest. Half of the light is blocked by the trees.

    ''It''s at the front''. Amber finally detects an abnormally large mana signature.

    She had doubts... It''s too large. But she never fought a fire drake so she just shrugs it off thinking that''s normal.

    Elvis nodded and ask everyone to prepare their usual formation. Trevor led their party to the front. He can aggro with monster with his taunting skill.

    They reached an area with clearings and only sparse tree. Wain can smell fresh blood somewhere.

    Elvis looks carefully across the trees and saw it.

    3 to 4 meters tall, and 10 meters in length. Its wings are still folded. It''s munching on large elephant like beast.

    Suddenly it stopped munching.

    It turned its head sideways and its slit eye contracts looking directly at Elvis.

    !!!

    ''It noticed us! Prepare to engage!''.

    Everyone hurriedly gets into their own formation.

    Lisa runs way back and starts to chant her Earth Golem spell.

    Trevor charged slightly forward and bang his shield to attract its attention. Wain unsheathes his sword from his back and hold it with his two hands. He chanted the spell for the Blue Fire enchantment.

    The fire drake flapped its wing and flew straight at them at lower altitude avoiding trees in an abnormal speed. Fierce wind comes at them as it flaps its wings.

    It opened its mouth slightly as if speaking. And hymns and grunts and unique voices can be heard. Magical runes appear around the fire drake.

    ''That... That...''.

    Elvis exclaimed in shock!

    That is NOT a fire drake! That''s a damn young true fire dragon!!!

    "That''s a dragon!!!".

    Fay also saw it and is prepared to counter attack.

    The dragon landed at the ground 10 meters away from the party, it clawed its feet and wings to the ground preparing a very large attack.

    ''Dodge and block!'', Elvis shouted in panic. Anyone can see it''s preparing a big attack.

    Kyubey immediately reminded Fay.

    ''Fay, prepare to create a wall. It''s attacking''.

    It took a deep breath for 5 seconds. Deep red fire fills the slightly opened mouth, and a triple runic magic circle is building up its form.

    Fay definitely isn''t ready for this! He needs to transform to be able to create more than one portal at a time and also use larger sized portals. And the AOE of the attack seems so large he is not confident!

    Fay quickly uses his enhanced brain to chant and cast the biggest ice wall he could use.

    Lisa and amber too stopped their chanting seeing this and chanted their water wall and earth wall immediately.

    Trevor stood his ground with his big shield at the front while lowering his body to try to block its attacks. Wain hides behind Trevor, hoping to defend against it and hoping the magic walls are cast in time.

    Magic circles form around the mages. A very large ice wall is created from the ground - spanning 10 meters length and 6 meters high that cover their view as clear ice wall forms. The water wall added to it makes it thicker and it got supported with the earth wall from behind.

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    Somehow accidentally combined their walls. Setting aside their surprise that Fay can use Ice Magic, which he never tells, they are in panic!

    The dragon finished its charge! An extremely hot fire breath shoots out of its mouth in a wide cone shape, along with 3 large fireballs from the magic circles!

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    The 3 large fireballs hit the large fused wall at the same time and a constant stream of fire from its mouth engulfs the whole wall as the fire even passes through the gap above their heads creating a roof of flame. The explosion cracks the wall, but it maintains its form as the ice melts under the constant stream of endless fire breath.

    Just as the wall of ice gets very thin. The dragon finally stops its breath.

    The trees around them are set ablaze as they are now trapped in a sea of flames and burning trees.

    What the f***.

    Sweats already profusely drop from their body due to heat and panic. Who the hell said it''s a fire drake? They will sue the adventurer guild!

    They would probably be dead if they didn''t cast the wall just now. Where to dodge? Everything is burnt to crisp!

    Fay takes the chance to transform into his magic form immediately. The elegant silver armor is adorned as his hair turns white. The gem in his Tiara shines brightly.

    He summoned tens of rapiers, floating around him. He used his magic to slowly move the rapiers as it accumulated momentum.

    He disintegrated the ice wall, now giving a full clear view of the young dragon.

    After making such a big attack, it seems to be catching its breath and coughing.

    Fay takes the chance to control 10 of swords spinning fast around him to slash it through portals towards the dragon body.

    The tough true dragon scale barely pierced and the blade can''t reach deeper. multiple small cuts and bruises forms on the dragon body. Some of his rapiers even had their momentum stopped due to how hard the scales are.

    Fay needs to regain control over some of his rapiers to do this kind of attack. He didn''t expect the true dragon scale to be so tough it can stop his rapier from continuously slashing unlike the gold beasts he had taken down.

    The dragon roared in anger and flapped its wings outward, pushing all the swords away. One of them flew straight to Trevor but it entered a portal and flew back to Fay''s side.

    Crazy. He was confident in his magic before and thought the chimera and black mamba was so easy. But who knew the Adamantite level creature has scales so tough.

    But he¡¯s still confident in winning. The dragon, can never reach him.

    The dragon flapped its bloodied wings and rushed to the party to do a melee attack.

    Trevor used his taunt skill and gained the dragon hatred. It flew towards him and used its claws to pierce him.

    Trevor prepares his shield. Wain readied his sword to counter attack. Amber, Elvis and Wain who had regained the composer each prepared their attacks while Lisa prepares to make Earth Wall just in case.

    As its legs almost reached Trevor, Fay opened a portal at the right time! A portal appears right in front of the dragon approaching legs and claws, and another portal appears right next to the dragon.

    The dragon felt like he stepped into an unmoving hole as its whole legs got stuck inside the space portal, and his lower legs that entered the portal came out of another portal, dangling right next to the dragon. It''s a bizarre confusing sight.

    It struggles to claw out of the space as its feet dangling on its side scratches the portal. The portal loses its stability and closes forcefully.

    The sheer force of spatial closure instantly dissects both its legs clean with no resistance due to physical law of the world correcting the space itself!

    The dragon leg that dangled in the air is cut and dropped to the ground with a loud thud.

    The dragon dropped to the ground in pain as dragon blood flow out from its amputated feet.

    Everyone is shocked at the bizarre use of magic.

    But regained their composed because the dragon isn''t dead.

    The dragon flapped its wings again in hatred. It used its front claws and its wings as support. It flapped sending a huge gust of wind to the party and created some distance.

    Its instinct is screaming as it got injured from an unknown attack.

    Amber is still chanting her magic while a large amount of water is gathered above her head.

    Elvis shoots the arrow he readied coated with Piercing Gale spell, and managed to pierce the arrowhead into its chest!

    Lisa only shoots a few stone bullets, but it leaves barely any scratch.

    The dragon got angrier. But it''s afraid to charge in directly after it got heavily injured by strange magic. It has some level of intelligence after all.

    It opened its mouth as strange hymns and noises vibrate in the air as runes once again appear in the air. Fiery breath gathers inside the dragon throat. Lisa immediately chanted Earth Wall, ready to block it.

    Amber wanted to stop her chant to cast a defensive wall but she decides to trust her party to keep her safe while she''s focusing. They need the spell to completely kill it.

    Of course, Fay won''t let the dragon charge up.

    He summons few more swords and slashed at the dragon head and body.

    It got interrupted as more light cuts appears on its neck and head and even slashed one of its eyes. It screamed in anger. It stopped making strange noises and runes stopped appearing but it still take a deep breath and shoots a smaller breath of fire in cone shape. Fay and Lisa already prepared and casted their magic wall together, completely blocking the attack. The ice wall remains somewhat thick as it''s less powerful than before.

    Fay disintegrates the wall down to get clear view of the dragon. The dragon looks truly tired as it coughs more and more.

    Trevor actually went it dash in front of it. Followed by wain. The dragon can''t move properly due to its amputated legs and can only flap it''s wing, and use its front claws and use bites to attack Trevor.

    Trevor remained unmoving as it scratched his shield and armor. Wain took the chance to coat his blade in a fiery hot blue flame. The fire dragon is magic resistant but it¡¯s still can damage it. He does a heavy slash at the dragon. It leaves quite a deep wound on its chest.

    The dragon gets angry and attack Wain with its claw but he already stepped back as Trevor covered his front blocking it with his shield. Elvis continuously shoots enchanted heavy arrows to its body, head and wings, piercing the arrowhead into it. Wain do more and more slashes while kiting the dragon. The dragon gets tired and tired.

    ''Step aside!''.

    Amber screamed out. Trevor and Wain hurriedly move backwards in different directions. The dragon charges its head at Wain, but a white portal appears in front of it.

    The dragon learned from mistake and stop its movement. It also noticed the large amount of water constantly gathering and spinning on Amber.

    It tried to drag its body to move feeling its instincts crying.

    Fay sends his swords to stab at the dragon and chanted the spell, Ice Prison! Large light blue magic circle appears below the dragon as ice formed locking its body in ice.

    It struggles to move as more and more ice crack and breaks.

    Hyper Water Jet!

    Large volume of concentrated water above Amber¡¯s head spins and shoot a very high-pressure water at the dragon.

    It directly pierces the chest deep, the sheer force and pressure pushing the dragon body backward as it falls on its back even destroying the ice surrounding him!

    The water jet still moves diagonally cutting a large deep wound on its entire chest and entirely amputated one of its wings!

    ¡°Raaw...¡±.

    The dragon let out his last cry and closed its eyes.

    The forest fire around them had already been extinguished leaving only charred trees and dead ground around them.

    The ground around the body of the dragon had few chunks of ice and was flooded with water mixed with red blood.

    Silence prevails.

    1 second.

    3 second.

    10 seconds.

    Everyone finally can process what that thing is, and confirms it''s dead. They all let out a sigh of relief and wiped their sweat away.

    "Damn. What the hell...".

    Trevor felt like it was the first time he felt closest to death. He had taken beatings before, but to see that large fire that covers the whole area he''s very sure he would be roasted alive in his heavy armour.

    One thing after another. And he didn''t expect a young true dragon would be this terrifying. Although its physical abilities are actually manageable except for its hard scales, and it really is just Gold rank if you only count it''s physical ability... But its true threat is on its magic and fire breath. You would need full Adamantite armour and shield to withstand it.

    Fay also realised he overestimated his rapiers made of magic. After all, the gold ranked beasts he had killed so far don''t have such a hard scale and he could still leave a deep wound on the chimera and the giant snake easily. He will need to solve this lack of heavy firepower- unless he''s able to abuse spatial closure to decapitate the dragon directly. But it''s difficult to use and requires precise timing and relying on the beast being dumb.

    Amber finally sat down on the ground. She used all her mana in that one ultimate move. She smiled a little bit feeling proud because her spell definitely can kill the dragon even at its full health if it hit the vitals. It even cut its wing clean.

    Lisa also sat on the ground. That''s so terrifying. And she starts to regret spending her money on an earth golem. She should have bought the Greater Earth Wall spell instead. If Fay hadn''t used his ice wall, they all would have been roasted alive. To tackle such a beast, they needed a large-scale defence technique.

    Elvis lay his back into a tree and took a large deep breath. ''Fuhh....''.

    Wain, Trevor and Fay, seeing the others drop their guard also did the same.

    Fay cancelled his magic form. He recharged his dimmed soul gem with a magic crystal and went to sit next to Wain.

    Everyone is sitting in the ground to rest from shock except Elvis.

    "Hahaha... So scary".

    Trevor laughed out of relief.

    ''Fay, why didn''t you tell us you can use ice magic?''.

    Wain suddenly speaks.

    "I just recently learned it back in the capital".

    ''That''s definitely not a fire drake, isn''t it?''.

    Trevor states the big elephant in the room.

    Elvis replied.

    "It definitely isn¡¯t. It can even cast magic. That''s a damn true dragon".

    ''Ahh... I thought I would be burned alive"., continued Lisa.

    "It¡¯s scales are so hard...". Fay also complained.

    His sword can''t leave deep enough injuries. But of course, Fay thinks it''s still killable because the dragon cannot touch him. He can use a portal shield for himself and remain unscathed while the dragon had to endure multiple cuts in a long period of time. But he isn''t by himself and he can''t afford to let his party members die.

    He can''t protect everyone from that kind of AOE attack. Even its first full charged fire breath combined with fireballs were barely stopped.

    And it''s only a young dragon. An adult one may even be twice as strong. It''s estimated the young dragon is on the Mithril rank.

    After resting from shock, they take the courage to look at the young dragon body. its feet bizarrely chopped clean. And those feet are on the ground nearby. Trevor went to pick the very heavy feet. And put it down on the ground next the dragon body.

    They all is blank at what they are going to do next.

    "Let''s dismantle it". Elvis finally spoke.

    The scales are too hard it''s really difficult. The knife they had barely put any scratch on them.

    Ideas spun around their head.

    Amber does have a spell for this situation as she had a smaller version of the water jet cutter but she had no mana left.

    ''Fay, can you put it in your inventory space?'', Elvis asked.

    "Uhh... It''s too large. I can''t open a space opening big enough. But I can put them if we can cut its limbs off.''.

    Wain decides to enchant his longsword with his blue flame again. He put all force into his hand chop its head but it got stuck once it reaches the bone. He doesn''t want to force it to be afraid of damaging the sword.

    Fay also decides to transform and use both his hand to chop its neck bone. His rapier only cracked. He scratched his head. What to do with this dragon body.

    ''Fay maybe you can dismantle it'', Elvis suggested.

    "Uh... It would take a long time". After all, only Fay had a proper strength, proper sized and sharp enough blade to cut its scale. Wain uses a longsword and it''s unsuitable. Fay can indeed dismantle it by himself; except the bones; but that''s too much work.

    ''How about I try my Earth golem?''.

    Everyone nodded and let Lisa chant for awhile. And soon a 3-meter Earth golem stood proud. it used its stone hand to life the dragon body. It lifted halfway before the golem rock hand fall off. The hands reattach themselves back. The golem is strong indeed but it can''t carry the whole dragon.

    Kyubey made a comment.

    ''You can put its limbs onto the portals and cut it''.

    Fay repeat Kyubey suggestion.

    Everyone looked at each other. They nodded.

    Fay transformed again and opened a portal. Another portal also opened a few metres away.

    Lisa controls her golem to roll and flip the dead young dragon body little by little, putting its head into the portal.

    Fay closes the portal and it gets decapitated clean.

    They repeated this multiple times for its limbs and body.

    While cutting the body, Trevor found a very large magic crystal, or also called as dragon''s heart. Very high mana signature can be felt from it. It is the source of its power.

    Kyubey tells Fay he wants it but he had to refuse because it''s the party''s loot.

    The torso of the dragon is still too large to enter inventory space so the golem keeps pushing it onto a portal to make a few sections of the body. It finally fits the inventory space and all the dragon parts are kept with no waste left behind.

    ''Fay, your magic is amazing! That ice wall saved our asses''. Everyone also nodded. They still feel surprised but don''t have the time to make a comment.

    ''I don''t think it would hold up without Lisa and Amber''s magic as well...''. His ice wall cracked and only left a thin ice after all that.

    "And I feel like amber is more amazing. Her spell killed it". Everyone also nodded. While Fay tens of swords slashing at it is such a spectacular sight, and the ice wall is also great but amber''s water cutter kills it directly. Amber only blushed a little.

    ''It¡¯s just how the spells are'', she let out an excuse which is somewhat true. Indeed, amber is their party''s ultimate move. Has her strongest spell ever failed? So far not yet.

    Everyone leaves the scene where the withered and charred ground and trees stood.

    They all went to the village chief, explaining how it ISN¡¯T a fire drake. The chief thought they were tricking him and instead of talking nonsense, Fay took out the dragon head and the dragon''s heart. The chief is immediately shocked. He didn''t know it was a young fire dragon.

    How would he know??? Don''t they look the same?

    They can only sigh. Still, he signed the quest completion form with some comments and apologies.

    Fay transforms again and creates a portal directly to their room. Everyone takes a rest for the rest of the day before deciding what to do with the dragon''s body.

    Fay rest in his room and cuddles with Wain as usual. He laid his head on his chest, his arm crossing over and firmly pressing him.

    "It''s so strong...". Fay complained to Wain.

    ''Yeah. Thankfully we managed''. Wain also let a sigh of relief while wagging his tail feeling comfy and rested.

    ...

 Chapter 12: No Parts Left Behind

    The next day, they submitted the mission completion form to receive the quest reward.

    Of course, Elvis represents the party to make a complaint. The guild administrative even refuse to believe their story until they see for themselves the dragon head and its heart.

    The guild leader had to apologise and raise the reward equivalent to Mithril rank. The whole party got a whopping 120 gold coins for killing the dragon and for compensation for the mistake that could have ended up killing them all.

    This doesn''t include the materials from the dragon yet.

    The party pays for the adventure guild''s butcher house service and leaves it to them to handle the dismantling of dragon scales and bones and whatnot. It''s too tough and the guild should have the right tools for it.

    They immediately appraise the dragon''s heart because they already have it at hand.

    It''s roughly estimated to be worth a whole platinum coin!

    Kyubey calmly walks to Fay and jumps to his head.

    ''Fay, I am interested in it''.

    "Kyubey, what are you going to do with this?", Fay asked. Is he going to eat it?

    ''I want to do some research. It''s an interesting thing. I might be able to give it back after I have done analysing it. But I can''t promise that though''.

    Fay thought for a moment.

    "Wait for a while. We need them to appraise all the dragon materials first. I can''t just take the most expensive part of it. Everyone did their part to kill it so it''s unfair if I just take this thing".

    Kyubey just stares blankly at Fay with its red round eyes, not sure whether he has complaints or not.

    The adventurer''s guild leader had a lot of suspicions because how did they carry this dragon corpse from that village a distance away? And why are the limbs cut so cleanly, and why and how is the dragon''s body cut like sushi? It is indeed suspicious but he just holds his curiosity back because they are one of the people who help to keep the whole town and surrounding villages safe.

    As all the raw dragon limbs and meats are put in many big carts into the butcher house, Kyubey climbed down Fay''s head and walked along them, seemingly having something in his mind about the dragon corpse.

    ''Kyubey where are you going?''.

    "I am watching how they dismantle the dragon".

    It''s rare that Kyubey left his side. But Fay shrugs it off. Maybe he wants to contract a new magical girl somewhere and he really is just making an excuse. He did wonder who it will be. Fay thinks Kyubey making more magical girls has its merit.

    But still, his ''companion'' really just watched them the whole time they fought the dragon. Didn''t he say he would help in combat?

    Where??? Not a single spell cast. Didn''t kyubey say he could cast magic? Fay had never seen it. He starts to doubt whether Kyubey can or cannot.

    Fay wanted to complain, but then Kyubey really didn''t have any obligation to him. Kyubey never interfered because he personally thinks it''s not needed so he just watches.

    And Fay knows Kyubey is just there with him because he really has no purpose in this world aside from satisfying his curiosity probably.

    ...

    Kyubey stealthily ate a few dragon scales, took a bite of a dragon meat, took a piece of its bone, and drank some of its blood as the butcher house worker do their work.

    He then went to walk out of the gate to exit the town North, passing through deep forest. He eventually reached a desolate ruin of the past. He went to open a hidden underground passage by pressing a specific section of the wall. The stairs are made of stone and a few torches of lights illuminate the way as he walks to the basement.

    4 other Kyubeys and few human sized Earth Golems are busily moving here and there. There are also many advanced looking devices powered with mana stones. They are focused on their research with advanced measuring devices around them and unknown samples and materials from who knows where.

    Kyubey ate one more magic stone that Fay had given him 2 days ago, and he split himself again because he needs more manpower.

    Kyubey spat out all the materials on a stone table and took a sample from the dragon''s meat. He put it under a Petri dish and observed it with a microscope-like device to see its overall cell structure. He made some notes in his mind, and went to put a sample inside a device to see its overall biological property.

    ''Interesting''.

    All the other Kyubeys stopped their current research and they all shift their focus on the dragon''s body parts.

    ''What a unique lifeform. It''s as if their muscles, blood and bone are all made to conduct mana''.

    A few days passes while the Kyubeys do research and tests on the dragon tissue and cells.

    The Kyubeys tinkered with the dragon''s dead tissue and did various testing to test its properties. He took a cell sample from its flesh and placed growth factor into a petri dish to incubate dragon cells. It grew only a little and died. Kyubey supplied the cell with mana, it lived longer but still died.

    ''I need the dragon heart to continue''. Kyubey pondered.

    ...

    Fay wonders where Kyubey went the past few days while they are waiting for the guild to completely dismantle the dragon.

    3 days passed and the dismantling was completed. Kyubey happens to return as well.

    ''Kyubey, did you contract a new magical girl when you are gone?''.

    "No".

    ''Then what were you doing?''.

    "Research".

    ''What research?''.

    "I am studying the properties of the dragon flesh and tissues. I need the dragon''s heart to continue my research". Kyubey stares with its blank red eyes.

    Fay just shrugs it off. Kyubey is somewhat mysterious but he doesn''t seem to be evil and is just ''emotionless'' so he lets him do what he wants.

    The dismantled parts are arranged and bundled in carts. Unfortunately, there''s a 5% worth of material commission as well. But no one complains because the dragon is big and no one wants to dismantle it. And they already strike it rich and the 5% isn''t much at all.

    From its bones, scales, fangs, claws and its blood in vials. Its blood is valuable to make magic scrolls. It''s quite ruthless how the young dragon who had so much to look forward to in the future turned into these things. They had already appraised their rough values and made them into a list. Of course, this is really just for distribution purposes and the guild will handle the auctioning of the materials afterwards.

    The party has the rights to take what they want first and would recalculate the value of the leftovers to auction them. The auction would probably take 2 weeks to 1 month time to finish since it involves transporting the material and setting up slots for the auction. And again, the guild would take a 10% cut for handling the auction process. And the auction centre also will take their cut roughly around 10% as well. So many cuts...

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    The worth of the whole carts + a dragon heart is roughly appraised to be worth as much as 5 platinum 34 gold and 67 silver and it will get higher since it hasn''t been auctioned yet. Elvis is shocked seeing the list. True Dragon is a rare find after all. The lands of Elysia are infested with beasts and most of the lands are unexplored with thick forests, mountains, and various places. When it comes to dragon hunting, you would need to intentionally try to find it. But it also means stepping into the nest of magical beasts. Only by rare chance it wanders outside its territory that dragons could be hunted by teams of mithril or adamantite adventurer teams.

    The guild also sends people to investigate the location where the young dragon is supposedly found. The young dragon being there might mean its parents are somewhere nearby. That is a worrying idea but also an opportunity. While the branch guild in Angis has no Mithril nor Adamantite party members yet, they can still request for them who mostly reside in the Capital. They still can take a portion of the cut if they discover it. And those people would definitely come to rush over quickly as if their girlfriend''s parents aren''t home.

    The guild leader tapped his office desk, pondering. Can Elvis&Gang kill a dragon now? He considers promoting them to a Mithril rank party.

    After a brief discussion, everyone agreed that they can take whatever they wanted from the materials that would contribute to the party''s overall combat effectiveness and distribute the rest of the loot through money they get from auction later.

    Fay fidgets his fingers because he requests to take the dragon''s heart.

    He had to explain Kyubey aka his contracted spirit and asked him for it. The dragon heart is roughly appraised at 1 platinum coin. And this is before auction. It is a material used to create artifacts, magic weapons, and even automated golems that can run indefinitely.

    Of course Fay isn''t selfish. He knew the dragon heart was the most precious part of the dragon.

    ''I will give my cut of the gold coins and pay for the rest of its value in exchange for this dragon heart''.

    Fay doesn''t need the heart but since Kyubey asked for it, he is somewhat his friend(?)/pet, he would want to give it to him.

    He just needs to go chop gold level beasts like vegetables each day and he would get money easily. He just didn''t do it like that because he wanted to remain ''hidden''. But he can''t help it now. He needs money. He just hopes the Emperor or whoever doesn''t take notice of him killing gold ranked beast solo each day.

    After some light discussion, they agreed. Because Fay is fully capable of paying for it. The dragon heart itself is 1 platinum roughly. Auctioning them would probably give them 3 platinum coins at most. But they aren''t so cruel to ask Fay to pay a theoretical 3 platinum coin to them. He is a party member who has saved their asses fighting the dragon after all and contributes greatly to the party. So the baseline 1 platinum is okay.

    '' Thank you!''.

    Fay thanked Elvis for his consideration.

    Fay gave the dragon heart to Kyubey and he opened his mouth and swallowed it whole.

    ...

    It''s not just to eat it, right? Fay shrugs it off. He made a decision to give it to Kyubey so it''s up to him to do what he wants with it.

    Kyubey climbed down Fay''s shoulder and walked out of the room. There he goes again, ''walking around''.

    Most of the red dragon scales are kept just in case they want to make a light armour for the party members. They would need to go to the capital to hire a good blacksmith that can process them. While its bones are sold completely. The bones are really strong and heavy, it''s definitely a good material for a hammer, a club, a greatsword or bone armour and other stuff but no one in the party uses such things.

    The dragon blood is also taken whole by the party because Amber; surprisingly told them she knows how to make magic scrolls - since she claimed to learn from the Trius Magic Academy in the Capital.

    Now. This is the first time they heard Amber talk about herself. Trius Magic Academy is the largest academy in the capital. Most that attend them are children of noble or named people with history, or sponsored genius mages found by them. Most of the mages in the Elysia are self-taught for basic spellcasting. But for things like magic engineering, spell scroll making, spell creation, magic language studies, and a whole bunch of other stuff are taught at the magic academy.

    For adventurers they mostly just need to know how to read and chant spells so the party had assumed Amber is one those common mages. Who would have thought she had graduated from such a prestigious place!

    Amber is actually the 2nd latest addition to the party only a few months before they found Fay in the forest back then. She barely speaks about herself so no one really knows much about her. This is their first time knowing she attended the academy.

    It also aroused sparks of curiosity at her true identity.

    Anyways, the magic scrolls are a game changing item because it can completely remove spell chanting and reduce mana consumed by a little amount based on the mana content in the blood.

    Only the blood of beasts that are capable of using magic (some Mithril and Adamantite rank beasts mostly) can be used to make magic scrolls. It''s a very hot commodity among mages and very expensive in the market. With a magic scroll, Amber can cast Hyper Water Jet close to an instant while Lisa can create a big earth golem or use the Greater Earth Wall spell in a second or two.

    The value is obvious. It''s a cheat-like item itself if used for the right spell by the right person. And with it, even a Mithril rank monster would be no problem. And since they can farm Mithril rank monsters with the scrolls, they can get more of their blood to make more scrolls. It''s like a glitch in the economy. So almost no one wants to sell it and just keep it for themselves and only hire a spell transcriber to make scrolls for them.

    This is also a major factor that makes the Mithril and Adamantite team stay at the top and why lower rank teams remain where they are. A single opportunity is all it takes to rise as they get to keep all the good stuff from high tier magical beasts and become stronger themselves.

    The whole party decides to have a banquet at a fancy restaurant this time.

    Of course, Trevor is the one suggested. And he begs Fay, along with others eyes shining with pleases to go to the capital. Fay just sighed with a smile, transformed, and opened a portal in a nearby forest to the Capital City.

    Somehow what''s supposed to be just a fancy dinner becomes another short vacation as they all went around the shopping district again after eating weirdly named, little volume, otherworldly delicious fancy dishes.

    Everyone splits up to walk around the busy market, with multiple stalls selling various things. Fay walked with Wain, holding big rough hands.

    A few passersby look at the cute couple. The wolfman is handsome and the smaller human is pretty and cute. How could they miss it?

    Fay saw a big jewelry store nearby with various jewels and accessories. He looked at the bracelet that Wain got him before.

    "Wain, I want to check out this shop".

    Wain nodded and just followed Fay to the shop.

    Wain too check the items out. Should he get Fay another one, he considered.

    Fay wants to get something for Wain but Wain really never wears any accessories. Would he feel uncomfortable wearing something he never wears? He contemplates it. He glanced at another customer in the shop. It''s a cat beastwoman. He looked at the nice ring she had pierced on her right ear.

    Fay imagined how good it would look on Wain and he felt an Eureka moment.

    "Wain... let''s get our ears pierced".

    ''Uhh... Doesn''t it hurt?''.

    Wain do wonder how these people pierce their ear, nose, lips, stomach or even ''that place'' without feeling scared of it.

    "I want to get an ear ring for you...".

    Fay fidgeted his fingers and looked at Wain with his blue round eyes.

    Wain can''t help but follow his request. He reluctantly went with Fay to the shop owner and got their ears pierced instantly. It stings a little but subsides fast.

    Fay saw a nice silver ear ring with intricate elegant design like leaves. There''s also a bigger version. Fay bought them for them both. He only got one ring for one ear. He just likes the way it would look in his mind.

    Fay helped Wain to put it on. It looks really good on him.

    So handsome...

    Fay looked at his boyfriend, and the person he wants to stay forever with. Wain hasn''t shaved for a while and he had a hint of beards and a thin moustache. He''s still handsome. And he likes Wain''s scent most. He can never get tired of it. He smells like KFC he likes it so much. Of course Fay never tells him smells like a specific brand of fried chicken.

    Wain blushed a little as his ears perked backward seeing Fay is still intently looking at him like this. Fay had always been looking at him this way. Don''t he ever get bored? He''s already seen him naked countless times and every inch of his body is already engraved in Fay''s eyes, but Fay really never gets tired of him.

    Wain went to put on the matching design ear ring on Fay as well.

    It also looks cute on Fay. It''s not too overtly feminine and maintains Fay''s ''innocent'' look. He pat Fay''s head with a smile. They are definitely having a hot time later.

    '' You look pretty'', Wain genuinely praises Fay.

    "You are handsome as always", Fay can only look at the side while saying that.

    Wain let out a small snicker.

    Because he remembered the domineering attitude of Fay in bed as he climbed on top of him with a smile and looked straight into his eyes. Why does he look embarrassed calling him handsome? He finds it funny how Fay is more embarrassed about this. Shaking the thought away to avoid a rising in the public.

    Everyone finished their shopping and went back to Angis town late at night.

    Elvis, being a considerate party leader gives Fay a magic stone for his taxi service.

    Fay happily accepts and purifies his Soul Gem with it.

    They can''t wait for all the dragon materials to be finished being auctioned. How much gold would each of them get, they wonder.

    Amber opened her cabinet and took out a few books she had and did some revision over making magic scrolls before going to sleep. She planned to try to make one tomorrow. She was quite excited about it.

    "Wain". Fay called out to him as he snuggles with him with Wain arm under his neck.

    "Hmm?".

    "Nothing... I just feel happy". Fay firms his snuggle and bury his face closer to his body.

    "I just wish I could stay with you, like this... as long as possible".

    Wain is stunned hearing it. He felt his words hitting his heart.

    He''s not good with words. And, he doesn''t have the courage to say such a heavy promise yet (except the time he almost died).

    He only caresses Fay''s hair and hug him firmer. He feels happy as well. He felt a soft small hand crept under his shirt and rubbing his sculpted stomach. The finger traces the outlines of his abdominal muscles. The hand feels warm, as if Fay is petting him. Maybe this is the kind of love that he lacks, Wain thought.

    ...

 Chapter 13: Level Up

    A month flew by.

    Within a single day, Amber successfully made a magic scroll for her Hyper Water Jet spell. To test its effectiveness, the team decides to take a Gold level beast subjugation quest, Rattling Scorpion.

    The scorpion is a large black insect monster of 6 meters wide that has a very poisonous sting and 2 sharp claws. It would shake its stinger, making a rattling sound. What makes it gold rank is because its shell is very hard and one sting would lead to certain death.

    However, Trevor''s hard alloy armour can withstand its piercing attack. Although it would still hurt him from its impact.

    As they engage the scorpion, Fay takes the chance to abuse spatial portal closure to just chop its stinger off when it''s tried to sting Trevor; just to play it even safer. The scorpion becomes easier as only its claws and fangs are threatening.

    Wain just stood by this time because they just wanted to test the new magic scrolls.

    Fay and Lisa combined their control magic as earth and ice lock the feet and body of the scorpion. It struggles and tries to break them as ice and earth wrapping it cracks here and there but they are instantly repaired as they supply mana to the spell continuously. It can''t move at all.

    Amber took a scroll she had made and channeled her mana into it. The writings written with the blood of the dragon ignited as a full magic circle formed.

    Most of Amber''s mana was sucked instantly while the scroll burnt into ashes. The magic circle is complete within 2 seconds as a large amount of water forms and aggregates in an instant.

    In another 2 seconds the spell is completely charged and Amber uses all her focus to shoot a very high-pressure water jet, halfway splitting the head and cutting across the whole scorpion body open instantly.

    It really takes less than 20 seconds or less to kill the gold level beast from the first second of engagement. Amber still used most of her mana and she became practically useless afterward though. The magic scrolls are still indeed a cheat item. The party collects the loot and stores them in Fay''s inventory space as usual.

    It really becomes easier to take down gold level beasts. They even get more relaxed as they change their gameplay once in a while. Trevor, Wain, Elvis and Amber don''t really have any change in their combat style. It''s just that Lisa loves to see her Earth Golem in action. A strike from an Earth Golem can even push back a drake and hurl it with its strong power.

    Fay being the support substitute had become more and more proficient in his Ice Magic and used portals to redirect and shield attacks acting as the team support - and occasionally abused his spatial closure to chop a beast limb off. If only the beasts would willingly put its whole neck into the portal, it would die the moment the portal closes.

    If a beast somehow survives Amber''s ultimate move, Wain and Elvis would finish them off. Within this month so far it only happened twice but even then, the beast is already on the verge of death.

    Wain and Elvis particularly felt useless at times. And Fay himself has crazy powers and could solo the entire thing but he''s just there with them because he wanted to be with them.

    Trevor, as the tank with skill that taunts the enemy will always be valuable no matter the scenario.

    So those two guys felt quite depressed after multiple gold level beasts subjugation.

    Wain had expressed his feelings to Fay about this as well.

    "Fay, I feel like I did nothing when we killed that drake...".

    Wain had his ears flopped down.

    ''Umm...''.

    Fay is not sure what to say. It''s technically the truth because he really just stood there while the drake got beheaded by Amber''s water jet.

    Lisa and Fay simply lock it down and even wrap its lips in earth and ice so it can''t shoot any fireball and Amber uses her magic scroll to instantly cast the spell. What can the drake do? It just gawked in place and prayed to the goddess.

    Even Elvis had the same feeling and got more and more depressed.

    ''Ummm... but Amber can only cast it once and she would run out of mana afterwards...''.

    ''We definitely need you in case the beasts are alive after all that''.

    ''And if there''s more than one beast, we can''t rely on Amber anymore''.

    Fay tried to comfort Wain. Fay is speaking based on facts after all. If Amber failed to kill the beasts or the worst possible scenario totally missed it and wasted all of her mana for nothing, they won''t have enough DPS to kill it without Wain and Elvis (excluding Fay using his full magic transformation power).

    And if it''s subjugation of multiple beasts, Wain and Elvis will definitely be needed more. Amber can use her lethal spells very few times because of its tremendous mana consumption. The water element lacks lethality for lower ranked spells that use lower mana. And so, it''s really just a matter of circumstances. It''s not that Wain is useless.

    And honestly, Fay thinks it doesn''t matter. Fay himself worked with the party even if he could go solo because he loves to do quests with his friends unless he wants to make money. Everyone secretly knows too but no one mentioned it because they too are grateful and felt secure with Fay around.

    After a month of doing quests, finally Elvis can''t stand it anymore.

    ''Should we try Mithril rank beasts?'', Elvis asked the party.

    He thinks it''s becoming too easy and it''s like he has nothing to do. He could only shoot arrows and self deluded himself thinking he was doing something. He knows it does injure and weaken the monster, but since the monster can get one shot from a single spell it truly doesn''t matter in his opinion. He wanted to try subjugating a beast that can withstand Amber''s spell.

    "It will be very risky", Lisa argued.

    After all, a single mistake is all it takes to lose limbs and ultimately death. The dragon breath back then still causes her to feel fear. They would have been dead without the magic walls cast just in time. They can''t get too complacent just because they can kill beasts so easily now.

    And the party had already reached quite a high living standard by taking down gold level beasts. Truthfully, they can just stop there unless they want to have mansions for each of themselves and have tens of servants serving under them and eat true dragon meat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    The others however agreed. They feel ready to try. Fay also assures everyone he will protect them with his space portals and ice magic. But if they consider a situation where Fay isn''t around, then they truly aren''t ready...

    And thus, Elvis made a suggestion.

    "We can try Mithril rank quests once Trevor and Wain have their own full Adamantite armour... And we can get everyone else to wear dragon scale armour".

    Mithril rank beasts include young and immature Adamantite level beasts, and also various creatures like unicorns, gryphons, emperor cobra, leader of undead like a lich or wraith king.

    Many Mithril and Adamantite ranked beasts can use magic. Trevor can''t resist them with his current armour, and it would be very dangerous for Wain, and they still need someone to distract the monster from targeting their backlines. Lisa and Fay''s defensive magic may not hold up as well.

    If anyone wonders why mages don''t wear heavy metal armour, it''s because mana interacts with various metals and can disrupt mana flow and spell casting. But materials from true dragons and other beasts that can use magic are especially compatible.

    Elvis tells his plan to his party members. That is, to collect enough funds to get them the necessary equipment.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Trevor a full set of pure Adamantite heavy armour and shield and to get Wain his own Adamantite light armour would be their main agenda.

    Trevor and Wain are taken aback. That might cost a whopping 20 and more platinum coins for them both. And if it includes making Dragon Scale armour for the rest of them, it would add even more cost, although not much since they already have the dragon scales in hand.

    "Isn''t it... Too expensive...?", Trevor is surprised at Elvis bold plan.

    "It''s an investment. If you guys have them, we can start to take down the Mithril level beast more safely... And maybe someday, even...".

    The party had their heart racing at the thoughts. To reach the pinnacle of strength as an adventurer.

    Adamantite level beasts. The true dragons, the 9 tailed fox, garuda, crimson Phoenix, 7 headed hydras... And many other creatures of insane magical prowess and strength.

    Adamantite level beasts are a very rare encounter since they would live far deep in the unexplored regions of Elysia. Only once in a few tens or hundreds of years would these creatures come nearby a town or a village and threaten their safety. And most of the time they don''t even threaten anyone it''s just their mere presence brings ecological changes to the surrounding such as weather changes and beast hordes as they fled in all directions causing disasters.

    But even if they don''t come nearby, they can seek them.

    Some adventurer parties at the highest rank actively search for rumours and information about their sightings to hunt them down and venture deep into unexplored regions of Elysia.

    Normal people would never understand the thrill of seeking adventurer and challenging their own upper limit to test their strength against apex predators of the world. Some may even call them stupid and crazy for seeking death.

    They start to imagine finally reaching the pinnacle of combat power in the world.

    ''And the auction should have been finished a few days ago. We will get our money soon''.

    Everyone agreed on this idea eventually.

    Since then, they really only try to hunt gold level beasts each time a quest is posted. Note that gold level beasts are an occasional quest that would pop up once or twice a week at most and only once a month if there''s really nothing dangerous nearby.

    So, most of the time they do silver level quests and below. Also, it''s important to cull magic beast populations regardless of rank around to keep villages and the town safe. Normal people that don''t have affinities with magic, have zero skills and are living with a normal job cannot fend off these monsters, even the small fries like goblins.

    From the auction, they gained over 7 platinum coins from selling its scales, hide, and bones.

    Elvis decides to keep 5 platinum for the fund towards the armour sets while splitting the 2 platinum coin for the rest.

    Fay refused his share and reminded Elvis about the dragon heart he took. And even added more gold coins to cover a total of 1 platinum. Fay has enough coins as he even sneaked into the capital and the nearest 2 towns with his portal to find more gold level quests from their guild branch and cut them like blenders.

    Elvis does remember; he just doesn''t mention it because he really thinks he should just give it to Fay since it''s some kind of investment and a token of appreciation for his work. But since Fay insists, he takes the coins and adds them to the party funds.

    ...

    [2 months after the true dragon incident]

    "Fay. Do you want a better body?".

    Kyubey asked while looking at Fay with its round red eyes.

    It''s late at night and Wain had already slept after their almost daily activity.

    ''Better body? You mean?''.

    "Thanks to the dragon heart you gave me, my research is complete. I can give you a better body based on the dragon''s unique biology".

    ''I... Uh...''. Fay is not sure.

    It''s a bit too sudden. When did Kyubey do this research anyway.

    ''The new body will increase your mana capacity and its regeneration. And I have made a better prototype of the dragon''s heart, and I estimate it has performance similar to that of an adult true dragon''.

    Fay is a bit speechless. What is Kyubey doing behind his back all this time?

    Fay laid in silence, thinking about it. A better body... And it means it can enhance his strength. There¡¯s no downside to having more strength in this world that have legendary creatures that could even affect the weather.

    Fay reluctantly agreed.

    ''Summon your Soul Gem''.

    Fay nodded and summoned it.

    ''Isolate all of your consciousness into the Soul Gem''.

    Fay just nodded and did so. He focused all of his consciousness to be inside his own Soul Gem. Fay''s body fell unconscious and seemingly dead as the heart beat stopped.

    Fay can feel and ''see'' the surroundings with his magic senses even if his body is a Soul Gem. Kyubey use his mouth to pick up Fay who''s residing in his soul gem in his mouth.

    ''Wait. Kyubey, won''t Wain get worried. How long will it take?''.

    "Few hours. But before dawn¡±.

    Fay just agreed.

    The body is already prepared but it''s stored in the basement of the ruins he found. Kyubey does have spatial technology and that''s where he keeps the miniature factory to create magical bodies.

    But this new body made with true dragon DNAs is his first major experiment and he requires direct monitoring and maintenance. Normally, in the previous world he would create modified bodies of magical girls he scouted from the miniature lab and just take it directly from his spatial space as he made the Soul Gem to contain the soul of the girls. This time he needs to adjust and monitor Fay¡¯s soul gem and his new body with various monitoring and adjusting devices.

    Suddenly Wain arm went to move and hug Fay''s dead body just as Kyubey jumped down the bed.

    ''He won''t notice right?''. Fay thought. Well, Wain is asleep so it should be fine. Fay felt worried. What if Wain woke up and thought he was dead?

    Let''s hope he doesn''t.

    After hours of being carried by Kyubey in his mouth, exiting the town North and going through the thick forest, Fay finally ''sees'' an ancient ruin. He saw Kyubey tapped on the wall and a stair leading to the basement is revealed.

    ?

    What is Kyubey doing all this time?

    Kyubey walked down the stairs. Fay finally saw it. The basement is lit up with magic lamps. And a few human sized Earth Golems and 5 Kyubeys are working on different advanced looking devices. So many different alien devices powered with magic crystals are around.

    ???

    Where did Kyubey get all this? He made it himself?

    Some of them are indeed custom made, while most of them are devices he had in his spatial space with a few tweaks.

    Fay observed the human sized Earth golem. This is definitely like Lisa''s earth golem. It''s just smaller. So Kyubey can indeed use magic doesn''t he.

    Kyubey keeps on walking and reaches a corner of the space and there lies a body that looks exactly like Fay''s original body floating in a bluish liquid tank with tubes connected to the body supplying nutrients.

    It really doesn''t look any different than his previous body.

    Kyubey pressed a button and all the nutrient fluid got flushed out. The glass tank opened. An earth golem went to pick up the newly developed body and placed it on a nearby table. Kyubey attaches various cables from various devices to the body.

    Kyubey placed Fay''s soul gem into a container next to it which also has few cables attached to it.

    "I need to establish a connection for the body to connect to your consciousness".

    Fay shrugs his non-existent shoulder and lets him be.

    All the Kyubeys went closer and stationed themselves at various devices around Fay. Kyubey placed his paw on multiple buttons.

    "Kyubey... I feel sleepy...".

    Kyubey didn''t respond.

    Fay finally fell asleep in his Soul Gem.

    ...

    Fay opened his eyes. He can feel he is inside his new body. It''s probably a success since he can move his feet and hands fine. He actually felt better.

    Better is an understatement. The air even felt fresher, and he feels so energised as if he is actively absorbing mana from the environment through his skin pores.

    His heart beat is really strong as well, and each pump emits a high amount of mana. And he can feel excess mana flow out into the environment from his body as well.

    And he realizes he can feel mana from the environment. Plus, all his senses feel better. His eyes can see father and can focus like it has some scope features. Fay didn''t realise it when he used the scope feature his eyes pupil turned into a slit like shape - like a dragon. And he can smell things better.

    Fay felt his muscles. It feels tougher and denser, although appearance wise, he still looks the same.

    Amazing...

    Fay can''t help but recognise how great of a body this is.

    He estimates his mana amount is increased by more than 10 times and his heartbeat generates a lot of mana. It would take only an hour to generate too full. And the source is his heart.

    ''How does the body feel?''. Kyubey who''s sitting next to Fay asked while looking at the various devices to monitor its connection to the soul.

    "It''s really great! Thank you Kyubey".

    "You are welcome. I am just satisfying my curiosity. Your body is slightly better than a true dragon, except the exterior since scales won''t match your aesthetics, and your heart is even better".

    Fay can''t help but blink twice. He held one of his hands to his chest feeling the force of his heart. It really feels so strong.

    ''Did you use the dragon heart for my heart?''.

    "Yes".

    How to say, it''s definitely worth trusting Kyubey.

    ''Can I use the weird magic the dragon uses?''.

    "You should be able to. But the dragon back then used a different language entirely. I need more data to analyse them to derive the spells from it".

    Fay nodded. Needing more data means Kyubey needs him to fight true dragons and let them use magic so Kyubey can analyse them.

    It''s possible, but he doesn''t think he needs such a power up unless the demon lord descended like in the fairytales he read. But it''s just a fairytale isn''t it. He will put it aside later.

    Fay noticed he is naked and had so many cables attached to him. Thankfully he has his inventory space and had spare clothes in them. Fay detached all the various cables and climbed down the table.

    ''Let''s go back''.

    Kyubey jumped on Fay''s head as everything is working fine.

    Fay takes a look around the lab again. The Kyubeys are still busy with their devices. He wanted to observe what they were doing but he didn''t want to disturb Kyubeys much. Fay trusted Kyubey more since he made this body for him.

    Fay conjured his soul gem. He noticed something different.

    The glass walls of the egg-shaped Soul Gem looked different. The glass wall has a scale-like structure around it. And the top part of the Soul Gem has a slit-like dragon eye decoration on it. Previously it''s only a simple silver sphere. Kyubey seems to upgrade his Soul Gem as well¡­ or he took the liberty to change its aesthetic for some reason.

    He wanted to transform to use his long-distance portal.

    "You should be able to use a long-distance portal without transforming now. I have made enough progress in my research and made adjustments so your space power can be powered by mana to a certain extent".

    Fay nodded. He tried and used his space magic. It consumes less magical girl energy, added with a tenth of his current mana. It''s not much because he can generate that back within minutes with his dragon heart. (Note that his previous mana capacity is already on the high end).

    Spatial cracks form and open up.

    Fay and Kyubey entered their room and is both surprised at the scene.

 Chapter 14: I Am Alive! Look!

    When Fay sees the scene, he is bewildered.

    Because he sees everyone in his room, surrounding his previous body, crying with tears in their eyes, and now is staring at him who had just come out of the portal.

    "uhh...".

    "Kyubey, what time is it now?".

    "It''s 5 am in the morning".

    They should still be asleep... But still.

    Fay can guess what happened.

    Wain probably realised his previous body seems dead as he somehow wakes up and upon checking his heartbeat and every other sign of life one could think of, the body seems, or in fact, is dead.

    ...

    Wain got awoken in the middle of the night because he felt his hand cold. He half sleepily opened his eyes. He is hugging Fay.

    ''Is Fay having a fever? He''s so cold'', he thought.

    Wain went to touch his forehead. It''s cold... Too cold.

    Fay went to feel his neck. It''s also cold. There''s no heat.

    He tried to check his pulse.

    T-theres... No pulse...

    F-Fay...?

    Fay... Wake up.

    Fay...?

    Wain shakes Fay''s body gently, calling out his name.

    Fay... Wake up. Wake up Fay. Hey¡­

    He shook his body harder.

    Fay.

    He shook him even more and harder.

    Fay. Don''t do this to me. Why are you so cold. Please wake up. Fay. Don''t joke around... its not funny.

    The realisation kicks in.

    Tears start to form from him eyes. He pressed his dog ears against Fay''s chest to hear his heart beat.

    He can''t hear it. He can''t hear it at all.

    Fay... No... Please...

    Wain tears had already fallen to Fay''s face.

    No... Why... Why.... Why are you...

    Wain hugged Fay''s dead body, feeling how cold it is.

    Please don''t leave me... Why are you like this... Why are you so cold... Please wake up...

    He is still in denial at the sudden ''death''.

    Ah-h...

    Wain can''t hold on anymore and just cried and screamed.

    Wake up! Fay! Please! Please wake up!

    Wain shook his body over and over again.

    Please... Why are you like this... Why did you leave me so suddenly...why... why...

    Elvis who''s a light sleeper was awoken by some noise in the next room.

    What''s going on?

    He keeps hearing a faint noise. He pressed his ear to the wall and heard some screams and crying from Wain''s room.

    He went to knock and check what was the matter.

    He waited for minutes after knocking.

    Just as he was about to leave, Wain opened the door.

    "Wain whats-".

    Elvis saw Wain had an empty look on his face. He can see his eyes are swollen and red, from crying probably.

    "Wain what is wr-"

    ''Fay is gone...''.

    Elvis doesn''t really hear the muttering.

    ¡°What?".

    ''Fay is gone...''.

    Elvis is stunned at the moment. Gone? What did he mean gone?

    Wain stepped aside and let Elvis see the dead body. Fay seemingly peacefully sleeping.

    Elvis walked to Fay. He touched his forehead. His neck. And his chest. Trying to check his vitals.

    There''s none. No sign of being alive.

    Elvis gasps and finally realizes what Wain meant. He felt his heart hurt. He wants to tear up but still keeps himself steady from crying. Fay is an important party member for him. And he is a friend of his as well.

    Why did he have to die so suddenly? What went wrong?

    "What happened...?". Elvis asked.

    ''I don''t know... I don''t know... I don''t know why he just... Feels so cold... I...''. Wain teared up again.

    Elvis can''t help it and shed a tear but quickly wipe it away. Feeling Wain''s own sorrow affects him greatly.

    "Let''s tell the others...".

    Wain didn''t respond and he just sat next to Fay laying in bed, cold and lifeless. He caresses Fay cheeks. Tears still pooled in his eyes.

    "Fay... Why did you leave me so suddenly like this..."

    Wain caresses Fay''s hair and holds his cold hand. The fingers are small and seem fragile to his touch.

    "I love you... I love you so much... Why... Why did you leave me like this so suddenly...".

    Wain just tears up again, still don''t want to believe this.

    "You know... I thought you were a girl at first. But then, when I bandaged you I noticed you weren''t. I thought it was...."

    Wain keeps on rambling nonsense about all the times they were together. Not sure who he is talking to since Fay can''t hear him.

    Soon, Amber, Lisa, and lastly Trevor who are all half sleepy went inside to see the commotion.

    One by one, everyone comes to a realisation.

    Amber who is in disbelief at this sudden loss even used Mana Detection spell to see Fay''s mana signature.

    The body only contains very little traces of mana, but it amounts to nothing. It''s truly dead. It can''t be more dead than it currently is.

    Amber had tears pooling in her eyes.

    ''How?''.

    Amber asked it aloud.

    She truly wants to know why. It''s too sudden she can''t process it. Not because of beasts, or bandits, but out of nowhere for no reason.

    Elvis repeated what Wain said, that is, he doesn''t know either and his body just... Felt cold.

    Everyone mourned for Fay. They relied on him a lot. Who would have thought the person who they just happened to save close to half a year ago would become a close friend of theirs? And his power is so strong yet, why is he so lifeless now? Isn''t he the strongest among everyone? How could this happen?

    Trevor didn''t say a thing. He went to check Fay''s vitals in disbelief. He didn''t even stay in the room and just went out.

    His knees weakened and he had to sit down outside of the room, laying his back against the wall. He can''t believe Fay is gone just like that, so suddenly, for no reason

    He remembers Fay who he likes to tease here and there. He likes seeing him blush and just give him some annoyed look and puff his cheeks. The hands that had once give him a little massage never left his memory.

    He likes him a lot, even more than friends and he has kept his feelings hidden for all this time. He remembers that Fay often asks him if he''s fine after being beaten up by beasts. He knows it''s just a normal gesture, but he felt his kindness and care, as friends.

    But why he''s gone so suddenly?

    Trevor can''t help but even shed tears, hiding his own face with his hands.

    Elvis starts to think about all the reasons that could lead to this.

    Is it from poisoning? Did Fay have a disease he never tells? Someone killed him? He affirms his heart he will get to the bottom of this.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    After minutes of mourning, suddenly a spatial crack forms in the air. Everyone stood, stunned, and watched it open up.

    And the figure casually walked out of the spatial crack.

    ...

    After analysing the situation in 5 seconds. Fay realised what was going on. Fay is not sure how to explain. But he felt guilty for making them think he was dead.

    ''Umm... I am alive guys...''. Fay fidgeted his fingers while looking at his friends.

    Elvis took a look at Fay, then took another look at the dead body which also looks like Fay. He doesn''t know what to think anymore.

    Trevor who heard some cracking noise stood and checked the commotion, only to see Fay, walked out of the portal.

    He unconsciously walked towards Fay. Fay turned around to see Trevor, who had so much tears in his eyes.

    "Trevor?".

    Trevor went to hug him tight.

    Fay didn''t expect Trevor to care this much...

    "I-I am alive, Trevor".

    Trevor stood back, and looked at Fay carefully. It really is Fay. It''s a bit unusual, to see Trevor so serious like this. Fay felt worse now that he realised, they really think he''s dead and it''s such a serious matter.

    Wain had stood up from the bed and walked to Fay.

    "Wain...".

    Fay can''t help but scratch his cheek and made a sheepish smile.

    "Umm... Sorry to make you worry about me. I am fine you see...".

    Wain just went to hug Fay tight.

    Everyone is silent for a long time.

    "I am alive, I am alive!!". Fay raised his voice a little bit trying to make the point across.

    "Can you tell me what''s going on...?".

    Fay looked at Wain. It''s his first time seeing this expression.

    Wain is angry.

    Wain felt mad for making him so worried for nothing. What did he cry for? It''s so embarrassing and heartbreaking for him.

    And he just nonchalantly walked out of a portal from who knows where and just said oh I am alive as if they didn''t mourn him already.

    ''Oh uhh... Wain... I told you my soul is in this right?''.

    Fay conjured his soul gem.

    Wain looks at it, and look at Fay wondering what his point is.

    ''So uhh... I just changed bodies. This body is better than the previous one you see''.

    Wain wants to faint. What excuse for an explanation is this? He just stared at Fay, unsatisfied. Did he hear him right?

    ''Mmm.... Okay hold this''.

    Fay just shoves the Soul Gem onto Wain hands.

    Fay isolates his consciousness into his soul gem and Fay''s new body falls. Wain hurriedly catches it. The body loses its life signs.

    Fay connects to the old body. Suddenly Fay''s dead body on the bed wakes up and sit up.

    "Guys! I am alive alright, see?". Fay went to move his hands around to show them he is alive and well.

    Elvis opened his mouth wide open. And the others turned their head to see the dead Fay body just now had sit up straight and flay his arms around to show he''s completely alive.

    What sorcery is this?

    Elvis is too tired. Maybe he''s just dreaming all of this nonsense.

    ''I will go back to my room. Let''s talk later''.

    Lisa and Amber agreed with Elvis in their heart and mind and went back to their room. And Trevor is still in a state of trance. He eventually went out last to leave Wain and him behind.

    Wain is still holding the soul gem and another Fay''s body.

    Fay transferred his consciousness to the body wain is holding.

    Fay just stood and looked at Wain who still had a mad look on his face.

    "Wain, I am sorry!".

    Fay tried to use his round blue eyes to make Wain less mad.

    Wain gave back the soul gem and just walked away from him and just went to sleep. Fay stood there and knows Wain is mad at him. Wain pulled the blanket to cover his face and turned sideways away from the empty body next to him.

    Fay walked closer and saw his own previous body. He has to admit it truly looks and feels like he''s dead.

    He didn''t expect Wain to notice and wake up in the middle of the night. And even Kyubey, who had analysed Wain sleeping pattern didn''t expect the very low chance of Wain waking up during the time of operation would happen.

    ''Sorry Fay I didn''t expect he would wake up either''.

    Fay can''t blame Kyubey since he agreed to do this at this time.

    ''Kyubey let''s say if my current body is completely destroyed, and my soul gem is not, I can still live?''.

    "Yes". Kyubey gave a short reply.

    Fay decides to keep it as a ''backup'' body. Fay carried it easily with his dragon muscles and placed it into the closet. There''s still quite a lot of space left. It looks like a dead body though...

    Fay went to snuggle into the blanket and hug wain from behind.

    "Wain. I am sorry, okay? I thought you wouldn''t wake up so I just left my body there...".

    Wain didn''t respond.

    ''Sorry...''.

    Fay went to slide his hands into Wain shirts.

    He didn''t respond.

    He caresses his back, trying to heat him up. He is still silent.

    ''I am sorry Wain...''.

    Fay went to bury his head into the blanket and kissed Wain''s back.

    Fay went to slide his hand into his pants. Fay can feel it''s already proud. Fay snickered a bit and played a little. And stop for a few minutes. And then played a little more. And then stop for some time again. Played a little some more.

    Wain can''t do this anymore and he turned around. He still looks at Fay with angry eyes.

    They had some make-up hot time as Fay knew Wain can¡¯t hold it in each time.

    ...

    They slept until the high noon rises.

    ¡°Sorry¡±.

    Fay snuggled into his chest.

    ¡°I love you¡­¡±. Fay went to kiss him.

    Wain replied the kiss back.

    ¡°I love you too¡±.

    Fay blushed hearing it. It¡¯s already in the afternoon. Everyone sleeps in this time after the horrifying event.

    Fay went to bury his face into Wain¡¯s armpit.

    Wain still wags his tail because he feels glad that Fay is alive, although he¡¯s still very mad at him for making him unnecessarily cry so much.

    ¡®You were so rough¡­ It still feels sore you know¡¯. Fay pouted.

    Wain went to grab Fay¡¯s peaches and fondle them.

    ¡®H-hey¡­¡¯. Fay face is red.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry me again, okay?¡±. Wain tenderly looks at his lover. He never had thought, he would feel so much pain from losing him. He cared so much for him. It¡¯s his first time being attached this deeply to someone. Maybe, this is what they call ¡®love¡¯.

    ¡®Okay¡­¡¯. Fay accepts it is his fault. He just secretly uses magic to repair his back and the sores are all gone now.

    ¡®Umm¡­ Should I tell the others about, uhh¡­ My soul thingy¡­?¡¯.

    He thought for a moment. Wain remembered something seemingly close to Fay¡¯s situation and after finding out some information on the library about soul magic, he found out there is a death mage who made himself immortal by forcefully hopping into bodies, killing others in the process. He is then hunted down and managed to get killed.

    ¡®It¡¯s up to you¡­ But Fay¡­¡¯.

    ¡°Is your body, the real you? You aren¡¯t some hundreds of years old man- or woman, right?¡±. Now that he thinks about it Fay is too feminine for a guy maybe his soul is that of a woman.

    ¡®I am me! I am not an old man! I am just 17¡¯.

    ¡°I read about this mage that can hop into bodies and consume their soul to remain immortal¡±. Wain is only half joking.

    ¡®I am not evil¡­¡¯. Fay pouted again. He can¡¯t believe Wain had such a thought about him.

    But Fay thought about the ¡®immortal¡¯ part.

    ¡°Kyubey, how long is my lifespan?¡±.

    ¡®As long as you never run out of magic you will never die. The same goes for other magical girls.¡¯

    Technically the true dragon ancestors and The Oracle has lived ten of thousands of years and there are probably other immortal beings as well.

    ¡°Wain¡­ How long is your race¡¯s lifespan?¡±.

    ¡®Hmm? It¡¯s about 120 or something if I am not mistaken. Why?¡¯. Wain wonders the question. But then he realised maybe Fay is worried that because he is human, he should have a shorter lifespan. Wait¡­ But Fay can jump bodies.

    ¡°Uhh¡­ I am sort of immortal¡­¡±.

    Wain wants to faint. He just looked at Fay in disbelief. Is he really hundreds of years old?

    ¡°You really are hundreds¡­ No¡­ Thousands of years old?¡±. Wain looked at Fay with a serious look.

    ¡®No! I am really truly 17! My soul age is 17! I am 17!!!¡¯. Fay pouted his cheeks again. Why does Wain insist he¡¯s thousands of years old?

    Wain just let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Even if you are, I will still love you alright¡­¡±. Wain went to kiss Fay¡¯s lips. He had already prepared his mindset the moment Fay told him about how his soul in the little thing called Soul Gem.

    Technically Akasha he had once dated is 90 years old or something so dating someone older is not a problem. Although 90 years and thousands are quite a bit different.

    Fay just blushed. He takes Wain¡¯s word as a proof of commitment.

    But he¡¯s afraid of having to see Wain die just because he could outlive him. It¡¯s such a far thing in the future but the idea scares him.

    ¡°Kyubey¡­ Can you¡­ Turn him into a magic user like me too?¡±.

    ¡®I can¡¯.

    Kyubey can indeed turn ANYONE into a magical boy/girl. But in the previous world, his main goal is to delay entropy aka heat death of the universe and thus the energy created must exceed energy consumed and this considers the emotional fluctuations of the user and their karmic potential.

    If he turns everyone into a magical user without taking into account their net energy production, it would instead shorten the lifespan of the whole universe.

    But then Kyubey thinks again¡­ he doesn¡¯t care about this universe¡¯s lifespan. So, he really has no reason to refuse Fay¡¯s request. And yet he has no reason to freely agree either because again, he is never obligated to Fay and Fay is contracted to that being called a goddess and not him.

    He considers helping but won¡¯t make it free and rather make it a ¡®trade¡¯.

    ¡®But I won¡¯t turn him into one for free¡¯.

    Fay nodded.

    ¡°What do you need?¡±.

    ¡®I want to know the complete dragon tongue magic. You will need to fight and let true dragons use their magic so I can record and analyse them¡¯.

    Fay is silent. To fight a true dragon¡­ And from Kyubey¡¯s statement, he emphasized ¡®complete¡¯.

    This is a very hard request. Even true dragons have their own elemental types and thus possibly vast amounts of magic languages. Just how many true dragons of different elements would he need to hunt down across the entire world of Elysia?

    ¡°I see¡­¡±.

    Kyubey simply wants to satisfy his curiosity. He truly doesn¡¯t care about this particular universe he resides in as much. But he doesn¡¯t think he should just turn everyone on this planet into a magical user.

    Aside from his limited resources, he really only has enough resources left to make 3 more magical girls in his spatial space. There are only 4 magical users including Fay in the entire human kingdom after all this time.

    He would need to build a lot of devices from scratch to extract various raw ingredients and energies and so many things. He estimates, he would need a few years to be able to create a magical girl sustainably.

    He stops his thoughts for a moment. Because it had been a habit to think about ¡®efficiency¡¯. And that efficiency is towards a certain goal of delaying the heat death of the universe.

    Kyubey realised, since he doesn¡¯t have an actual purpose in this universe, he doesn¡¯t need to create any magical girls anymore except to satisfy his curiosity.

    And he thinks he contracted enough magical girls already. Now he just wants to observe if the law of the cycle applies to this world (waiting for the death of a magic user).

    While he is thinking about this, suddenly a foreign energy enters his mind.

    [Continue your work, and I will send you back to your home universe]

    An ethereal voice sounded on all of Kyubeys hiveminds.

    ¡®You are that being from before¡¯. Kyubey remembered this voice.

    Kyubey is quite curious and really wants to observe and ¡®measure¡¯ this being. It¡¯s very unfathomable to his logical thinking.

    Kyubey thought for a moment. He had gained a lot from this world. Its various mana-based technologies and DNAs of its organism are a treasure.

    And the mysterious energy form called mana is a form of energy that is easily convertible to every energy and matter type is worth researching. Now that this being has offered him this, he decides to continue his research and work so it can benefit his own universe once he returns.

    ¡®I accept your offer¡¯.

    Kyubey stared blankly at the air, as plans started to form in his heads.

    ¡­

    The goddess sat on Her throne. In front of Her, the meeting of the gods is being held in the Pantheon. Every great being that has control over domains and laws of the world sat together around a large pure white table.

    ¡°Shadaldir, are you sure we can trust this, creature?¡±. God of Blacksmithing, Uorr spoke his doubt.

    Shadaldir, the Goddess of Fate and the main leader of the Gods of Elysia spoke with her ethereal finger on her chin;

    ¡°I have my plans¡±.

    Shadaldir had used most of Her power to interfere with the fate of the world by forcefully breaking into a universe in another plane of existence. She did this to avoid complete destruction of Elysia and complete annihilation of the Gods that she had foresaw from the threads of fate that is cut short.

    She can¡¯t interfere directly with the world too much ¨C and so she had to use a loophole by using a being from a universe from an entirely different plane of existence.

    She had rolled her dice, and She and the other Gods can only try their best to interfere as much as they can as allowed by the Will of the World to ensure the fate that she had foreseen won¡¯t happen.

    The Evil God Emenar, whose domains and laws held are of that misfortune, despair and curses, alongside his followers of evil gods are their and the whole world''s enemy.

    He and the Others will be completely released after hundreds of thousands of years being sealed. The Doomsday, the End of The World, Armageddon, and whatever it¡¯s called will come within 10 years at most.

    This is the largest threat the whole world of Elysia will ever face. In history the evil gods had always managed to weaken the seal and send their demon kins and their chosen champion, the Demon Lord.

    The Gods had chosen their own champions, blessing them with their powers and raising them as a ¡®Hero¡¯ in return and strengthen the seal back up each time they defeated the Demon Lord and its armies.

    The threat is too great this time. The usual Hero is not enough. Because the evil gods will have their True Descend this time.

    Atnir, the Goddess of Peace and Tranquillity spoke,

    ¡°I propose we still choose a Hero like we did before. Just in case¡­¡±.

    ¡®Yes, I know. I had already found a suitable candidate. It¡¯s just not the time yet¡¯, Shadaldir replied.

    The meeting continued as few issues were discussed.

    ¡­

 Chapter 15: Broken pt. 1

    A month since Fay¡¯s ¡®death¡¯.

    Fay decides to tell everyone about his Soul Gem and his true nature. Everyone is surprised of course. But not so much after knowing Fay can use space magic. Now it¡¯s just soul magic, it¡¯s nothing so special since it¡¯s Fay.

    Everyone seems to try to forget about it.

    Fay even tells them about how the body in the closet is his ¡®backup¡¯.

    ¡®Just in case I get decapitated or a dragon roasted my body whole you can bring my soul gem back!¡¯. Fay said cheerfully while holding his Soul Gem for everyone to see, thinking it¡¯s something quite funny how he can just replace his body.

    Of course, the party doesn¡¯t find it funny and it just seems bizarre how Fay thinks about being decapitated and being roasted by fire.

    Months passed since the incidence and they keep doing quests to gain the fund towards preparing for mithril level quest.

    With the number of gold level beasts slayed, all of the members and the party rank are raised to Mithril level.

    ¡­

    Everyone had a little vacation today in the capital city. Trevor refused to come because he felt sick.

    Fay offered to bring him to Eli but he refused.

    Well, they can always go to the Capital anytime they wanted.

    While there, Elvis put an order for dragon scale armour for the party members excluding wain and Trevor using the fund they have from the young true dragon materials auction.

    Mr Odi happily accepts the job as it¡¯s rare to work with materials of Mithril or even Adamantite ranked magic beasts. He has pride in his craftsmanship after all. He is blessed by the God of Blacksmithing after honing his craft for a hundred years, making him far more skilled than ordinary people with his skill.

    Wain went to check out the market with Elvis while Fay had business at the Mage Association Grand Library.

    That is to buy the whole grimoire of the frost Sage.

    The middle-aged woman is still working there it seems.

    ¡°Hello. I want to buy the full grimoire of the frost Sage¡±.

    Fay handed the 1 platinum coin. The middle-aged woman is stunned. She remembers Fay of course, especially because he has a very pretty face.

    ¡°You really can use ice magic?¡±. She finally has doubts. He had re-checked the details of Fay when he registered.

    A Mithril level adventurer.

    The 1 platinum coin Is expected. But it¡¯s still a huge amount of money.

    Fay had a question mark on his head. Didn¡¯t this woman congratulate him before when he told her? So, she never believed him???

    ¡®uhh¡­ Yes, I can¡¯.

    She is half-believing it. She held Fay¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Please, show it to me¡±.

    Fay reluctantly agreed to the request and went to the magic testing facility.

    He chanted Icicle spell, as extra large light blue magic circle forms. In fact, this is a casual Icicle using a minimum amount of magic Fay can use. But due to his true dragon body, the spell is very efficient in its mana consumption and becomes very strong!

    A 3 meters length shard icicle forms and rotates in high speed and is launched into the Adamantite plated wall.

    A loud Thunk resonates around the room as frost covers the entire wall.

    The woman gasped in shock and almost fainted.

    ¡°I, I am sorry for my rude behaviour¡±. The woman put on a professional neutral face and apologised sincerely to Fay.

    ¡®But how did you do it¡­?¡¯.

    ¡°uhh¡­ It¡¯s a secret¡±. He can¡¯t really say Kyubey helped him complete the spells.

    ¡®Can I buy the grimoire now?¡¯.

    ¡°Yes, yes¡±. The woman hurriedly went to take an old copy of the whole grimoire and give it to Fay. Fay hand over the platinum coin.

    She really shouldn¡¯t have judged and assumed the worst in people, the woman thought. She respects Fay and wouldn¡¯t tell anyone about it. Anyways, the whole world will know soon or later anyways.

    ¡®Kyubey let¡¯s read the grimoire and complete all the spells.

    ¡®Fay. Before that, I noticed your body had moved a while ago¡¯.

    ¡°My body?¡±.

    ¡®The one in the closet¡¯.

    ¡°Really?¡±.

    ¡®I have trackers on them¡¯. Well, that¡¯s how Kyubey can probably appear out of nowhere at the right place.

    Fay felt worried. Maybe the innkeeper went to check his room or wants to clean the room and found it? Or his body turned into an undead or something? A robber?

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    It¡¯s worrying.

    Fay went to a desolate dark alleyway. He opened up a portal back to his room in Angis quickly. He opens up the closet and sees it is empty.

    ¡®Kyubey where did it go?¡¯.

    ¡®¡­¡¯.

    ¡°Kyubey?¡±.

    Seeing Kyubey is silent. He went to grab him from his head and look at his round red eyes.

    ¡°Kyubey why are you quiet. Tell me where my body went¡±.

    ¡°¡­¡±.

    Kyubey stared blankly at Fay. Having no response whatsoever.

    Kyubey has never acted like this. He knows Kyubeys kept secrets but he has never replied with complete silence at his questions. He may give a half truth or emit information but he has never gone completely silent.

    Fay conjured his soul gem and focused his consciousness. He can feel the body is next door, in Trevor¡¯s room.

    Why is it with him?

    Fay went out to knock on Trevor¡¯s door.

    Knock3.

    ¡°Trevor, are you in there?¡±.

    ¡­

    ¡°Trevor?¡±.

    Fay tried to open the door, finding it locked.

    Did his body become an undead and attack Trevor? He¡¯s worried.

    He had to force the door open.

    Fay effortlessly breaks the door handle and pushes the door.

    ¡­

    He gasped in shock. His hand covers his own mouth. His stomach churned with acids as he felt disgust, shock, and anger overwhelms his whole body.

    ¡°F-Fay¡­¡±. Trevor can only look at Fay, with guilt.

    Trevor is¡­ He is¡­

    Fay had to run away, running to his room bath and puke it all out.  He coughed and kept puking while a tear ran down his cheek.

    Tears pooled in his eyes.

    Ahh¡­ He doesn¡¯t want to believe it¡­ He doesn¡¯t want to believe it¡­ He sees it wrong. Its just his imagination, right?

    Right... maybe it¡¯s just a person that happens to look like him.

    ¡­

    Fay hugged his own body¡­ Shaking.

    That¡­ isn¡¯t his body, right?

    ¡­

    Who is he kidding.

    His dragon eyes can see the details clearly. His enhanced brain captures the information as it is like a camera. He can¡¯t lie to himself.

    He felt betrayed, and violated.

    Wait. It¡¯s not his actual body¡­ it¡¯s just a doll and an empty puppet.

    Fay tried to twist the reasoning to make it acceptable for himself¡­ His soul is not there as well so¡­

    Ah¡­ He can¡¯t lie to himself anymore.

    Fay had to puke out air as his stomach already emptied.

    He felt weak in his heart. And felt angry and disgusted at the same time.

    How could he do this to me¡­

    He felt his trust had been broken. For his own body, to be used as a¡­ plaything.

    He doesn¡¯t know what to think anymore.

    Fay stood on his bathroom mirror looking at the sink with its tap opened letting noise empty his mind as he focused on the swirling of the water in the sink.

    ¡­

    ¡°Fay¡­¡±. Trevor wore his clothes and entered Fay¡¯s room.

    ¡°I¡­ I am sorry¡­¡±. Trevor went closer to Fay.

    ¡°Stay away from me¡±.

    Fay doesn¡¯t want to look at him at this time. It¡¯s his first time, feeling angry at someone in this world. It has never occurred to him, this would happen.

    ¡°Fay¡­ I can explain. I know I made a mistake I just, I don¡¯t know what gets over me I¡­¡±.

    Fay felt more rage inside him. What explanation can he give?

    He turned his eyes with a cold and angry expression.

    Fay did not know, but his blue eyes pupils has turned into a sharp line.  He can only glare at Trevor in anger.

    ¡°Get out of my room¡±.

    Fay clenched his grip on the sink so hard it even cracked.

    Trevor shakes in fear seeing the dragon eyes looking at him straight to his soul. He had to run away back to his room, afraid of Fay¡¯s anger. It¡¯s his first-time seeing Fay gets angry.

    Trevor had tears pooled in his eyes. He made a mistake that he can never take back his entire life.

    Is it a mistake? He wanted this. He wanted Fay¡¯s body. He did this on his own accord and indulged himself in his own lust. What excuse can he tell himself, and Fay?

    ¡°I am a piece of trash¡­¡±. Trevor finally admitted it himself.

    He looked at Fay¡¯s unclothed body lying on his bed, covered in his own essences with marks on its neck and body.

    He carried it gently to his bath, and cleaned it properly.

    As his hand wipes all the grimes away, he realises how fucked up it is.

    What possessed him to even think this is okay in the first place?

    He keeps wiping down everything clean. More tears pooled as he had to clean even the inside.

    It dawns on him he is truly a disgusting person. How could he feel happy touching this body before? He¡¯s a monster¡­

    How can he face Fay after this?

    He rinsed the soaps away, leaving the body clean. Only a few marks are visible up close. But it¡¯s still visible, regardless.

    He wiped it dry with a towel gently, and put back its clothes on.

    He holds the smaller sized body with his big arms, and carries them in front of Fay¡¯s room.

    Fay is now sitting on his bed, his eyes looking at the floor.

    Trevor hesitantly walked into the room.

    ¡°Fay¡­ I cleaned them properly¡­¡±. His words make it sound so fucked up.

    Fay is still digesting this event.

    ¡®It¡¯s just an empty body. And his actions are to show affection and desire for you. You don¡¯t have to take it too negatively¡¯. Kyubey finally said something.

    While Kyubey can¡¯t relate and can¡¯t feel emotions, he knows the theory and psychology of humans. He can guess why Fay feels like this. But still, he wants to make Fay feel better. Maybe his logical reasoning would help. And because he sensed the despair that are polluting Fay¡¯s soul gem.

    ¡®Its just an empty body¡­?¡¯. Fay repeated the sentence Kyubey said in his mind.

    Trevor walked to Fay side very sluggishly and placed the body on the bed. The body smells like soap after being bathed.

    Fay had to look at his own spare body. He looks closely and no details escape his eyes.

    The markings on his neck can be seen.

    Fay had to touch his current body neck with his hand.

    Trevor touched him. He didn¡¯t ask him and he just forced his way to do whatever he wanted with his unconscious body.

    ¡°How could you do this¡­¡±. Fay knows, at least in theory, how humans aren¡¯t perfect and at times desires can overcome their own morality. But he doesn¡¯t want to believe someone he considers a friend of his did this.

    ¡®I¡­ I just¡­ I don¡¯t know what possessed me¡­ I just¡­ I want you¡­¡¯.

    Fay had to look at Trevor, hearing this for the first time. Trevor can¡¯t even look at his eyes. His eyes can only look at the floor and the sides.

    Fay keeps looking at Trevor, with a disappointed look in his eyes. He feels truly disappointed in Trevor. His anger had subsided after digesting things in a short time. Even his disgust had been gone, seeing his body had been cleaned.

    But the deepest feeling of disappointment is born.

    ¡°I am sorry Fay¡­¡±.

    ¡°I¡­ I like you a lot¡­¡±. Trevor spewed out some nonsense.

    ¡°I¡­ I am a horrible person, and have done wrong things¡­ I am sorry¡±.

    ¡°I know you wouldn¡¯t forgive me. But I really, really feel sorry¡­¡±. Tears of shame and guilt finally fell down his eyes.

    The meaningless excuses and self-blaming only further pollutes Fay¡¯s own Soul Gem ¨C polluting his own soul with despair. A third of it had already been dirtied by dark grimes.

    ¡®Just take that body and keep it¡¯.

    Fay spoke with emptiness in his heart.

    ¡®Fay I¡­¡¯. Trevor is shocked, and was taken aback. He looked at Fay¡¯s face to see his emotions.

    Fay stood from his bed and held his own body by the neck, choking his own body with one hand. His dragon body strength makes it easy.

    He casually carried it with one hand, walking to Trevor as its lower half dragged on the floor.

    ¡®I don¡¯t want this thing anymore. It¡¯s dirty. You keep it¡¯.

    Fay casually tossed the body to the floor, hitting the ground with a loud thud like a ragdoll. As if it¡¯s some piece of dirty trash.

    It lay there, in an awkward position in front of Trevor¡¯s feet. It¡¯s Fay¡¯s way to express his disappointment. Treating his own body like some empty body that has zero significance to prove a point.

    ¡®Pick it up and leave¡¯.

    Fay went to kick his own spare body¡¯s head even turning it sideways. It¡¯s indeed an empty body.

    Fay said his last word and went to lay down on his bed, turning his face away. He closed his eyes. Not wanting to think of anything anymore.

    He hears the sound of his door closing, as Trevor had picked up the body and left him as told.

    He just¡­ wants to sleep it off.

    ¡­

 Chapter 16: Broken pt. 2

    ¡­

    Seeing the disturbing scene made him felt tired and drained. He had to slept it all off.

    ...

    ¡®Fay¡¯.

    Kyubey woke him up.

    ¡®The others are still in the Capital. You need to pick them up¡¯.

    Right¡­ He forgets about them. They are still in the capital when he moved to Angis by himself.

    ¡®How long did I sleep?¡¯.

    ¡°8 hours¡±.

    ¡®I see¡¯. Fay looked outside the window.

    It¡¯s an hour or two past dusks. He weakly opened a portal to a desolate alleyway. And walked out of it sluggishly. He feels empty, and has no thoughts in his head.

    He just walks aimlessly to the market. They might still be there. He walked around but sees none of the party members. They are supposed to meet here an hour or two ago.

    He walked around some more aimlessly.

    ¡°Fay! Where did you go?¡±.

    ¡®Lisa?¡¯. Lisa finally found Fay.

    ¡°Everyone is looking for you everywhere¡±.

    ¡®Oh I¡­¡¯.

    ¡®I went back to Angis and accidentally took a nap hahaha¡­¡¯. Fay let out a sheepish laugh.

    ¡°What? You worried us so much again¡­ Sigh.¡±

    Lisa went with Fay to a nearby tavern. It¡¯s where they promised to meet up later.

    ¡®Have you eaten?¡¯.

    ¡°Not yet¡­¡±.

    ¡®Let¡¯s order some food then. Everyone else shouldn¡¯t have eaten their dinner yet too¡¯.

    Fay is silent.

    ¡®Stir fried meat please¡¯, Fay gives his smile out of habit to the waiter.

    Fay is silent again the entire time.

    Lisa noticed his eyes are, too focused on the meal he is eating.

    ¡°Fay, is something wrong?¡±.

    ¡®No no¡­ I am just tired¡¯, he said so with another smile as usual.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you take a nap before?¡±.

    ¡°Ah yes¡­ I just, still feel tired¡±.

    ¡®Oh¡­ Maybe you are sick. We can get to the apothecary, or maybe see Eli¡¯.

    ¡°Ah no no¡­ I just feel tired, it¡¯s nothing much really¡±.

    Lisa felt something is off. But don¡¯t want to make an assumption.

    Soon each member of the party come one by one and is surprised Fay is there. After a simple explanation of ¡®accidently took a nap¡¯, everyone just shrugs it off.

    Fay sees Wain, holding some meat skewers in a cup.

    ¡°Fay¡­ I got this for you but it¡¯s already cold¡±.

    Fay went to hug him tight.

    ¡°Fay? What¡¯s wrong?¡±.

    Honestly, Fay felt like he had done Wain wrong. Because he let his body touched by another man. It¡¯s not his fault he knows that, but still¡­

    Fay looks at Wain. He wore the ear ring he bought him. Fay buried his head into his chest, wanting comfort

    Wain is confused, but he still tried to comfort him. He felt something was off. Wain went to hug him and pat his back.

    After Fay had calmed down, everyone went to a desolate location. Fay opened a portal back to their room in the town Angis.

    Fay dragged wain to the bed. Climbing on top of him, unzipped his pants, and taking off his shirt.

    ¡°F-Fay? What¡¯s the rush? Relax¡±.

    Wain is wagging his tail and twitching his ears. Does Fay had a ¡®in heat¡¯ period of time like wolf tribes do?

    But he looked at Fay. His eyes look empty. Wain doesn¡¯t understand. He never showed this look. He doesn¡¯t even smile teasingly or blushes as usual.

    Fay wants to ¡®purify¡¯ himself. Even if his soul is not in that body, it¡¯s still him.

    It¡¯s a hot night. Wain didn¡¯t get a wink of sleep at all as Fay keep pushing his limits. He is happy until it¡¯s the 4<sup>th</sup> time. All his energy left his body. Fay had never gone past 2 rounds before.

    But that isn''t the problem.

    It¡¯s bizarre. Wain even felt a bit weirded out and taken aback at what Fay is doing.

    Fay is¡­ Lathering it¡­ All over his own body.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    He¡¯s never seen this. It¡¯s even a bit creepy honestly. Not that he cares if Fay had any kind of fetish but¡­ Fay had never smiled at him not even once the entire time.

    Fay looks at Wain with his round eyes. He can see, although it¡¯s dark his eyes are watery.

    ¡°Fay¡­ What¡¯s wrong?¡±.

    ¡®Nothing. I am just¡­ Tired¡±.

    ¡®Wain, let¡¯s take a bath¡¯.

    Wain nodded and just followed Fay to the bath. They had to change the sheets as well, since Fay make things messier.

    ¡®Fay, quickly cleanse your Soul Gem. It¡¯s corrupting you¡¯.

    Fay stared at Kyubey in silence. He conjured his Soul Gem. He sees the dark grimes had polluted his Soul Gem halfway. He placed a magic crystal. Only little of it get purified. After using more than 10 magic crystals that the Soul Gem becomes clear and bright. Although¡­ there is a very faint darkness enveloping it now.

    Fay felt twice as better afterwards. He went to hug Wain, wanting his comfort.

    Wain can only caress his hair.

    ¡®Fay, I will listen if you have anything troubling you¡¯.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing really. It¡¯s just, something about my past¡±. Fay lied through his teeth.

    Wain nodded in understanding. Fay had once told him about his previous lover, and how it went so wrong. Maybe Fay got reminded of things, he guessed wrongly.

    ¡­

    Elvis went to his room, and see the door handle is broken.

    He opened the door to see Trevor had already sleep in his bed.

    He will ask about the door handle later. He took a quick bath and opened the closet to change his clothes. He noticed something big in the right side of closet, where Trevor kept his clothes. He opened the door on the right side of the closet.

    !!!

    He almost had a heart attack. Because Fay¡¯s body is sitting down inside.

    He had to look twice in confusion. Why is it here?

    Aside from the empty body itself being a little weird and bizarre, but why it¡¯s in Trevor¡¯s closet?

    He had something wild in his imagination but quickly shoo it away. Although he does notice Trevor liked Fay, he doesn¡¯t think his roommate would take things too far. He shrugs it off. He will ask Trevor tomorrow.

    ¡­

    Trevor had woken up and took a bath.

    Elvis who happens to wake up went to ask the most important question.

    ¡°Trevor¡­¡±. He yawned a little.

    ¡°Why is¡­ Fay¡¯s body in your closet?¡±.

    Trevor kept his silence. He doesn¡¯t even look at Elvis.

    ¡°Why is our door knob broken anyways¡±.

    Trevor still don¡¯t answer. After he wear his clothes, he just walked out of the room. It¡¯s so early in the morning, even the adventurer guild isn¡¯t open yet. Where is he going?

    ???

    He had a thought about a possible scenario. He shooed it away once more.

    Everyone went to eat breakfast at the same time as usual. Except Trevor.

    ¡°Is Trevor still asleep?¡±. Wain asked Elvis.

    ¡®No. He went out. Not sure where to¡¯.

    Afterward they head out to the adventurer guild. The team is split as they take simple quests to cull down beast populations around the town and villages.

    Fay went with Lisa to kill some giant wolves disturbing a nearby village. Fay uses a single rapier in his hand to cleanly cut the giant wolf. He stabbed it directly into its eye and its skull with one thrust. As if it¡¯s butter. And another one. And another one.

    Lisa is weirded out. Because had always slashed through his space portal. But he went into melee range and cut the wolf down with his own hand directly this time.

    ¡°Fay why are you not using your space magic?¡±.

    Fay turned around to see Lisa.

    His shirt is soaked from blood of wolves, and some blood splattered on his cheek.

    ¡®I am practicing¡¯. Fay said so with his usual smile. The smile, his eyes, and even the blood on his cheek, it all makes Fay seemed so wrong.

    Lisa unconsciously took a step back. A sweat formed on his forehead.

    Why Fay seems so¡­ off?

    Lisa look at the wolve corpses, their organs spilling everywhere.

    What practicing? It¡¯s a slaughter as Fay effortlessly swing his blade at the dumb dogs. Some dogs even manage to bit Fay legs but it can¡¯t even pierce his skin because his current body is too tough.

    Lisa got worried but when she sees it¡¯s fine, she realises what Fay meant it¡¯s a better body. But putting that aside something is definitely off about him.

    She just hopes Fay would return to his usual demeanor soon.

    ¡­

    Elvis had just done killing some kobolds. He felt useful for once as he shoots down more than 30 kobolds by himself as he climbed and jumped from trees to trees. Indeed he, an elven archer is more specialised in this kind of quests.

    He went back in the evening to submit the quest completion. He went out of the guild and stretched his hand, feeling a bit sore from shooting many arrows.

    He sees a familiar figure in the corner of his eyes. It¡¯s Trevor. He is walking out of a bar that deals with variety of alcohols.

    The guys; except Fay who don''t drink; occasionally indulge themselves drinking once every month or two. But to see him drink this early in the evening.

    Elvis sees Trevor is walking while stumbling. He sighed and went to carry him over his shoulder. Damn Trevor is so big and heavy.

    He had to support his unstable walking and lay him down on bed. Why is he like this, drunk so early?

    ¡°Trevor, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡±.

    Trevor suddenly burst out in tears.

    Elvis is taken aback.

    He tried to connect the dot. Fay obvious out of usual behavior, Fay spare body in his closet, and how he went missing in the Capital and took a nap back in Angis, and how Trevor stayed in his room because of a fever, and now this.

    His face becomes more and more twisted the more he thinks. Because it made sense.

    ¡°Trevor. Did you¡­ Do something?¡±.

    Trevor is still silent.

    Elvis had to make a confirmation. He put his hand on Trevor¡¯s closet.

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±.

    Trevor stood up and rushed to stop Elvis.

    Elvis released his hand. He already sees the body. He just wants to see it more clearly.

    ¡°Why is his body here?¡±.

    ¡®¡­¡¯.

    ¡°Let me see it¡­¡±.

    Elvis went to open the closet. Trevor didn¡¯t stop it this time.

    He lifted and moved some of the hanged clothes covering bits Fay¡¯s body. The light from the setting sun still makes it clear.

    There are faint marks on the necks and body.

    Elvis isn¡¯t a virgin so he knew what this mark is.

    He doesn¡¯t know how this happens. How his friend fall to this level. He had never thought, not in the slightest, Trevor would do this.

    And he secretly wished at least even if he wants to do something like this, he should have kept it an absolute secret. He knows that Fay knew.

    He doesn¡¯t want this party, and their friendships to be ruined because of this.

    Elvis had a headache.

    He¡¯s sure Fay had saw what Trevor did. It must have devastated him a lot.

    Trevor had been close friends with Wain for years. They all make their party with them 3 as it¡¯s initial member.

    It¡¯s really a mess. Trevor is his friend as well. He doesn¡¯t have a heart to kick him out of the party. But Fay is hurt from this. He can¡¯t make a decision. He is the party leader and this is the first time he has to make a major decision. Even Mithril rank quest whatever aren''t as important.

    Elvis closed the closet door and had to go out of the room to take in fresh air.

    ¡­

    Can they really go for mithril rank beast like this? No, that doesn¡¯t even matter. Can the party even stay as it is? Its only Fay and Trevor having problems with each other, as long as Wain and others don¡¯t know this...

    Is it wrong, to hope and wish it stays just between them?

    At most, the worst comes to worst is Fay refusing to support Trevor at all. But he is the tank and had full set of heavy armour so¡­ It should be fine. He made his calculations. His heart feels heavy, for what Fay is feeling, and the future of their party.

    He just hopes with time Fay can forgives him. He doesn¡¯t know if he should talk to Fay. He can¡¯t defend Trevor. He is completely in the wrong. He even deserved to be kicked out of the party entirely.

    His heart felt hurt just thinking about what would ensue if Wain finds out. They had always been the closest before Fay joined them.

    He just hopes, that don¡¯t happen.

    ...

    Elvis returned to his room.

    "Trevor. Get rid of his body".

    Elvis almost choked on his own words saying that.

    He can''t leave this body here. It''s... an evidence of a sin committed. He don''t think he or Trevor could give it back to Fay. They don''t have the heart to give it back.

    He felt bad for wanting to bury this issue entirely. He knows Fay personality, he definitely loves Wain, and he knew Trevor is a friend of his. He wouldn''t want to ruin everything either.

    Yes... it isn''t a big issue.

    ...

 Chapter 17: Girls Days Out

    Days passed.

    Fay had all his time to digest what had happened. He wonders if he should take back his body. He really only asks him to pick it up after tossing it himself because he feels so angry at him.

    Now that he thinks about it, perhaps Trevor did like him. No. He definitely likes him, even if, his feelings get twisted at some point.

    Is it his fault for not noticing earlier and rejecting him? Or is it because he left his body in a closet? Or is it because he assumed Trevor is a trustworthy person?

    Or, like Kyubey said, his actions are to show his ''affection''. Fay tried to see the ''reasons''. He can''t appreciate it.

    He wouldn''t mind if Trevor or any other person lusted after his body. Even he had desires that he couldn''t help but feel. He wouldn''t mind if Trevor asked him to have sex with him directly even. And even if Fay refused to do it, he will still remain friends with Trevor. He understands how feelings are. Desire is a part of human nature.

    But there''s a line you shouldn''t cross.

    There''s no question, no request. His body can''t answer or reply. He forced himself onto it.

    He knows no one is perfect. And things don''t always go the way we want, or expect. He experienced them, a lot of times already. Even before he came into this world.

    Even he isn''t perfect. He wonders if he overreacted to seeing what Trevor had done.

    If he had to put himself in Trevor''s shoes, did he think it''s ''okay'' thinking he wouldn''t find out? Its Kyubey that had told him his body even moved. If Kyubey hadn''t told him he wouldn''t notice anything amiss. Probably.

    It''s not even his true original flesh. The flesh he was born with is discarded the moment he becomes a magical boy. Its just an artificial body made with Kyubey''s technology.

    No... Even if that body is an object, it''s still his property. Whether it''s your clothes, your armour, your bed, your curtain, and whatever else - no one can ever accept if someone ''dirtied'' them without their consent.

    ...

    Still...

    Fay remembers how Trevor had profusely apologized to him. He knows Trevor felt immense guilt from it. Is it guilt from being caught, or for what he had done, or because Fay himself who he had liked caught him doing it? The truth is it''s all of them.

    Fay had never, not even once looked at Trevor for the whole month. Even though he¡¯s not that chatty, Fay often gives simple greeting and gestures to his friends.

    But he had entirely ignored Trevor''s existence like the invisible air.

    He noticed Trevor had been indulging himself in self destructing behaviour particularly drinking a ton since then.

    He knows it''s because he himself felt guilty over what he had done.

    ... Maybe I should at least, slowly forgive Trevor, Fay thought.

    He doesn¡¯t think he could for now. He can''t even look at him. The idea that, he had touched his body while it was ''unconscious'' without asking anything, broke into their room to steal it, everything feels wrong in his heart.

    ...

    ''Amber, did you notice anything strange about them?''. Lisa asked Amber who''s sitting on his desk reading a book.

    Amber closed her book.

    ''Yea... I find it off too. I happen to see he walked past by him but he acts as if he doesn''t exist.''

    "You think they had some fight?".

    ''Probably. No... They definitely are fighting about something".

    "And that guy seems to drink a lot these days. He lost his focus during the subjugation and got injured a few days ago too."

    ''...''. Amber remembers it.

    ''And the other person doesn''t open a portal to see Eli... Until you suggested it...''

    Each time Wain or Trevor gets injured, Fay will always, without question asked, without any request, directly open a portal to her clinic unless they themselves refuse it.

    But at that time Fay didn''t.

    Lisa and Amber are certain now. They really don''t like the atmosphere. It''s tense.

    ''Can you guess what''s their problem?''.

    "Not sure... But, what problem could they be...?".

    ''Is it because he had feelings for him?''.

    "But that shouldn''t be a problem...? Even Wain had confessed to both of us. But we don''t even care. So... He shouldn''t care to this extent. Trevor isn''t a bad person or ugly. He is quite handsome if I had to say myself. Why does he seem to hate him so much?".

    ''Should we ask?'', Lisa suggested.

    Amber thought for a while.

    "I think, it''s an issue between them. We can just hope they settle it themselves", Amber sighed.

    Lisa nodded. But she doesn''t agree with Amber to just let them settle it by themselves. He will ask Fay later.

    She feels glad that at least Fay had returned to his usual self these days. She remembers how Fay, stabbing those wolves with his rapier without regard to his own body being bitten, how his hand and shirt is soaked with blood, how empty his eyes look, and that smile that is purely out of habit and aren''t genuine.

    How creepy it felt that chill ran down her spine.

    ''Amber how about we have a girl¡¯s night out, with Fay!''. Lisa had an idea.

    ''Hmm... Alright.''. Amber agreed.

    Another few days passed. They take another 1 or 2 days vacation just because. Fay opened up the portal to the Capital because the town Angis felt boring.

    Lisa went to grab Fay away from Wain. They had been together days and nights. It''s their time to be with him now.

    "Eh? Where are you guys taking Fay". Wain wondered.

    ''Its girls¡¯ day. Men aren''t allowed''. Fay smiled a little, remembering something similar to this when he went to karaoke or shopping with his girl friends back in Kamihama city in the previous world.

    "I am going with them". Fay just smiled at Wain, seeing his ears visibly drop.

    ''Okay. Have fun''.

    Wain thought to himself he and Fay had already been sticking together day and night. It would be like a break.

    Elvis seeing this also spoke.

    "Then we can have our own boy¡¯s day!".

    ''Yeah''. Trevor answered shortly with a hint of a cheerful attitude but it was cute short.

    ...

    Lisa dragged both Amber and Fay. Lisa is like the most extrovert of the group so naturally she is the leader.

    "Let''s go shopping!", Lisa drags them both to the noble district where all unnecessarily branded expensive goods are. Royalties and nobles, and the richest of merchants and adventurers would come here to do their indulgent shopping and dining of the highest class.

    They entered the largest clothing store in the Capital.

    The store is so large and had multiple floors. It divided into kids and adults¡¯ section. And divided by the men and women section. And there''s even a special section on the women one.

    The women section also has a specialised section for custom made dresses especially important for the royalties and nobles as they have this tea party or when they attend some balls or birthdays. There are a few women having their size measured.

    Amber and Lisa went with Fay to the pre-made women section. Fay''s shoulder is small and he could fit in as well.

    Shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses. It''s the Capital after all. They are worn on casual days like this of course.

    Lisa is not sure why but the men''s section is very bland. Like there''s no difference in design. They are just plain shirts and suits in dark colours. And there''s really only either the colour is different or the size is different. The lack of creativity suffocates her. Are men supposed to be boring when it comes to fashion?

    "Fay, look at this. It suits you I think". It''s a light blue coloured shirt with embroidered stripes. It''s simple, not too feminine for Fay, and the embroidery makes it looks elegant.

    Fay agrees it suits him well and likes it very much.

    ''Yeah. It''s really pretty...''.

    Fay took the shirt and tested it out.

    They went shopping and did a mini fashion show among themselves.

    ¡°Fay¡­ how bout we check that section?¡±.  Lisa wants to check the hot section and use Fay as an excuse.

    Fay blushed a little, thinking about Wain. Will he like it?

    They went with red faces inside. And imagined how they would look in them. From Lisa and Amber¡¯s approval, Fay took a very thin translucent flat bra and a very thin and equally translucent underwear of the same slightly blue colour. He felt so embarrassed taking these and buying them.

    ¡°I am sure Wain would like it!¡±, Lisa is confident. Fay nodded.

    They went here and about afterwards.

    "Look there''s a salon.".

    There''s a variety of services there.

    Everyone went there. They did facial treatment and waxed their body. Even Fay waxed his legs.

    Lisa and Amber curled their straight hair, now their hair is wavy.

    "Ouhh... I like this a lot", Lisa commented on her own look in the mirror.

    ''Yea you look different, like fresh look''. Fay commented. Fay has a short hair like men do so he doesn¡¯t have any hairdo.

    Amber is a bit unsatisfied about her looks.

    "I think it made my head looks weirdly big..."

    ''No, you look great!''.

    ''yea yea'', Fay added.

    Still, they walk around some more. Now there''s a makeup store.

    ''Lets go!''.

    They paid for their service and all of them now wear elegant clothing''s with elegant makeups and elegant hair with elegant nails.

    The trio walked out of the makeup store feeling like nobles at a tea party.

    "Ohohoho. Even the prince would take notice of me don''t your think?".

    Lisa wears a purple wavy dress with fit lower half for the day.

    Amber wore a white blouse with frills on her hands and puff in her shoulder paired with a long slit laced skirt. She also has a cute hat.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ''Maybe they would notice Fay first'', Amber retorted.

    They look at Fay.

    The natural makeup accentuates his clear blue eyes.

    The simple long-sleeved shirt with embroidered vertical stripes with a hint of glint give it a touch of elegance. The small buttons made of sapphires also give it a touch of luxury. He wore normal beach-coloured pants. He probably looks like a noble because his face is already unnaturally flawless and beautiful combined with the makeup.

    While they are chatting, suddenly Fay went to walk forward.

    They look at what he is doing.

    Fay crouched to pick up a coin pouch. Fay noticed it''s full of platinum coins and almost choked on his own saliva.

    He tapped on the nobleman shoulder at front.

    "Oh?". He looks at the beauty who tapped his shoulder. He sneaked out secretly because it''s so boring.

    "Thank you, beautiful, miss(?)".

    ''Welcome... Emm... I am a man actually...'', Fay fiddles his fingers.

    "Oh pardon my rudeness. Thank you for returning my pouch".

    Fay nodded and wanted to walk away.

    "Wait. What''s your name?".

    ''Its Fay". Fay looks at the unnaturally handsome man, probably only a year older than Fay. His golden hair and blue eyes give a sense of majesty.

    "Cute name". It''s his first time having this feeling at first sight towards someone. His father had arranged for a few daughters of influential nobles for him to choose and marry.

    Although most of them look pretty with their makeup, jewels and dresses, Fay in front of him outclassed all of them. His innocent look and demeanour, it''s very different from those women who only see him for his status and his handsome face.

    ''Would you like to have dinner with me. My treat.''.

    "A-ah-... Umm.. I come with my friends".

    Amber and Lisa quickly went with him.

    He had to look at them. But he had to look at Amber twice. She seems familiar... Her white hair, and her smaller stature. Only her eyes seems different. But he can¡¯t be mistaken¡­

    Isn''t she his ex-classmate from another kingdom back in the academy?

    "Rosanna?".

    Amber is surprised because there are no guards accompanying him which is really unusual for a member of the royalty. She looked at the golden-haired man with blue eyes. He is the 2nd prince, prince Alaistar Mercer.

    ''I go by Amber now, your highness''. Amber did a small curtsey, bowing her head a little.

    Lisa and Fay had to blink twice at this random chance meeting.

    They both awkwardly repeated Amber gestures.

    Alaistar just smirked and accidentally let out a chuckle. Especially at Fay who did the etiquette meant for women; it made him look cute.

    "It''s nice seeing you here and well. I am sorry for what had happened to you. You are always welcome to stay anywhere in the Empire... Although I assumed you had already settled here well?".

    "Yes, your highness. I am just an adventurer now back in the small town of Angis".

    Fay and Lisa look at the exchanges between them and look at each other.

    ''I see. No worry. I am well aware of the situation in Atlanta. You are always welcomed here.''

    "Yes, thank you, your highness".

    ???

    Now they can guess why Amber never tell them about herself. Who would have thought her background is so deep even the- who is this anyway?

    ''Oh pardon me. I haven''t introduced myself. I sneaked out actually but since Rosanna, I mean, Amber has found me out; I can''t pretend anymore''.

    ''I am the second prince, Alaistar Mercer. May I know you two beauties?''.

    Lisa wants to faint. Her lips are so salty the prince truly took notice.

    ''I-I am Lisa. I am just an adventurer, working with Amber''.

    "I am Fay. I am also an adventurer, working with them". Fay feels so nervous and fidgets his fingers.

    From stories he read offending a royalty can get your head beheaded. He doesn''t even know if he should look at the prince''s eyes while talking or not, whether it''s rude or not.

    Alaistar looks at the cute guy in front of him. His small stature and lack of defining muscle doesn''t seem like he uses swords or bows.

    ''You are a mage as well I presume?''.

    "Yes your highness. I can use space magic-".

    Fay blurted out of nervousness. He quickly smacked his own loose lips.

    Alaistar showed an amused look.

    "Did I hear you correct?".

    ''Ah... I...''. Fay gets nervous.

    "Your highness, I hope you can keep them a secret", Amber said with a bow.

    ''Of course. You don''t have to worry. It''s very rare. I wouldn''t want attention either''.

    ''Come with me. I know a good place''.

    Everyone had to agree. They went to a fancy looking restaurant. They are brought into a private room for VIP customers. The chandelier is made from magic crystals. The seats are made from scales of salamanders covering the cushion, with a frame made with treant wood. The utensils are normal silverware though.

    The food comes in a basic 3 course meal. From the appetiser, main dish and dessert.

    The appetizers are mysterious boiled small eggs plated. The orange yolk is creamy and melts in the tongue. The main dish is a steak made from tri-horn cow beast served with garnish. Fay chooses a medium well option. The dessert is simple pieces of exotic fruits and smaller bite cakes made from them, imported from the Elven kingdom.

    During the time, Alaistar made some brief conversation.

    ''Amber, did your party know your identity?''.

    He casually swirled the wine glass he had.

    ''They don''t, your highness''.

    "I see... I won''t intrude anymore".

    ''Fay, right. Can you show me your magic, if that''s alright?''.

    Fay is silent for a while.

    ''Let me tell you a secret in exchange''.

    Fay looks at him.

    Alaistar waves his hand. A bright golden magic circle forms as some golden light shines bright. Everyone in the room felt refreshed and energised and they felt like all their old wounds and scars instantly healed. Everyone is shocked!

    The first Emperor, is a Hero blessed by the Gods and led humanity against the invasion of the demon army and slayed the Demon Lord. Light magic is a signature magic used by a Hero - which requires both divine power and mana, and having the affinity to use light magic.

    Members of the church can only use raw divine power to heal ailments and repel undead. And blessing of the gods may give skills or improved magic power but most of the times you can¡¯t use light magic. To use light magic is different, the power level is different. Fay had read this in the history book.

    Members of the current royalties of the Draconian Empire do indeed have the blood of a hero running through them. Having access to divine power is also a confirmation of being a royalty, although only some fraction of them have it. But Alaistar not only has divine power, but can use light magic.

    Everyone, even Amber is stunned as everyone knows about the Demon Lord vs Hero trope.

    Only a hero that would need to fight against the demon lord can use light magic. Is he a Hero of the current time...?

    Everyone has that thought. But then this is a peaceful time. There''s no demon lord. And thus, there shouldn''t be a Hero.

    ¡­ Unless it is an ominous sign.

    ''Oh, please keep it a secret. Some spells suddenly appeared in my head a few months ago. It''s a bit weird...''.

    Actually everyone had a worrying thought. For a ''Hero'' to already be here is a bad omen. But they swallowed their thoughts.

    ''My brother is the direct heir and this can lead to... problems''.

    Everyone nodded and understood the significance.

    The 2nd prince, has the chance to take over the throne because he has the power of the Hero of the legends, just like the first Emperor.

    ''We will keep your secrets, your highness''. Amber spoke.

    Fay also nodded.

    Since Alaistar shows him a secret, Fay too should show him his.

    Fay opened 2 white illusionary portals. One in front of the dessert stand, one in front of his hand. He grabbed the small cake without needing to stretch his hand too much.

    ''I can make portals like this, to connect space.''.

    "Ohh. Interesting. You can keep objects in some space as well?".

    Fay nodded while putting the cake into a portal leading to his inventory. Then take it back out.

    "How about, teleporting?".

    ''Umm. I can''t teleport but I can make portals across long distances¡¯.

    Alaistar opened his eyes wider and felt really amused. He has his secret. Fay has his secret. He feels he had a lot in common with him.

    "Aside from it, what other elements do you use?"

    Fay thinks about it. He decides to just tell him about Ice magic since the possibility of being a Hero is a more significant secret.

    "I can use wind, water and, Ice".

    Fay used the spell Snow, as fluffy snow rained down from above his hands and stopped abruptly.

    He gets more and more surprised.

    "Amazing!".

    "How about becoming my royal guard?".

    Fay is a bit stunned at this sudden request.

    Amber and Lisa had to look at Fay. He won''t just, leave, right?

    The pay to work for a royalty is definitely high. And these are peaceful times - except the magic beasts and bandits, what to guard against? And magic beasts can''t get into the capital which is surrounded by big towns and villages all around it. It''s really just to show off status these days. So Fay basically can just walk around Alaistar doing nothing and get paid in gold.

    Maybe if Fay is some common mage, he would accept it. But money is the least of the problems he had.

    "I am sorry your highness. But I prefer to stay as an adventurer". Fay fidgeted his fingers.

    ''Oh... Too bad. What is your party name and rank? If we have some special request, I would get you guys some quests.

    Amber scratched his cheek.

    ''It''s Elvis&Gang. We are Mithril rank adventurers¡¯.

    Alaistar ignored the funny name.

    "Ohh. Rosan-, Amber, I know you are talented. But to think you already work for Mithril rank party in less than 2 years, that''s amazing. If I want to eat some gryphon''s meat I would ask you guys to hunt one next time". Alaistar let out a small smile.

    "We appreciate the offer, your highness". Amber can only smile and nod.

    How rich can you be to pay for an adventurer team to hunt a gryphon just to eat its meat? And knowing a noble they would only eat it for one dinner.

    ''I envy you guys. Being able to fight beasts and defend the towns and villages. While I just stay at the castle doing nothing or pretentious diplomatic work. At some point it felt like my life had no purpose''. He let out a sigh.

    He did receive education on territory management, diplomacy, stewardship, leading war and whatnot. But he''s learning them as a helper or a ''spare'' to the crown prince, in case anything happens to him he would be the next in the line.

    Everyone has no comment. Fay is not sure what a 2nd prince does as a job, maybe helping the king or something(?).

    ''Your highness, I think, as long as what you are doing benefits the people it has a purpose''.

    "I see". Alaistar can only smile at Fay''s encouragement.

    In a way, marrying some random princess also benefits the country and thus the people in the long run. But it still felt, purposeless in his heart because the people are quite content, he supposes. No dying nor starving people in the Capital and anywhere in the Empire supposedly ¨C because he knows how rich the Empire is. As for the other place, he doesn''t know much. But as far as the territory goes, everyone has enough resources.

    The Empire should send resources to the 4 kingdoms under its reign. As for other kingdoms, that''s their problem.

    Food is plenty with the fast-growing plants and vegetables added with magic crystals fertilisers and meats of beasts from outside that seems endless. Except for small villages that can''t afford to get beasts meat by hunting and having to raise animals.

    Even then the nobles controlling the territory should be able to hire adventurers for them or send resources directly. The kingdom is prosperous, even his pocket money in his pouch is full of platinum coins. If there''s anyone starving somewhere within the Empire, then it''s really because the noble managing the territory pocket the money for themselves instead of helping the people.

    Is that his problem? That''s the current Emperor, or the subordinate King of the kingdom in question problems. The scale of management is so large he felt so disconnected to the people that even if he has a ''purposeful'', job, it doesn''t feel real. He can''t see how it benefits them even if in theory it would.

    He felt shackled inside at his purposelessness. He wants to do something that has meaning for him. He had a dream to be an adventurer as well. He could care less about the throne or the title of a prince. What man doesn''t dream of slaying beasts and dragons and protecting the people with their own strength?

    "Would you like to be guests at my place?".

    Amber, Lisa, and Fay looked at each other.

    ''Excuse us your highness, but we are just adventurers. It''s a bit...''.

    "It''s alright. I understand". Alaistar had a hint of sadness in him.

    He''s actually lonely and doesn''t have many friends.

    He looks at Fay, politely biting into a fruit. He noticed he smiled a little when he bit into them. Probably feeling elated at how sweet it is. How cute.

    Fay noticed the gaze and looked back.

    Alaistar unconsciously had to look away and pretend he didn''t stare at him.

    Everyone went out of the restaurant.

    "How about I buy you guys some gifts? As a thank you for returning my pouch and for a chance meeting with a classmate of mine?".

    ''You don''t have to, your highness''. Amber politely declined.

    "It''s not a request. Come with me". Alaistar turned around and just walked forward.

    They can''t decline so they follow. They went into a very large jewellery store.

    "These store jewelleries are made from magic crystals of magic beasts and enchanted with various spells. Pick anything you like from here. Or I will pick them myself".

    Everyone had to choose reluctantly and see everything around them. Everything costs at least 50 gold coins. Is this alright?

    Fay saw a pretty simple brooch with elegant phoenix design and a red stone embedded in them. It is enchanted with the spell of fire shield on it. 1 platinum?

    Nevermind.

    Fay can see these magic crystals are carved to make it pleasing to the eyes. It''s actually really wasteful. But the excess powder is probably recycled to use for various other products.

    Fay finally sees a really nice brooch with a small red crystal on it. The red crystal is carved to have a gem shape on it.

    It is enchanted with minor protection spell. And it''s also a one-use item of 70 gold coins.

    Fay went to show Alaistar to show him his choice and he thinks it''s too cheap. But he kept his complain. Lisa got herself an ear cuff with hearing enhancement enchantment. Amber got herself a ring with fire starter enchantment.

    The enchanted items allow the user to use specific spells enchanted into it until the mana inside the magic crystals is all used up.

    Alaistar pay with platinum coins with zero hesitation.

    He also picked up a simple necklace with a visibly glowing gem on it. It is enchanted with a ''Calming'' spell. Mind magic is rare, and whoever it is that can use the spell, they enchanted this item.

    Everyone thanked the prince profusely.

    Just as they were about to say their farewell, Alaistar called out to Fay and handed him a box.

    Alaistar felt a bit nervous for some reason. He had to swallow his saliva.

    "Here. My gift for you".

    ''Your highness... I already have a brooch here.''. Fay fidgets his fingers.

    "It''s from me, just for you". He placed one of his hands behind his neck out of nervousness. He had never had a crush on someone before he didn''t know how to approach this.

    Fay reluctantly takes it from his hand.

    "Open it".

    Fay opened the box. A very beautiful elegant necklace with a white gem that seems to slightly glow is in it.

    ''It has a rare mind magic enchantment to it. If you get scared of beasts you can use it, or if you need to sleep well, I mean, I know you can fight monsters just in case''.

    He doesn''t even know what he''s blabbering to Fay. He had never lost composure like this.

    Fay can see he seems to want him to have it. Fay smiled and appreciated the gesture.

    "Thank you, your highness".

    The bright magic lamp illuminates the pretty and perfectly cute face. His sapphire eyes reflect the light, causing it to have a glint on it. And the cute smile with a hint of dimple on one side.

    "Beautiful...".

    Badump. Badump.

    The prince doesn''t realise it. But he had a genuine smile on him that accentuates his already unnatural handsomeness. Passersby who had seen it would fall for a second, both men and women.

    Fay, is without exception.

    Even his heart had paused for a moment, seeing the prince give him a genuine smile.

    He had to look away from the locking gaze to each other. He didn''t know it was possible to feel attraction to someone this fast; other than Wain.

    He still accepts the necklace. He''s not sure if he should tell him he already has a boyfriend. But, would it be too rude to mention it out of nowhere? The prince never said he liked him. It''s offensive to assume someone likes you for no reason. What if he just thinks of him as a friend and gives the gift to him and out of nowhere, he mentions his boyfriend?

    Alaistar of course likes Fay. But he''s aware of his current status, he never planned to court him. He had given up most of his own feelings the moment Fay told him he''s a man. His gender is already a problem. And his status as an adventurer is also a problem. Unless he defends the kingdom from Mithril or adamantite level beasts or participates in war and gets knighted. But even then, the status is still too low.

    Unless, it''s just to be his ''mistress''.

    He thinks about it seriously. But to ask someone to be his mistress sounds like asking them to be a plaything.

    He''s not sure if that would offend him.

    ...

    Wait, Why did he have to make it so complicated? It doesn''t have to! Alaistar gritted his teeth and took a deep breath.

    "Fay...". Alaistar mustered his courage.

    Fuck it. We ball!

    "Would you like to go out with me?".

    Fay is surprised at this sudden confession.

    He fidgets his fingers. Amber and Lisa had their mouths open in shock.

    "Your highness... I am sorry, I already have a boyfriend".

    Alaistar had his heart broken in an instant. Why did he assume he''s single anyway? With his pretty face he is sure he had many eyeing him.

    "Oh...".

    Fay still smiled, feeling a bit happy because the handsome prince asked him out. It''s flattering.

    "I am sure your highness will find someone worthy of your position someday".

    ''Thank you for your encouragement''. He smiled at Fay, but he is heartbroken.

    "It''s already late it seems. Farewell then".

    They walk in the opposite direction, finally walking their own lane.

    ...

 Chapter 18: Truth

    ...

    ''I don''t expect him to directly ask you out...''. Lisa commented.

    ''Me too''. Amber is the least to expect.

    There''s so much problem with the gender and the status difference that it didn''t come across as a possibility.

    "Amber... Sooo... How did you know the prince?", Lisa changes the topic.

    Amber sighed.

    "I met him back in Trius Magic Academy. We were classmates.".

    Fay and Lisa waited for more story. Amber then took a deep breath before continuing.

    "I was the first princess of Atlanta. My father is the King by the way. My mother, the late Queen, she died. My father married his mistress. My half-sister and my step mother hate me and so...".

    Fay and Lisa had their mouths agape. She¡¯s a princess of a kingdom? And her mother, the first queen died? And to end up working as an adventurer? Wild imagination runs in both their minds.

    Fay and Lisa had a sad expression, imagining Amber''s mother being poisoned by the evil mistress, which is right on the money.

    ''Sorry. I want to leave my past behind and don''t want to talk about the specifics. And Fay is mysterious as well, no?''.

    Amber tried to shift the focus to Fay. Now that Amber has revealed her true identity, Fay who still has a mysterious identity needs to be talked about.

    "Ouh... Umm... I can tell you guys...".

    Lisa and Amber had their eyes wide open. They didn''t expect Fay would want to talk about it.

    "Let''s get back to the inn first".

    The guys haven''t returned yet it seems. Fay entered Lisa and Amber''s room and sat on one of the beds.

    "Don''t be too surprised..." Fay fidgeted his fingers.

    Lisa and amber both had their eyes focused and locked. This is the first time Fay will talk about himself for full. They are capturing every info.

    "I am not from this world, actually...".

    Both the girls are confused, and in disbelief.

    "What do you mean, not from this world?".

    "Emm... I was not born here, in Elysia. I am, from a different universe, or it''s like I am from a different planet you could say. But it''s further away".

    They had their mouths open wide. Of course, every star is surrounded by planetary bodies. And there are also theories that humans and organisms might be out there too. So, they understand the example.

    Since they didn''t reply with anything, Fay continued.

    "It''s a planet called Earth. There are very few magic users. And every magic user there needs to be contracted to Kyubey. Kyubey, can you show yourself to them?".

    Kyubey suddenly appeared sitting on Fay''s shoulder and jumped down to sit next to him.

    "Magic in my world is a secret thing. Most of the people never knew about magic or Kyubey".

    "And um... To be a magic user in my world, you have to make a contract with Kyubey to be granted a Wish and in exchange you have to fight Wraiths... It''s like a magic beast in this world, or, the demons, or devils. They can''t be seen by ordinary people and cause disasters like controlling people to commit suicide and causing accidents and kill people".

    Lisa and Amber still had their mouths open.

    ''How do you come to this world?''. Amber asked the main question.

    "Err... The goddess brought me here".

    They want to faint.

    "The g-goddess??".

    ''Yeah... I made a contract with Her. Kyubey here isn''t my contractor. He got forcefully transferred to this world. While I am willing. It is my wish to leave my world behind and the goddess granted it. She just asked me to live as fate decides. Not sure what it meant though.''.

    "Wait. You mean, the goddess herself granted your wish, and brought you to this world?".

    ''Yes...''.

    Everyone had to have some silent time to digest this universe crossing news.

    "But... Why did you leave your world...".

    Fay bites his lips.

    "I had a lover once... His name is Ryo. My world, is not so kind and understanding of the same gender relationship. It''s a taboo, in most places.".

    Fay told the story how his own parents had disowned him and so he lived by himself, barely making ends meet by working part-time. How Ryo''s parents had blamed him for things and made things emotionally difficult. And his lover ultimately ended his life.

    Amber and Lisa are crying hearing the stories. Even Fay had to cry here and there because it''s still painful to remember.

    They went to hug Fay.

    "I don''t know its so difficult for you in your world".

    Amber can sympathise on having family that aren''t understanding and accepting. Although, in her opinion, she only ran from her kingdom, not run from the entire world.

    "Did Wain know?".

    ''Well. I only tell him about Ryo''s part. Otherwise, he still thinks I am from Elysia''.

    ''Umm... I don''t think it''s important where I come from though...''.

    They agreed somewhat.

    ''Okay from your previous point, Kyubey can grant wishes?''

    Fay had to tell them about the contract, to be a magical user in exchange for fighting Wraiths.

    "Your soul would be extracted and placed into this". Fay conjured his Soul Gem.

    "And so, if your Soul Gem is destroyed, you will die. You can live forever until your magic runs out otherwise".

    "If you run out of magic, you die. Back in my world, the only way to regain your magic is to fight Wraiths and they drop something similar to a magic crystal. That''s why, every magical girl HAS to fight Wraiths. But Wraiths are very limited in quantity, and are really dangerous compared to magic beasts. I would say, it''s on Mithril to the Adamantite level rank of this world. And some may even have strength that can threaten a city,or a country. Because they have limited quantity magical girls compete with each other. Some magical girls have weak combat power... like Eli, for example. She can only heal; she can''t kill a beast with her power. It would be difficult for her to fight and no one is willing to use their limited magic supply for someone else. Magical girls are often territorial and prevent other magical girls from entering. And at times... Even killing other magical girls just to ensure their survivability".

    They opened their mouths in shock again at the cruel system.

    "Isn''t it scary...?", Amber asked.

    ''It is. But, for the sake of having any of your wishes come true, it''s a price anyone is willing to pay''.

    Lisa and Amber look at Kyubey.

    ¡®And Kyubey withhold a lot of information about the risks carried with being a magical girls.¡¯

    Fay side-eyed Kyubey. Kyubey only keep his silence.

    "Can we... have a wish granted as well?", Amber asked.

    Kyubey thought for a moment. He needs resources to create magical girls sustainably and to complete the request of the goddess. He needs someone to help him. And having these 3 together to help him as a team will be the most efficient.

    "I can let you two have your wish come true, and turn you both into a magical girl. But in exchange, I want all of you to help me gather various resources. It''s not a bad deal since you can get your wishes granted and given more power".

    Everyone looks at each other. Fay quickly interjected.

    "Both of you need to think carefully. You wouldn''t become, human, anymore once you made a contract. And, immortality is a curse in some way... I am afraid of watching Wain grow old and afraid he will be gone someday... I don''t know if I can handle it".

    Fay shows a hint of sadness for the far unforeseeable future.

    ''I know it''s such a far thing but... You know, if you have children, or your parents, your friends... It''s scary to have to leave them someday''.

    Amber and Lisa digested this information. It''s true, immortality is a curse simply because you have to watch everyone around you leave your side at some point. But then the elves that have thousands of years of lifespan experience the same things if they had befriended humans, dwarfs and the like. It is something that long lived species had to grow accustomed to if they wanted to mingle with short-lived races. The same should go with immortals.

    "Oh and... there''s another way for a magical girl to die".

    Amber and Lisa look at Fay seriously.

    "If you fell into deep despair. Your soul gem would be, polluted... With dark grimes. It shows your state of your soul. And once it reaches its limit, once you completely fall into despair, you would die as well".

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ''What do you mean, fall into despair?''.

    "I can tell you a story. A girl made a contract and wished to cure his boyfriend''s illness".

    "She sacrificed her life as she had to fight Wraiths with her weak healing power and barely able to kill wraiths. She endured pain from being beaten by those monsters. She thought it was worth the sacrifice as she had saved his boyfriend. But at some point, he cheated on her. And break up with her. You know how devastated she felt, right? Anything that makes you... break down, hopeless, give up, feeling betrayed and losing all trust, regret, it would corrupt your soul gem and once it reaches the limit you just die".

    Fay touched his soul gem, remembering how devastated he was when he saw what Trevor did.

    Lisa and Amber gulped. That sounds scary.

    "Emm... Take your time to think about it. I will go back first".

    They both nodded and start to think things through.

    ...

    ...

    Fay returned to his room to see Wain, sitting on his bed. His eyes are red and he seems drunk. And his fists are bloodied.

    "Wain? Are you alright?".

    Wain looks at Fay. He went to hug him tight.

    "Fay... Don''t ask me that... What about you, are you really okay?".

    ''Huh? What you mean? I am alright''. Fay is confused.

    "I know... I already know what he did to you...".

    Fay felt his heart trembled. Fay had water pooling in his eyes. They just went to hug each other.

    ¡°Did you fight with him¡­?¡±. Wain replied with silence.

    ''Wain... I have thought about things through... It''s just an empty body... I know it''s still wrong. But-''

    "Fay. Don''t say it like that. It''s your body... I... I can''t believe he did that...To think he touched you...".

    Wain caressed Fay''s hair.

    "It hurts me you are hurt. Why don''t you tell me...?".

    Fay tears up again.

    "I... I am afraid to ruin everything... This party... Your friendship, everyone... I don''t... and he seems to feel regret over it. He apologised to me multiple times. I don''t know what to think really...".

    ...

    Sometimes prior.

    The boys after going to places went to a bar nearby and indulged themselves in alcohol.

    "Trevor... Why did it seem like you and Fay seems so off. You guys fought or something...?" Wain is half drunk and only half jokingly said that. He somewhat felt like something feels weird but had shrugs it off thinking it''s his imagination.

    ''I am sorry...''.

    Wain opened his eyes a bit as he tried to regain his clarity.

    "Huh? Why?".

    ''I made a mistake...''.

    "What mistake. So you guys really fought?¡±. Wain really try to focus this time. This is very important for him.

    ''hahaha he''s just drunk. Don''t mind him''. Elvis wanted to stop this. Trevor is completely drunk as he keeps drinking non-stop since earlier.

    Elvis starts to regret his decision to follow Wain suggestion to go here and had tried his best to avoid this place. He prayed Trevor would keep his mouth shut ¨C to no avail. He didn''t know alcohol would affect him to this extent.

    "Trevor, why he''s mad at you".

    ''haha he''s drunk I don''t thin-''

    ''I touched him...''

    Trevor had interrupted Elvis with his quiet mutterings.

    "What did you say?". Wain didn''t hear it right.

    Elvis can''t let him say any more words. He quickly closed his mouth and carried him.

    "He''s so drunk right now. We should go back".

    Wain felt unsatisfied. There''s something going on and he wants to know. Wain pried Elvis hands away.

    ¡®I am sorry¡­¡¯. Trevor had tears in his eyes.

    "He''s talking nonsense we should-"

    ''Tell me Trevor, what happened?''.

    Elvis had his heart trembled. It''s a mistake to come here. And why is Trevor''s lips so loose. He can''t do this anymore. He went out of the bar, leaving them both alone.

    Is this, the end of the party? It''s been more than a month since then. No... He can still salvage things if he kicked Trevor out. He is prepared to face Wain''s anger because he knew about it and kept it secret. And Fay himself must have kept it a secret. In a way Elvis is respecting Fay''s wish as well. Can he be blamed? Or, if they both can forgives him it should be fine¡­

    ...

    "Trevor. Hey". Trevor''s eyes are wandering here and there.

    ''I am sorry Wain... I am... I am a bad person...''.

    "Hey... You aren''t a bad person. I have known you for years. What did you do? Is it so bad that Fay seems to be so mad at you?".

    ''I touched him''.

    Wain had his heart stopped for a second. He had to pause his own brain to process it. He misheard it, right?

    ''Can you... Repeat?''. His hand holding Trevor gets tighter. He doesn''t want to believe he heard it right.

    ''I-I touched his body...''.

    Wain felt so much anger, so much rage brewed inside him in an instant. He clenched his fist so tight and launched it directly to Trevor''s face. His nose directly broke and bleed sending him flying backward.

    Wain can''t even process the amount of anger he possessed.

    He pressed on Trevor who was lying on the ground, whimpering in pain and launched one punch after another. Blood splattered across the floor. The onlookers are screaming.

    Elvis heard the commotion and rushed back in. The whole scene is bloody. Wain keeps punching his face non-stop.

    "Wain, stop! You are killing him!".

    Elvis quickly dragged him back. Wain is so mad he had tears in his eyes.

    "Did you know...?".  Wain glared at Elvis. Elvis had to take a deep breath.

    "Let''s talk outside. People are watching.''.

    Wain realised everyone had step meters back from him and just watched the drama unfold. Wain gives the bar owner 1 gold coin for the trouble and just leaves. The bar owner kept his complaint since the coin is enough for this mess. They went outside and went to a more private space.

    "Did you know?".

    ''It''s his spare body. He didn''t touch, Fay, in person.''.

    He misunderstood a little bit but, that''s still wrong.

    ''Thats still fucked up!''.

    "I know...". Elvis replied.

    After a brief silence, Wain continued his interrogation.

    "When...?".

    "When we went to the Capital. He stayed in his room at that time because of a fever".

    "I found that body in the closet. And so I figured it out".

    ''So Fay... know?¡¯.

    "That''s why he''s mad at him".

    ''Why didn''t you tell me?''. Wain felt disappointed in his closest friend Trevor. And now even Elvis doesn''t tell him anything and kept it a secret.

    "Fay didn''t tell you himself. I don''t think I should".

    Wain realizes what Elvis said makes sense. Fay should have told him first because he is the one who got hurt. Wain let go of his feelings to beat Elvis as well.

    He felt betrayed by his own close friends. And he felt hurt that Fay had endured it in silence, not telling anyone, even keeping it from him. And he felt hurt Fay didn''t tell him. Wain can guess why. He doesn''t want to ruin their friendships. It''s already ruined now that Trevor himself exposed it.

    He still feels angry. How could he do this? To Fay, out of all people, why did he have to do that to him?

    He clenched his fist tight. They both stood in silence. Wain had nothing more to talk about.

    "I will check on him. He''s injured badly. I don''t think, you would want him to die, right?", Elvis said.

    Wain doesn¡¯t respond.

    He was his close friend. But he felt so angry at him. And yet he doesn''t want to kill him. He''s not a murderer. Wain just left the scene to go back to the inn.

    ...

    The couple hug each other, for each other¡¯s comfort.

    Wain remembers Fay''s bizarre behaviour back then. It must have been because of what had happened.

    "Fay... If anything hurts you, please tell me. Anything at all. I want to hear you out. Even if it would hurt me. I don''t want you to keep them...".

    Wian can only hug Fay. Fay is strong physically, or magically. But seeing Fay crying like this, he still seems so weak.

    Is he that unreliable that he can''t protect his heart?

    ''I just... Don''t want to ruin things...''.

    Fay cried it out. It stresses him so much really.

    "Wain... Did you beat him badly?".

    Wain finally realised his fist felt hot from his own injury. Some of the blood stained Fay shirt.

    Wait, his shirt looks expensive and elegant. Even his nails are polished. Now he sees he looks more beautiful than usual because of his makeup. He put that aside for now.

    "I am so angry at him...", Wain replied. He still clenched his fist, remembering it.

    Fay really doesn¡¯t want to ruin everything.

    ''I... I will try to forgive him''.

    Wain tightened his grip on Fay.

    "Fay. You don''t have to force yourself to forgive him. I wouldn''t either. He was my friend but... What he did...".

    ''He seems like he''s sorry for it... He apologised. He seems to feel guilty...''

    ''And he keeps drinking a lot in the last month, and he looks really lonely... I know he felt really guilty about it so¡­''.

    Wain keeps silent. He noticed his behaviour some time ago. And Trevor had exposed it himself probably out of his own guilt he kept.

    "Are you sure, you want to forgive him?".

    Fay nodded. At least, seeing Trevor torturing himself elevate his anger. Even he felt softened when he saw Trevor walking stumbling across the street out of his destructive behaviour, and when he sees him walking at the back alone, as if, he didn¡¯t exist in the party. And when he at times tells him he''s sorry when they pass by each other, even when he has ignored Trevor''s existence. Fay can see he truly felt guilty about it.

    "You can forgive him. But I wouldn''t".

    Wain had already released most of his anger to Trevor. but he can''t accept it. Why is Fay so kind to entertain the idea of forgiving him? Didn''t he hurt him? Wain just hugged him again. He keeps forgetting his fist is bleeding.

    "Sorry. Your new shirt got dirtied".

    ''Yea... It''s alright''.

    Fay took off his shirt and wore his towel.

    "Let''s take a bath...". Fay said with a hint of sadness still lingers in his heart.

    ...

    ''Amber... If you can have your wish granted, what would you wish for?''.

    Amber remembered everything back in her kingdom. When they tainted her name with conspiracies. When the other nobles conspire against her. When her own mother died from poison. When her father never believed in her and still married his mistress. When she was close to being assassinated. When everyone believes that pretentious devil of a sister, thinking she''s the kindest among everyone when in reality she knows how evil she is.

    She felt powerless. And she had to run away from her own kingdom, from her own rightful place as the heir to the throne. She clenched her fist. She knows what she wants. She wants what''s hers to be returned back to her. She wants her mother back. She wants power to reclaim everything she has lost. Perhaps she could revive her dead mother. There are so many things she wanted. Amber keeps thinking about her true wish.

    She wants revenge, she wants everything that is rightfully hers as well. There are too many things that she wanted.

    "I have some ideas...", Amber replied.

    "What about you?".

    "Hmm... It''s difficult. I am not sure if I am ready to be immortal to begin with...".

    "But if I can make a wish, I just wish we could stay like this, you know? I am quite happy with what I have now, with you guys and don''t want anything to change. Oh and I hope Trevor and Fay could be okay again".

    Amber nodded.

    ''Or maybe I can ask to be the strongest mage in the entirety of Elysia, what do you think?''.

    ''Why not just become the strongest being in Elysia?¡¯.

    "Haha. You mean, wish to become a God? Hahaha..."

    Amber had her eyes open. Her view is limited to true dragons ancestors and the like as the ''strongest''. But to be the strongest... Isn''t it Gods themselves?

    ''It''s not possible, right?'', Amber asked rhetorically. Lisa blinks twice at her own joke. They will ask later for sure, if it''s possible, and all of the weird wishes that they can think of.

    ...

    The next day they went to see Fay to further ask about limits on wishes.

    "To wish to become a God?". Kyubey stares blankly at these two crazy girls.

    ''Its possible''.

    Amber and Lisa, even Fay had their mouths opened.

    ''But the amount of karmic potential that you have will not be enough for it to be fulfilled as you wanted''.

    "Then it won''t be granted?".

    ''It can be granted. But your existence, will perish immediately afterwards. You will die immediately after the wish is granted, or when the wish is in the process to be granted''.

    "Then... wishes have its limit? And what do you mean karmic potential?".

    ''It means how much you can affect the fate of the world. I can see Amber has very high karmic potential because of how, her status as the 1<sup>st</sup> princess would affect many lives. While Lisa, you don''t have much. It also affects to what extent a wish is able to produce the result you wanted, and how much power you have as a magical girl''.

    "Then, what if I wish to resurrect my mother? Will she really return back alive?".

    "It''s not enough for your mother to be truly resurrected. She would return as an undead, or have parts of her memory, personality and emotions missing, or she would be alive but unconscious due to her lack of complete soul. Or she could be resurrected completely, but will be left with little life force and can only live for a few seconds or minutes and die afterwards. Creation of an already dissipated soul is something that requires a tremendous amount of potential to be fulfilled completely. I can''t even predict the outcome, but so far very few magical girls achieve complete resurrection wishes and they are people with abnormal karmic potential.¡±

    Amber bit her lips. She wanted to revive her mother. But to think it''s like this...

    Kyubey is truly honest about everything this time. Because he doesn''t want these girls to fall into despair right after becoming a magical girl and just die right after. It would be a waste of his resources. So Kyubey stops omitting information and even adds on everything he knows and gives the completely honest truth.

    "And it''s better to be specific about your wishes. I can bring forth your potential, but ultimately, it''s your hope that grants your wishes".

    "How did you grant wishes? You have some magic power?". Amber finally asked.

    "I am a representative of a higher power. You could say, in reference to this world, it''s a God of that world. And I am given the authority to choose which person can have their wish granted".

    "I can''t control how and to what extent the wish is granted, although I have the ability to roughly estimate karmic potential and estimate the effect of the wish".

    Amber and Lisa nodded at Kyubey''s explanation. However Fay felt dissatisfied.

    ''Why didn''t you tell me all these things when I was making a contract?''.

    Kyubey stared at Fay blankly.

    "Because it''s unnecessary. And does it matter if you know? Ignorance is bliss is a popular phrase in your world doesn''t it. If I tell everyone everything, they might reject the contract and they won''t become magical girls".

    Fay is once again reminded that Kyubey is some psychopathic creature that has his own agenda and goals.

    Amber and Lisa decide to keep their wishes for now. Consequences of a wish half fulfilled seems scary and can lead to dire consequences.

    ...

 Chapter 19: Punishment, Forgiveness

    ...

    Fay takes out the necklace given by the 2nd prince from his inventory space. It''s very elegant and look so luxurious. He wore it and looked in the mirror.

    "It''s pretty". Wain commented.

    "You won''t believe it".

    "What?". Wain perked his ears.

    ''THE second prince bought this for me''. Fay smiled at Wain, wanting to see if he is jealous.

    "Are you serious? The second prince himself bought it for you? What??? How???"

    He told the story of a random chance meeting. And even included how his highness knows Amber. Aside from surprises about Amber, Wain is worried.

    That prince can''t take Fay away from him!

    "Is he handsome?".

    Fay feels a little embarrassed because even his own heart fluttered.

    "Yes...".

    ''More than me?''.

    "Emm... maybe many would think so but you are still the most handsome for me okay?". Fay look at the person he loved most with loving eyes. The prince is truly handsome but Wain is still the only one in his heart.

    Wain sulks at hearing this.

    "Go to your prince, I am not your boyfriend anymore", Wain turned around and hid in his blanket.

    "H-hey- you are still more handsome in my eyes".

    ''In your eyes? Then in other eyes I am not?''

    "uhh... I mean, I am sure you have better looks than him in certain parts. Your ears and tails are cute and fluffy! And you smell really good".

    Wain felt embarrassed and blushed a little. He never knew Fay thought he was cute. And he really is curious at what he smells like to Fay.

    "And you are the only one I love okay? And you are bigger and stronger".

    ''Oh? Am I bigger?''. Wain smirked while moving his waist to grind at Fay.

    ''N-not that!''. Fay can only hold on for tonight as Wain gets rougher than usual.

    ..

    Lisa and Amber got closer to Fay once they spilled each other''s secrets. Unfortunately, Lisa truly has no secret. She''s just a normal girl living in a town with her parents and she sets to be independent. She is self taught in magic and she''s just happened to be talented at it and she becomes an adventurer. There''s really no secret.

    "Do you think Elvis has a secret?". Fay asked while they were hanging out in their room.

    "Maybe he''s some elven prince or something?", Fay joked.

    ''Elvis says he went to the human continent because it''s boring back in his home.''.

    "That''s all?", Fay asked again.

    "Yeah. I don''t remember much but that''s what he tells me once. Trevor and Wain should know more".

    They run their imagination wild. Elvis hometown is very far away. But that doesn''t mean there''s any secret. He really just felt bored staying in the all-natural home with trees and bountiful fruits.

    "Fay... Why are you guys so cold to Trevor?". Lisa had asked this casually here and there but Fay always answered with ''There''s nothing wrong?''.

    Lisa isn''t stupid. It''s obvious. Amber too noticed long time ago but she remained indignant about letting them settle their own issues.

    "¡­ I don''t think, it''s good to know. He made a mistake, and I just... want to move on and forgive him. He does feel guilty about things, and I felt guilty seeing him like that as well".

    Lisa looks at Amber. Amber looked at Lisa. They theorized and telepathically think about a possible scenario to each other. Fay went back to his room since it was late.

    "Lisa. What mistake do you think he did?''.

    ''Seeing Wain is so angry that he beat him up... Do you think it''s because Trevor expresses his feelings to Fay?''. Lisa suggested

    "That''s a bit... Over the top for that...". ''A bit'' is an understatement. She knew how close they were before Fay joined in. And even Trevor''s personality entirely changed at some point.

    "Did Trevor... crossed the line...?".

    Amber pondered at Lisa''s suggestion.

    "Like, maybe he just went to kiss Fay or something". Amber thought about it. That actually makes sense.

    ''I think that''s possible...''. Because really, even Wain treats him like he doesn''t exist. Honestly the environment felt so cold. During subjugation, they don''t speak to each other at all. Although Fay still shields Trevor here and there with his portal when beasts attack with their limbs. But it felt like they are just being ''professional'', as if Trevor is an outsider, they hired to do subjugation with them or an Earth Golem that Lisa made.

    ...

    A few weeks passes as usual with nothing to take note off.

    Fay noticed Trevor had just returned from his usual late-night drinking. Fay felt a bit, guilty if he is to be honest.

    Did he treat Trevor too harsh?

    He looked at him, stumbling by himself as he walked past him. Fay subconsciously catches him from falling. Trevor looked at Fay and quickly straightened his back and moved a meter away.

    ''Sorry...''.

    Fay realised his own hand is slightly trembling. It felt uncomfortable to touch Trevor, but it wasn¡¯t so bad anymore. He did see and digested how Trevor did what he did because he likes him, sort of.

    ''Just... Don''t do it again...''. it''s his first time speaking to Trevor after these 2 months.

    Trevor opened his eyes in surprise. He felt choking and sobbing.

    When Fay spoke those few words, it made him feel there''s a chance for him to forgive him. He really feels hurt all these times. From guilt, and from being isolated. He had a thought to quit the party these days. It really hurts him badly to stay. Everyone hates him, his friends hates him. He felt really lonely.

    Fay finally takes a glance at Trevor, looking at his eyes for a second. He felt bad for Trevor.

    He does remember, how Trevor was. He can''t say he''s a villain or evil. He can''t even say he''s a bad person. He had always been a nice person. He remembers he teased him here and there. He remembers when Trevor gave him a cream donut for his birthday. When he tapped his shoulder so he turned to look, just to poke his cheek. Or other things. Trevor was a cheerful person before. He had been quite a teaser to Wain, like winking at him probably trying to make Fay stay the night before they started to date properly. Fay does notice.

    But now Trevor is just, quiet. Like some stranger. He became a different person entirely.

    It''s just that he made a mistake. If he counts what''s bad about him, it''s only that one mistake he made. Otherwise, he is a nice person. Did he treat him too harshly... Is his reaction reasonable, or is it not? Fay did think about it. How long is too long?

    Not to mention he hasn''t asked for his body back. He asked him to keep it to punish him so that Trevor can see his own sin. And it really works wonder as Trevor had to see Fay''s body that he had touched every single day when he opened his closet. The guilt had been eating him from his insides all this time.

    Fay hates the atmosphere. Even Wain treated him like a ghost. And Fay knows Trevor is lonely. He didn''t speak to anyone much ever since he did what he did. He can''t face Wain. He can''t face Elvis either. Fay guessed Elvis knew. Maybe it''s because he asked Trevor to take his body and Elvis saw it.

    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Elvis never asked him anything. He knows Elvis is a responsible party leader. He makes suggestions and ask questions to the members to make decisions often. It''s clear as day Fay and Wain had problems with Trevor. Even Trevor''s personality changed drastically. Elvis ignoring it means he already knew.

    Fay felt his heart hurt seeing his friend like that¡­ He should forgive him already.

    Another week passes. Fay had been thinking about forgiving him over and over again. His heart is ready to partly forgive Trevor. It''s time to ask for his body back, and dispose of it properly. Trevor had been punished enough.

    He took the chance the next day to knock on his room. Trevor opened the door and felt surprised to see Fay.

    "Hey... May I come in".

    Trevor is taken aback. He never expected it to be Fay...

    "Yeah...".

    Trevor stepped aside, and let him in. Elvis is not here it seems. Fay sees on the desk; an idol is being carved out of wood. It''s a new hobby, he guessed.

    Fay looks at Trevor. Trevor doesn''t even dare to look at Fay but he just stands there. Fay''s hand is trembling a little. But he wants to forgive him. Fay went close to Trevor, even stunning him.

    Fay gave him a hug. A sincere hug.

    Even if his hand is shaking, even if his body feels uncomfortable, he wants to forgive him. Trevor doesn''t understand. He had tears pooling in his eyes at this sudden gesture.

    ''I will try to forgive you, alright...''.

    Trevor can only stand like a statue. He can feel Fay''s hand shaking. To be this kind to him, despite what he did, he can''t help but breakdown as well. Fay held him long, long enough until his hand can feel comfortable to touch Trevor. He is his friend. He may made a mistake, but he is still a good person.

    Fay keeps repeating the psychological suggestions to accept Trevor as an imperfect friend he had. But the longer Fay held him, the more Trevor¡¯s hidden desire stirred. It makes him feel disgusted by himself that Fay''s touch that¡¯s out of his sincerity still stimulates a part of him.

    Trevor had to push Fay away, covering his under. What a trash I am, Trevor thought.

    Fay sees it. But doesn¡¯t judge it badly anymore. He just wonder, how much Trevor liked him. And why he never noticed.

    ''Do you, like me that much?''. Fay looked at Trevor.

    "... I do...". Trevor can''t see Fay in the eyes.

    Why is Fay still talking to him. Doesn¡¯t he feel disgusted that he still lusts over him?

    "I don''t mind if you have feelings for me. Even if you want to... touch me or think about it. That''s not the problem."

    Trevor finally looks at Fay. Fay is truly an honest person when it comes to his feelings. Trevor himself is a good person, and is definitely his type. It''s just that Fay had never registered Trevor as someone he would romantically or sexually like all this time because Trevor himself never showed it.

    "At least you could have just asked me. Whether I accept it or not, that''s on me. I would still remain friends with you even. But you... You don''t even care to ask and... force yourself on me. I am my own person. I deserve respect". Fay finally says his thoughts.

    Trevor can only digest his words.

    ''If you had asked earlier, maybe I would have helped you a little''.

    Trevor looked at Fay, puzzled, and his brain seems to stop for a moment.

    Fay went closer to Trevor and touched his hand that tried to hide it.

    "If you had told me earlier, I might have let you touch me. And I might have been happy to do things...".

    Trevor had his heart beat uncontrollably, hearing this from Fay. Trevor doesn''t want to believe it... Why is Fay saying all this? Has he always had a chance all along?

    Fay pried the hand away, and directly touched it. Trevor is pushed against the wall, unable to resist.

    Fay...?

    Fay gave it a punishment.

    Trevor stood, trembling. Feeling Fay''s own soft hand, doing this. He has to close his eyes, intoxicated in pleasure. he can''t even explain, how much he lusted over this.

    Trevor can''t hold himself and accidentally his own voice comes out. Fay didn¡¯t stop.

    Until suddenly he pulled his hand away when the time is right, before Trevor can be satisfied.

    Trevor waited. And waited. He frowned and felt confused. But Fay really stopped, and he won''t finish what he had started.

    He wants Fay to continue. He longed for Fay''s touch. He wants him. Why... Why did he stop?

    "Does it feel good?". Fay looks at Trevor, with unreadable emotion. Fay is not doing this for entertainment or because he want to help Trevor.

    Trevor is silent. Why is Fay doing this?

    Fay saw his pants had already been damped badly. Fay just stood in silence, looking at Trevor.

    Trevor bit his lips. He figured.

    So, this is how Fay wanted to punish him, after making him desire run like this.

    "I know, you aren''t a bad person. And you just made a mistake. I will try to forgive you. Just don''t do it again, and ask me if you want something".

    Trevor teared up. He feels glad Fay can forgive him. But this punishment, it''s unbearable.

    ''Can you please, finish it... I need you...''.

    "...".

    Fay can only look at Trevor, who seems to be in agony, having his desires unable to be released.

    Fay went to touch it again. Unzipping them entirely. Letting it be exposed.

    Fay had a hint of surprise seeing the true size. Regardless, he does not care much. He wanted to teach Trevor a lesson.

    He uses his small fingers to fiddle with it. Trevor can only whimper and let out gasps of air. His chest move up and down, and his heart is racing to the limit. Fay held Trevor''s chest, and played with one of the bumps. Trevor gets more and stimulated. It''s his dream come true. He felt it was getting close, and couldn''t help but look at Fay. He wants him.

    "Fay... I am...".

    Fay leaned in, tiptoed and went closer to Trevor''s ears.

    "...No".

    Fay stops it just when it almost reaches its peak.

    "Fay...". He felt his heart broken. Trevor wants to tear up. He wants to finish it.

    Fay went to wipe his dirty hand on Trevor''s shirt. He looked at Trevor''s thing, twitching while puking out clear liquids. But he doesn''t care. He knew this thing had been in his other body without his approval.

    He still felt irked, but still wanted to forgive him. And for that he needs to be punished this way.

    Kyubey who¡¯s on top of Fay¡¯s head silently watch. He assumes Fay had been twisted at some point. But doesn¡¯t care much.

    Trevor can''t do this anymore. It''s right there. He wants to release it even if it''s in front of Fay.

    He moved his hand to give himself relief.

    "Don''t", Fay immediately stops him.

    Trevor stops given the instruction. It''s a torture for him. Fay is right in front of him, just standing and watching.

    Trevor just stood there. The floor got stained as the time goes as drop by drop fell down.

    "Fay... Please...".

    ''No. I won''t forgive you if you keep going''.

    Trevor felt choking. His hand is hovering over his tower, having so much urge to finish it. It kept twitching here and there. His chest had been rising and falling. His heart had been beating fast and strong. But Fay won¡¯t let him finish it.

    Fay just stands there, watching. Minutes passed. More than 15 minutes passed while the three of them were standing.

    Fay looks at Trevor, getting blue balled looking at him with a pained and pleading expression.

    "Zip it back up. I don''t want to see it anymore". Fay said calmly.

    Trevor complied, and forcefully tuck it in.

    Trevor bit his lips. Fay is so cruel to him... He wanted to cry. After making him like this, Fay just won''t let him finish it.

    "This is my punishment for you". Trevor felt his heart, body, and soul hurt. But he admits it''s a befitting punishment for his mistake of letting his lust overtake his morality. What Trevor did is too traumatising, that the only way he can truly forgive him is to give him the right punishment.

    Fay wants to absolve Trevor from his sin.

    Fay gave Trevor a hug.

    "I forgive you. I want us, and everyone to remain friends. I hate that everything just feels different".

    Fay had tears in his eye this time. He went to hug Trevor tight for a long time. Fay can feel something touching his stomach, he¡¯s aware and it''s a punishment as well.

    "And... Don''t do such things ever again. At least ask me first...".

    "Thank you...". Trevor can only say thanks for forgiving him in the first place.

    Trevor replied to the hug back. His head is close to his chest.

    Fay is still warm and kind to him... also he had punished him badly.

    Fay...

    Fay released his hands from Trevor and looked at him.

    ''Where''s my spare body...?''

    "It''s still in the closet".

    Fay went to check it.

    Fay saw the body covered in a blanket. It''s still a bit bizarre since it''s literally a dead body. There''s a pillow cushioning its head. He sees it really had remained there untouched all this time. Although the few marks are still there, but it remained untouched since. He smiled a little, knowing Trevor didn''t do anything more to it.

    Trevor sees this body each time he opened his closet. Each time he will see his own sin. This too, is a punishment.

    Elvis had wanted to dispose of it. But the body looks too real, the skin feels like a human being, it''s completely a real human body that he can''t do at all. And Wain had already figured it out without seeing it so it shouldn''t matter anymore. So, it remained there all this time.

    Fay picked it up and is about to leave.

    "Trevor". Trevor looked at Fay.

    ''Don''t release it for today, or for tonight. Wait until sunrise''. Fay gave a mischievous smile. He really had his heart cleared. He completely forgives Trevor after he punished him.

    Trevor can only stay silent.

    "I hope, you can do it". Fay gives Trevor encouragement, since he truly had forgiven him this time. That''s really just to tease him. He even felt amused teasing Trevor and seeing him so obedient to him.

    Trevor nodded.

    Now that Fay think about it, Trevor is attractive. He just, didn¡¯t notice him for real. But he kept it aside.

    ...

    "Trevor, are you sick?". Elvis had returned from a gathering quest for certain herbs. He was just really strolling to clear his mind at the same time. The environment is too stressful.

    Elvis sees Trevor is laying in his bed from the evening till late night. He didn''t move at all.

    ''I-I am fine''. Trevor replied. He is still holding on. He keeps thinking about Fay touch. He can only endure as it expands and deflates over and over again.

    He really holds on for the rest of the day. He can''t sleep. His body had been screaming, wanting release for hours. This is what Fay wants him to pay for unable to control his own lust.

    He keeps remembering his touches throughout the night but he had to hold on.

    Hours passed.

    ¡­

    A light from the sun set on his window after hours.

    He felt glad and quickly gave himself a release.

    Remembering how Fay had touched it directly yesterday, reimagining it. How Fay is very domineering, ordering him. Even his whisper at the end telling him ''No¡¯.

    It keeps replaying in his memory.

    ''Fay.... fay...".

    He muttered his name, remembering him, wanting him.

    Until he releases himself from his agony. It''s the messiest he had ever been his entire life. The torture is over. He is overwhelmed with relief, and the greatest pleasure he has ever felt.

    Trevor can only look at the window and stares blankly.

    He remembers Fay had told him he might have had a chance if he had just asked. Does it still remain true? But he already had Wain in his heart, isn''t it too late for him?

    Fay is and always has been an open person. His heart is open and honest. Even if it''s to be friends with benefits, one-night stands, or casual sex, his heart is open and have zero judgment until it becomes disrespectful for him. And the same open heart also lets him love Wain without holding back anything.

    ...

    Fay...

    Trevor''s obsession with Fay had grown from everything.

    He held his own heart. He can''t move on from him. He really wants him, more than anything now.

    It''s a twisted kind of love, born from guilt haunting him for a long time, and from the punishments.

    He should... ask next time... Trevor taught. His soft hands touching him. The smile he gave at the end. He keeps remembering what Fay did to him. If only, if only he could be with him.

    He bit his lips. Is it even possible now? Fay had forgiven him, does that mean he has a chance now? He doesn¡¯t know. Is it too shameless to ask for him? He can only stare at the window, and stare at the mess he had done.

    ...

 Chapter 20: Imperfect

    ...

    Everyone went down for breakfast as usual. But there''s a very clear difference today.

    ''Hey...''.

    Fay raised his hand and gave a gentle glance to Trevor to greet him.

    ''Hey.''.

    Trevor can''t help but reply back. He felt touched at Fay''s kindness to talk to him after he had been treated like he didn''t exist all this time.

    Everyone watched the scene in confusion, except Wain.

    Lisa, Amber and Elvis felt the pressure lifted from their shoulder. To think Fay, who had hated him and ignored him like he didn''t exist for so long finally greeted him and looked at him.

    Elvis wanted to cry seeing this. He felt relieved, truly relieved. Fay might have forgiven him, or at least in the process of it.

    Wain however, felt angry. He pulled Fay''s arm and head upstairs.

    Elvis is understanding, while Lisa and Amber only reinforced the idea in their heads that Trevor crossed some line towards Fay sometimes ago.

    ''Fay... Why are you greeting him?''. Wain holds Fay''s hand questioning him.

    "Wain... I have talked things out with him".

    "I feel, he deserves to be forgiven. Seeing him lonely, and... he''s hurt as well."

    " He already apologised a lot of times. And I know he''s really sorry for it".

    "I want us, everyone, to be friends again like before". Fay looks at Wain with his round eyes.

    Wain released his Fay''s hands, not sure what to think about this.

    He too, hates the atmosphere. And he too, feels hurt seeing his old friend like that even if that''s a consequence of his own action. And he feels hurt that Trevor had hurt Fay.

    "Are you sure, you can forgive him?".

    Fay held Wain arms.

    "I am sure. He''s never a bad person. He just... he just, made a big mistake. He hurt me, and did something really bad. But I am forgiving him. I am willing to forgive him. Can you please, forgive him as well Wain?".

    Wain had to take a deep breath.

    He knows Trevor is not a bad person. He knew him for years. He had always been a good friend to him. And he had always been a good friend to Fay... until he made that mistake.

    It''s really just that one thing, but that one thing is such a large sin even Wain felt like he wants nothing to do with Trevor anymore.

    But since Fay wants to forgive him...

    "Alright... I will try".

    Wain caresses Fay''s hair. He''s not sure if he could talk to Trevor. The idea that he had touched Fay while he''s unconscious still felt so wrong in his heart.

    They both went downstairs afterwards.

    Wain finally looks at Trevor. Trevor too looks at him back. When he saw Wain had looked at him, he felt sobbing. Wain too had been ignoring his existence for a long time. And he really feels so lonely, so isolated from everyone. As if everyone hates him. When Fay greeted him, he already on the verge of tears. Now that Wain looks at him with softer eyes, he can¡¯t help it.

    He burst into tears right after. Everyone is silent, seeing Trevor crying on the table. Everyone felt pity on him. To think he had been hurting inside all this time.

    "I am sorry, everyone. I am really sorry...".

    He made a public apology. Amber and Lisa looked at each other, because they are the only ones who have no idea what Trevor did exactly.

    "Fay wants to forgive you, so I will try as well...". Wain looks at his old friend with softened eyes. He did miss his friend. But he still feels angry at him when he thinks about what he has done. And yet, seeing him crying like this makes him want to forgive him.

    Trevor is really hurt from being ghosted by practically everyone. Trevor''s original personality had always been the fun type and turned entirely silent because of everything.

    "Thank you... Thank you for giving me a chance. I am sorry Fay. I am really sorry". Trevor wiped his snots and tears with his hand.

    Fay takes out a handkerchief from his inventory space. He didn¡¯t say anything to Trevor, but he looked at him with forgiveness.

    Trevor takes the handkerchief hesitantly and wiped his face. Everyone can see, Fay himself had forgiven him. They should, as well. Or at least try.

    Elvis pats his back, seeing his big friend crying ugly like this. Even he felt his heart softened. He too thinks Trevor had done something so terrible that even he can''t treat him as usual. Although he had tried to check up on him time to time. He knew he¡¯s hurt a lot from his own action and consequences. Thankfully Fay forgave him.

    Amber and Lisa look at each other again. It''s unfair they are left out. But they kept quiet. Lisa whispered to Amber.

    "Let''s ask Fay later... Or Elvis..."

    ''Yeah...''.

    What is this all about exactly?

    ...

    After breakfast Lisa and Amber hurriedly drag Fay to their room. Before that, Elvis had stopped them.

    "I think, it''s better you guys didn''t know... Fay had forgiven him already.".

    Trevor and Wain had no words to say and just went into their room.

    Trevor thinks he deserves to be called out and gossiped on. He accepts it''s a result of his actions. As for Wain, it''s Fay that got hurt, it''s his rights to tell or not to tell anyone. He could care less if telling would cause people to hate Trevor. It''s a consequence of his action. Elvis just doesn''t want to make things that already settled drag on.

    "Guys... It''s over. I really want to let go and forgive him really".

    Lisa and Amber stay quiet. They still drag him inside their room and lock the door.

    ''Fay. We are your friend alright. If you don''t want to tell us, it''s okay. If you want to forgive Trevor, no matter what he did, we would too''. Lisa said.

    Fay remained silent.

    "Did he forcefully kiss you?", Lisa asked.

    Fay opened his eyes wide at her suggestion. It''s half true, since it was his body.

    After a brief silence, Fay can¡¯t help but spill a little.

    "My other body...".

    Lisa and Amber are shocked. They do remember Fay had a spare body because that event is very traumatising as everyone thought Fay was dead.

    "How much did he...?".

    Fay can''t answer. He can only remain silent. Trevor had done all sorts of things to that body. He saw it with his enhanced eyes.

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    Seeing Fay is silent, they are sure Trevor has done so many things to it. That body is still Fay. And it''s as if it''s Fay that''s unconscious. You might as well call it Fay''s dead body. To think Trevor-

    Lisa wants to throw up the more he thinks about it.

    "A-are you really... Forgiving him?".

    Lisa can''t believe Fay can forgive such a heavy sin.

    Fay nods.

    "Trevor he, he''s not a bad person. He made one mistake. I know, he did something really bad. And I was hurt a lot. But... Seeing him like that, hurting himself, when he becomes silent, when he seems so lonely, ... I just... I can''t bear to see it really. He apologised to me multiple times already. And I think, he paid enough for what he had done.".

    Amber felt disgusted at Trevor now too. To think he can do such a thing.

    "If it''s me, I will never talk to him until I die".

    Amber is quiet but she agrees as well.

    "He already apologised, and he really feels sorry. He regrets it as well... I feel, he deserves a chance...".

    Amber and Lisa can only remain silent. It''s their first time knowing this. And for Fay, Wain and Elvis, they had known for a long time. So, it''s not as shocking as time goes on.

    "I understand. You are really kind, to forgive him.". Lisa thinks, it must have been difficult for Fay to even open up his heart to forgive such a big mistake.

    "It''s still wrong, but still... I can accept him as a human being that''s not perfect, you know?".

    They just nodded at Fay''s statement.

    "I should take my leave."

    They adjourned the short meeting. It will take a long time before they can forgive Trevor. But it''s in progress at last.

    ...

    During the latest gold beast subjugation of a giant Anaconda, Wain is finally able to talk to Trevor, during the subjugation at least.

    He too slowly wants to forgive his friend. He misses his cheerful attitude that often lights up the environment if he is to be honest. It''s still difficult however.

    As for Lisa and Amber, it''s quite recent they knew. Although they aren''t really that chatty with him to begin with, it''s their turn to treat him like the invisible air.

    Fay always greets him whenever they pass by now. Elvis starts to treat him as usual. Trevor felt really, really grateful to them.

    Fay...

    Fay forgave him. Even though he got punished for it, Fay gave him that chance.

    Fay had always been in his mind these days. At times he can''t hold onto his feelings. He noticed Fay has always been pretty and cute. He can''t help but be infatuated with him completely and not hide it anymore. He can¡¯t help but keep glancing at him. Fay noticed this, even Wain noticed it. But they don¡¯t say anything.

    A week passes and a request came in specifically for their party. It''s none other than the 2nd prince himself! This time the party had to search through a rainforest for tracks of a dinosaur. It''s like a T-Rex but they are classified as a ''lizard''. The prince craves its eggs.

    This is shocking for Elvis. Since when the party is so popular that even the 2nd prince requests for this party? He got so confused and had to ask Wain for his thoughts.

    "I am sure it''s because Fay met him before". Wain said with an annoyed expression.

    ''He did??''. Elvis had to look at Fay.

    Fay explained the whole thing to Elvis. Trevor listened to the side.

    Elvis shook his head. Who would have thought even the royalty would notice them? Who would have thought Amber had such a background?

    Nevermind. The prince is generous after all.

    They head to the designated rainforest few days of travel away.

    They finally found its nest after searching for hours in the rain forest. They even luckily found its eggs. They all wonder how good it tasted that the prince craves it.

    The 10 meters tall t-rex is peacefully sleeping covering its eggs.

    They can''t afford to damage the eggs so Elvis and Lisa shoot some projectiles to wake it up. She wakes up mad and chases after them out of the big cavern.

    Amber tore open one of her scrolls. A large amount of mana sucked out of her to form the spell. The 10 meters tall giant felt something is wrong and crazily charges at Amber. Trevor used the skill taunt. But the lizard simply swipes its tail and smacks him from the side causing him to get smashed into a nearby tree. As if it had finished off a fly, it continues its charge completely disregarding Wain''s existence.

    Wain had to dodge and just step aside. Taking this chance, he pokes its butt.

    It stopped for a moment and slapped Wain with its tail like it did Trevor. Wain stood his ground and slashed at the incoming tail with his flame sword, cutting it clean!

    The dinosaur got mad and went to claw at him. Wain simply dodges skilfully.

    Fay launched an Icicle straight to its butt while it is distracted causing it to wince in pain and fall down.

    She tried to stand up but earth and ice locks its feet and body. The ice is especially thick and cold it freezes its body.

    "RAAAAAWWW!!". she screamed in anger.

    Few arrows pierce its skin. Elvis shoots them just because.

    The hyper water jet launched, piercing its abdomen while Amber controlled the jet to move upward towards its chest. The t-rex is pushed back from the sheer force of the jet, breaking the ice and earth binding causing it to fall.

    It cuts a deep gushing wound hitting its major arteries. It sprayed out blood from the deep wound.

    The t rex still lived as it dragged itself in the direction of her eggs... She wants to protect her babies... She closed her eyes and lost all signs of life. She regrets not being able to protect her children.

    They tried to dismantle the abnormally large lizard. It''s the biggest monster they ever killed. Its size and physical strength is its threat. But big size means easier to hit as well.

    They really had to take a long time to dismantle them. The scales are not that strong. The leather isn''t that tough. The claws are sharp but not as much as a dragon. It''s really just its humongous size and large amount of muscles. A true dragon has denser muscle in comparison.

    Everyone takes a rest and cooks some food.

    "Should we eat one of the eggs?". Elvis is curious at the taste of these abnormally large eggs.

    The party thinks seriously. There are four eggs. The quest submission is based on the number of eggs submitted, as much as 50 gold coins per egg.

    "Let''s taste one. We submit the other 3", Wain suggested.

    Everyone nods in agreement. Money isn''t a problem for the party at all at this point. Fay had taken out the largest pan he had and all various spices, vegetables and meats from his inventory space. It''s so convenient.

    Wain went to prepare some meat pieces with various spices and herbs. Fay went to chop some vegetables. Trevor went to help him at the side.

    Wain noticed Trevor standing next to Fay, but he tried to ignore it. Even if he doesn''t feel comfortable seeing it, it''s up to Fay to shoo him away or let him stay.

    Trevor sees Fay cutting the tomato gentle, his blue eyes focused where he¡¯s cutting. Has he always been this pretty?

    "Is there something on my face?". Fay touches his face, wondering what it is since Trevor keeps looking at him.

    ''You''re pretty''.

    He looked at Trevor in a bit of a surprise, and blushed a little. He never said anything like this, except complimenting his strength or magic before.

    ''I see... Thank you''. Fay appreciates the sentiment. He gave Trevor a smile since he felt a bit softened, now that Trevor properly expresses his feelings.

    ''You know... I have always thought you are quite handsome''. Fay said honestly.

    Trevor had his heart stop for a moment and blushed as well. For Fay to say this to him, he couldn''t be happier. The dish is finished as the big fried eggs mixed with veggies and meat is done. They took a bite of the egg.

    !!!

    The egg is so creamy and so rich. It''s definitely the best egg they ever tasted. And what if a professional chef cooks them? Won''t they taste even heavenly? No wonder the prince craves them.

    They shared comments on this delicacy.

    Wain went near Fay, whispered to ask.

    "What did Trevor say to you?".

    Did he observe the entire time?

    "He just said I was pretty".

    Wain is not sure what to do with this information.

    He had never noticed Trevor had any feelings for Fay prior to his mistake and the news of him hurting Fay came out of nowhere for him.

    "I see...". He doesn''t mind much about him having feelings for Fay, although he did feel a bit uncomfortable. He still thinks that''s natural since Fay is really cute and pretty. What man can resist? But still... Fay is his. Wain thinks its not right for Trevor to openly show his feelings to Fay since he already has him.

    Wain suddenly had a random thought if Elvis likes Fay as well.

    He doesn''t. He never liked the pretty cute small type. He prefers a more mature confident looking woman if he had to say.

    Wain feels having feelings for Fay is not a significant problem. Crossing the line and hurting him is the real problem. He still feels mad thinking about it.

    Wain went to Trevor this time. Elvis, Lisa and Amber are keenly observing their interactions. Elvis just hopes they aren''t making trouble again.

    "Trevor".

    He had to look at Wain with his eyes looking to the side, still felt inappropriate to see him.

    "Do you like Fay?".

    Trevor is startled at this question.

    He has to take a deep breath.

    ''I do...''.

    Trevor looks at Wain in the eyes for a second to speak his honest feeling.

    ''I, I love him''.

    Wain is silent. This felt like some sudden news for him. Since when? What? Love? Not even ¡®like¡¯ but love already?

    "He''s my boyfriend, you know?". He look at Trevor, wanting to hear what excuse he will give.

    ''I know... I am sorry Wain. I keep thinking about him. He''s so kind, and he''s just... someone I wanted. I just... love him''.

    Wain can only let out a breath. Wain can see Trevor is speaking to him honestly. It seems that, Trevor won''t move on from Fay in a while. But it irks him because if he loves him, then why did he has to hurt him?

    "Why did you do that to him then. You know it would hurt him".

    ''I thought... he wouldn''t find out...''.

    Wain wants to punch him in the face. What stupid excuse is that? But he took a deep breath. He thought he wouldn''t find out? What a tras-

    Wain remembers something as it got triggered in his brain. He remembered someone he had forgotten all this time.

    Akasha.

    Isn''t he, the same? He cheated on Akasha back then just because he thought she wouldn''t find out = she doesn¡¯t know = it never happened.

    He did care for her then. She was a kind person and had always been cheerful. She is very much like Fay when it comes to her affection, although her personality is more extroverted. Her clinginess at times annoyed him a lot back then - but thinking how he and Fay had been sticking close to 24/7, it''s hypocritical of him. It''s only when he had been with Fay that he realised Akasha had truly loved him.

    She turned ''insane'' only because he had hurt her. He knows and self-aware it''s definitely his fault and there''s no excuse he can give to her. He never apologised to her either, and had only told her she misunderstood, or made it all up and that she was crazy the whole time trying to make her stop questioning him over and over again. He''s tired hearing her interrogation and had to abandon her.

    He bit his lips.

    He is a man as well so even if it''s not right, he can see what Trevor was thinking. He had made a mistake before as well. He can only keep his silence. He started to think about Akasha. He did her so wrong he is afraid to admit it. It''s been a long time since he saw her in town. Maybe he should visit her someday.

    At least, for his own peace of heart he wants to apologise to her. She deserved an apology. It''s shitty of him to just forget her existence. He too, had hurt someone deeply. Who is he to smack Trevor? His thoughts wandered a little bit to the past.

    ....

 Chapter 21: Please, Stay

    They are taking a break for few days after submitting the T-rex eggs. This time they just do nothing and do their own thing in Angis. Even the Capital is boring after going there a lot of times.

    With free time, Wain wants to visit Akasha and apologise to her properly. She deserves an apology after all this time. He wants to clear his guilt and, move forward as a better person.

    "Wain, where are you going?", Fay asked. Usually Wain would hang out with Elvis and Trevor.

    "I am visiting a friend".

    ''Ouh? I see''.

    Fay turned around and read few novels he had bought from the Capital. It''s a novel series of harem smut focusing on daughter of a maid, and the knight, the prince, the mage tower lord, and even the demon lord. Fay keeps giggling and twirling his toes reading the exciting stories. Wain just smiled seeing him having fun by himself. He had read a page from one of the book and he wanted to cry knowing Fay is reading such things but it''s alright.

    Wain went out and steeled himself. He walked quite far, at the other end of the town. He reached a residential area. A lot of humble houses seen around. He finally reached a small white house with red roof. He took a deep breath and went to knock on her door.

    *Knock3*

    He waited for awhile before knocking again. Only silence replied.

    ...

    "Akasha, are you home?".

    He thought she''s not home. He would come back at other day. Just as he was about to turn around and leave, he heard the door clacking.

    *clack*.

    The door is opened.

    A half elf stood at the door, hiding half of her body. Her hair is a mess. She still look somewhat pretty. She heard the familiar voice and opened her door. Seeing who it is, she bit her lips. She don''t even want to see him right now.

    She quickly slam the door shut. She stood in front of the door. Tears are pooling in her eyes.

    Why is he visiting her now? After hurting her so much? Why?

    Wain went to knock on the door again.

    "Akasha. I want to talk to you. I know, I did you wrong. Can you please open the door?".

    Akasha bit her lips again. She took a deep breath and held her tears back. She opened the door and look at Wain with fierce eyes.

    "What do you want?". She glared at him with hatred.

    Wain remember those eyes. When she threw his sword at him almost killing him. Thankfully it missed an inch from his skin. There''s a reason he called her crazy.

    "Akasha. I just, want to apologise".

    Akasha felt his heart and body trembling. Why now? Why now? Why is he apologising after all this time...? She can''t hold her tears and broke down. Her broken heart bleeds at this moment.

    "Why... why are you apologising now.... you left me, just like that... You lied to me many times... You hurt me so much... I don''t understand why... why you keep calling me crazy... why I trusted you... why you did that... I...". She broke down and sat on the ground.

    Few onlookers looking at them. Wain noticed and let himself inside. He pulled Akasha up. He felt bad seeing her like this.

    He closed the door and turned on the light. He is shocked. Seeing how much of a dump this place is. Cloths scattered everywhere. Some trashes around here and there. The sink is filled with unwashed dishes. The last time he visit, everything is clean and kept well. He looked at Akasha, now with lights showing herself. She''s still sobbing uncontrollably. Her hair is a mess. Her clothes too.

    He realised she looks so thin... too thin. He can even see her collarbones and cheekbones.

    What happened to her...?

    "Akasha... Are you alright?".

    She remain quiet.

    She kept sobbing uncontrollably, visibly shaking.

    Wain is not sure what to do with her. Her sleeves fell down a bit as Wain held her hand, revealing some straight scars. Trevor gulped, and is shocked.

    He quickly grabbed Akasha''s wrist closer to see it.

    ...

    "Why are you like this...?", Wain asked because of his own conscience.

    "It hurts... It hurts so much... I can''t...". She kept crying non-stop.

    Wain felt he''s the worst scumbag in the entire of Elysia. He never check up on her. He never realised she had been hurt to this extent. He hugged her, feeling really sorry.

    "I am sorry Akasha. I am really sorry".

    ...

    "I cheated on you. I admit it. I did you wrong. I am sorry".

    Akasha trembled with anger hearing his statement. All those times, he only calls her crazy over and over again. She had believed it and apologised to him over and over again. But then she realised he was blatantly lying and he calls her crazy again. She believed she was crazy and she apologised again. And the cycle keeps repeating until she went truly crazy.

    She felt so angry at him. She keeps beating his chest to express her rage.

    "I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! Why! Why you did that to me... Liar! You liar! You stupid dog! Why are you sorry now... why are you admitting now... It hurts so much for me...".

    "You never cared for me... I loved you so much, I trusted you so much... but you... you never cared...".

    Wain don''t know how to respond really. He can only hug her tighter and pat her back. What had he done? He never thought, she would be hurt this much.

    Why she didn''t just move on and be happy with someone else. Why she had to, be like this? He knew he hurt her, so can''t she just move forward? He doesn''t understand genuinely. Why she had to indulge herself in pain of his wrongdoings? Why is she torturing herself like this?

    Akasha went to hug Wain, crying into his chest. Wain cant help it but had to comfort her. He only realised seeing her with his own eyes, how much he had hurt her.

    She looks up to see Wain. This handsome face. This person she had given her heart to. Someone she had trusted to a point of believing his blatant lies. Why is he apologising now? She wanted to move on really. Why he dares to show up in front of her...?

    Wain too look at her. He remembers the cheerful Akasha once were when they met. He''s a scum, to turn her into this. And he never bothered to take responsibility and accountability.

    Akasha went to hug him. She leaned and tip toed a bit, giving him a kiss. She missed him. She hates him. She loves him. And she felt glad and happy he apologised to her, and admitted his wrongdoings. And she hates him for being too late. She had a lot of conflicting emotions inside her.

    Wain replied to kiss back. His hands can''t hold back to caress her and give her comfort she deserved. He felt sorry, and guilty.

    She drags him to her room. Cloths are scattered everywhere from how messy it is. But neither cared. No words were spoken, but they speak with bodies.

    ...

    Did Wain had a sleepover a his friend''s house? Fay wondered.

    It''s a bit lonely when Wain not by his side. He had always been with him, every single day, so it felt a bit empty when there''s no one is next to him on the bed. Well, he still can have his own fun. Fay keep on reading the smuts he had with his legs kicking in the air.

    "Hihi. The demon lord so naughty...". Fay had a grin on his face.

    ...

    Wain covers his eyes with his hand as sunlight hit him.

    He looked to the side, feeling the warmth from the hand embracing him.

    Is this a mistake?

    Wain had his mind stopped for a moment. He can''t refuse her. He can''t refuse her after seeing how much he had hurt her.

    He held the hand touching his bare chest. He touches the scar on her wrist. Why did she hurt herself? She was a kind and cheerful person before. Can''t she just go out and find someone better? He truly doesn''t understand, why she is like this. He knows that its because she is hurt from his actions and lies - but why she had to choose this path of self-destruction when she didn''t deserve to be punished for his wrongdoings?

    "I am sorry, Akasha".

    She opened her eyes. She shed another tear hearing the apology she had wanted to hear most all this time. She went to hug him tighter.

    "I love you... I still love you...".

    Wain can only bite his lips. He did like her once. But he was really just playing around. Only when he met Fay did he truly become committed. Wain is not sure how to tell her.

    What is the right thing to do now?

    They break up only because he cheated on her with some prostitute just because he felt bored of her. There''s really no deep reason behind the cheating. They weren''t meant to break up. Akasha had never done him anything wrong, and had always give him her whole attention time and heart to him until he committed the mistake. And he never had realised or think too deeply about what his actions entailed.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    He remembers the person she was before when they were dating. But he still needs to leave...

    Wain wake up from the bed, reaching out for his pants on the floor.

    "Can you please stay... I need you... I really... need you..".

    Akasha went to hug him tight, tears are still visible on her eyes.

    Wain cant do this... It''s so difficult. His heart is breaking and hurt seeing her.

    "Alright...".

    Wain lay down back and hug her back. He has to, take responsibility for his mistake.

    Fay... I am sorry.

    ...

    Fay and others went to have dinner at the most expensive restaurant in town. It still can''t be compared to the one in the Capital though.

    "Fay, where did Wain go?", asked Elvis.

    ''Not sure. He said he''s visiting a friend yesterday. He stayed over at their house, I think. He didn''t come back till now''. Fay explained.

    Elvis spins his head. Wain had other friends? Since they were together in the party for years, while he had other acquaintances, but there''s no one that he''s close enough to had a stay over at their house.

    He shrugs it off, maybe it''s a new friend of his.

    ...

    Wain bought porridge from a nearby stall and bought groceries for her. She looks so weak, and so thin, lying down on her bed all day. As if she had lost her own will to live.

    He looked at her storeroom. It''s empty. Did she quit her job? What did she eat all this time? Wain placed all the groceries he bought for her.

    The more Wain explores her house, the more he feels his heart wrenched. He tidied up the house a little bit, and helped clean up the unwashed dishes stacked in the sink, and throw up the trashes. He went to see her, still lying on her bed.

    "Akasha. Here''s some money for you. You should buy yourself some food".

    Wain gave her 10 gold coins. It value is a lot for normal people but not much for Wain who had slayed so much gold ranked beasts.

    "Please... stay...".

    She can only hold onto his clothes. Wain can''t even look into her eyes. He''s afraid.

    ...

    Wain is contemplating. It''s only right that he had to do something to pay for his wrongdoings. But Fay...

    He cheated on her with a nobody. And now he cheated on Fay with his ex. He''s such a scum of a man, he cursed himself.

    ... But he can''t leave Akasha like this. At times he regrets visiting her. If he had just go about his day and just forget about her he wouldn''t have known this. But what if, she would just die alone in her own room with no one noticing?

    ...

    ''I will come back later, I promise alright? You should take of yourself better. Sorry Akasha''.

    He caresses Akasha''s messy hair. He combed it with his hand while at it.

    This woman always had a smile whenever they met back then. Now he can''t see that person anymore ever since he made that mistake. She''s still beautiful, even though she is messy and unkept.

    ...

    Days goes by as usual. Taking small quests and subjugation of beasts. Wain and Trevor have signs of reconciling. Although, Fay feels like Wain is a bit distant from him.

    He''s not sure why. And it felt scary to him.

    "Wain... did I, do something wrong?", Fay held Wain''s hand, looking at him as they lay on their bed. He has some sense of anxiety afraid that there is a problem. Fay can sense something is off. He felt like Wain had been avoiding his eyes at times.

    Wain had his heart stopped for a moment. That question, is an omen. Akasha had asked him this question when he was ghosting her after she apologised for ''misunderstanding'' him. It brought a sense of dejavu to him.

    ''What do you mean? Why?''. Wain went to kiss Fay''s forehead.

    "I don''t know... its just... at times it felt like you are, distancing yourself".

    "Is there anything troubling you? Please tell me. I will listen". Fay leaned closer to him.

    Wain take a gulp of his own saliva. His guilt surfaced again.

    ''No. It''s just that I have a lot on my mind. You know, we are close to getting enough funds and set for our mithril rank quest. It just, felt like its dangerous, and I am afraid any of us could get hurt''.

    Fay wondered. He didn''t know Wain care about the party safety to this extent.

    "Wain. It''s alright. Worst comes to worst, I will send everyone back to safety. And you know... I haven''t show my new power fully yet. I am really strong okay!".

    Wain knows Fay is strong, strong enough that he felt reassured and safety is the least of his concern. He really is just making an excuse. But seeing Fay like this, he wants to cry really. Wain hug him tight.

    "I love you okay. If anything troubles you, you can tell me". Fay went bury himself into his body, sniffing them at the same time. He likes his smell a lot. Wain had his heart eaten away from the inside. He really is a scum.

    ''I love you too''. He almost choked on his own words. He felt Fay''s hand sliding under his cloths. Fay really never gets tired of him...

    ...

    Wain went out to visit Akasha after few weeks. He wonders if he left her for too long. Fay didn''t ask anything this time when he went out. A Kyubey clone who''s free secretly follows him, because he''s curious.

    Upon reaching her house, he knocked on her door.

    Akasha open the door to see Wain, with some food on his hands.

    "Come in".

    Wain let himself in. He looked at the house. It seems that, she had cleaned up everything properly. He looked at her. She''s still thin, but she looks better now and look neat.

    ''I got you some food''.

    She immediately jumped into his embrace. Wain felt a bit startled.

    "Thank you for coming...".

    Wain look at her, with pain in his heart. He had wanted to end things properly, but he doesn''t have the courage for that yet.

    She looked at him with a small smile. She feels happy, and glad, that Wain had apologised to her, and came back to check her out.

    Wain felt surprised at the smile she gave. He remembered how she was back then. He really had done her so wrong. Why is she still smiling at him? His own heart bleeds seeing her like this. Why can''t she just hates him and dump him away? She''s making it difficult for Wain. He doesn''t have a heart to end things after seeing how hurt she was.

    They both sat together on the table.

    Akasha felt surprised seeing the food that Wain brought. Aside from some stir fried meats and vegetables, there''s an apple pie from a very specific bakery that she loved most.

    She shed some tears, feeling really happy.

    "You still remember I like this...".

    Wain got her that because he knew she liked it most, and maybe, he wants to make it up to her.

    "Thank you... thank you so much...", Akasha broke down again. Wain doesn''t understand, why is she like this. Why is she thanking him. She should have just, kicked him out of the house already.

    They ate in silence.

    But suddenly she stood up and ran to the bathroom and puked some food out.

    Wain went to follow her, to see if she''s fine.

    "Hey.. are you alright? Is the food bad?".

    ''No... I just... feel nauseous. It''s nothing''. She gave a little smile of assurance to Wain. Wain pat her back, making sure she''s fine.

    Akasha thought for a moment. No way... right? She felt conflicted, and frowned her brows. She had thought about things on the few weeks. She remembers Wain had a new person, Ray or Fay or something. She really don''t want to hurt anyone else. She knew herself how she was hurt and won''t wish for it to an innocent person. But she can''t afford to let go of him. She loves him too much...

    They went to finish their food properly after.

    Wain look at her back while she''s washing the dishes. He really don''t know what are they now. Seeing she had finished cleaning, Wain stood up from his seat.

    "I will take my leave. Take care". Wain turned and took 2 steps towards the door.

    ''Wain...''.

    He turned back to see her. She went to hug him firm. Wain can''t push her away.

    "I love you... I still love you...".

    Wain can only bite his lip. He really can''t tell her ''no''. His own conscience won''t let him.

    She dragged him to her room, caressing his body. She sat up from the bed, and reached out for her drawer. Taking out a packed powder in paper. There''s a lot of such packed papers in there. It''s a contraceptive made from a specific plant. She bought these when she was active with Wain. Wain also knows this. And he remembers that she didn''t use this when he visited last time. But he didn''t think much of it, because its difficult for mixed races to get pregnant in the first place. He frowned a little, remembering she threw up before. Is she...?

    She still took it and drink some water to swallow it. She don''t know how it works, but hopefully, even if she''s pregnant it would abort the new life in her.

    His brain stop thinking for a moment. He really don''t want to think about the possibility. He shut off his brain and let everything plays out on its own. He don''t want to think about it. He''s afraid. He immersed himself in her touches. He remembers how much he had loved doing this with her. Even he can''t help it anymore, and held her with his arms kissing her.

    ...

    Wain wore his cloths back, ready to leave.

    ''Please come back...''. Wain can''t look at her eyes. He wanted to say no. He can''t do this to Fay. But...

    ''I am sorry for asking you like this... I know, you already had someone else...''.

    ''But...please... come back... I need you...''. She had tears in her eyes again.

    Wain gave up his intention to refuse her, seeing her like this.

    "Alright. I will come back later okay?". Wain caresses her now soft and straight hair.

    ''Thank you...''. She gave him a long hug, before letting him leave. She watched the broad back of the person she had and still loved. She wonders if he still cares for her, or its just out of pity, or is it out of conscience?

    She don''t know. And she''s afraid to ask. Regardless, she wanted to make sure of something.

    After Wain went out, she too took her leave to the nearby physician clinic. After some inquiry, she got into a room with a large device and a platform for her to stand.

    The physician channeled his mana to a crystal embedded on a device, and the scanning of ''mana signature'' is done throughout her whole body and projected as images onto a paper.

    Dark dots forms on the paper to represent mana concentration throughout different parts of the body. And there''s a lot of small dots clustered together in her abdomen, although its really a small cluster.

    The physician smiled seeing this.

    "Congratulations miss. It should only be about a few weeks since you conceived. You should take care of your health so it grows healthy".

    Akasha bit her lips. She don''t know what she should do, confirming it. She had planned to abort it if that''s the case. But now... seeing it on a paper, she''s afraid and feels guilty.

    It''s their child.

    ...

    Right... if... she keeps it... Wain would stay with her.

    She bit her lips. She''s not sure, if this is right or wrong. She loves him a lot and already forgave him when he apologised to her. Wain himself never denied her, nor pushed her away. Maybe, Wain too had wanted to stay with her now that they reconciled. She spun her head, thinking things through.

    She decides to keep it. They can stay together from now on, as a family. She caresses her stomach, thinking about what the child would look like. She still think about a scenario where, Wain would still leave her, or ask her to abort it.

    ...

    She wants to keep the child regardless. At least, she really had loved Wain. And this child, is out of love. She made a promise to herself, and the unborn baby she would take care of them. If Wain leaves her, she wanted the child to fill in the gap that Wain left. She smiled a little, feeling elated at the idea of being a mother, and playing with a baby that would probably look like Wain. She had a fire started in her heart that had long gone before.

    At least, for her child, she should move forward. She thanked the physician and paid for her service. She had worked as a staff at a bank nearby a month before. She stopped going there at some point, feeling too tired to even move out of her bed after everything. She hesitantly walked in, to see her ex-coworker.

    "Akasha! Where have you been? Why did you stop coming to work so suddenly? What happened? Are you sick?".

    ''It''s just... its been difficult for me...is Boss here?''.

    Thankfully her manager is kind and understanding. He saw how thin she looked, as if she hadn''t eaten for days. He accept her back as a staff. Akasha wanted to cry seeing her workmates so kind to her. She feels thankful for giving her a chance to work there still. She caresses her stomach, with a hint of smile carved on her face.

    ...

    In the evening, someone opened the door to Fay''s room.

    It''s Wain. He had left this morning to do his own business.

    "Wain, you are back". Fay looked at him with a smile as usual. Fay is writing a fanfiction smut because he got inspired by the novel series ''Pure Maid and the 4 Standing Pillars''. It''s really for his own entertainment.

    Wain can''t even look at Fay. He is overwhelmed by so much guilt. Guilt to Akasha, and now guilt towards Fay. This is consequences to his own actions. He put up a fake smile, pretending everything is fine.

    ''Yeah. I went to hang out with a friend''.

    "I see...".

    ''Wain, want to, have a walk outside?¡¯.

    He smiled and agreed. They walked around the street holding hands. There are some stalls here and there. The flower shop is still open for sale. Fay remembers Wain bought him a flower from this shop on lovers day.

    His mouth carved upward, remembering the day they became official. Wain noticed he''s looking at the flower shop.

    Wain went to buy a white bouquet of flowers and give it to Fay.

    "Thank you". Fay sniffed them. It smells fresh and nice. He can''t help but smiled remembering back then.

    "You got me the same ones as back then!". Fay chuckled a little bit.

    "Same one?".

    ''You know... On lovers day, when we start to date properly". Fay went to cling onto his arm.

    "Thank you". Fay felt really happy, receiving the flower that marks them as a couple.

    ''...''. Wain can only stay silent.

    Wain don''t even remember the specifics. But when he recalled, he remembered he bought him a flower, and confessed that day. But the details is still blurry. For Fay to remember what kind of flower he even bought for him...

    He had thought about breaking up with Fay, temporarily, because it''s wrong to have Akasha behind him. At least he wanted to settle things properly with her first and give her time to heal. And then, get back with Fay.

    But now... He can''t do it. He will hurt Fay too much.

    And he himself loves Fay too much. He don''t want to see Fay get hurt.

    Wain had tears pooling in his eyes, having his heart hurt from everything.

    Fay looked at Wain, confused and concerned.

    ''Wain, what''s wrong?''.

    "Oh nothing. Maybe the pollen got into my eyes". Wain wiped his wet eyes.

    ''ohh... Let me blow them for you''.

    Fay tiptoed and gently blow on Wain''s face.

    ''Is it okay now?''. Fay look at him with innocent eyes. He felt his own guts hurting from this. Wain really want to cry right now.

    What had he done?

    He can''t back down on either of them.

    He just, hopes Fay will never find out.

    ...

 Chapter 22: Hydra

    After another week of doing quests, the party manages to collect the funds and immediately asks Mr Odi for him to make a set of adamantite armour, a heavy and lighter version for Trevor and Wain. And they also order dragon scale armour for the rest of the party members

    He needs to place orders from the mining company for the adamantite ore first though. Adamantite ore requires extreme flame temperature to be refined and requires a large amount of fire stones as a fuel. It takes a whole day of heating for it to even be malleable.

    He had to refuse every other order for him for 2 weeks once he received the materials. He works on them continuously, with focus and determination.

    ¡­

    The time eventually comes.

    He had finished crafting everything. Adamantite armour polished and shining with hints of turquoise colour.

    Wain armour is a combination of adamantite with dragon scales, reducing its weight while keeping its defensive capability close. The dragon scales armour has a slight glint with dark red colour.

    Everyone is ready for their first Mithril rank quest. Elvis went to the guild and went to see the staff handling missions.

    "We are taking a Mithril level quest".

    She nodded. She already knew the party is excellent and is qualified to take Mithril level quests.

    She went to fetch a crystal tablet device and channeled her mana. It displayed all Mithril and Adamantite level quests in the entire human lands. There are no urgent requests, but only quests that are from possible sightings and is for adventurers to hunt them.

    They are a rare encounter after all so it''s nationwide.

    "Hydra. Signs near Crescent Village in Ascaria Kingdom. It would take a week to travel by carriage there from here. Here''s the details".

    Elvis read through the little amount of documents she gave. The specific word of the witness, and short information on the environment.

    "There''s also a sign of Empress Bee near a village in Vaeyan Kingdom west. There''s a sighting of a giant bee. It''s possible the bee is just wandering and is very far away from the nest however. It would be difficult to find and if you do find it, you have to face hundreds of Giant bee soldiers. It might as well be Adamantite rank in my opinion so I don''t suggest it unless you team up with others".

    The empress bee honey has a magical medicinal property that is said to prolong life, antimicrobial effect and extremely delicious.

    "Then there''s a sign of Fenrir at North, out of the border of Pecuria kingdom. It''s just a sign of it though, searching for it will be difficult since it''s an unexplored area and there''s many beasts around".

    Elvis takes the documents and sits on the table with everyone.

    The Empress bee herself can''t use any magic. Her and her army¡¯s strength is silver rank strength and are weak individually. But hundreds of flying soldiers attacking at the same time are the problem.

    The info on the Fenrir is severely lacking. It might take so many days to find it if they exclude the danger of other beasts.

    As for the hydra... They found a large cavern system nearby. And it''s highly likely the hydra lives there. Might as well knock on its door.

    Hydra is a 7 headed creature. Its 7 heads individually can use specific magical elements. Although they are not spells and raw elemental magic. Apart from the major element of fire, wind, water, earth, lightning, the 2 other heads can use the ''life'' element and ''death'' element which can heal and regenerate and corrode materials for the latter.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try to kill the hydra¡±. Elvis spoke. Everyone nodded in agreement.

    Everyone had their heart excited. To think they are challenging a Mithril level rank beast. Fay isn''t worried. By the way, Fay had never transformed ever since his body got upgraded into a true dragon body. His ice magic alone, with 10x mana capacity and the regeneration from Kyubey tech Dragon''s Heart make it a breeze without use of space magic.

    Safety is the least of his concern, and as for overpowering his opponents, he is very confident.

    They ride a carriage from town to town, crossing the kingdom of Worsted into Ascaria Kingdom. They travelled until they reached a small village, Crescent village.

    It''s a very small village with shacks and huts. Tall wooden walls protect the village like other villages. Elvis went to see the village chief. It''s a very young woman. Her father had died recently and she took over temporarily.

    She led Elvis to the person who found the cavern. He is tending to his field, his face is sweaty.

    He nodded at the party''s request. Elvis generously gave him a gold coin. He bowed profusely to him.

    He led them for half a day deep inside the forest. They finally found a rather large cave entrance. It''s very dark.

    They said their farewell. Fay took out some torches. They walk into the cave, to find that it seems endless. The area is really huge. Moss and mushrooms that glow in the dark illuminate some part of the cavern.

    Amber sense something with her spell that detects mana signature and ask everyone to stop.

    Lisa uses her enchanted ear cuffs to increase her hearing. A very faint breathing sound is heard.

    "It''s close now. Everyone, prepare". Elvis let everyone prepare their mindset. Each of the party members steeled their hearts.

    It''s their first Mithril level beast. Fay too won''t hold back.

    He conjured his soul gem. It had a dragon scale like design on its glass and still shines bright with a silver light.

    [Transformation scene]

    Everyone looked at Fay in surprise. Even Fay is surprised.

    Because his red dragon scale light armour got integrated into his magic transformation. Making him now wearing an elegant silver scale dragon armour. And what''s more surprising is...

    "Fay... You have horns. And your eyes". Wain looked incredulous.

    Fay had silvery dragon horns growing out of his forehead. Some silver scales seen on his neck. And his eyes had a slit like dragon eyes.

    And Fay noticed something on his butt.

    He moved it to the side and he¡¯s surprised he had a dragon tail now.

    "Your magic transformation is also upgraded from your dragon''s body". Kyubey explained shortly.

    Fay nodded.

    "I see...".

    "Wait. Kyubey, why don''t you scout ahead?". Fay wondered why Kyubey seems lazy and had never offered his help. Kyubey is like a nail that he had to hammer for him to do something.

    "Okay". He crawled down Fay''s head and just went forward.

    ''I let kyubey scout ahead. Let''s wait for him to return''.

    Everyone nodded. Soon kyubey returned.

    "There is indeed a Hydra. It has 7 heads like descriptions. It''s currently resting in a large area. It woke a little bit when I came in. It has a very keen perception. Prepare for battle immediately once you reach the end of the cavern. Also, battling here may cause the cave to collapse. I suggest you be ready to use your ice to support the structure".

    Fay conveyed the message. Everyone nodded.

    Everyone ready their formation with Trevor leading the team. They finally reach the end of the cavern. The heavy breathing is heard.

    "Support the walls it''s attacking!". Kyubey reminded.

    A small fire is seen in the middle of the darkness, followed by 7 pairs of glowing eyes opened up as they get up.

    One of the hydra heads shoots a fireball at the entrance and hits the wall above the cave entrance.

    Lisa and Fay quickly create some extended roof forward, preventing the entrance from being closed.

    Everyone dashed forward hurriedly.

    Elvis hurriedly lit up a crystal attached to an arrow. It shines bright with a blinding light. He shoots the arrow to the roofs giving some vision to the hydra.

    Trevor had dashed forward and bashed his shield while using the taunt skill, attracting the hydra focus and hatred.

    Elvis shoots more of the light to the walls and ground to give more vision to the Hydra.

    Wain readied himself by enchanting his sword with blue flame enchantment.

    The 10 meters tall hydra, gets angry. 6 of the Hydras shoot each type magic to Trevor.

    He raised his large adamantite shield to block them. The small fireball only slightly pushes him back. The heat can''t even reach him. The lighting simply deflected to the ground. The wind cannon can''t even leave a scratch to him. The water has high pressure but it only slightly pushes him back. Some Earth spike formed from the ground beneath the hydra and head directly to Trevor''s side but it can''t pierce his armour. But the dark misty breath, while not affecting his armour affects his body because he breathes it in. He felt nauseous and felt sick. But he endured.

    Trevor is unmoving and even keeps moving forward. Some of the heads went to bite him but were blocked by his shield. Trevor bashed the head that had come to bite him.

    Seeing the head go closer, Wain went to dash and slash at it with full force, injuring it. The head retreated back to high position.

    One of the heads suddenly stands with its neck straight while greenish light shines from its mouth onto itself. The injured head healed fast in a few seconds.

    "The 2nd from the right can heal!", Elvis shouted.

    Amber finally tore her scroll. The magic circle forms as large water agglomerates.

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    The hydra shifts its focus to Amber sensing the danger.

    But due to Trevor''s timely activation of his skill, it managed to attract half of the hydra''s heads.

    But 3 heads still launch projectiles to amber!

    Fireball, lighting, wind cannon all launched at Amber.

    Lisa formed an earth wall.

    It''s unnecessary because Fay had opened a portal to return the projectiles back to the hydra!

    The hydra is caught by surprise as some of the heads get hit by their own elemental attacks from a portal above.

    Now they target Lisa, Fay, Amber and Elvis individually.

    Fay made a portal shield for everyone and it simply launched back the individual projections. Elvis uses the portal as a cover as he keeps shooting at the healing hydra head to slow its healing.

    Wain finally managed to cleanly cut one of the heads of the hydra that used earth magic.

    The healing hydra uses its magic again and the head slowly but surely is growing back but it''s slowed down tremendously.

    Trevor went to bash the water head of the hydra, causing it to suffer concussion. Wain took another slash to halfway behead it.

    The hydra suddenly took steps backward.

    The water head shoots water all over the ground while spraying water like rain. While the lighting head is charging up.

    ¡°Careful!¡±, Elvis shouted.

    Fay saw this and quickly freezes the water on the ground. Lisa also raises the terrain a little bit to block the effect. Elvis jumped onto Lisa heightened ground with his wind enchantment. The lighting head shoots sparks of lighting at the wet ground. It is conducted into the water until it reaches the frozen part of the water, failing its attack. Trevor and Wain tanked the attack head on. They only felt slight tingling as their Adamantite boot can''t conduct electricity.

    At the same time the healing head uses its full power and heals every injury completely. But it looked weakened and seemed to slow down.

    Afterwards all 7 heads gather together and opened all their mouths. Different mana attributes gather at the same point.

    They are going to unleash their ultimate attack! Magic energies above them creates a brilliant prismatic ball of magic and had signs of instability as its shape distorts here and there. The unstable gathering of different elements of magic gives it destructive explosive power.

    However, it''s an opportunity!

    This is exactly what amber is waiting for. Amber had finished her magic and held on for this moment and used her hyper water jet!

    It shoots straight from the left head to the right, beheading 3 hydra heads consequetively causing the prismatic ball of magic to lose its stability abruptly causing it to explode!

    Everyone at the back is slightly pushed from the shockwave while Trevor and Wain hiding behind him withstood the impact.

    The cavern shook and seems like it will collapse due the force. Pieces of rocks falling from above. Fay and Lisa quickly cast ice and earth wall that covers the entirety of the cavern preventing it from collapsing.

    Elvis used wind gale spell to clear the dust and shoot more light emitting arrows to the walls and ground.

    The healing head tried to heal but it had slowed down drastically due to their severe injuries.

    Elvis shoots an arrow and manages to pierce straight to its healing head eye and into its brain, killing it as the head plop down.

    The fire and wind heads, although injured heavily use a combined magic attack, shooting a small fire thrower like a mini dragon''s breath to Trevor. Trevor stood his ground and withstood it with his shield protecting his face.

    The death head shoots some slimy dark projectiles to Lisa. Fay had prepared a portal to simply return it back, causing the slimy substance to hit its own head back.

    The head rots as pustules form and explodes with blood causing the head to scream in pain.

    Wain went to slash at its body. While Elvis keeps shooting arrows at the death head.

    Fay creates a larger blade with magic that he holds with his two hands.

    It''s time to try out his own dragon body strength in magic transformation.

    He slashed with full force into a thin portal, causing the blade to appear in a portal right next to the wind head neck.

    The blade went through the neck with some resistance but ultimately it got beheaded entirely as blood spurted out of the neck staining the floor with blood.

    The fire and death head shoots small fireballs and slimy substances at everyone randomly, seemingly not hitting anyone specifically. It''s just panicked and is struggling.

    Trevor effortlessly blocked it. While Fay simply makes portals in front of Elvis, Amber, Lisa and himself as they just stand behind it. Any projectiles that went through it returned back through a portal some distance away.

    The fire head got angry and shot at one of the portals above its head.

    The fire ball shoots out from the portal in front of Fay to the front and hits the ground right next to Wain, startling him almost making his heart stop.

    "Hey!" He panicked a little and glared at Fay.

    "Sorry!". Fay didn''t expect it to shoot onto the portal above its head.

    Both of them stop shooting as it runs out of energy.

    It just went to charge to trample Trevor to death with its body. It literally slammed itself onto him.

    ''Help!!!''. Trevor stood helplessly while the hydra just slammed its whole body to Trevor.

    Fay and Lisa used magic walls to prevent it from completely crushing Trevor as he hurriedly crawled below the earth and ice holding the hydra body.

    Elvis keeps shooting its remaining head.

    Wain took a stance and used all his strength. He plunged forward and thrust into the deep wound at its chest. It halfway went in, causing the heads to scream. It directly launches a melee attack at Wain. Wain dodged and Trevor took over its aggro.

    While it is focusing on Trevor, Wain once again chops one of the heads, the wound reaches deep into its brain killing it.

    The fire head is losing its life as it flays around from being shot by Elvis. The head eventually drops to the ground, wanting rest. It still lifts its head a little and only a little spark of fire comes out of its mouth.

    Elvis gave it the last arrow, extinguishing the last life force of the hydra. The body fell down, shaking the ground a little bit.

    After brief moment of silence, they finally confirmed of their success.

    "Hahaha. Our first mithril beast!". Trevor exclaimed.

    "Technically it''s our second". Wain replied to Trevor''s excitement with a smile. It''s been a long time since he heard Trevor''s laugh. He really missed his friend. Even his anger almost disappeared and he forgot the bad things for a moment. He too, felt excited.

    Fay went to hug Wain as a cheer of sort. He felt so excited as well. Although its technically easy. Of course, he¡¯s not so insensitive to say he can solo it by himself, even if that¡¯s true.

    Elvis thought for a moment. He is thinking if they could do it without Fay. He believes they can if they replace him with another excellent mage like Lisa. Although Fay''s portal is a cheat, the hydra magic firepower isn''t really high.

    Elvis side-eyed Fay, who had his dragon tail wagging like Wain while he went to hug him in excitement. Gosh they truly are a couple. Even he thinks they look cute wagging their tails like that.

    Anyways, Fay can chop its head in one swing from long distance accurately. And he''s pretty sure Fay is holding back a lot. Where''s his tens of flying swords? And he used a lot of mana to make the ice walls surrounding the cavern. If he put everything into offense, the hydra would be dead from him alone.

    But he tried to not feel disheartened. Fay is too overpowered. And he felt grateful for Fay holding back for them. He''s aware of it.

    Still, he congratulated everyone for their hard work. The adamantite armour truly helps. Trevor and Wain remain unscathed mostly even under multiple assaults of different types of magic.

    Fay released his hands from Wain. He went to see Trevor, looking at them.

    Lisa and Amber are having their own cheer by themselves. Fay felt a bit sad for Trevor, he seems lonely again.

    Fay went to him just to cheer with him.

    "Nice job!". Fay smiled at Trevor and went to high five him.

    He had his hand hanging in the air, waiting for Trevor to high five back.

    ?

    ''Fay I am not sure what you¡¯re doing''.

    Oh. There''s no high five in this world?

    "It''s like this".

    Fay held Trevor''s hand. He got startled, feeling his soft hand touching his palm.

    "You do it like this".

    Clap!

    ''High five! It''s a cheer of sort, saying good job, or something like that, I think(?)''.

    "I see. High five?".

    Trevor lifted his hand and palm facing forward.

    Fay went to clap it.

    Trevor can''t help but smile.

    Wain also comes over. He felt a bit jealous.

    "Me?". Wain also raises his hand. Fay smiled and clap it back.

    "High five!". Wain carved a smile seeing how cute Fay looked tiptoeing reaching out his palm.

    Wain looks at Trevor in the side.

    ''You alright?''.

    "I am fine. The armour is so strong I barely feel a thing".

    "Yeah. It''s lighting magic barely tingles". Wain replied. But he doesn¡¯t know what to say next.

    Elvis felt sobbing seeing they seemed like usual for a second. Even he went closer to them and compliment them. Lisa and Amber followed suit. They only say a word or two to Trevor, since they haven''t fully been able to forgive him and it''s quite recent for them.

    "The body is so large... How long would it take to dismantle them.", Trevor said.

    Elvis thought for a moment.

    "Let''s just cut its body part and put them into Fay''s inventory space for now and give them to dismantle later".

    Everyone nodded.

    Fay takes out a large sword from his inventory space and chops its body with his dragon strength with minimal effort. Wain also did the same. The flesh and bones aren¡¯t as tough as the dragon back then. Amber used a small water jet to cut it into pieces.

    They found 7 magic crystals of different elemental affinity. The life magic crystal is especially rare. It is heavily used in research for healing magic that isn''t from divine power.

    So far, it still has a big flaw of risk causing uncontrollable growth of flesh and tumour. They are still researching to figure it out how to use it safely. But the magic crystals are usually sold as a set because of its special property to combine different elements when used together.

    Since they are done here, Fay opened a portal back into town back in Angis.

    To celebrate, everyone agrees to eat fancy in the capital. Fay suggested they go to the restaurant that the 2nd prince brought them to. Wain felt a bit jealous hearing about this 2nd prince treating Fay to fancy dinner.

    Everyone followed. They take a full 5 course meal. A noble family there seems to be scrutinizing them since they are just adventurers and they don''t really know the right cutleries for which food. And probably having a complaint about them being chatty. But no one cares the food is good.

    They went back to their room satisfied.

    It''s a nice day. Fay hopes they can stay like this really.

    Wain is tired out and went to sleep early. Fay had a dragon body so he never really feels tired.

    He went out of the room and went outside to take some fresh air. He sat on a bench outside. The stars are visible in the sky due to lack of light pollution.

    It''s been a year since he is transferred to this world.

    "Fay?".

    ''Trevor?''. Trevor also happened to want to take fresh air outside and they met.

    They looked at each other, but don''t say much as they both look at the streets and the sky.

    "Fay...".

    Fay looked at him.

    "What do you think of me?".

    Fay wondered for a while before he says his thoughts.

    "Emm¡­ I think, you are a nice person. You are a good friend alright. I like how you make things cheerful. I noticed you know; you teased me and Wain here and there. I like your presence a lot. You were a nice friend to have". Fay said honestly. He knows Trevor had a lot of things in his mind. He want to give him assurance.

    ''Do you, really forgives me?''. Trevor can only look to the side. He still felt guilt in his heart.

    "Trevor. I already forgiven you. You are a nice person, that just made a mistake. As long as you don''t do anything like that again, I will always be your friend". Fay said genuinely.

    ''...''. Trevor can only remain silent. Fay really had forgiven him. He had a bit of tears pooling but he kept it in.

    They stay there, watching the stars.

    ''Fay...''.

    Fay looks at him.

    ''I love you...''. Trevor looks at Fay with soft eyes full of affection.

    It was, a surprise for him to hear it. It felt quite random in a sense. He thought about it, but he can¡¯t complain.

    "Thank you". Fay can only say his thanks. He sees the way Trevor looks at him. At least, he can tell it''s genuine.

    Trevor bit his lips. Is that all? A thanks?

    ''Fay I...''.

    Trevor clenched his fist. He leaned in closer to Fay.

    ''I want to be with you''. Trevor held Fays soft hand.

    Fay can only see him with conflicted heart and sadness.

    He held Trevor''s big hand with gentleness. His hands are big and strong, and warm.

    Trevor had his hope up, feeling Fay holding his hand.

    "I am sorry Trevor".

    ''Why...? I promise I will be good. I won''t do anything I did ever again. Can¡¯t you... Give me a chance?''.

    Fay is not sure why Trevor is insisting on this when it''s already obvious.

    "What about Wain?".

    It''s obvious he is in a deep relationship with Wain already. Fay shouldn''t have needed to say it to Trevor.

    ''I... I still want you''.

    Fay is not sure what to say to him. But he had to reject him firmly.

    ''I can''t be with you Trevor. I am sorry. I loved Wain, and I only want to love him. You can still find someone else; you know? There''s a lot of good people out there. I am sure you will find someone new''.

    "Fay...  I don''t want anyone else. I just want you''

    Fay felt a bit frustrated. He had already told him he would love Wain and only him. It''s as if he completely ignored that part.

    "Sorry Trevor. I love Wain, and only him. We can remain friends".

    Trevor bit his lips.

    "Then can we... just sleep together?".

    Fay twitched his eyebrows a bit. If he hadn''t dated Wain yet he might have said yes. But he is committed right now. Did he misunderstand something? Trevor is too, insistent.

    "Trevor, I won''t do anything that would hurt him".

    ''He won''t know. I will keep it a secret''. Fay furrowed his eyebrows even deeper.

    "He''s your friend". Fay has to say it sternly. Even Fay has his own moral bottom line.

    Trevor can only look to the side. He knew its wrong.

    ''Sorry Fay... For asking you like this...''.

    "It''s okay". Fay slightly smiles at him and pat his back.

    ¡°Maybe you can try to date new people. I am sure many would like you. But¡­ not me¡±. Fay had to say it to him, in case he gets any other ideas.

    Trevor felt his heart broken. He is greedy after Fay forgave him. But now... He can''t seem to have any chance. Fay doesn''t judge Trevor since he expressed his feelings to him properly.

    Fay went back to his room first, while Trevor kept on watching the streets and the stars. Wain is still sleeping it seems. Fay went to lay down and hug Wain''s tail. It''s so fluffy. He sniffed them and smelled the familiar KFC. He loves him a lot really.

    ...

    After their second official Mithril rank beasts¡¯ subjugation, the party is now listed among the top adventurer teams in the human kingdom nationwide.

    From auctioning the hydra parts, they gained 6 platinum coins. It''s lesser than a young true dragon and most of it comes from their magic crystals auctioned in a set. Because the 7 magic crystals from the hydra have a unique property that when used together are able to combine different attributes of elements (although it''s quite unstable).

    They are taking a break for few days. This time they just do nothing and do their own thing in Angis. But a surprising news come from Amber later - that would lead to them going to Kingdom of Atlanta.

 Chapter 23: Princess Rosanna Bellelon of Atlanta

    Fay wonders what he should do this evening. He went to knock on Lisa and Amber''s room because he''s bored.

    Lisa opened her room.

    "What are you guys doing?".

    ''Oh, nothing much. We are just having tea and reading books. Come in.''.

    They have some sort of tea and biscuit on their table. With books opened. Fay joined in as well.

    "Amber! You read the The Pure Maid and the Four Standing Pillars as well!?".

    ''Heheehe. Of course. It''s the most popular novel in the Capital''.

    They both giggle about it. They chatted for a while until Amber suddenly said something shocking casually.

    ''Guys... I am thinking of going back to Atlanta.''.

    "What? Why...?", Lisa asked. Fay also wants to know. Would amber leave them? And why would she return to the kingdom she ran away from?

    She took a deep breath.

    ''I am the rightful heir to the throne. It''s unfair. It''s really unfair. I want to take everything back that''s rightfully mine''. She said with conviction.

    "But... How would you...?". Lisa asked with worry. Because it''s something that is really difficult. Is she planning a rebellion?

    "I will make a contract with Kyubey in exchange for a Wish".

    Kyubey appeared out of nowhere sitting on her bed.

    Lisa bit her lips. It might be possible. But...

    ''If, you had reclaimed everything, would you still be in the party...?".

    ''I am not sure. If I succeeded, I would become the crown princess again. And, I am not sure what''s going on in my kingdom. Back when I left my father seemed sick¡¯.

    Lisa and Fay are quiet.

    "But no worries. Even if, let say, I become busy with the kingdom¡¯s affair, Fay can always pick me up and we can do quests together. I can just sneak out of the palace". Amber gives her own thoughts and suggestions, trying to make things better.

    "It won''t be a problem.", Fay nodded.

    Lisa is quiet. To think her friend would have gone far away. She took a deep breath. It''s Amber''s life and her decisions. She can only support her.

    ''I will support you, no matter what Amber''.

    "Me too.". Fay added.

    Amber had tears in her eyes for having supportive friends. She would never meet them if she hadn''t been forced to run away. In a way, it''s a blessing in disguise.

    "Thank you, guys... I am planning to tell Elvis later. I feel nervous to go back to my kingdom".

    Fay looks at Lisa.

    "How about... we go with you?".

    Lisa likes this idea so much she held Amber''s hands.

    "Yes! We will come with you".

    ''But...''.

    "It''s alright. It''s like a vacation to Atlanta. It''s a kingdom made up of multiple islands and lands surrounded by the sea, right? The seafood must be good", Lisa added.

    Amber wants to cry having her friends to accompany her.

    "I will follow as well. I still need to go with you to be able to open a portal from here to there", Fay added.

    The next day they all went to see Elvis. Upon hearing it, he felt sad as Amber is an indispensable member of the party. Maybe she and him isn¡¯t that close but he still feel reassured with her presence. But he understands. He told everyone about it.

    Everyone decides to go with Amber to Atlanta ¨C as some sort of vacation and to support her and witness herself claim what''s hers.

    ''So uhh... Is she planning a rebellion? Are we... Fighting their armies or something?'' Trevor asked. Because what exactly is the plan??

    Elvis too had the same question.

    "Umm... Amber has a secret and she definitely can reclaim her position as the first princess". Lisa explained.

    Those who don''t know about Kyubey miracle shrug it off. Maybe Amber had some secret files and dirt on the current queen or something. Who knows.

    They head to Atlanta, the westernmost kingdom of the human lands. It took more than 3 weeks of travel.

    The Dwarven lands separated from Atlanta by the vast White Sea. Atlanta, although small, is an especially rich kingdom acting as a hub for export and import between the two different races and between different kingdoms of the human continent.

    They went to the central island on a large boat. They see many big ships going in and out. So much bustling activity. They reached Sagan Island, the main island of Atlanta where the Palace of Wisdom Pearls was located.

    Amber missed her home kingdom. Amber gives the party a tour around and went to the best fancy seafood restaurant nearby. They had a variety of seafood and fresh catch in 5 meal courses.

    Fay loves the grilled fish so much; he took a whole grilled sea bass for himself. Trevor too eats so much crabs and shrimps. They ordered extra because of this. But his nose turned red after a while and he had to scratch it here and there.

    ''Trevor, you have an allergy?'', Wain asked out of concern.

    "They taste good it''s worth it! And I prepared allergy medication with me". Of course, knowing Atlanta is lands surrounded by sea, seafood is a must. Trevor came prepared.

    The waiter keeps looking at the party, or rather, at Amber. She can''t keep her thoughts anymore.

    "Princess?".

    Amber looked at the waiter. Why does she seem familiar?

    "Gwen?".

    ''Oh! Princess... you are alive...''. she cried out tears.

    Gwen is one of Amber''s maids that she had picked up from the street back then. Although the family often scrutinized her status, Amber kept her by her side.

    Thankfully they are in a private VIP room.

    ''Princess. It''s dangerous to stay here... What if...''.

    "Gwen. I am taking back my place".

    Gasp!

    ''Are you really going to...?''.

    "But princess... It''s... difficult. I know all the nobles conspired against you. And they frame you of all sorts of evil deeds that you never committed. And your father he...".

    ''What happened to my father?''.

    ¡°He collapsed and fell into a coma a month after you left. And so... the mistress, I mean, the new queen takes control¡±.

    "You don''t know... but they are really greedy. The main island might not seem to be affected but... If you see the present low-cost residential area, you would understand".

    Amber nodded. She wanted to see what changed in the kingdom.

    Everyone accompanied her to the low-cost residential area made for people with lower income.

    Upon reaching, she had to close her mouth and nose. It''s full of trash, it''s smelly, and it''s very dirty.

    She sees a few people lying on the street. A small kid went up to her, asking for some money for her sick mother. Everyone wants to tear up seeing the scene.

    Why did this low-cost residential area turn into a literal slum? What happened? She went deeper and saw the public hospital and the public bath had been closed. She gritted her teeth.

    "Let''s go into the palace". Amber had her heart set.

    ''But the guards would stop us'', Fay said.

    "We will storm in and charge forward".

    Everyone feels scared of this crazy plan. Has Amber been this bold?

    "It''s alright if you won''t come. I can go inside alone. After all, I am still the legitimate heir of the throne."

    This time, she won''t hold back. They followed Amber from behind to the Palace of Wisdom Pearls. At the palace gate, 2 guards stopped them.

    The guards saw these people are not nobles and have zero status whatsoever at first glance. "Who are you? You need permission to step into this place. Leave or you will suffer consequences".

    ''Have you forgotten me, Bran?''.

    Amber took off her hat and threw it to the ground. She took off her contact lenses, revealing beautiful violet eyes.

    "Princess Rosanna!?".

    The other guard is also surprised. They don''t know what to do.

    Bran stepped aside, letting her in. The other guard also step aside for them to get in.

    Some guards tried to stop them, but amber simply cast water balls and pushed them away. While some only watch as the first princess crashed in.

    They finally reach the throne of the palace. It''s actually empty.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    But Queen Grimhilde and her daughter, the 2nd princess; Anastasia; had already heard the news and came in right after. A lot of soldiers accompanied her with weapons drawn.

    She calmly walks over and sits on the throne. While Anastasia, Amber''s half sister sits next to her mother.

    The soldiers all went to close in onto them. There are more than 20 soldiers wielding sword and a few mages behind them. Magic circle forms in front of them ready to attack.

    "Oh. Rosanna. What a surprise. Why is the evil and wretched princess here I wonder? I thought you had ran away".

    Grimhilde spoke in amusement.

    "Sister! I was so worried about you when I heard you run away!". Anastasia pretended to shed a tear, but had an evil smile hidden.

    "Haha. Stop pretending Anastasia. Maybe everyone in this kingdom thought you were an angel. But I know you are the worst devil in history. I will claim back what''s mine!".

    "Rosanna. Are you and your... classless friends planning to kill us, and simply take the throne?". The queen simply gave her a sharp gaze.

    The soldiers went even closer to guard the Queen and the 2nd princess.

    "I know you aren''t that stupid Rosanna. You think the people would accept you if you kill us? Everyone knows what kind of evil you are. You poisoned your own mother, you bullied the lower-class people including your maid as if they have no dignity, you bought slaves as a plaything. You even take illegal drugs. Everyone knows your sins". The queen smiled mischievously.

    "Sister. I know you did so much wrongs. But if sister can accept punishments, I can forgive sister... We are still a family". Anastasia pretends to be kind again. The whole party wants to puke seeing this innocent acting because its so fake.

    "I don''t need to kill anyone¡±, Amber said calmly.

    "Kyubey...".

    Kyubey appears right in front of her. The Queen and Anastasia can''t see him though.

    "I want to reclaim my place as the heir of the throne. Reveal the truths of these evil, expose all of their sins, and how much crime they had done against the people. Please, grant me my Wish Kyubey!".

    Light shines on Amber surrounding her blinding everyone''s eyes. A bright blue soul gem form.

    "The contract is successfully formed. You are now a magical girl".

    Amber held the soul gem close to her chest. Grimhilde and Anastasia sitting on the sits are bewildered. Because what was that? A light show?

    "Hah! What you doing speaking nonsense and doing a light show for? Is this your plan?". Grimhilde smirked thinking that''s funny.

    Soon a thunder broke out, startling everyone.

    The people of the kingdom saw the clouds gathered and a heavy rain would be coming.

    The first rain drop fell, touching a fishmonger who¡¯s doing his business.

    He suddenly can see, memories of someone. Of how he is pushing a white-haired girl down the stairs. How she put poison in a cup and it was drunk by an older white-haired woman. Then memories of playing with a slave and beating them. He puked out as those memories reached him.

    As more and more rain come down, everyone also has the same reactions. In one of the memories, they see who it is in the mirror.

    One of the people in the street said aloud.

    "It''s the Queen. This memory, is the queen! And her daughter as well!".

    Everyone soon realised the truth of these foreign memory.

    Oh, poor Princess Rosanna. Everyone thought she was an evil person. But she had been framed all along!

    Everyone sees the sins they committed as the memories played. And they see the gems and jewels filled to the brimmed in their room using their own hard-earned money in the chambers of the queen and the 2<sup>nd</sup> princess. And the majestic dress made from gold leaves and pearls??

    People are angry. Everyone nearby rushed to the palace to give the Queen and her equally evil daughter a scolding.

    Grimhilde and Anastasia also received the memories. Anastasia sees her own mother''s memories. While Grimhilde sees her daughter''s memories.

    They looked at each other in confusion.

    "Everyone in the whole kingdom now knows your sin". Amber said with satisfaction. Everyone in the party also receive those memories. They finally realised what Amber had done.

    The queen felt anger and stood from her throne and point at her.

    "You devil! You used devil power! Guards! Kill this evil bitch! It''s a lie! She spreads falsehood! Execute her!".

    Every guard nearby only stood still, looking at each other.

    The guard captain stood in front of Rosanna, confronting the Queen.

    "Queen Grimhilde of Atlanta, as the captain of the guard, you are under arrest for purchasing of slaves, framing the 1st princess, and attempted murder of the King among many crimes you committed".

    Captain also lists out crimes committed by Anastasia.

    "Sister! This must be a misunderstanding. Please, help me sister!". Anastasia cried a fake tear and beg for her help.

    Amber wants to puke. She can''t believe she had once believed in this devil of a sister also thinking she''s a kind person.

    "Hah? I don''t have a sister like you. Go to hell where you belonged". Amber only gave a disgusted look.

    "You! You fucking bitch! You are just lucky to be born as the 1st princess! It''s unfair unfair unfair unfair unfair unfair! You are given everything since birth. While I never get anything! It''s so unfair!! AAAHHHHH!!!!".

    Everyone is startled.

    Aside from her crazy outburst, it''s because dark fumes come out of her body suddenly.

    ''Fay, it''s a Wraith!''. Kyubey quickly warned Fay.

    There''s a wraith in this world!?

    The fume forms a dark faceless figure wearing a bloodied tiara. Blood keeps pouring down its head to its body, staining the white gown it wore. It''s very tall and has 8 human legs under its white gown.

    Soon the atmosphere distorted as everything around them changed. The surrounding turns into a dilapidated castle, filled with distorted chibi soldier monsters. 4 faceless prince-like monsters surround the Wraith sitting on a throne, protecting her.

    "Fay, it trapped us in the Labyrinth", Kyubey stated the obvious. Labyrinth is a separate space where Wraiths hide themselves in. They can also kidnap and take people into them.

    The guards and the party members all freaked out. All the chibi soldiers went to attack them!

    Fay quickly transforms into his magic form.

    He wore elegant silver dragon scale armour. His eyes become that of a dragon with 2 silver horns growing from his forehead. A folded single dragon wing replaced his half cape on the back. His dragon tail whipped the air.

    Amber too transforms for the first time.

    [Transformation scene]

    She appears in a royal gold blue dress, in her royal regalia in blue with a cape draping to the floor. She wore a crown on her head, adorned with a bright blue gem.

    She held a trident as her main weapon.

    She exudes aura of majesty.

    She felt powerful. But she suddenly senses another power calling out to her. She suddenly found herself inside the deep sea. Endless water surrounds her.

    A figure approached her. A siren, a mermaid, or a half human half fish figure appeared. It''s ethereal looking and quite blurry in Amber''s eyes.

    [I am Neptunia, the Goddess of the Sea. Receive my blessing, child. Protect your kingdom. And protect the world with others]

    Another gold-blue light emitted from her.

    ''A foreign power?'', Kyubey exclaimed.

    A mark appears on her chest, a symbol in the shape of a trident. She opened her eyes. She''s quite confused. Why did the goddess of the sea bless her?

    She put it aside for now seeing the enemy up front. She raised her trident. Multiple blue magic circles forms.

    "Water Jet!".

    She shoots multiple trident shaped water projectiles at high speed and pressure to the tens of chibi soldiers at the front, killing them instantly and clears a path to the Wraith.

    "Leave that thing to me". Amber spoke to everyone in the party.

    Fay nodded and used tens of flying swords to protect the soldiers and the party.

    The party members and soldiers aren''t idle and keep fighting the chibi soldiers. Arrows, swords, earth bullets, multiple kinds of attack sounded against the chibi soldiers. It damages them but the number is too much in hundreds!

    Amber summoned the wave to ride and pushed the rest of the soldiers aside, approaching the Wraith surrounded by 4 prince-like figures.

    The 4 princes move wanting to attack her. They all shot dark projectiles towards her.

    Amber spun her trident, blocking them effortlessly as a large magic circle formed in front of her.

    She thrust her spear forward, launching a large water dragon that eats and swallows each of the princes one by one killing them instantly. Fay saw this and couldn''t help but exclaim,

    ''So powerful!''.

    Everyone that''s free also witnessed the scene.

    The wraith screamed in anger and fear. The wraith use its blood to shoot sharp needles at Amber.

    However a magic circle forms in the air in an instant as waterfall wall fell from above blocking it instantly.

    "This is the end!".

    Amber raised her trident and the wave rose carrying her up high. Multiple blue magic circles form above. Amber pointed her trident to the Wraith.

    "Die!".

    Hundreds of water trident carrying high pressure and power shoots at the wraith. Each of them tears the wraith effortlessly piercing through its body and tear it apart piece by piece like a blender.

    It keeps screaming until all of its body gets destroyed to dust. Eventually the screaming stopped, as the wraith completely died.

    Amber lowers herself to the ground as the water wave carrying her lowers. The surroundings became wavy, as the labyrinth lost its stability and they returned to reality.

    Amber looks at the surrounding buildings that are partly destroyed somehow. She can see the rain is still pouring outside, although it''s light one.

    She looks at the ground where Anastasia is unconscious. There lies an object in front of her body. It''s like some sort of seed.

    "It''s a wraith cube. You can replenish your magic with it like you do with magic crystals". Kyubey said to Amber. Amber went to pick it up. She looked at her soul gem, it''s quite dimmed and had dark grime filled half her soul gem. She almost used up all her mana and half of special magical girl power.

    She used the Devil Seed, which is its true name to clean up her soul gem and recharge her soul gem entirely. Kyubey asked her to give it to him, so she just gave it. The queen is shocked and startled from everything that had happened. She fell down to her knees and couldn''t move.

    The party members and the guards are all shocked at what had just happened. The dark fume. The big creature. And then how the surroundings changed. And then the first princess transformation accompanied with strong power, crushing the evil monsters one sidedly with water magic!

    Fay thinks Amber is very powerful, more powerful than an average magical girl. Even more powerful than him in terms of raw magic output. Fay only uses portals and doesn''t have big nuke output. Although Fay is confident that he won¡¯t lose to Amber, but that''s because his type of magic is a cheat.

    ''Her water magic naturally got integrated into her own magical girl power and it got amplified. And she had a high potential due to her rightful position as the Queen of Atlanta. That''s why she''s so powerful''. Kyubey explained to Fay. Fay nodded. He already expected it.

    "And... A foreign entity also gives a part of power to her. An entity like the goddess".

    Fay is surprised at this. For Amber to be blessed by a god, it''s amazing.

    The captain prostrated himself to Amber.

    "Princess Rosanna, thank you for saving us, and welcome back!". The captain shouted. Every soldier also prostrated themselves.

    The party members felt awkward, wondering if they should prostrate themselves. Elvis went to bow a little followed by everyone else.

    "No need for the formality. We are friends". Amber wants to laugh a bit seeing her friends wanting to prostrate to her.

    Suddenly a guard came into the room.

    He is scanning the surroundings. He knows the princess went to crash into the palace. And he knows the truth after foreign memories enter his head. And now the surrounding walls have cracks and holes. And now there''s an angry crowd outside. Seeing the Queen and the 2nd princess tied up and apprehended by the soldiers, and seeing the 1st princess looking mighty with a trident and a crown and her fancy blue gold royal robes, the guard bowed and told her the information.

    Amber is calm. She simply walked out of the palace and saw the crowd outside the gate.

    She tapped her trident as a magic circle form in the sky. The dark cloud immediately dispersed and stopped the rain.

    The crowd went quiet and some had their mouth opened wide seeing this shocking scene. The ray of sunlight shines from above.

    Amber uses her magic to raise herself up high with a wave of water. She made a throne made of water, as her cape turned into a gentle waterfall falling down her back. She held her trident proud.

    With magic amplifying her voice, she spoke.

    "I am the 1st princess of Atlanta. Rosanna Bellelon. The Queen had attempted murder of the King. The 2nd princess had framed me of evil deeds and poisoned the late queen, my own mother."

    "I, Princess Rosanna Bellelon of Atlanta promise you I will protect the kingdom and it''s people and fix the damage they had caused".

    The crowd cheers at the majestic sight of the 1st princess. Coupled with the memories of how Rosanna got framed, how her mother the Queen got poisoned, the 1st princess gained full support of the citizens.

    Suddenly a priest who also followed the crowd exclaimed in shock.

    "Oh! Princess is blessed by a god! The blessing of a god is with her!".

    The nearby listener also exclaimed their shock.

    News spread far and wide. And due many witnesses from the soldiers, the battle between the 1st princess, who is blessed by a God and the Devil who possessed the 2nd princess spreads far and wide. The story how the gods is on the princess side and revealed the truth to the people with a miracle rain.

    The ''Wraith'' is in fact a devil of that world. They are creatures made purely out of malice and curses.

    Somehow there''s also an account of Fay who uses space magic and has a dragon tail and wing on him - possibly the last member of the extinct dragon race of the legends. The title is ''Dragon race of the legends?¡¯. Not sure how it comes to that.

    Who spilled it? Nevermind.

    There are a lot of soldiers who witness it so it can''t be helped. Maybe someone told their grandma who told their third cousin and here we are.

    And inadvertently the party name Elvis&Gang also spreads. Along with other news written the next day about how they defeated a Hydra just recently.

    ...

    Amber went to visit her father the King in her chamber.

    She looks at her father, laying in bed in a coma.

    "Father... I am back. I hate that you don''t believe any of my words. Mother still asked me to take care of you even when she was dying". Amber cried out.

    The king suddenly opened his eyes and reached out his hand to her daughter.

    He had already woken up ever since the rain pours in memories into him. The shock brought him back.

    "Father- you are awake...".

    Amber looked at her father with teary eyes.

    "I am sorry Rosanna. I am sorry for not believing you...".

    Amber cried out loud hearing it.

    "Please, take care of the kingdom well. My life is already at my end. I will apologise to your mother in the afterlife later."

    "I will tell her how splendid of a Queen you have become".

    Amber held his father''s hand.

    "And, lastly, I hope you can be happy Rosanna. I am sorry again".

    The king closed its eyes and let out his last breath.

    The palace mourned the king for 3 days.

    The coronation of Rosanna Bellelon as the new Queen of Atlanta commenced on the 4th day.

    ...

 Chapter 24: I Am a Human as Well

    ...

    A week passed and they stayed in the palace to wait for the storm to calm. Elvis had a headache reading the newspaper.

    So much headache.

    Their party¡¯s name spreads far and wide, especially about Fay who got labelled as some last member of the dragon race and the only space magic user in current times.

    Who are they even talking about?? Dragon race?? Elvis knows Fay is, if he had to describe, he¡¯s closer to an undead and his body can be anything, probably, since his soul in that egg like thing.

    Well, it can''t be helped now.

    Amber went to apologise to everyone for not being able to keep the news from spreading. She had tried her best but it still spreads.

    "It''s alright. The people''s mouths are too big after all".

    ''Mmm... I don''t know. I don''t think it would be any different right?''. Fay replied.

    ''You don''t understand. Since Amber is THE Queen of Atlanta, it doesn''t matter much if she got blessed by a god or have power or what not due to her status. But Fay, you are a normal person with no status. You are under the Empire. They could force you to battle in wars, force you to defend against Mithril or Adamantite level beast or even use you as a weapon if the emperor demands you so. The Empire is at peace for now. And there''s no conflict between the different continents of different races. But what if the future comes? In a few years, tens of years, in hundreds of years. They would know you are bound to them and will use you. Unless you are strong enough to threaten the entire Empire of course¡¯.

    Fay thinks about it.

    ''Emm... I don''t think the emperor is that bad of a person to force me to do things, right?''

    Elvis sighed.

    ''Let''s just hope so''.

    "Oh and the 2nd prince knows me so it should be fine!". Fay remembered the 2nd prince.

    ¡®I guess...''.

    ''And I am afraid you would have a bounty on your head. Because you are suspected to be an extinct race. Some crazy researchers might illegally try to get your body using the black channel''.

    "It''s okay! I am strong you see". Fay raised his small bicep.

    Everyone raised their eyebrows because there was no muscle to be seen. But they know he''s strong.

    Wain smiled and chuckled thinking Fay is cute acting like this. Trevor too chuckled. So cute.

    Amber is busy as the new queen of Atlanta. She had a lot of work to do. At first, she had wanted to just purge the nobles who had conspired against her. But suddenly they come wagging at her feet with gifts and compliments.

    And she can''t just remove them all at the same time. The territories would be in chaos. She sighed. She had learned and prepared to be a Queen from childhood so a lot of things are expected but it''s not as easy as in theory.

    The party member hasn¡¯t seen her shadow for a week already.

    On 8th day, they went out to take a walk but they got greeted by so many people calling them heroes of Atlanta for fighting alongside their Queen to defeat the Devil.

    And some girls screamed seeing Fay, the so-called dragon race - although no one can see what part of him looks like a dragon - it¡¯s really because he¡¯s too pretty. Some guys also take a look at Fay with lustful thoughts before shaking their own heart.

    Trevor and Wain use their body Fay from others visions. Lisa sighed. Who knew popularity is annoying. They can''t even eat seafood in peace.

    They went to the market this time. The crowd still look at them and whispered but they ignored them.

    Trevor saw a store selling beautiful accessories made of shells and even scales of beautiful beasts of the sea and excused himself seeing it. He wanted to buy them for Fay. He thought of it as a gift to a friend although his heart is for something else.

    Fay and Wain went to get some food around the market. They got some mashed fish meat with herbs and sauces wrapped in leaves and sticked onto a skewer. It''s really nice.

    Lisa felt lonely since Amber suddenly became a Queen and she can''t talk with her anymore. Fay also noticed this, as Lisa walked at the farthest back. He released his hand from Wain and went to walk with Lisa.

    "Lisa try this. It''s good!". Fay hand over one skewer of the grilled fish thing.

    Lisa ate it politely.

    "It''s nice".

    Lisa sighed. "I missed Amber. She won''t be with us as much now".

    ''Yeah... She would be too busy with her queen stuff...''. Fay also lamented.

    They went back to their rooms in the palace. The palace is big and has multiple rooms for guests.

    "Oh, right the maid said we can use the palace bath. And there''s also a massage service", Elvis reminded everyone.

    Everyone agreed to go to the bath to relax. There are 2 royal baths separated with a wall for a for different genders. It''s usually reserved for the royalties and honoured guests but they are given access as they are the Queen friends.

    It''s like a big pool filled with hot water and herbs with an elegant and clean look in the surroundings. Steams filled the room.

    The guys went into the hot baths of the male section. Unfortunately, Lisa had to go in alone. There''s also a massage service provided by an expert so it''s all good as she went to get a massage after a good long soak.

    Fay dipped his feet into the water, feeling the warm temperature. It''s so warm and cozy. He swings his leg in the water, feeling the water run through his feet.

    Trevor went in and jumped into the hot bath like a cannon ball splashing hot water around.

    "OUCHH it''s hott!!". He screamed in pain at the sudden heat and flayed around.

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    Fay chuckled at this funny guy. He looked at him jumping in and out of the hot water.

    Eh?

    "T-Trevor why are you naked...!", Fay can''t help but look at the side. In normal circumstances, even he can''t act normal seeing handsome built naked guys... and the big thing swinging up and down.

    Everyone else had loincloths on them.

    "Man cover it up!".

    Wain too took off his loin seeing him naked. It¡¯s only guys around here anyways.

    "W-Wain! Wear it back!". Fay had to close his eyes.

    Wain went to hug Fay from the front hiding Fay¡¯s vision from that barbaric Trevor.

    "Why... You''ve seen it a lot already, no?". He grinned with a dirty smile.

    "H-Hey... Trevor and Elvis are looking...". Fay can''t help but can only look at the side. But suddenly he felt something pressing against his stomach. He looked under him.

    !

    "W-Wain...", Fay whispered.

    Wain gulped. He shouldn''t have touched Fay like this. And seeing Fay half naked already up close already stirs his desire.

    Fay had to pull Wain to sit down in the water trying to hide it from everyone. Elvis shook his head at these animals and went to get a massage. He doesn''t want to see anything unwarranted.

    Trevor comes close to them.

    Fay had to close his eyes once again because he is walking and the thing hanged right below the water is visible right in front of his eyes.

    "Heyy. Don''t show your thing to him!". Wain got angry a bit.

    Trevor stopped for a moment. He''s really just having fun to tease them both. But he realised maybe he had crossed the line.

    "He¡¯s, my boyfriend. Can''t you respect us? And respect him?". Now he''s truly agitated.

    Trevor kept quiet, and his heart felt hurt when respect got mentioned. Fay even felt like his wordings would hurt him. Fay had forgiven Trevor to a point he completely forgets about it.

    Trevor turned around and just sat down to soak properly meters away from them. Fay felt a bit sad seeing Trevor so far away from them.

    "Wain. I don''t mind him alright? He can stay nearby. We are all men here. And... I like yours most~".

    Fay went to poke it.

    ''H-hey-''.

    Wain felt stimulated feeling Fay touching it. He really wants to do it with Fay right now. But Trevor is here. He glared at Trevor.

    ''Fine... I will let Trevor come over¡¯.

    Fay smiled hearing wain agreed.

    "Hey... Trevor. Just come over here. But umm... wear something first...". Fay is not sure where to put his eyes at.

    Trevor wants to cry for Fay''s kindness. He hurriedly climbed out of the bath and wore his towel back.

    Fay had to move his eyes sideways, afraid of seeing things. Although he did steal a glance or two. *Cough*.

    Trevor does want to show it to Fay honestly because he''s proud of his size and maybe just hope Fay would like his body. Trevor dipped in and walked over to them.

    "Why are you sitting opposite of Fay?". Trevor sees it''s a bit weird that they are sitting opposite of each other. The bath is large why are they so close.

    Wain felt embarrassed. He can''t tell him he had a man problem. He regrets taking off his loin. He can only turn his head.

    "Don''t come too close. We are a couple over here". Wain shooed Trevor away.

    ''Hey no fair! It''s a public bath not your room! And you are still naked! Go wear something!".

    Trevor forced himself to sit next to fay. He actually caught a glimpse of it.

    "W-What-".

    Wain had to hide it with his hand and turned his body.

    "Man it''s a public bath. So dirty!", Trevor grinned a bit teasing him.

    "S-Shut up. You are the one who jumps naked first. I can''t help it...". Wain flicked his ears and turned his body sideways.

    Trevor laughed. Fay too, had to laugh a bit.

    Fay did have his feelings brewing when these guys are half naked, and Wain is just outright naked in front of him. And, ever since he had forgiven Trevor completely, and when Trevor starts to show his affection, it''s like Trevor becomes a man in his eyes and even he has his own desire stirred. He had to remind himself he has Wain and he shouldn''t let his heart falter too much.

    And why Wain is still naked? Doesn''t he feel embarrassed Trevor sees him in that condition?

    Seeing Wain like this, and Trevor like that... his heart wants to explode. Even Fay had his own drive accelerated.

    Trevor stole a glance at Fay. Although it''s covered by water, he sees a part of his body. The smooth and flat chest Fay had, decorated with soft jewels. He looked down at his cute tummy. He wished Fay too took off his loin. He wants to see everything.

    Fay looked at Trevor for a second noticing his glance.

    He had to move his eyes away. Maybe he should have gone with Lisa instead. At least he never feels interested in a woman''s body and Lisa probably doesn''t care.

    Fay blushed and covered his own face.

    Wain felt a bit hurt seeing Fay glancing at Trevor. It''s as if, Fay did like him. Wain went to grab Fay and hug him closer in the water.

    Why are these 2 men naked around him like this? Don''t they think about his own feelings?

    "Fay... Do you like his body...?". Wain whispered to his ears and asked the question directly. He wants to hear an answer.

    "Sorry...". Fay muttered to Wain while closing his face. He really doesn''t know how to lie to Wain.

    Wain is not sure what to reply. It''s not like he doesn''t understand the circumstances. Maybe having Fay with them is a bad idea. They shouldn''t really treat him like a straight man in the first place.

    Wain looks at Fay, who is still closing his face and stay quiet. Doesn''t he feel uncomfortable, seeing Trevor lusting over him? Fay is quiet, and he just keeps looking sideways avoiding both of them.

    ''You don''t mind seeing him?''. Wain asked directly.

    "I want both of you to cover up. You guys are making it hard for me as well...". Fay blurted it out while closing his face. Even he can''t help himself anymore.

    Wain gulped. To think Fay is... like them...

    "You... Liked seeing him?''. Wain felt disappointed and hurt hearing Fay''s honesty.

    ''I am still a human you know... But I only love you". Fay went to hug Wain and kissed him. It stimulates him to another level.

    Trevor bites his lips as he watches from a distance. Wain felt better hearing the answer, somewhat.

    "Wain... please cover them... It''s embarrassing". Fay had to say it to Wain. It¡¯s unbearable to see and Trevor is there as well. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t mind if it¡¯s just them.

    Wain had to agree and wore the cloth back before dipping in again.

    They finally take a proper relaxing deep in the warm herbal-infused water, relaxing their muscles and body.

    Elvis had the best massage he ever had and comes back to soak in the bath.

    He noticed those three guys soaking silently in the bath, all having their loincloths on although he remembered Trevor jumped in naked before. He thought they would be doing something indecent when he left. Maybe he is too negative and they are civilised people after all.

    Most of them, except Elvis, went out with pent up desires. Being together close to naked in a closed space around Fay is too difficult. Fay too had desires and felt pent up. Letting Fay come along is a bad idea indeed.

    After they wore their clothes, Fay went to cling to Wain arm, then tiptoed to whisper to him.

    ''I want you...''.

    Fay is not even sure where to put his eyes. He barely says things directly like this. Wain got flushed red, since it''s rare for Fay to ask him like this. It''s usually a non-verbal communication between them or spontaneous things. For Fay to tell him he wants it, he couldn''t be happier. Everyone went to their room to rest for a while as the couple had their private time.

    The couple laid down on bed, relaxing. Thinking about how Fay had stolen glances at Trevor, he had to ask out of jealousy, or insecurity.

    "Fay, do you like Trevor?".

    Wain does feel hurt, if he has to be honest. But... he had a thought in his mind. Maybe it''s for the better.

    ''Umm...''. Fay knows it¡¯s wrong to feel that way to him, even if its reasonable.

    ''I just... Got carried away back then. It''s difficult when you both are... seducing me. I have feelings too you know...''.

    "So, Trevor did make you feel, something?".

    Fay looks at the side for a while. But he wants to be honest to Wain. He went to kiss him.

    ''Sorry Wain. I have feelings too you know? But I really just want you''.

    Fay did feel bad. He knows it''s just natural for him to feel, something, when someone he thinks as a friend that he knows liked him and is handsome and attractive went to seduce him using his naked body. Even his heart can falter in that situation.

    Wain thought for a moment. It still felt bad that Fay admits Trevor did move his heart when he played around then. But he understands it, if he had to place himself in Fay¡¯s position.

    "But I really only love you. Only you... I want to stay with you forever. I am happy to be with you. I don''t want anyone else". He had always been with him; from the moment he transferred here Wain is the first face he saw. And he wants to be with him forever. It''s a choice to stay with Wain and he wants him, and just him.

    Wain blushed a little hearing it. But he feels bad for his own sin that Fay is not aware of. He¡¯s afraid, he had to leave him one day. He thought about Trevor for a moment. Trevor wasn''t a bad person per say. And even he had mostly forgiven him and at times he forgot about it entirely and treated him as his friend like before. If, he leaves Fay to him... maybe... he could treat him better. He felt guilty to Fay, to a point that he felt like he don''t deserve to stay with him. But he can''t let go either.

    ...

 Chapter 25: I Only Need You

    ...

    Everyone had fancy dinner cooked by the palace chefs. It''s very good but they have to say they want seafood more since it''s very difficult to get in Angis or Capital because ice magic is rare and not commercialized.

    "Fay let''s visit the library!". Lisa suggested.

    "Yes!".

    They went their way to the palace library. It''s very big, although not as large as the Mages Association Grand Library in the Capital. They tried to search here and there. But it''s really full of educational books.

    Meanwhile, Wain went to knock on Trevor''s room to talk to him.

    "Heyy".

    ''Come in''.

    Trevor welcomed him in. Wain sits himself on his bed.

    "Trevor, I need talk to you".

    Trevor felt a bit of anxiety. It''s rare for Wain to be so serious. He still hates him? Or, did he cross the line in the bath before? He was just teasing them really. But maybe he did too much, he thought.

    Trevor sat next to Wain, readying his ears while clenching his fist.

    "Do you really like him?". Wain asked straight to the point.

    Trevor is startled. He doesn''t know why he is asking this out of nowhere. But he had to take a deep breath before answering.

    "I do".

    ''I see...''.

    Since Wain is silent afterwards, he added some lines on his own.

    "Wain. I am sorry for crossing the lines back there. I know you have been with him for so long. I got carried away... I just... I don''t know... I really like him. At times I forgot to hold back¡­".

    Wain is silent. He took a deep breath before asking him another question.

    "Do you want to be with him?".

    Trevor felt so confused at this question.

    ''I do... But... He already rejected me. And he has, you. Why are you asking me this?''.

    Wain too is wondering why he is having this stupid idea. But he has to still say them. It hurts his heart a bit, but he really thinks this is a good idea.

    ''I don''t mind, if you want to be with him''.

    Wain almost choked on his own words. It''s not that he''s fine with it, but... he felt undeserving. And Trevor is the only one he would feel assured to love Fay. Trevor is not sure what to reply to this. His brain almost short-circuited hearing this from Wain. He knew how much they stick-close to each other each day.

    "Are you... really okay, with me being with him?".

    Wain nodded.

    "Wain. What''s wrong with you?". Trevor furrowed his eyebrows and asked with concern. He felt weirded out honestly. It''s bizarre even.

    Wain had to be honest with him.

    ''I feel guilty... I cheated on him... I can''t even look at him properly now...''. He had to look down, unable to face Trevor who he had scolded for hurting Fay. It''s very hypocritical of him.

    Trevor can''t believe his own ears.

    ''You really...why did you... with who...?''. Trevor knows Wain loves Fay deeply. It never crossed his mind he would do that to Fay. Even he felt angry at him as his brows knitted closer. Fay had loved him so much, and he still betrayed him?

    "It''s with her¡­ you know who".

    Trevor genuinely doesn''t know who he''s talking about. But he tried to guess from the latest ex he had before Fay.

    ''Is it... Akasha?''.

    Wain nodded with guilt.

    ''Haa?!... Why? What??? Why her? Don''t she have problems with her head. He even accused you of cheating and man, I remember she called you a stupid dog in front of everyone! What in Elysia possessed you!?''.

    Wain kept quiet. He too remembers that.

    "¡­I did cheat on her...". He had to look sideways.

    Trevor opened his eyes wide. He truly believed Akasha was insane with the way Wain explains the ''misunderstanding'' and how she acts. He didn''t think Wain had lied to him.

    Wain then explained how he went to apologise to her. Because he knew he had hurt her and did her wrong. He really wants to be a better person and clear his own guilt. But he realised she''s hurt too much and he had to take responsibility for it. He had told him how he saw she had hurt herself, and has neglected to care for her own wellbeing.

    Trevor kept quiet hearing the whole story.

    ''Why did you tell me all this...?''. Trevor did feel disappointed in Wain, but he understands his mistakes after hearing the whole reason. It may be unfair to Fay, but abandoning Akasha after he had done her so wrong is also unfair to her. Even he''s not sure if he can be firm to push someone who he had done so much wrong away.

    "I... I really feel so bad. I am such a stupid guy. I am hurting Fay behind his back. I really can''t do this...". Wain broke down in a sudden.

    Even Trevor is surprised to see him like this. He had never seen him cry. And it just shows how much his mistake hurts him from the inside. He had to pat his back. Trevor thought for a moment, finding a solution to this problem. And he too, doesn''t want to see Fay get hurt. And he knew what the simplest solution is and its very easy.

    "Wain...".

    "Just, end it with her".

    Wain looks at Trevor. He doesn''t think Trevor understands why he had to stay with her.

    "I know you did her wrong. But... You love Fay most. So just end it with that woman. I know it¡¯s horrible to say this but, you don¡¯t have to care about her".

    Wain but his lips. It''s true. Even he knows and is self aware of what it would mean. It means hurting her and abandoning her after he had done her so wrong. It would mean he would become a monster to her. And seeing how bad her condition before, it means to completely turn a blind eye to the consequences, leaving it up to her as if it''s none of his concern anymore.

    He thought about it. It''s cruel. And yet Trevor is right. He had to sacrifice his conscience to be with Fay rather than juggling between both of them. And he didn''t love that woman. He only loves Fay. The choice is obvious.

    Thinking about it, he gets more and more convinced. Trevor words had totally convinced him. He feels sorry for her, but it''s what he needs to do.

    "Thanks. I see what I need to do now".

    Trevor patted his back again.

    ''Wain. Thank you for trusting me with these...''.

    Trevor felt touched that Wain could tell him his secrets. He trusted him enough to spill it out. He naturally will keep it to his grave. Even he can''t bear to see Fay get hurt, and he feels bad for Wain.

    Wain feels glad that Trevor is still his friend. He thought about things again. Even if, he will end things with her completely, but thinking about how Trevor is as a person, and that Fay seems to like him as well¡­ perhaps, he would give him a chance.

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    "Trevor... I really don''t mind if you want to love him. If Fay wants to accept you, I would too. All three of us can be together".

    ''Umm¡­ is that okay? I mean¡­ I know it¡¯s not unheard of but¡­¡¯. Trevor is not sure about this idea.

    ¡®Yeah¡­ I am fine if it¡¯s you¡¯.

    ¡®Maybe, you can treat him better than I did¡¯. Wain looked down, having his own heart eaten away by his sins. He¡¯s really only open to this because a part of him feels too guilty to Fay to even stay with him.

    ¡°Wain¡­¡±. Trevor felt a bit touched that his friend is really giving him a chance to love Fay, alongside him. He¡¯s not greedy. He knows Fay loves Wain. And when he thought about it, then couldn''t he could squeeze in so he loves him as well?

    ...

    Fay returned from exploring the library and lay down on bed to cuddle Wain.

    Wain took a deep breath to ask Fay things. He feels guilty towards him, and he really think about letting Trevor in seriously.

    "Fay... What do you think of Trevor".

    ''He''s a nice person and a good friend. I have forgiven him completely, okay? Why?''.

    "Do you, like him?".

    Fay felt hurt hearing this question.

    ''Why are you asking this? I have told you already. I just need you. Sorry if I... looked at him before... that''s really just because he''s naked... it''s difficult for me''.

    ''I don''t mind if you want to like him...''.

    Fay is startled at this. His brain almost short-circuited.

    "You... Don''t mind?". Fay is a bit confused and can''t understand. Why is Wain saying this?

    "Trevor is a good man. And I am sure he regrets his actions before and will never hurt you again. And he seems to like you very much. I just thought, it''s fine if he is to be with you as well. I noticed you do like him".

    ''H-hey... I just got carried away before. I have feelings too and I can''t help it at times...''.

    "So... You do like him...?". Fay felt his heart hurt at this point. Is it because he glanced at Trevor that Wain is saying this?

    ''He¡¯s attractive, I admit that. And it''s really because he was... naked, up close. I only love you, Wain. I won''t look at him anymore, okay? I am sorry Wain...''. Fay has tears pooling in his eyes. It''s like Wain is scolding him for looking at another man and is saying this weird thing because of it.

    ''Wont you, love him as well, alongside me?''.

    ...

    Fay doesn''t understand where is he going with this.

    "Wain... Won''t you feel hurt if I like him?".

    "I won''t. Because I know you still love me. And he would treat you good too".

    Fay can''t understand why Wain is, okay, with this. He can¡¯t say a word.

    ''We can be together with you. He is my friend and I am willing to let him love you''.

    ''Wain... I still don''t understand¡¯.

    Wain is giving up a part of Fay, because of his own infidelity. He knew Fay''s honest personality hearing his answers to his questions about Trevor.

    ''I just want to be with you. I don''t want Trevor''. Fay went to hug wain tight.

    ''I only need you''.

    "Three of us, can be together. I will still be with you".

    Fay has his brain fried off this time. But he still thinks about Wain''s statement. Although polygamy is allowed and nothing is wrong with it in this world, monogamy is still the majority. But that''s not the point...

    Why Wain is saying this...

    Fay can''t help it but shed a tear. Why Wain is insisting on this. Doesn''t he care if he likes another man?

    "Fay...". Wain saw Fay had a tear dropping to his side.

    He didn''t know Fay would get hurt from him suggesting this.

    ''I am sorry... I won''t look at Trevor again. I am sorry... I am really sorry. Don''t say this anymore... I just want you...''.

    Wain don''t understand why Fay is like this. Why is he saying sorry to him suddenly? It''s not like he asked him to break up with him. He is willing to let Trevor join in as well ¨C not breaking up with him. So why is he crying?

    Wain can only caress him and wipe his tears away.

    ''I love you. I only love you...''. Fay buried himself into him.

    Wain can¡¯t convince Fay anymore. Seeing Fay hurt, he thought it might be a mistake to even suggest such things to him. He thought Fay would be happy, since he can have more than him. But he¡¯s wrong.

    ...

    They returned to Angis after a while once Amber has a chance to take a break and bid her farewell. She thanked the party members for being with her all this time.

    Lisa, Amber and Fay hugged together, joined by Elvis, Trevor and Wain as well.

    "If you guys want to kill any more Mithril beast or even Adamantite ones, invite me as well! Tell my secretary and maybe I can sneak out and can go with you guys. I am quite powerful if I have to say it myself". Amber had a smug feeling with her newfound power. Maybe she''s even stronger than Fay, she thought.

    Amber looks at Kyubey who''s on top of Fay''s head all this time. She also has a Kyubey following her. So, there''s really more than one Kyubey. She naturally would fulfill her promise to Kyubey as part of the contract. She already mobilized, moderately, things requested by Kyubey such as technology blueprints, magic crystals and various metals.

    Fay opened a portal to Angis, going back to their rooms.

    ...

    They took another day of break because the attention back in Atlanta stress them out.

    They had taken too long break already and needed to do some activity so they all went to the adventurer guild. Elvis is surprised to see so many personal requests for their party, and few for Fay especially from independent researchers and those from Mages Association to study this ''Dragon Race'' and study space magic.

    ''By the way... I thought you guys are still in Atlanta. How are you guys here so fast?" The quest handler had always felt it''s weird all this time but kept quiet. They submitted the eggs and do quests in far away places and suddenly they came back too quickly.

    Elvis has no comment.

    ''So... It''s true he can use mass teleportation or spatial gates?''. She went to see Fay sitting in the table from afar. She can''t see what part of him looks like a dragon. She''s just confused at the news. Were they hallucinating?

    Elvis has no comment. Seeing it, she just sighed. She gave few documents that entails the requests for his party and Fay.

    He went to give the ones requesting for Fay.

    Fay read through them and is quite surprised. A few people want to run a blood test or get tissue sample from him. And even magic testing and experiment on space magic. The pay is quite good, given he doesn''t really have to work much. But he''s not interested in this though.

    He just put it down and went to see few documents Elvis had read. There''s variety of quests. Mostly it''s gold level quest though and it''s more of collection quests for certain monster parts or rare plants that you would need to dive deep into unexplored lands.

    As for the Mithril one, it involves them searching based on minimal clues and rumours. That might take them for a long time to even see the shadow of the beast.

    Elvis thought for a moment. They don''t have Amber with them. So, for the time being they need to get used to it. He decides to take simple monster hunting quests with the party.

    ...

    Fay is chopping some vegetables as they are camping after successfully killing a giant ape. This noble wants his balls(?), as they are good supplement for men prowess.

    Seeing Fay is free (from Wain), Trevor went to him.

    "Hey...".

    ''Hey''.

    Fay replied shortly. He really doesn¡¯t want to look at him. Wain doesn''t like it, he concluded himself although that''s a misunderstanding on his part. And he don''t want Wain to think he likes another man other than him. It felt infuriating to him.

    "Fay. I got you something".

    He took out a pretty bracelet made of scales of a magic beast from the sea.

    Fay only looks at it in a half a second before turning his eyes away, ignoring him.

    ''I can''t accept it, sorry''. Fay said coldly while still chopping vegetables.

    "I-Its just as friends".

    ''No....''. Fay had to take a deep breath.

    ''Please, don''t talk to me anymore''.

    Trevor was taken aback and felt his heart paused for a moment. Its so¡­ sudden. He can¡¯t process this. He felt his heart crushed at the moment. Why, is he so cold so suddenly.

    ''Fay... Why...?''.

    "I have Wain. I already told you. Please... go away. Don''t talk to me anymore". Fay don''t even bother to look at Trevor.

    Trevor felt his heart broken at this point. To be treated so coldly so suddenly. Why...?

    ''I get it... sorry Fay''.

    Trevor walked away, looking at the bracelet he bought him. He felt his heart shattered to pieces at this point. He went to Wain, helping him to prep some meat, wanting some company with his friend.

    "Did you give it to him?". Wain knows Trevor bought a bracelet for him.

    ''He... doesn¡¯t want it''.

    Wain is surprised at this. Because knowing Fay¡¯s personality, he would have smiled and say his thanks to Trevor, maybe commenting on how the bracelet is pretty, and it would end there ¨C but why Fay is acting totally out of his prediction?

    ''Really? I mean, you tell him its just as friends, right?''.

    Trevor had tears pooling in his eyes.

    ''He... He said he don''t want to talk to me anymore... He told me to go away...''.

    Wain gulped. For Fay to treat him so coldly. He knew Fay had always been a sweet person. He knows it must be because he suggested those things to Fay. He didn''t expect Fay to be this decisive at treating Trevor so harshly just to show he only loves him.

    Wain looks at Fay, who''s still focusing on chopping the veges.

    He really feels bad for Trevor. He really had think things through and feels that Trevor deserves to love him. But Fay won''t give him a chance at all. Is it his fault? He never meant it to go this way. Is he ruining everything?

    The meals are done as they picnic at in the jungle. It''s a nice change once in a while. They return to town shortly, resting for the rest of the day.

    "Fay... You don''t have treat him so coldly". Wain caresses his back.

    ''No. I only like you. I don''t want him''. Fay went to bury himself into Wain''s chest.

    "I mean he''s your friend, right? You shouldn''t-".

    ''No. He''s not''.

    Wain is taken aback. He had to sit up straight and look at Fay in shock. What is wrong with him? To say that without holding any of his words back¡­ to say Trevor wasn¡¯t his friend. He felt his own heart hurt for Trevor.

    "Fay. Why are you, saying this?". He felt his heart racing. Fay is too decisive, and ruthless. He can¡¯t just cut Trevor off like that. Not like this. He doesn¡¯t want this. It''s unnecessary to treat Trevor like this.

    ''I don''t want him. I just want you...''. Fay went to hug him tighter, dragging him back to lay down on bed.

    "Fay... He''s your friend. I don''t mind if he likes you. You don''t have to cut him off".

    ''No. I don''t need him as a friend. I just want you''.

    Wain gulped. Why it comes to this? Has Fay always been this extreme?

    He really doesn¡¯t know what to do with him now. Trevor would be hurt. And it''s just unnecessary for Fay to do this.

    "Fay, I really don''t mind him, okay? He''s a friend of yours too so-".

    ''Stop saying you don''t care...'', Fay has tears in his eyes. Wain is taken aback again.

    "I love you. I only love you. Please... Stop saying that... I only need you. I don''t want Trevor. I don''t want him. I just want you... I won''t look at him. I won''t talk to him. I don''t care about him. I just need you...".

    Wain is taken aback again. He doesn¡¯t know how to form his words. It''s as if, anything he says will be interpreted as something else entirely. How did it go to this?

    Wain caresses his hair trying to calm himself down.

    "It would hurt Trevor if you suddenly cut him off like this...". He never wanted this.

    ''I don''t care. I just need you...''.

    Wain bit his lips. Why it''s like this? How can he just say he doesn¡¯t care about hurting him. Even he can''t bear the idea that Fay would treat Trevor like a ghost again after he had forgiven him. Now he''s doing it again for a him.

    He can only close his eyes take few breaths. He doesn¡¯t know what to say to Fay. It might as well be his fault.

    ...

 Chapter 26: Why It Hurts

    A few days passes as usual... except everyone starts to notice Fay had been ignoring Trevor like he doesn''t exist. They thought its just in their imagination for now. But Wain and Trevor knows Fay really is treating him like the invisible air.

    ...

    Seeing Fay is taking a nap, Wain went to visit Akasha. It''s been a month or two since he last visited. He wondered if it''s too long of a time. He shook his head. It doesn''t matter anymore.

    He will completely break up with her this time. He doesn''t want her to keep waiting.

    He knocked on the door. Akasha opened it. She is wearing her work uniform, probably she had just come back from work.

    Wain felt glad that at least Akasha is doing fine by herself now. His guilt had dimmed a lot seeing her fine. He came in.

    ''I just came back from work. Have a sit'', she spoke.

    "I see. Glad to see you are working and living well now". He looks at Akasha. She had light makeup on, accentuating her beauty. She is no longer thin and look healthy. She had eaten properly now. He feels okay now, seeing her fine. She doesn¡¯t need him. She can just live by herself, and fine someone new.

    ''Akasha....''.

    She perked her ears.

    Wain had to take a deep breathe.

    "I, won''t visit you anymore".

    A few seconds of silence prevail.

    Wain went to see her face, still afraid to see her emotions. She had tears pooling in her eyes. She looked down, quiet.

    Wain had to continue.

    "You already I have someone else now... I loved Fay a lot. I can''t betray him like this. I am sorry Akasha".

    Akasha is still silent. She had a tear dropping her down her face. But she is silent. Wain had spoken his point. He stood up to leave.

    ''I am pregnant''.

    Wain perked his ears and had to turn around. He misheard something.

    "What did you say?".

    ''...''. Akasha is silent for a while.

    ''I am pregnant. With our child''.

    Wain had his heart stop for a second. His heart racing hearing this.

    "Are you serious?".

    He had to dashed to her and pull her up from her seat in disbelief. He went to see her belly, to ascertain the truth. He can¡¯t tell whether she gained a bit of flab or she¡¯s pregnant.

    ¡¯How long...?''.

    ''It''s been 2 months...''.

    Wain pushed her arms away gently and looked at her straight in the eyes.

    "Can you abort it...?".

    Akasha looks sideways, avoiding his eyes and shed another tear. She already expected this could happen. She had run through different scenarios in her head and had prepared mentally. But imagination is far from reality.

    ''You are so cruel to me... why can''t you stay with me... I love you so much...''. She spoke with a more neutral tone.

    "Akasha... I am sorry but... I don''t love you. Please, abort it. I already have someone else".

    ''I won''t¡¯.

    ???

    Wain felt stressed hearing this.

    "Why? Just abort it. I won''t stay with you even with that thing. I won''t care anymore. Just live your life alright? I know I did you wrong. I already apologised. And I already went so far to betray Fay for you. You can be fine by yourself. You don''t need me. So please... Just abort it". Wain had tears pooling in his eyes as well, saying all this. He felt so cruel. But it''s necessary.

    Akasha took a deep breath to calm herself down. She already half expected this to happen. It played out exactly like in one od her imagination. It didn''t surprise her anymore. She¡¯s calmed and composed, and know what she wants now.

    ''Its okay''.

    Wain is not sure what is okay.

    ''You can leave... I will still keep the child. I will raise it on my own. You don''t need to stay with me, or even visit me anymore. I already know you would leave eventually. I won''t bother you anymore''.

    Wain is taken aback.

    "That child is still mine... You can''t just keep it". Wain had his face twisted. He doesn¡¯t like he has a child with someone he doesn¡¯t love.

    "Please abort it".

    ''No... Just, forget its yours. I don''t need you to be a father. I can raise it on my own''.

    Wain is taken aback.

    ''It doesn''t concern you anymore. You don''t have to care about me. And you don''t have to care about the child either. So just... Leave. I can live on my own for my child. It''s what you wanted right? You never cared about me. You are always like this. Just leave and get out of my house''. This time she doesn''t look pitiful but she is serious about this. With conviction.

    She had readied herself for this for a long time she had been thinking about her baby.

    Wain squints his eyes. This woman is truly insane. Whether it''s him that turned her insane is not his concern. He took a deep breath.

    "Don''t bother with me after this. I don''t want to hear anything about it. That''s not my child. I don''t know anything". Wain coldly said. He doesn¡¯t want to give a fuck anymore.

    ''I know''. Akasha is calm hearing it.

    She already knew, Wain is such a trash he will do this to her. But she already expects it. It''s alright. Although she would miss him, it''s alright. She shouldn''t hurt herself anymore.

    Wain is slightly surprised that Akasha is really letting him leave and cut her off. He still felt it''s wrong to leave her raising a child on her own. But it''s her choice. He already asked her to abort it. It''s no longer his problem, he chanted it to himself.

    Wain left the house without any more words. Akasha silently watched his back as he leaves.

    Why did she expect anything from him before? She thought about how stupid she was. At least she''s not now.

    She had a little smile, feeling glad it''s over with him. She wants to move on forward. And she looks forward to the future with her baby. She imagined herself, playing around. Maybe she should look for a baby clothes now? But it''s to early what if she bought the wrong colour?

    She thought and imagine about things. She feels hopeful for the future. She really had given up on Wain at this moment. It doesn''t matter anymore.

    She does wonder why did she care so much about him admitting he lied before? When she had got what she wanted ¨C to hear him admitting he lied and sorry for it ¨C it becomes easier to let go. But she really don''t have to hear the apology. Why did she have to place her happiness on him anyway? She cursed herself.

    ''I hope, he doesn''t treat him like he had treated me''. She make a little wish in her heart for Fay who she only knows face and name of from their brief meeting months before. She don''t want anyone to be hurt like she did.

    ...

    Wain returned to see Fay is still napping. At least it''s over now. Right. He can just pretend the baby didn''t exist. Akasha had said she would raise it on her own. It''s no longer something he should care about.

    He took a deep breath, relieved somewhat. He ended things with her completely. That child isn''t his. It doesn''t concern him. He spoke in his mind.

    He went to hug Fay. He''s sorry for what he did to him. But it''s over. He can love him fully now. He held his hand, feeling how soft it is. Seeing Fay''s sleeping face, he''s really cute and pretty.

    He leaned over to kiss him his lips.

    "I am sorry Fay.". He whispered to Fay''s ear. He''s still napping so he didn''t hear it. Wain fell asleep next to him, feeling relieved.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    ...

    Nothing significant happens for another month. Except... everyone is convinced something is wrong again.

    "Trevor. Why is Fay ignoring you again?". Elvis asked. What is it this time. Just what is the problem now???

    "You don''t do anything to him right?".

    Trevor kept quiet. He''s not sure himself. And it really broke his heart to be treated like the invisible air again. Although, it''s just Fay who treats him like this.

    ''No... It''s because, I liked him''.

    "Huh? But isn''t he, fine before with you?".

    Like he''s sure Fay had been greeting him after he had forgiven Trevor. And it''s obvious Trevor had feelings for him and he still greeted him and talked to him just fine.

    But out of nowhere he completely ghosts him again. Just what is the problem?

    ''I don''t know...''. Trevor too doesn''t understand why.

    Elvis went to ask Wain too, but he said he didn''t know.

    He collected his courage and asked Fay the next day directly about the reason.

    Fay had to look at the side.

    ''I just... feel uncomfortable around him''. Elvis frowned.

    "Why? What did he do?".

    ''He liked me. I don''t want him''.

    Elvis frowned deeper.

    "But you had been greeting and talking to him when you knew before, right? Why are you... ignoring him entirely now?".

    ''I don''t want to hurt Wain''.

    Elvis is taken aback. What reason is that. Wain had told him he didn''t know. So, what is this? What''s the relationship? Wain definitely knew the reason doesn''t he.

    "Alright. I understand". Elvis just ended the conversation with Fay. He approached Wain at later time.

    "Wain, what happened? Why is he saying he doesn''t want to hurt you?".

    Wain is silent.

    ''I don''t know''. It was never Wain¡¯s intention to make Fay act like this. He felt bad seeing Trevor being ignored by Fay completely, for no good reason.

    Sigh. Elvis is convinced Wain knew. He just doesn''t want to talk about the specifics.

    ...

    Fay went to hang out with Lisa often once Amber was gone from the party.

    Fay shared his fanfiction based into the popular smut novel series.

    "Hahahaha. Why did the demon lord and the hero hook up to save the world?". Lisa is twirling her toes reading the sexy hot scene between the hero and the demon lord on the throne of the demon lord written by Fay.

    ''You know. Because you can only hope if you despair. And you despaired only if you had hope. Hihihi''.

    His toes twirled remembering this scene as well.

    ''By the way. Why are you ignoring him again?''.

    Fay fidgets his fingers before preparing to answer.

    "I don''t want to hurt Wain. He thought I liked him back. I don''t want him to get that idea".

    Lisa thought for a moment. Is he? Is that the problem?

    ''Do you like him?''. Lisa asks because maybe that''s the problem? It''s not that he would judge Fay badly. Feelings can change, or added over time.

    Fay is quiet for awhile.

    "He''s attractive to me. But I really don''t like him that way... maybe physically, a bit, but I don¡¯t want to reply to his feelings. I had to make it clear".

    ''But... I think you are stretching it too far. You can treat him like usual you know, just as friend¡¯.

    "I don''t want Wain to get hurt".

    ''Did he get hurt over this?''.

    Fay had tears pooling in his eyes. Lisa is taken aback.

    ''Hey. What''s wrong?''.

    "Wain... He... He noticed I took a glance at him, back then and... He asked if I liked him... he said he didn''t mind if I liked Trevor. It''s as if, he is mocking me. He keeps saying he doesn''t mind if I like him... I... It hurts when he says that...". Fay cried out.

    "I didn''t mean to look at him... I really...". He has to admit in his little heart he did feel something seeing Trevor''s body. He is hot objectively speaking when he got naked with his sculpted body and big size that would make anyone feel protected. Fay has his own guilt.

    Lisa had to pat his back. He understands his view somewhat.

    And she doesn''t understand why Wain would let someone else be with Fay. She knows Trevor is his close friend, and if she had to say it herself, she won''t feel it''s a bad thing for Fay to end up with Trevor seeing how Trevor is these days. He''s not a bad person or anything, if she excludes the one mistake he made that Fay already forgiven. But Wain is still there.

    Doesn''t it imply he does not love Fay enough that he doesn''t care if another man likes him, kisses him or touches him? And if Wain doesn''t care about it, then it implies Wain doesn''t care about Fay enough.

    That''s why Fay is hurt and treats Trevor like that. She finally understood from her own thinking process.

    She''s not sure what to do though. Given the info, she still thinks it''s unnecessary to treat Trevor like a ghost since Wain himself shouldn''t care. It''s really Fay feeling insecure over Wain''s lack of, love(?), or that he doesn''t want Wain to think he likes someone else other than him, and that he felt hurt knowing he doesn''t care whether or not Fay would like Trevor back.

    She sighed. She changed the topic to the demon lord and the hero kissing scene from Fay fanfic. It''s a difficult topic to keep going on.

    ...

    Trevor can only look at Fay from afar these days. He missed when he greeted him. He doesn''t even bother to look at his eyes now. He tried to not mind it but it really hurts him badly.

    He missed it when he would cheer with him after they had done quests. He missed it when he would talk to him here and there.

    Fay...

    He muttered his name while laying down in bed. It really hurts him a lot.

    Why does it hurt like this.

    He muttered his name again. He remembers his touches back then. He remembers the smile he had given him before. He wanted to see it again. He held his own heart, feeling the pain inside.

    What can he do, when he doesn''t even know how to fix something that he don¡¯t even know the cause of.

    He''s already happy just to be his friend. He really, feels enough to stay as a friend to him. Why does he have to treat him like this... Why is he so harsh...?

    Just when Trevor was indulging in his sadness, the whole room shakes vigorously.

    *Grumble*3

    The ground vibrates and shakes as a sudden earthquake shook the entire inn, causing objects to fall. Even Lisa who had been making tea can''t keep herself stable, dropping the tea cup in the process while she fell down herself.

    Wain and Fay had to hold their bedframe and each other as the whole room shook, even causing dust to fall from the roof. The lamp fell down the drawer. The closet opened and fell down as well from the continuous shaking.

    They hugged each other tight, while Wain covered Fay''s body.

    The building has no sign of shaking. The wooden and stone structure has signs of collapsing as they hear more and more cracking and breaking.

    Fay channelled his mana and cast Ice Wall all over the entire inn, trying to protect it from collapsing.

    After a minute, the shaking stops. With few seconds of silence, Wain let out a sigh of relief.

    "That earthquake seems so strong...". Wain commented.

    ''Yeah... Let''s check outside''. Fay thinks if he hasn''t supported the inn just now a part of the building might have collapsed.

    They went out of their room, to see Trevor and Elvis also went out. Fay rushed to Lisa''s room.

    ''Lisa!''.

    Fay found herself trying to stand up. He can see she bleeds as sharps of sharp porcelain from a cup sticking to her arm.

    "I am fine- it''s nothing". Lisa tried to give him assurance.

    Seeing everyone is fine, they all went outside of the inn to look. They are quite surprised to see outside.

    The surrounding is heavily affected. All buildings are still standing, however. And only few seem to have cracks and broken parts. The roads have a little crack here and there. The pedestrians are mostly fine.

    Fay looks at the inn surrounded by ice. He disintegrated them. He watches closely and the building seems fine as he let a sigh of relief and keep watching the surrounding.

    He wonders where the earthquake originates from.

    "Wain, how often do earthquake happens here?".

    Wain thought for a moment.

    "Emm... Throughout my life, it¡¯s my first time".

    Fay is a bit surprised hearing this. He looks at Elvis, because his age is the oldest as much as 200 years something.

    "Me too... At least in the Elven continent I never experienced it". Elvis too haven''t experience earthquake. Although they are there in theory.

    ''The Dwarven land is surrounded by Ring of Fire and they do have earthquake more frequently and it¡¯s normal there. But in other places it''s not''.

    Fay nodded at the trivia. Seeing Lisa injured, he opened up a portal to go to Eli behind her house.

    He saw a few villagers had already lined up to her clinic for few minor injuries. The village is relatively fine, since the stability of low building is not so affected. Although a few objects here and there may injure a few.

    He lines up behind the 4 villagers queuing up. Eli transformed to her magical girl power and simply used AOE healing magic as she shook her bell flower causing phantom greeneries and green butterflies forms. She finished healing everyone instantly. Her power at healing seems to be improved.

    Everyone thanked profusely and gave her 50 copper coins or a small magic crystal. Eli happily takes it.

    She already noticed Fay and invited him in.

    Fay saw grandma Anise is sitting on a brand-new sofa, also greeting him.

    "Eli, Lisa is injured and, some people also need healing back in Angis. Will you come?".

    ''Sure!''. She starts to get a new idea in her head at how Fay and her can go around the world with his portal and she can get a lot of money with clinic opened all around the world.

    She shook her thoughts away. She waved her hand at grandma anise and stepped into the portal.

    She saw Lisa with her arm bleeding from shards piercing her arm. She looked around and saw a few people in the streets also have minor injury.

    Many went to the apothecary or nearest physician clinic or even the one and only church nearby to get treatment. There''re a few options to go for, although healing from the church is the best immediate treatment but it''s also the most expensive and limited because the priest can only heal less than 10 times in a day due to their limited stamina.

    Eli walked over to the spacious square, and suddenly a stall made out of wood appears. There''s a sign ''Eli''s Clinic - Heal Fast like Priest Does''. Eli shouted for everyone to hear, calling out for anyone who''s injured seeking immediate healing for only 50 copper or 1 magic crystal or any size.

    Where did the stall come from? Of course, it was Kyubey who had a mini spatial inventory that holds those things for her.

    Few people flock at her, wondering if she can heal them. Also because they noticed her big mushroom hat.

    She rang her bell and suddenly phantom grasses grew over the 4 people including Lisa and all of their minor injuries instantly healed. Those who haven''t seen it opened their mouth wide.

    Isn''t she the Saint Eli from the humble village not far from here? The mushroom hat and the bell on her hand is her signature.

    Of course, her clinic is extremely popular because of a particular successful businessman who spreads her name like crazy, calling her a benevolent Saint who heals out of her kindness and refuses generous golds and that she has healed his incurable disease.

    Many nobles had pestered her, but thankfully the town lord sent a few guards to the village to avoid trouble. Her presence benefits the town too, and unless it''s the King or the Emperor he won''t let anyone take Eli away. Although he had offered her to move into town with her grandma, she refused so she had stayed there all this time. A king from a small kingdom even went to travel for weeks to visit her incognito just to cure his disease and reward her with 1 platinum coin for it.

    Eli has in fact become one of the big names in the human continent and her mushroom hat is her trademark. Although a lot of people wonder why she wears something so goofy but no one comments on it.

    Eli easily used her AOE healing to heal everyone. Everyone realised they haven''t asked her to heal them yet but she already did and so they still had to open their wallets to pay.

    More and more people flock to her as she uses magic crystals to recharge her soul gem and heal them.

    After some time, everyone nearby seems to be healed so she and the party decides to move to different area of the town.

    They eventually come into a residential area at the far end of the town. The buildings are low so they aren''t damaged much and no one is injured much except a few scratches. Wain thoughts wandered for a while, wondering if Akasha is fine. Even if he doesn''t want anything to do with her, she still carried his child although he hates to admit it. It''s his biggest sin, and his biggest secret. Right. He shouldn''t care... He said to himself in his head.

    But she''s nowhere to be seen. He assumes she''s fine and won''t put any care into it anymore.

    Eli healed everyone that was injured that she came in contact with as they walked around the whole town while asking for copper coins or a magic crystal. The party wants to ask her to stop being so embarrassing as she had the title of Saint but they had to keep quiet.

    But suddenly a soldier hurriedly went to Fay to tell him that...

    The emperor wants to see him.

    Everyone had their mouths open hearing it, while Fay the main subject almost faint.