ã€ŠDragon Harem Bulletblade Kingã€‹


 1-Royal Road!

    It was one day after school, he was sick and lonely and tired and he stumbled into his room and sat down about to give up for the day. He looked to his clock, his bag full of homework, and wanted to cry. He looked through his porn folder on his computer warily, bored. Usually, he had ''that'' activity after school, but not today. If only, if only he didn''t have to play this impossible game anymore, an endless game of cat and mouse boredom and excitement chase. He prayed to god, mocking himself as he did. God''s don''t exist.

    "Anything, just, anything to get me out of this mess!"

    "Anything?" Said a god that appeared from under his chair.

    "Jesus! What the hell," the main character said as he backed away.

    The god righted himself in the air and gave a smile.

    "Oh, don''t mind me. I''m going to make you a hero. Transport you to another world, give you super powered abilities, you''d like that, huh! Little cliche, but it''s an enjoyable story, how about having some fun?"

    "Um, who are you?" He said as he backed away, the god floating up with a sparkling robe right in our main character''s face. He backed away, again.

    "I''m a god. Want to fight about it? Or just get your wish granted?" Smugged the god.

    "No, actually can you-" just leave, he wanted to say.

    "Too bad. Off to Etheria you go! By the way, Royal Road Legends, if you get to the top rank, I will grant you everything you desire!"

    The main character disappeared into a vortex, his life forfeit to another world. He was floating through the ether. Royal Road? Whats that?

    He fell onto a goblin, which exploded. It''s unfortunate, that was a goblin prince who has a country class weapon on him, his spirit broken he''s wandering as an adventurer seeking a living taking down strong monsters. If only this didn''t happen, Ralphos might have lived out his life staying away from wars and politics. But no, he is goblin chunks now.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "What..."

    He got up, green blood all over himself and saw a girl with cat ears looking at him in shock.

    "R-ralphos!", she cried and went to the main character standing in goblin goo. She was in rapt shock when the main character heard a voice in his head.

    "Oh, you need powers right? Best on royal road huh, that''s impossible! Dance for a little, though, such is the life of you mortals! Now! How about you''re a dragon? Nah, I''ll just give you dragon powers, no one wants to actually be a dragon right? Maybe I''ll make ''that'' part a dragon for fun."

    "Oh, no...", the main character said in dread as goblin meat cuts fell off of him. He stared into the shocked white haired catgirls emerald eyes, she looked like reality was far away from her.

    He felt a ray of light and the goblin''s corpse disappeared while he turned into a goblin.

    He looked at his hands in shock. Then the catgirl looking at him eyes came back into focus. She made a stuttering noise.

    "Oh. Uh, Ralphos. Guess you''re fine. You had me worried there, exploding like that! I thought you died in some horrible way! Out of nowhere," she muttered. Her sole reason for living almost lost, a mysterious process of thinking fostered itself in her mind.

    "No uh," the main character tried to explain it away. There was a more important question, he had to ask to keep his wits about him. This wasn''t going well at all, he wanted to yell but he was too polite and unassuming for such a thing.

    "Catgirl, person. What''s Royal Road Legends?" He staggered that line out.

    "Ralphos, did you hit your head? I''m glad you''re alive, maybe I hit my head earlier..." she trailed off her light voice. "Come on let''s go, we''ve got to defeat that Shadow Demon you know? Good thing we have your bulletblade!"

    Ralphos''s body containing the main character searched himself. Bulletblade? I had to see that! At least let me see that!

    Time froze the world going a pleasant and trendy grayscale. Ralphos felt his new goblin body and felt something like ''that'' down ''there''. Oh, dear, am I going mad?

    "What!" Ralphos complained mentally as he felt energy flow into him in the frozen time. I see, so''that''- he didn''t want to say it out loud no matter what.

    He followed after the catgirl''s tail which made turns, her white shoulder length hair blowing in the breeze. She seemed rigid, but he had nothing but turmoil in his mind as he plodded after her. Chills whispered through the air as he pulled out the weapon by his side.

    "This is..."

 2-Drill (-_-) Bulletblade

    The god enjoyed himself on his mountain of clouds.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t pick him for nothing though, ''Ralphos''. After all, he did ¡®that¡¯. He has ¡®that¡¯ with him too. Also ¡®that¡¯ power I gave him. And Ralphos has ¡®that¡¯ past. At the very least, entertain me for awhile, and struggle¡­¡±

    The god was perched in the heavens laughing, staring down upon a verdant forest. The number of mysteries surrounding both Ralphos, the main character transformed into him, the weapon Ralphos held, and Ralphos''s dragon powers didn''t seem like they would get solved anytime soon.

    The forest, a green similar to the emerald eyes of the catgirl the goblin followed showed the two forms making their way.

    Ralphos the goblin prince with the mind of the main character inside followed the white haired catgirl, watching her tail turn. It didn''t stay still. Ralphos had an interest in it''s constant slow movement, a calm settling in his heart watching it.

    ¡°Um, sorry, I''m having a few brainfarts right now, what¡¯s your name again?¡± He said as his eyes caught her turning white tail. It was a catgirl. His mind became still as water. He wasn¡¯t that useless, he had ¡®that¡¯, his ancient ''magic''. All of his training in ''that'' ''magic'' from his world had led up to this point. It''s acting. Ralphos''s mind sorted the situation and his desires like a stack of papers in a busy office. Life''s not so boring now, is it? Ralphos joked to himself. Maybe this was a little too exciting, though. He twirled the bulletblade he was enjoying, it swung around and jived and wiggled. How amazing.

    The catgirl in the maid outfit turned her head to him. Ralphos behind having too much fun with a dangerous weapon disturbed her, but it''s a normal sight.

    ¡°Be careful with that bulletblade, I keep telling you. Are you still up to this?" she sighed. "Let¡¯s go camp then,¡± she murmured and started to lay out bedrolls and cooking wares near a stream, her white shoulder length hair bobbing with those emerald green eyes. Her ears perked and she felt distress at Ralphos''s behavior. She''d ignore it. She would ignore it.

    Trees thronged in the distance, forming an arena for the coming battle.

    ¡°No seriously, I forgot. You know, I feel bad, a girl like you, and I don¡¯t know your name¡­¡±

    She went red in a line across her face, crossing her shaped nose. Ralphos''s sharp eye spotted it. She likes this goblin guy?

    ¡°Prince, please don¡¯t kid around. It really did look like you died back there,¡± her emerald eyes glazed over as she stopped laying out the blankets, looking into the river.

    He sheathed his spinning bulletblade. He leaned over to her, his goblin face and short stature a bad match as he put his arm on her shoulder. The rest would be later.

    ¡°I¡¯m here. I¡¯m sorry, it sounded scary when you told me about me exploding into chunks, but, I¡¯m okay, see? Let¡¯s get some sleep,¡± Ralphos comforted her.

    He pulled away as the catgirl silent started to move again like a wind up doll. Ralphos saw ittoo, on her face. No wonder. She''s like him, playing a role.

    ¡°It¡¯s Juno. Don¡¯t forget again, okay. You dumb prince,¡± she snapped, but she was wearing a white grin.

    Liar. Fooling me, huh? Nice try, catgirl.Juno, a catgirl maid, his catgirl maid. Ralphos assumed it was okay for him to sit back and let her finish as he is her goblin prince. She then got in her bedroll, and Ralphos followed her into that one ignoring his own. He panicked to himself at his own behavior, but his now or never attitude won out in the end.

    ¡°My prince. What are you doing?¡± Juno stared at him suspiciously. He was too close.

    ¡°Pretty girls shouldn¡¯t be left alone, right?¡± He smiled. She quailed, her face crimson and looking away! Direct hit! Or so a normal person would say. His mischief wouldn''t end here. Ralphos shouldn''t be forgiven at this point for exploiting the situation. It''s lucky that the coming interupting battle would end things on a better note between the two of them. A Shadow Demon approached in the distance, crawling through the trees, and Juno is occupied with Ralphos''s behavior at the moment.

    ¡°My prince, please, you¡¯re acting strange. It''s bothering me. Go over to your bedroll. It¡¯s sunset anyways, aren''t you tired?¡±Juno said.

    ¡°You¡¯re calling me prince, and that sounds like I¡¯m the one in charge here.¡±

    ¡°You forgot that!¡± She said. Juno shot up her tail in the air, her white cat ears pulled back in a snarl.

    Ralphos remained unhindered. ''That¡¯ was his strongest skill. A skill from another world, ancient, indecipherable ¡®magic¡¯ that could win any battle in an instant flawlessly and with the least effort possible.

    ¡°I was charmed by your marble skin. I forget these things, when I¡¯m enjoying life,¡± he wooed her.

    She blushed again, but her tail and ears were still angry. Her emerald eyes closed to a half moon.

    ¡°Prince... are you really okay?¡±Juno grumbled.

    He pulled out the bulletblade and jived it around merrily.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine! Would I be able to do this?¡± He attempted to surprise her with his inexistent skill. The bulletblade wasn¡¯t any old weapon, thanks to his ¡®magic¡¯(acting) he could operate such a majestic device. By faking and hoping it didn''t chop his head off. Sweat puddled his soul.

    It whirred and zipped, sprang and slathered the air. She was looking on, her guard lowered a little seeing it fly and whip around.

    ¡°Well, you always play with it like that. Please stop. You¡¯re scaring me! Put it away!¡± She complained, her face in a pout.

    The bulletblade was sheathed away with a whirl. Good thing, if it was for another instant, he would have cut his head off. His ¡®magic¡¯ had such limits. Such a dangerous tool.

    ¡°I¡¯ll remember that. This time. Now, come to bed, I want to show you my ¡®that¡¯-¡±

    Trees exploded to the north and a newly made wood chip mist flew out into the wind with a stentorian roar. A being comprised of pooled blackness with a humpback and a humanoid shape there stood framed against the sunset light. It''s dark hand hanging onto a crumpled tree. Horns far longer than it¡¯s body raked into the sky. White pools formed it''s eyes, and it stared at the catgirl and goblin with appraisal.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°Prince, you distracted me again!¡± She turned her tail as she went for her backpack and pulled out a huge battle drill she wielded with both hands. The drill ruby red, the heft of the weapon and tool pressed against her slim hip and maid outfit. Juno pressed a red spinner trigger and gave the drillbit a whirl as it ringed out a droning noise.

    ¡°You can handle this, right?¡± Yawned Ralphos as he laid down. That was the character he was playing. He inwardly felt a tinge of regret, the sensitive, loving, caring soul that our main character is, sometimes. He wasn''t combat ready at all! Leave this to a pro. The covers went over his head.

    ¡°Ralphos! Please! It¡¯s a Shadow Demon, you love killing Shadow Demons!¡±

    "It''s a bad day for me," Ralphos said.

    The shadow demon was observing them, his white pool eyes unblinking. Juno stared at him. Both of them expectant.

    ¡°Oh god, damn it. Fine,¡± he grumbled as he lifted his body up weary. He didn''t feel up to this at all. The Shadow Demon started charging with his long horns flailing in the wind pressing up into the sunset sky.

    A battle? This is too much pressure, you''re killing my stage time here!

    ¡°Stay back, okay, um, honey?¡±, he said as a tacit apology for earlier. He inwardly felt a tinge of regret, the angry, mischevious, lout that our main character is, sometimes. He¡¯s not the type to stick to one thing so easily, it¡¯s always that way with types like him.

    Actors. His ancient ''magic'', acting. As a person he''s not too much but a ball of desires and insecurities, a lack of identity is common to actors. They seek a role in the word, they play as if they were others. And now, his role is-

    ¡°Stand back? Oh, you must not feel like you can handle ¡®that¡¯ properly then,¡± Juno said as she gave him furtive looks as she retreated.

    He stepped forward grumbling trying to balance his new body with the memories he had walking here through the forest, giving the Shadow Beast a lazy eye. It was charging right upon him and then he whipped it out.

    Bulletblade, the pinnacle of all bullets and blades. Half bullet, half blade. Made by a mad cat magician. A retractable small strong cable tied to a blade that shot out like a bullet, and that wasn¡¯t all. Ralphos didn¡¯t know about the Drives yet. How sad.

    ¡°I should be able to at least hit it once¡­¡±, he growled as the Demon loomed over him, his shrouded hand at his waist.

    ¡°Hit him! Hit him now!¡±, Juno yelled, holding her drill and clicking the spinner trigger with a nervous tick.

    ¡°I got it, I got it. You look like a cockroach!¡± He whipped out the bulletblade and spun the trigger around with the grip. Ralphos figured out that much, pointy blade end goes out, into the head!

    The Shadow Demon wasn¡¯t dead. It slapped with a whip-like arm and Ralphos spun into the river, his bulletblade retracting all speed with his flying body.

    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Juno shoutedas she ran, stopping at the water. She shivered, hair standing up all over her body, a moment passed as she jumped in hearing the roar of the Shadow Demon behind her. She swam but was surprised to see Ralphos swimming himself.

    ¡°What the-!¡± Juno grabbed him and pulled to the other bank, the river grumbling over the rocks had carried them some distance away. Juno learned to swim for a unfortunate reason, a long time ago, but it saved them both then. River carried them a distance, Juno flopped the dazed Ralphos onto the shore and pulled herself there too. Away from them, the Shadow Demon waved it''s massive long horns into the sky and sniffed, then galloped after them on it''s hind legs.

    Ralphos sputtered out what he had taken in a panic while flying through the water. Juno shivered. She didn''t like water.

    ¡°What was that? How do I kill it?¡± He said making sure his bulletblade was near and retracted.

    Juno sighed wet and miserable and shaking too. She wasn¡¯t in a state where she believed she could fight. Juno dropped her drill and grabbed his head on the cheeks with both hands and stared him down with shining emerald eyes.

    ¡°Cut it up! Use the bulletblade like you always do!¡± Juno cried. Tears pooled at the corner of her eyes.

    He looked away from her eyes to her drill. Time to improvise.

    ¡°Too boring,¡± he said to her.

    That drill and his bulletblade in each hand he ran to meet the Shadow Demon, crossing the river in a bound leaving Juno behind.

    ¡°Nice speed, couldn¡¯t beat this at track. What I¡¯m missing in looks and in height¡­¡± he slid under the hind legs the Shadow Demon following his small body with its gaze. He stopped under the legs, and braced his legs under himself, ready to pounce up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make up with ingenuity!¡±

    He faced the bulletblade and the drill pointed out at legs each their own and pushed with all his might, uncoiling his legs in a single burst and clicking both triggers. His arm strength was great enough to hold the drill against the repelling mass of black as the Shadow Demon roared. The bulletblade clicked back into place again and again, he had no idea how to use it any better so he clicked the trigger again and again. The blade made a constant cycle back and forth between the hilt and the Shadow Demon''s leg. Large chunks burst off as the bulletblade severed the leg. It fell fast so Ralphos put all his weight and strength into the drill leaning into the other leg.

    ¡°Burst through," he prayed holding fast still the air and losing to gravity. Falling back from the almost severed leg the shadow flesh repelling him as he switched to his bulletblade and fired.

    The leg cut. The shadow demon above him was screeching and falling, as Ralphos hit the ground he dashed out from under the falling beast and doubled back.

    In a moment of indecision, he stared at his options and went for the best one. He pulled the drill close and sheathed the bulletblade. Grabbed the drill with his other hand, readying it for action.

    ¡°Boring! Boring!¡± He cackled as he hit the spinner trigger pumping gas and lunged forward into the Shadow Demon prone on his back.

    Little pieces of shadow spun off with the drills whine as Ralphos marched forward through the beast drilling it. The demon''s body was shaking and sputtering with the force of the impacts and wiggles of the drill. The roaring dying down more and more as he stepped forwards. He marched until the drill that was the only sound that could be heard, the demon''s body in two.

    ¡°This good enough?!¡± He yelled to check with Juno. Couldn¡¯t be too careful, Shadow Demons, you know how that is.

    She gave him a pitiful look, holding herself and shivering on the other shore.

    ¡°Yeah. Yeah it¡¯s dead.¡± She said shaking, still cold. She changed her look to sharp. What happened? She was having dark thoughts, her eyes getting as wet as her. Did that really, was ''that'' real? What happened earlier? Is this Ralphos still Ralphos?

    Ralphos casually tossed the drill aside suddenly realizing as it was in the air that it was probably treasured. He cringed as it crashed, and picked up a bedroll and bounded to the other shore. The other bedroll dipped in Shadow Demon corpse, he had only one option. What a shame. She looked cold.

    ¡°Hey, sorry about the drill. I forgot myself for a second,¡± Ralphos spoke to her.

    ¡°More than for just a second¡­¡± Juno muttered her tail turning around her body. Her ears were flat, her eyes defiant.

    ¡°What was that? Here, get under this with me you look cold.¡±

    Panicking as he tossed the bedroll on the ground and grabbing her body shoving her under the covers before sliding in himself.

    Looking at Ralphos the catgirl is wide eyed and freezing, Ralphos hugging her close went to sleep with her in his arms.

    She looked up at him, feeling the heat of his slightly smaller body and surprised at what was poking her.

    She groaned a little, looking at his face. Then she put on a placid smile, and hugged him back. The act was over. No need to pretend if he''s not Ralphos, is there?

    ¡°Who cares, that was fun. Ralphos, what happened to you?¡±

    Her eyes darkened. ''Just for tonight, okay?'' She wanted to say that as she fell asleep.

 3-Brokebullet Mountain

    -

    Ralphos had cleared up the misunderstanding about his identity after much back and forth, and they were on the road traveling out of the forest. He sniffed the pine trees, enjoying the scent and the rushing water as his mind settled and sorted. Arms crossed behind his head, he decided that he needed to get to know Juno better somehow. They had almost killed each other that morning. A mountain was obliterated in the background, and chunks of it were layered across the landscape.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, my prince gone, no wonder you were acting so strange,¡± complained Juno.

    He had an in, finally!

    ¡°You don¡¯t look bothered by it, Juno. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I see no reason to keep it from you, changed as you have, even looking like a human now.¡±

    She stared at him, the goblin form was disappearing, his body a strange half-breed of goblin and human with little bumps on his shoulder-blades.

    ¡°With ¡®that¡¯ thing I felt last night, I wasn¡¯t surprised...sorry about almost killing you. After I woke up, everything came to a head...¡±

    ¡°No problem. After all, I did the same. That¡¯s how you make friends right? Shame about that mountain¡­¡±, Ralphos groaned,¡±so Ralphos, this goblin guy, was your prince?¡±

    ¡°Yes. My Cat Kingdom of the Caves, my exiled noble family. It¡¯s all difficult to talk about for me. I¡¯m just glad I don¡¯t have to serve my prince anymore, though I worry for my future with a strange person like you. What should I call you?¡±

    ¡°Ralphos sounds good. Judging by ¡®that¡¯ down there and what I looked like from the stream, I¡¯m about to go crazy and I¡¯m not sure my already fragile identity can handle it,¡± he chuckled.

    ¡°So strange. You must have been lying then, yesterday, after old princeRalphos died. Another world, huh. I spent so much time serving Ralphos and surviving something as fantastical as that is endearing. I¡¯d like to go¡­¡±, Juno sighed, her tail and ears falling.

    The breeze about them chilled the air. Before them, a long trail. Juno told him about the town, the money they were going to get for slaying the Shadow Demon, and about how Ralphos was the exiled prince of a goblin kingdom with a handy catgirl maid on an aimless adventure to regain his name and prestige. Ralphos was failing at that and had given up and was content to remain an adventurer.

    ¡°Juno, why didn¡¯t you ditch that prince guy?¡±

    Juno looked down, silently walking a pace behind him both to keep him in sight and to be respectful. She breathed in the cool air, looking out over the plains.

    ¡°Betray my prince? You¡¯re mad. The only thing left to me is honor. Long ago I realized that I would never see my family again, and I was grateful for that.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Ralphos put his hand to his chin. An easy character she¡¯s playing.

    ¡°So you were just sticking to him like glue. Surely you guys must have gotten along well? You gave me some nice looks yesterday¡­¡±

    ¡°Part of the job. I can¡¯t process what happened, still. You do not seem evil, nor do you seem as aggressive as yesterday. Which one are you?¡±

    ¡°Ah, well as I told you, that was an act. I was scared. Something to do, relieved my stress a bit, just glad I didn¡¯t end up dead,¡± Ralphos gave her a smile.

    ¡°But who are you really, inside, then? I have nowhere else to go. If have an ill fate planned for me, then at least tell me so I can resolve myself,¡± Juno countered, her face stern at his back.

    Ralphos stopped and turned, confused.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really got nothing else? I¡¯m not your prince, you know?¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. All I have left is my drill and Ralphos. Even if you¡¯ve replaced him, I don¡¯t intend on leaving. The decision what to do with me is yours.¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­¡±, Ralphos rubbed his head. He had little idea what to do with himself. However, he wasn¡¯t going to stop her if she wanted to stick with him. It was just too much too soon for him, but he couldn¡¯t deny that she was admirable and beautiful. So what if she was a tad dangerous? At least she said she was sorry. Ralphos sighed and turned.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go then. Need to pick up the money. I¡¯ll figure out the rest later. I won¡¯t do anything bad, if you act like you did yesterday. Don¡¯t force yourself, though, that would make me uncomfortable. I can tell when you¡¯re acting,¡± he lied.

    ¡°Act normally around you? Be honest? Okay. I will do that,¡± Juno agreed and her tail and ears perked up.

    Earlier that morning, the mountain Ralphos destroyed after firing a bulletblade ¡®function¡¯ by mistake was in the background. Juno with a stern look, her eyes like a stone as she charged with her drill into Ralphos again and again. She had enough when he woke up with a changed appearance. If it wasn¡¯t for that, she would have let it go and said nothing. Juno was already fed up with his behavior as is, if a bit intrigued. He was interesting, unlike the normal Ralphos who was somber.

    Ralphos was turning aside her drill with the bulletblade, his strange new body creaking as dragon wings spread out from his back. In a panic he was barely able to balance himself, sweating furiously now that he was exhausted. Two fights in a row, and both with a strange body and weapons, his skill with the bulletblade was being tested. The drill pushing into him, he used both hands on the blade pushing it aside. He couldn¡¯t shoot it again or he might kill her. Dancing back and circling as Juno whirled the drill towards his body and face. Ralphos could barely get a breath in, much less talk.

    He caught her charge head on with his blade by luck alone, gritting as he realized if he was off by a fraction he would¡¯ve been drilled. Juno pushed him back, her face stalwart and aloof. After he had realized what had been digging into her all night, he didn¡¯t blame her, much.

    Ralphos caved to the force and went to the ground, scrambling back in pain trying to right himself and control the dragon wings. They popped open, whacking Juno in the face.

    Juno made a chew toy noise as she fell backward onto the ground, both of them breathing hard.

    ¡°Wanna stop?¡±, Ralphos gasped out.

    Juno¡¯s head popped up, half moon eyes staring at him as she breathed.

    ¡°Alright,¡± she said.

    Ralphos caught his breath eyeing her.

    ¡°Wait, what?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll comply,¡± Juno said.

    ¡°No, really? You were trying really hard to kill me, you know!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know about the ¡®functions¡¯. I saw your face when you blew up the mountain. If you fired that bulletblade, even normally, I may have died. I was waiting for you to make a choice,¡± Juno explained, her tail making a turn.

 4-Drive the Revenge Road

    There wasn¡¯t any sunlight passing into the alley. There three shadowed figures, muscles bulging in various poses suited to their character types. One, a knight, stepped light onto Ralphos¡¯s head. Ralphos and Juno were breathing in the dirt of the alley and smelled their blood on the ground. Juno dragged herself up, grunting.

    ¡°For that money you took, at least get Ralphos a healer!¡±, her face tight and a light in her emerald eyes. She wasn¡¯t used to losing with Ralphos around, taking some serious hits and burns her pride hurt more than her body.

    The knight, his cool breath came out with his somber voice as he pushed up ornate glasses. A mysterious light glinted off of them, marble color. He looked down onto the two bodies.

    ¡°Geez, getting cocky. Two lost nobles? Those weapons aren¡¯t normal, that drill is full diamond ruby encrusted, that sword on this strange guy...I¡¯ve never seen it but it¡¯s obsidian dioride at the least. I wanted to leave you alone when I heard you took out a Shadow Demon, but when this strange guy blurted out he blew up a mountain, well, I couldn¡¯t let that go. Nobles. Princes. Kings. Lords. You all make me sick. What sickens me the most¡­¡±

    He lifted his foot. Giving a stable look to the stern faced catgirl, he sighed.

    ¡°Is that I chose to let you monsters run around. At the least, you honor your master. How about it, I kill him, you walk away. Surely, there¡¯s something else you have in life?¡±

    Juno started crying hot tears and looked down, her face tightening as she pounded the ground once. She was surprised that she did that, and the tears got worse.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to add insult to injury. Let it be your punishment for destroying that mountain. No way I¡¯m telling my lord about this, to watch him squirm is one of my only joys left in life. Here, Qurbur, please get a healer,¡± he handed a black man wearing a genie outfit a huge bag of gold like it weighed nothing. Qurbur twirled it aimlessly.

    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ve gotten what I came for. If you¡¯ll excuse me¡­¡± he turned and left them with a saunter his puffy pants fluffing with air.

    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to take them to the church yourself, dear Cruci? Dear me, they look quite a fright, that poor girl. I feel like such a bully!¡±, a british man with a long mustache and perfect aristocratic attire gave him advice.

    ¡°Oh, you never think of others, Brutus. What if my lord hears of this? Catgirl, Qurbur is unreliable when it comes to anything but money. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll bring you some aid. Now, I must get going¡­¡± Cruci the knight turned and left the alley without a beat missed, and Brutus followed close behind. The british man let out a simple light chuckle as they faded into the light, leaving Juno alone with the unconscious Ralphos.

    ¡°If only I knew the old Ralphos better, maybe he would have told me how to use that damn blade. I¡¯m...sorry...I¡¯m sorry!¡±, Juno said shaking, her tail and ears fully flattened.

    Ralphos struggled up, pushing at the ground and shaking.

    ¡°What?! You didn¡¯t move at all, I thought you were-¡±, the catgirl said shocked.

    ¡°Dead? Unconscious? Geez, just playing dead is easy. You don¡¯t have theaters in this world?¡±, Ralphos grunted and threw himself against a wall.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to kill them all. Don¡¯t worry, Juno. My character demands it,¡± he chuckled then coughed a little blood. Juno gave him a sober look, wiping away her tears. Her hair was matted with blood.

    ¡°Let them go. Just because they took the Shadow Demon reward money doesn¡¯t mean anything. You¡¯ll die. You¡¯re not strong enough, you don¡¯t know the ¡®functions¡¯, neither do I¡­¡±

    ¡°Then I learn. There should be someone who can tell me¡­¡± Ralphos stared at the bulletblade lying away from him.

    ¡°People like them, don¡¯t you want to give them a punch in the face? I might end up killing them though, but hey, you beat up a guy and make his girl cry and what¡¯s he to do?¡±, Ralphos spread out his hands to the air wearily, ¡°what a bunch of assholes.¡±

    Juno looked away and pulled herself to him. Ralphos stayed silent as he put his arm around her. It wasn¡¯t in his character to ignore something as obvious as this.

    The healer fixed them up, an old stern man, who looked like this was an everyday thing for him. They gathered their things and were searching the city.

    ¡°I thought I would like this place. Looked so pretty and innocent from the walk up¡­¡±, Ralphos complained.

    There were spires poking into the sky from every building, a beautiful array of colors. Ralphos had asked for the best weaponsmith from the villagers he came across, looking quite frightening with blood all over him but the villagers took no notice of it. They were instead polite. Juno told him about the weapons.

    ¡°Nobles usually sink a lot of money into their weapons. Taxes are quite harsh in most kingdoms due to the recent wars. Anything to get something nicer for themselves, that they could have just taken my drill¡­¡± Juno was hugging her drill.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make them regret going easy on us. You just wait. After this, we¡¯ll find a quest from the guild and get some money, we¡¯ll have to camp outside for a night, but you don¡¯t mind right?¡±, Ralphos said as he patted her back.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±, she whispered. Ralphos caught it, and his more human now face¡¯s corners dropped a bit. He knew that he couldn¡¯t do much else for her now. Save killing some bastards.

    His face screwed up in anger as he looked away.

    Later, they found it. A dwiff, that¡¯s what they called dwarves here. The best in town, a royal capital blacksmith appointed so by the lord. It was lucky, usually a smaller luxury town like Locos wouldn¡¯t have such a high level blacksmith like him. They were lucky too he was drinking, as is usual for him, as they stepped into his eternal sunset colored forge. The Dwiff laying back, his beer emptying into his throat nigh endlessly before getting refilled from a pleasant looking servant girl with a light smile about her.

    ¡°Ah, a catgirl. You¡¯re after my own heart, so sad looking and messy and a pretty one like you! Were I to have an emerald like those eyes I wouldn¡¯t sell it! I never bought into that war, y¡¯know! Catpeople, dwiffs, we can share the underground! That¡¯s why I left, damn Dwiffking. He thinks the whole world belongs to dwiffs, can¡¯t we share? What do you think missy?¡±, Afgar the dwiff launched that rant the moment they stepped inside and went back to draining the beer the moment he stopped.

    Ralphos, ever the sensitive caring soul he was, wanted answers as soon as possible. He placed the bulletblade onto the counter and Afgar¡¯s eyes went wide as his pupils hit it, but he finished drinking anyways. As the girl refilled his beer, he snatched the bulletblade.

    ¡°Ah, no wonder ye came to me. You¡¯re a kind lad. Prince? Lord? Goblin make, but dwiff technology. I¡¯d love to see the crazy bastard that pulled this off,¡± he hit latch and it unlocked the blade. He pulled and took a look inside the handle.

    ¡°Madam, my headlamp if you don¡¯t mind. And a sticker,¡± he cried to the woman.

    She calmly handed him a short thin metal rod and a crystal with a strap tied to it. He slapped on the strap around his head and prodded with the metal rod.

    ¡°Gee. This is some fancy work. You want it repaired? Doesn¡¯t need it, milord,¡± Afgar said.

    ¡°I hit my head, forgot how it works. Can you figure it out? It can destroy a mountain so be careful¡­¡± Ralphos cautioned.

    ¡°Oh, who do you think you¡¯re talking to! Well, the trigger shoots it, that much you got right? Far as I can tell, you gotta operate this latch then control this little stick here,¡± Afgar pointed with a stubby finger to the stick on the inside of the handle, facing outwards.

    ¡°Ah, I couldn¡¯t even get it open without shooting it, no wonder, must have hit that trigger in a panic back then,¡± Ralphos said with his hand on his chin.

    ¡°Eyeglass, thanks,¡± the lady retrieved a tiny crystal and the dwiff eyed the bulletblade handle inside carefully with it stuck between his brow and cheek.

    ¡°Huh. You a prince? Never heard of a goblin half breed prince,¡± Afgar looked at Ralphos.

    ¡°Uh,¡± Ralphos mind sped, ¡°It was a gift. From a prince.¡±

    Afgar eyed him furtively, a grin spreading across his face before returning to examining the handle.

    ¡°Country-class treasure, here. This thing, that prince must be your boyfriend or something. No way he¡¯d let this go, even if he died. Drives. It¡¯s got four of them. What do you call this?¡±, Afgar tapped the blade.

    ¡°Bulletblade,¡± responded the partial dragon half goblin prince with a catgirl maid at his side.

    ¡°No wonder then. It¡¯s got instructions, too small for you to see, the creator made this to last a long time, to be fought over in wars, to save or doom kingdoms. What a wonderful person, dwiff or goblin, whatever he be he¡¯s after my own heart,¡± Afgar sighed and leaned back.

    ¡°Spare me a war, okay kid? I¡¯m too old to do anything but drink and work,¡± he slugged down another beer.

    Ralphos gave him a bemused look and sighed as Afgar continued and showed him the inside of the handle .

    ¡°Drives. See the directions it can go, to the corners of that box inside the handle? one? Bisect. Drive 1. Limit Breaker. Drive 2. Kingdom Crush. Drive 3. Soul Breaker. Drive 4. Want me to explain them?¡±, Afgar had a look on his face like even if Ralphos carried his catgirl princess style and dashed out that he would follow him to the ends of the earth.

    ¡°Ah, well. I¡¯m glad the guy who made this, Xethos, put such a detailed description in here. He probably knew it would change hands, the lovely bastard,¡± Afgar sighed and drank.

    ¡°Xethos¡­¡± whispered Juno, her ears going back and her grin tightening. Ralphos noticed, but stayed quiet.

    ¡°Drive 1 Bisect, point and click it. Auto aims the blade to a target you¡¯re thinking of, intelligent targeting, reads your mind. Just be careful when you click it, not that accurate if you¡¯re thinking of someone else, you hear!¡±

    ¡°Drive 2 Limit Breaker, just pumps your physical and mental ability. ¡®Superhuman¡¯, it says. Good luck with that one. Adds regeneration too, convenient. You won¡¯t get stuck dead if you can hit that, kid.¡±

    ¡°Drive 3 Kingdom Crush. Don¡¯t use that, you bastard. I¡¯m not telling you that one! Don¡¯t ever use it, ever, ever, okay? Even if you find someone to tell you what it does, remember I told you no! Might blow up a mountain with that damn thing, bastard.¡±

    ¡°Drive 4 Soul Breaker. Another one, don¡¯t use it. It¡¯s cruel. If you tap that one¡­¡±

    Afgar leaned back and sighed. He drained the next beer. As he slapped that tankard down, he spoke.

    ¡°You kill someone¡¯s soul, add it to the pile in the blade. There¡¯s a counter in there. You want to know how many it¡¯s got?¡±, Afgar looked at him blank.

    Ralphos stared back, pondering. It¡¯s a test. The way he¡¯s holding the bulletblade, he might steal it right here. Ralphos didn¡¯t expect that option, but the guard he had up now and the change in behavior scared him.

    ¡°I won¡¯t use Drive 4. Drive 3 I already used by accident. Drive 4,¡± he sighed, ¡°that¡¯s too much for me. I don¡¯t want to know the counter number.¡±

    Afgar gave him a bigger grin than before.

    ¡°Good. Damn kid like you with this thing, the world¡¯s your oyster, but, this thing will probably get you killed. I¡¯ll tell no one you came here. Milord¡¯s a dick anyways. You want to run wild? How about giving him a Soul Breaker, if there¡¯s anyone who deserves it, that bastards the one. Unfortunately, this thing runs on souls, see the counter in there?¡±, Afgar showed Ralphos the counter without guard this time.

    ¡°Wow, 3.500? Someone must have used it a lot. That¡¯s not ethical at all, that¡¯s horrible¡­¡± Ralphos mumbled staring at the counter, ¡°what kind of history does this bulletblade have?¡±

    ¡°Beats me. I¡¯d ask the prince you got it from. I can¡¯t tell you how much soul the damn thing will use, but if you run out...well, you hit overload. Don¡¯t do that. Might take your soul as power for the thing, that¡¯s usually how soultaker treasures work. This one though¡­¡±, the dwiff gave the inside a stare.

    ¡°It¡¯ll blow up a country, if you hit overload. Keep a wary eye on that counter. If you run out of souls, just ask around for the biggest assholes you can find, I¡¯m sure you can kill them off horribly and nobody will mind,¡± consulted Afgar.

    ¡°Now, get out. And take that catgirl with you. If there¡¯s anything that can keep you sane with a damn thing like that, it''s a good woman. Seeya honey, hope you like this bastard, you might end up dying for him,¡± Afgar drank.

 5-Fishy Fishman, Satin Saint

    Ralphos sighed, looking at the morning sky with a red hue over the horizon at the camp. They had to hunt and eat a wild creature yesterday, they had no money and planned to sell the corpse in town.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have used Drive 1 Bisect, how am I going to carry all this when it¡¯s in two?¡±, he looked over to the bearbeast and sighed again. He looked at his bulletblade, the curled up catgirl sleeping in the background with her tail wrapped around her.

    ¡°Get her killed, huh. That dwiff, such a cool guy. He let me walk away with this damn thing,¡± he flipped open the hatch and checked inside.

    ¡°Huh. It went up? Better go ask him what¡¯s going on, maybe it¡¯s broken. No way it should go up to ''that'' number when it was only 3,500 before. How strange.¡±

    Juno woke up, stretching, her ears going back. She looked at Ralphos lazily then got to work packing up camp.

    ¡°Hey, Morning, Juno, you ready for today? Have any ideas how we¡¯re going to sell this bear?¡±

    ¡°Geez, you look more human today, am I supposed to get used to that? Ah, ah, the ursine, it¡¯s called ursine here. I told you that yesterday, remember, the ursine, it''s an ursine. Cut it up with a ¡®function¡¯, that¡¯s what the old Ralphos did. We¡¯d walk away with the skins at least. I¡¯m afraid I never tried skinning, but I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Juno muttered sleepily her eyes almost closed and her ears wiggling.

    Ralphos gave it a try himself, after watching her pitiful attempts to rouse herself. The bulletblade used as a skinning knife, a weapon that could probably level a country or castle at least.

    ¡°Drive 3 Kingdom Crush. Ralphos probably found a way to skin with that. I¡¯m confused, how can it take out a mountain and skin a bear too?¡±, he complained as he realized how difficult this was going to be. Tearing the muscle away from the skin, a web of stringy flesh was there. He had to cut that, then circle around the body, then be careful that he didn¡¯t stab through the fur the whole time. He didn¡¯t want to bother making another fuss with Drive 3.

    ¡°Ah, screw it. I¡¯ll just do ¡®that¡¯ later. It¡¯s lazy but I¡¯m hungry,¡± he said to himself as he went to get the remains of last nights bear meat. Juno was drying some organs on a sheet spread with salt off to the side.

    They packed up and went into town. Ralphos had just rapidly used bisect to slash away the meat as best he could, he ended up with a bunch of patches of fur and skin. Maybe they would buy this? He hoped, and they did. It was enough money that they wouldn¡¯t have to camp outside anymore. Ralphos went around, asking about Cruci with Juno, making no attempt to hide that he was coming for him. The villagers had a low opinion about him too:

    ¡°Cruci? You¡¯re asking the wrong person. I don¡¯t want any trouble, but¡­¡±

    ¡°That bastard. Always mumbling how it¡¯s the lord¡¯s fault he did this and that. Why doesn¡¯t he take responsibility himself? I wouldn¡¯t listen to my superior if he told me to kill innocents¡­¡±

    ¡°War, he¡¯s like that because of the war. Young kid, it¡¯s a shame someone so talented like him ended up in Locos. With our crazy lord, it¡¯d be his career as paladin with the Sanctis Sancti or justice. You can guess which one he chose. Can¡¯t wait until a Saint takes him out¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a Saint?¡±, Ralphos asked Juno.

    ¡°Heroes of justice. The Sanctis Santi is a religious order that enforces law and fights demons who aren¡¯t obeying the law. Troublesome demons are everyone¡¯s problem, even in the underworld where I lived. Saints... they heal the sick, offer counsel, are selfless, travel the land bringing justice to all no matter their creed. They are a separate discipline from paladins, Cruci must be a paladin the way they are talking about him, but I doubt we can win. He wasn¡¯t a normal paladin, at the very least he had one skill I heard Saints use, paladins aren¡¯t supposed to be good at Saints special brand of magic¡­¡± Juno trailed off.

    ¡°Do you know any magic? You sound like you really like Saints,¡± Ralphos could tell in her voice.

    ¡°Oh, I wanted to be one. No, growing up, I was terrible at magic, that¡¯s why grandpa gave me¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t need to talk about it. Worst comes to worst, I¡¯ll just Drive 4 him, no problem,¡± Ralphos smiled.

    Then he saw a fishman with an ascott appear out of the crowd in the city. Standing here, his smug face and small dead eyes looked into Ralphos¡¯s soul for an instant, before the fishman made for him. Ralphos felt an instinctual urge to run, but the smug grin on the fishman¡¯s face made it hard for him to take him seriously.

    ¡°Oh. Seems to be a wandering kid and his beautiful attendant. Please excuse me, I had heard you were asking around about Cruci, you are not the only one who despises him. Do you mind if, I, introduce you to someone who can assist you? I heard from Afgar about that weapon, unfortunately it won¡¯t be enough,¡± said the fishman.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Ralphos was on guard immediately, and Juno was salivating.

    ¡°You have a little too much interest in me, you¡¯re fishy, fishman. If this wasn¡¯t in the middle of a town¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d gut me? How violent. No, I have one interest, protecting that girl there,¡± he pointed to Juno, ¡°and any girls you come across. If you want the harem you gather to remain untouched, then I am your greatest ally,¡± the fishman was still smug.

    ¡°Harem? I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± responded the dragon human prince.

    ¡°Just meet a girl with me. She¡¯s right in this building here, that¡¯s all I ask, and a moment to advise Juno,¡± said the fishman.

    Ralphos was wary, but he couldn¡¯t get it out of his mind the thought that he didn¡¯t know how to use the bulletblade well enough. If he were to fight Cruci, and lose, he might die, and so might¡­

    ¡°Fine. Tell me your name, at least.¡±

    ¡°Escribo. Don¡¯t mind it. Now, over here dear Juno, I don¡¯t want Matt to hear us.¡±

    Ralphos¡¯s blood ran cold. He looked over at the fishman and the salivating catgirl walking away, unsure of what to do.

    ¡°Enemies I can¡¯t beat, enemies I know nothing about, a mysterious ally who¡¯s more like a final boss, and strange abilities I can¡¯t control,¡± he thought of his dragon wings and ¡®that¡¯.

    ¡°Ah, this is the worst. Can¡¯t I just beat them up already? Those assholes¡­¡± Ralphos looked to the sky.

    Escribo came back after a while, Juno was munching on a fish with a ecstatic grin her tail swishing.

    ¡°That guy didn¡¯t do anything strange did he Juno?¡±

    ¡°Ah, this guy¡¯s nice. I think out of anybody you¡¯ve met, even me, he¡¯s probably the only one you can trust the most to do what he says he¡¯s going to do. Just, be careful with that girl, okay?¡±, Juno looked worried, and Ralphos face strained as he realized what that meant. Juno told the truth, in a way he didn¡¯t expect. There was a chance that even though things were going well now, he could still mess things up with her. No wonder. A submissive type like her was probably holding a lot of feelings back.

    ¡°Okay, okay, Juno, please stay here. That girl is a little...well, let¡¯s just say that Matt will suffice.¡±

    They walked away together, heading into a church.

    ¡°Stop using my real name, Escribo, it¡¯s uncomfortable,¡± whined Ralphos.

    ¡°Oh, you must excuse me,¡± he patted Ralphos on his shoulder, ¡°love and truth are the only things I care for. For love, I will respect your decision. However, should the time come that you disrespect the women around you too much, I will be there. Do you understand?¡±, Escribo showed him that smug grin.

    ¡°Ah, fine. I don¡¯t want anything to happen to Juno either. Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±

    ¡°See that ravishing blonde, with the golden long hair, light sparkling blue eyes, in the satin tight long nun outfit and those pale shiny white thighhighs with the scandalous silts far too far up her legs? She¡¯s a bit of trouble, I will agree, but she should open up to you, if you don¡¯t lie. Speak the truth, the best and most brutal truth to her, and she¡¯ll fall head over heels for you. Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s not quite the catch, even though her personality is troublesome at times. She¡¯ll be your strongest ally I hope, teach you quite well, unlike what ¡®that¡¯ guy wanted. Be generous with her, won¡¯t you?¡±, advised the fishman.

    ¡°Who¡¯s ¡®that¡¯ guy?¡±, Ralphos said stunned. He would have ran at the sight of a girl like that, he had balls, but not enough to talk to one of those sparkling types. Even theater didn¡¯t give him enough confidence for that! How far out of his depth could she be? He felt his heart sink.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind ¡®him¡¯. Not much you can do about him, or Royal Road for that matter. I suppose you remember the god saying something like that? Pay it no mind. After all, this is more of a ¡®Harem¡¯ story don¡¯t you think? Petty things like revenge and violence, you disgust me. Now then, carry on, little boy,¡± the smug fishman rubbed his back and left.

    Ralphos turned around in a shock but he was gone.

    He steadied himself, looking at the blonde, praying serenely on a bench. Her hands pressed together, her sleeves going up a little too far past the wrist but close to her arms.

    ¡°Ah...this is the hardest part. Maybe I should wait...no! Cruci¡¯s got to get justice somehow, and if I can¡¯t do it, maybe that girl can.¡±

    He walked up, trying not to look at her boobs then giving in. It¡¯s not fair, she¡¯s cheating! How am I supposed to win here! He thought of the shadow demon, his fight against Juno, getting beat up in that alley. If there was ever a time he needed courage, it was now. He approached her, and she made no movement as he closed in and sat next to her silently. She spoke first, her voice clear and calm like a deep pool.

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s you. That fishman, he explained everything. Said it would be rather hard on you to talk to a beautiful girl like me off the bat, what, am I that intimidating?¡±

    She looked at him with those eyes. Ralphos gulped.

    ¡°You know, I get hit on quite a lot. Never by a fishman, never thought they existed. Maybe he¡¯s the only one in this world. Of course, being a Saint, my only love is justice. The fishman told me otherwise. What do you think, Ralphos?¡±

    ¡°Uh, I, want to kill Cruci. Or hurt him. Something. He¡¯s a bad guy. I don¡¯t know about you, but that guy made my catgirl maid cry. I thought I could take him myself, until that Escribo showed up. What did he tell you?¡±, Ralphos replied steadily.

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m Saten. The best girl, he said, I don¡¯t know what that means. You¡¯ve got a country-class weapon that you don¡¯t know how to use? How awful. I¡¯ll have to teach you. As for the people he said you¡¯d have to kill, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t let that happen. However, punishment is in order, that I agree. You have to promise me one thing, one tiny thing, and I¡¯ll make you a veteran in battle and give you the revenge you desire. What do you say?¡±, Saten said.

    ¡°Depends on the thing. I¡¯m not going to bend down just because you¡¯re pretty.¡±

    She laughed, covering her mouth a little with her sleeve.

    ¡°Good, good. If it wasn¡¯t like that, I might just leave you behind and finish this myself. No, that¡¯s not good enough. I¡¯m the only Saint around here, one of the only Saints with a mind to change Locos and put someone else in that lord¡¯s place. How about you?¡±

 6-Training that Fishy god thing

    ¡°Lord? Saten, please, we just met and I have three guys that need to die, if you¡¯ll excuse me¡­¡± Ralphos said, wary.

    ¡°Do you think that catgirl likes you?¡± Saten said that with no inflection.

    Ralphos stopped a moment, he knew the answer but didn¡¯t want to say it. Glancing at Saten, he could tell she wasn¡¯t ordinary even though she was only a little older than him. He had met people in school like her, they looked like they were living in another world.

    ¡°She¡¯s...just sad and lost. I¡¯m not that good at this, but I can tell that much. All the time I spent with her, she was probably holding things in for a long time.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t?¡± She smiled.

    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m not sure. There was things I wanted to do, girls I wanted to talk to, girls like you. Something like a Lord, that¡¯s a little¡­¡± Ralphos trailed off.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not enough, then why not get people to help you? That catgirl, she only has you from what the fishman said. Do you want to leave her alone?¡±

    ¡°Man, you are quite the good church girl, huh. I was a little aggressive when I met her. I thought she would say something, she almost killed me that morning but I don¡¯t think it was related. I...definitely want her.¡± Ralphos admitted it. He wasn¡¯t going to back down now. If there was ever a time to stand up for himself, it was now.

    Saten smiled.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got no chance. She¡¯s only with you because she doesn¡¯t think she has an option, you know¡­¡±, she stood up and walked towards the front of the church.

    Ralphos was going to counter her, but he knew she was right. If anything, she should be far more angry at him for the way he came into this world. But, after all the violence he experienced and the shock from adjusting to a new world, there was one thing he couldn¡¯t let go.

    ¡°Saint, lend me your power. That I may secure my catgirl. The Lordship, revenge, those all pale in comparison!¡± He flourished his bulletblade.

    ¡°Ah, so like a young guy, motivated only by girls. Are you coming after me next? Good luck. I¡¯m not easy, I¡¯ve turned down 100% of both sexes I¡¯ll have you know,¡± Saten sighed, ¡°you¡¯re too perfect for lordship. With that weapon, even the king will have to accept you thanks to how difficult the situation has gotten. I hope you don¡¯t mind spending some time training with me? We can¡¯t have a weak Lord who will lose his weapon. Those three, you¡¯ll need them on your side if you want this to work. Cruci, the respected paladin trainer. Qurbur, the master merchant who only loves money. Brutus, the slyest politician this side of the capital. None of them will go without a fight.¡±

    Ralphos steeled his resolve. He had only one thing in mind.

    It was a few weeks later. Ralphos was enjoying his time with the two far more than he thought, that night in particular. The boy bathed beaten in the bath, catgirl and saint at his sides.

    ¡°You know, guys, I uh mean gals, guys, I¡¯m just going to use guys. At first, I was nervous. Hanging around two girls like you, I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d get to know you so well. And here we are, in the hot springs!¡± Ralphos celebrated briefly stretching his arms to the night sky. The constant fighting against Saten teaming up with Juno had broken his facade and sense of reality. Juno sighed, looking at the bags under Ralphos¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I wish you had that judgement on the first day we met...do you need anything, Ralphos?¡± She was concerned and woozy, by him naked in the water. She was exhausted as well, and was dragged into the water only out of sheer exhaustion. Ralphos put his arm around her with a dumb grin, as he had other arm was around Saten. Saten was in a towel. It was unfortunate.

    ¡°Did I go overboard? Everyone always tells me I go overboard. It¡¯s part of the job though. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t teach you any magic, neither of you have much talent. It¡¯s a shame,¡± Saten said with a smile. She wasn¡¯t taking his arm off. Juno was staring at that arm from the start, confused and unwilling to say anything but her ears were back.

    ¡°Ralphos, did something happen with Saten? I was sure you spent every night near me¡­¡± She finally complained. Ralphos stared at her in surprise. His intuition and common sense was shot from the trauma, so there wasn¡¯t much he could do in the state he was in.

    ¡°Ah, ah, you¡¯re jealous~ I thought you were just sticking around me because you were aimless! Saten! I have my catgirl! Forget the lordship and revenge!¡± Ralphos cheered. Saten gave him her usual light smile.

    ¡°No, save the people and rule as lord, please. You¡¯re easy and fun to bully, after all,¡± she giggled.

    ¡°Hey!¡±, Juno got up out of the water, the heat steaming off of her body. ¡°I knew there was something fishy going on, you¡¯ve messed with his mind somehow! I may not be able to stop your superior magics with my drill, but with my bodily charm I!¡± Juno lost her sense as well. Juno didn¡¯t even want to go in the water, but in sheer exhaustion she had been ushered in anyways. She was purring and rubbing against Ralphos, who was petting her.

    ¡°Huh, catgirls purr. This world, it is awesome. Yes. I shall rule. But not as lord! As king!¡± He shot up, ¡®that¡¯ flailing. His dragon wings spread out, he noticed he finally got them to work but was too tired to care. He pointed to Saten.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°Before that, I must conquer you¡­¡± he said as he flopped into the water headfirst, both of the girls rushing to his side in a panic. They pulled his out in alarm, and Saten made a gesture towards Ralphos¡¯s body.

    ¡°Check him out, if he¡¯s breathing, Juno.¡±

    ¡°Eh~¡± She whined and slid on top of him, accidentally kissing him as she fell forward. She stared at Saten with a sudden alertness about her.

    ¡°You saw nothing.¡± Juno was blushing. Saten rubbed Juno¡¯s head laying chin up on Ralphos¡¯s stomach, in dangerous proximity to ¡®that¡¯. Saten checked his breath as if nothing was amiss.

    ¡°Ah, good. Juno, you did well. Don¡¯t cry again, okay?¡± Saten gave her a compassionate look.

    Juno remembered back to when Saten told her she had no talent with magic. Juno knew it was true from her time with her family, but it brought her to tears anyways.

    ¡°Grandpa¡­¡± Juno whispered her wet tail darting back and forth. Her emerald eyes tightened, and looked up at Saten.

    ¡°He¡¯s mine. This guy! He¡¯s mine. If you want him, you¡¯re number two!¡±, she pointed at Saten in anger.

    ¡°What, you think I want him? I told you already, I¡¯m just doing my job. Any woman seems like it would be fine for this guy, being a Saint is more important to me.¡± Saten smiled.

    ¡°No, I saw you. You looked really happy when you were beating him up, talking to him after you beat him up, healing him after you beat him up, when you hit him with Saint¡¯s Liner High and turned him into a star, I saw it all!¡±

    ¡°Well, he is surprisingly durable. ¡®That¡¯ is nice too. I don¡¯t know, something about him, it¡¯s like he¡¯s a legendary monster or creature from another world.¡±

    ¡°He is from another world¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh. Yeah, that¡¯s right. The fishman said that too. It¡¯s really true?¡± Saten stared at Juno near ¡®that¡¯.

    ¡°He¡¯s...I think he¡¯s a nice guy. Probably. Just a little...he was a little much, that one time. But! He blew up a mountain then and didn¡¯t kill me, so things are even right?¡±, Juno ranted.

    ¡°Right¡­¡± Saten humored her. She remembered back, thinking of her home, the trials she underwent to become a saint. Crucis, one of her admirers she rejected. Becoming a Saint was more important to her than a thing like love. He was a good man once, in love with her and young. If he hadn¡¯t held onto those feelings, would he have turned out this way? She smiled, thinking of the fight to come.

    ¡°You can go if you want to, you know? You don¡¯t have to stick around this guy. I know you don¡¯t have anyone else, but after watching you try that hard, and failing, I wanted something better for you,¡± Saten said. Juno knocked away the hand on her head, grabbed a nearby towel and stood up.

    ¡°You think I¡¯m staying with him for him? The old...Ralphos, the Ralphos now, it doesn¡¯t matter. He¡¯s my home. I¡¯m not letting him go anywhere.¡±

    ¡°Oh! So you can have a face like that. I thought you were a weak girl. I¡¯m sorry. Your appearance is deceiving. If you ever have trouble with him again, I¡¯m here, you know?¡±

    ¡°I trust you about as far as I can kill you. It¡¯s not much right now. Do whatever you want with him, but take him from me, and I¡¯ll¡­¡± Juno stumbled in her mind, trying to think of what she could do.

    ¡°I¡¯ll spread rumors you slept with a dragon!¡± Juno yelled triumphant. Saten only grinned.

    ¡°And what if it¡¯s true?¡±

    Juno went red, her white hair framing that look.

    ¡°Get away from ¡®that¡¯!¡±

    That morning, Ralphos awoke with both of them on top of him naked. In a state between elation, confusion, and an urge to go to the bathroom he just decided to wait it out. He managed for about ten minutes before he shrugged Juno awake. Juno half opened her eyes and moved close to Saten before resting again, her tail turning around her and her ears flattening. Ralphos threw on a robe and take a last look before heading to the toilet.

    After getting dressed with the clothes he had gathered including his long battle jacket, he flipped around the bulletblade. Saten¡¯s combat ability was far beyond theirs, but from what she had told him, she wasn¡¯t considered a normal Saint anyways. ¡®Satin¡¯ sounded like a compliment to him, but according to her it was an insult. Any Saint as young as her wasn¡¯t normal. She was well known for being a tough trainer. Not metering out the justice that people expected of Saint¡¯s. Saten had said that was a necessary lie though. Had they know what she did in the war to earn that Saint title, no one would ever say anything like that about her. Ralphos stared out the window into the city of Locos. Somewhere out there, four of the strongest people in town were about to get hunted down by them.

    ¡°This world, all I¡¯ve got are questions and two babes. I mean, that¡¯s pretty good. Still, she wouldn¡¯t tell me why. It¡¯s probably something sexual. No, if it isn¡¯t something sexual and is actually a tale of her prowess in combat, I¡¯ll be disappointed. Wait, that would mean she wasn¡¯t a virgin though¡­¡± Ralphos pondered the most important question in his mind. In a flash of inspiration, he got on one knee and prayed to the only god he knew that mattered.

    ¡°Oh, Escribo, you smug fishy ascott bearing bastard, tell me the secrets of this girl and how to woo her¡­¡± Ralphos prayed in a reverent tone, his coattails flat against the floor.

    A fish shot in from the sky and smacked him in the face. Juno woke up in an instant and grabbed the fish leaving a note behind. She ran and put on some clothes her tail swirling, not even giving Ralphos a glance.

    Ralphos steadied himself, crawling over to the note in a panic. He unfurled the fishy smelling note.

    ¡°Hello there,

    It seems you¡¯ve asked me the one question I was expecting you to ask. Naturally, I had a fish-o-gram post mailed to you from my dimension to yours in advance were this question to occur. She¡¯s a virgin. Aren¡¯t you glad. As for how to woo her, Juno already knows. Just ask her about Saten. She¡¯ll get jealous, so please be considerate, as best a lout like you can.

    P.S - Have fun with that fight against Cruci. He¡¯s tough. I suggest you skip him entirely, but knowing you you¡¯re about to go off half cocked with your bulletblade again. Just remember that I¡¯m always right.¡±

    Ralphos had stopped reading after he knew the most important part. He sighed.

    ¡°Now, how to tame her. If I think about this seriously, she was just beating me up for a week. But, if I back down here, then what does that say about me?¡±, said Ralphos to himself. He had power now, not like before. He had confidence, He had ¡®that¡¯. He had a smug fishman god thing backing him up. If he couldn¡¯t win with these conditions, when could he win? Ralphos grinned.

    ¡°Cruci, I¡¯ve got better things on my mind than hunting you, the lord, that genie black guy, and that british guy down. But, if it¡¯s for Saten, for Juno¡¯s honor, for my pride¡­¡±

 7-Cruci, Crushed

    Ralphos, Juno, and Saten were equipped and ready to fight later that week. Ralphos had come to his senses a bit, shame burning his heart at his behavior and excitement from what just occurred.

    ¡°Ah, it feels like it wasn¡¯t that long ago I was just bored alone in my room¡­¡± He whispered it to himself. Spending all of his time around the girls was great, but he for some reason felt exhausted.

    ¡°Am I ready for this? This isn¡¯t something I can do without putting everything in. Cruci, that time we fought,¡± he remembered back then, the overbearing presence. How Juno looked. More than anything, that was the only thing pulling him. If it was just him alone, he¡¯d rather avoid the fight, but after having gotten involved with Juno he couldn¡¯t let it go. After getting involved with Saten, he couldn¡¯t let her go either. He felt distaste but couldn¡¯t place it as they reached a stone building. Heading into the sky, there were carvings in the stone and a long staircase leading up a hill.

    Saten was looking worried. She looked to Juno, then up the stairs. The villagers had told them Cruci might be there, training recruits in the hill temple area. There was offices buried into the mountain, little windows peeked out at them from around the paladin stronghold.

    ¡°Juno. I¡¯m sorry but, even taking Ralphos with me might be too much of a handicap. Would you stay here?¡±

    Juno read from her face that this wasn¡¯t a suggestion. She had come to respect her judgement, and nodded. Ralphos turned to Juno and patted her on the head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got this.¡± Ralphos said. Juno didn¡¯t believe him, but kept silent.

    ¡°Remember, follow my lead here, Ralphos. This isn¡¯t my first command,¡± Saten said. Her blue eyes hard. They went up the steps, hoping to catch Cruci in the late stages of training. The sun was setting. The red spilled over the horizon, painting the inside of the open temple, framed through the pillars that stood guard. Cruci was talking to a remaining student, instructing him on his magical shield. It was called an aegis, a standard protective spell for those among the Sanctus Sancti. The paladins and saints, they were separate orders under different masters, but served the same magical system. A failed saint would end up a paladin, like Cruci did.

    Cruci¡¯s eye caught the approaching Ralphos and Saten. He smiled, patted the student on the back, and told him to go get some sleep in the barracks below. He had a hard day. Watching his instructor get taken out would be bad for morale. He adjusted his armor, took off and folded his shiny glasses. Cruci wiped off some dust, ashamed he didn¡¯t have a mirror to check himself out.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting, Saten. What took you?¡± Cruci said.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. You must have heard I was in town. I had no interest in seeing you, only finding a way to end the Lord¡¯s rule. Then I heard the rumors, investigated, and found a grief claimant. He¡¯s quite the character, you know?¡± She gestured to Ralphos, who was wielding the bulletblade.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Cruci was confused.

    Ralphos¡¯s face tightened, and he yelled out.

    ¡°Drive 4, Soul Breaker!¡±

    Cruci made a shield appear, vast and grey with many eyes and bubbling grey goo falling to the ground and evaporating on touch. The aegis. Fearful to behold, the ultimate sign of defense of Saints. Few paladins master it, Cruci had to or he would have died in the war. The bulletblade bounced off, a bit of grey goo staining the blade before disappearing.

    ¡°Saten. Did you train this guy? Even though you¡¯re here to kill me, that¡¯s no reason for you to get sloppy.¡± Cruci was flabbergasted, staring at Ralphos as the bulletblade whirled back to him.

    ¡°Ah, I did. I didn¡¯t know he would do that. He¡¯s rather unpredictable. Ralphos, never call out an attack. Why would you do that¡­¡± Saten said.

    Ralphos balked, then narrowed his eyes as if a veil was being lifted from a beautiful woman in front of him.

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s like that huh¡­¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°Drive 4? What is that, lord-class? Not that I mind, Saten alone is enough for me. I¡¯m disappointed, couldn¡¯t you just come alone?¡± Cruci said. He summoned a wheel above his head, blades of light forming it. He picked one in each hand, flourishing them. A ball of light in the center of that wheel glowed and dimmed. Cruci sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯m...you must think I¡¯m a coward, Saten. That I would give up so easily, even though you must have heard of my exploits and reputation. Was I just chasing you, this whole time? How pathetic. This ends here,¡± Cruci said, ¡°that I wouldn¡¯t take down that bastard Ros myself was a failure. Can you blame me?¡±

    ¡°Ah, well, you...you were really stuck on me, huh?¡± Saten giggled.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°Please be serious. At least when we¡¯re about to fight, for the first and last time¡­¡±

    ¡°No. You think you¡¯re the only one who¡¯s been through a lot? You could have asked for help, Cruci. Didn¡¯t you know I was in town? That I¡¯m the only saint?¡± Saten said.

    ¡°You know about the war. The buildup. You think this country will survive that, if Locos isn¡¯t in tip top shape? Let Ros live. Don¡¯t put your puppet there in charge. He¡¯ll mess things up, even if you¡¯re around you can¡¯t stick around forever!¡±

    ¡°And if I do? What will you do? If he actually makes this better? We don¡¯t have to fight, you know?¡±

    ¡°I...I can¡¯t back down. Your judgement is flawed. Saint or no, the girl I liked or no, I¡¯ll fight. Even if I can¡¯t win. Hey, puppet, introduce yourself!¡±

    Ralphos jumped then regained his aura.

    ¡°Heh, Cruci. Do you remember beating someone up? Or is that just what you do everyday, now?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about. Introduce yourself!¡± Cruci was yelling, his face red.

    ¡°I¡¯m just a passing dragon man. Saten, you think you can handle this alone, or you want some help?¡±

    Saten tightened her hands. A pure light spread over her hands from her sleeves over her wrist. They looked like gloves, glowing, matching her thighhighs. She gestured with one hand, waving Ralphos off.

    ¡°Help. You need battle experience, why do you think I brought you?¡±

    Ralphos readied his bulletblade. The few weeks training weren¡¯t in vain.

    Saten started closing the distance to Cruci at a walking pace.

    ¡°Oh, make sure you keep distance and only support me with ranged attacks. I¡¯ll handle melee¡­¡± She stamped the ground, that leg covered with pure light. It carried her forward, the other leg lighting up as it made contact with the ground. The stone buckled under the force of her steps.

    ¡°I see, you went that route. You never were good at holy swords. Beautiful.¡± Cruci said. He sighed and shot a volley of light swords from the wheel spinning above his head. Saten was able to deflect them with just her hands and a daring spin kick while still closing distance. From the pulsing light orb, a few lasers shot out, and Saten dodged them without calling up her own aegis.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing, huh. I¡¯m afraid, Saten, that I wasn¡¯t only working on ranged attacks.¡± Cruci said.

    Ralphos was rapid firing the bulletblade and used Drive 1. All of the shots were just getting absorbed, but from his experience fighting Saten he knew that the aegis could only withstand so much. Cruci wasn¡¯t budging.

    Cruci¡¯s aegis took a long extended leg kick, a sphere of light appearing around him, dense gold in color. Little decorative writings flowed around it like fish in a fishtank. Saten¡¯s punches and kicks pummeled the shield and sphere, grey goo splattering off from the shield and sparks of light from the sphere around Cruci.

    ¡°I did pull out the swords. I should head on the offensive. Pressure the enemy, dodge attacks, save the aegis for later. But, I wanted to show you. If nothing else, the pride I gained surviving. At least remember that, Saten.¡± He said, admiring her form.

    Saten stopped, sure that he wasn¡¯t going to attack, watching the bulletblade pound on his shield mercilessly from afar.

    ¡°Come on. If you¡¯re not going to give up, give it everything you¡¯ve got. I¡¯m not here just to punish you, after all.¡± Saten said. Her golden hair swayed, her stance strong.

    Cruci weighed his options. In the end, he wasn¡¯t content. He wielded both light swords, dismissed the wheel and ball of light above his head, then attacked. His form was a strong left and right swipe, heading into Saten¡¯s body. Saten blocked every attack with her hands, taking them head on. She gave a few snap punches to his face but they were absorbed into the light sphere.

    Ralphos felt something behind him and turned in a shock.

    ¡°Oh, Juno. Fight¡¯s going fine. Looks like he¡¯s stalling. Saten should have him down if she gets serious.¡±

    ¡°Give me the bulletblade.¡± Juno said. Her face dark, emerald eyes shining framed against her white hair. Her cat ears twitched.

    ¡°What are you going to do? Come on, the fight should be over soon¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not good enough. I¡¯m not going to back down. Not this time. Give me the bulletblade.¡±

    Ralphos was pondering her intent, as the flurry of attacks behind him were growing more fearsome and disruptive. He was more worried about her behavior than Saten.

    ¡°Just, be careful okay? If you get hurt, I¡¯ll be sad. You don¡¯t have to do this.¡± Ralphos said. He handed her the bulletblade handle first. Juno took it and unhinged the latch, set it to Drive 2, and took off. A red aura surrounded her, a strange energy with a menacing feel. She hefted her drill with one hand and stuffed the bulletblade into her sash. Ralphos watched her with joy.

    ¡°Saten! Make way! I¡¯m coming through, straight through!¡± Juno shouted.

    Saten was stepping back without any surprise. Calm, she gestured at Cruci, who was in the midst of a complicated sword movement. Juno snapping her spinner trigger and unhinging the safety, set it to maximum drive, pushing the button. The drill droned on with a massive whine as she lined it up with Cruci who was giving her a dumbstruck stare. Juno was plowing straight into him, the aegis buckling and wobbling in an instant as the drill spun out bits of evaporating grey goo all over the temple. Cracks were starting to form in the aegis shields metal, and it separated apart. The sphere, holding tight, pushing Cruci with it back. He dropped his light swords in a panic and focused on maintaining the aegis. He couldn¡¯t even grunt as an ¡°Oh, my¡± is muttered by Saten. Juno drove straight into him, against the stone wall, out into the air, then falling on top of his sphere while drilling downwards. Sparks of light scattering into the sunset from the sphere as they dug into the street together. Juno on top, she broke through the shield scattering light and dug straight into his armor before letting off the spinner trigger. The ground broke around them, villagers looking on in shock and scattering from them. Juno points the bulletblade she whirls from her waist at Cruci¡¯s head, and held her finger on the blade not the trigger. She watches him silent.

 8-Qurbur Quibble

    Escribo, the smug fishman maybe god thing is drinking. Ralphos the dragon man with the bulletblade is drinking. Ralphos is thinking of the two girls who were with him but were not his, he complains to the fishman. Despite his best behavior and the time he spent with them, he was worried. There is only one man, fishman or not, that can help him. He is lonely in this world this day, even with two beautiful girls so close to him.

    ¡°Escribo¡­¡± Said the dragon man whining. He had done this several times.

    ¡°Yes, yes. I told you before. Open up to them. Juno¡¯s just a little...mad. That¡¯s all. A lot happened. Saten¡¯s with you because of the job, Juno¡¯s with you because of how she is, you¡¯ve got them right where you want them. Don¡¯t underestimate harems, Ralphos.¡± The fishman said, smug.

    Ralphos made a groaning sound and drowned himself again. Juno was giving him the cold shoulder since the Cruci fight, he didn¡¯t know why. Maybe it was ¡®that¡¯ time of the month. He didn¡¯t want to think of it like that though. A thought occurred to him.

    ¡°Do catgirls have ¡®that¡¯?¡±

    ¡°I suppose as the adult I need to answer here. Yes.¡±

    ¡°Oh no...I forgot that existed. Even in another world?¡± He groaned and drowned. ¡°How old are you, anyways?¡±

    ¡°Twenty-one. Eternally.¡± Escribo stated.

    ¡°How many years have you been 21?¡±, Ralphos gave him the evil eye. He drowned himself while doing so.

    ¡°Time, such a silly little thing. You think beings like me worry about such things? Why, I can¡¯t remember the last time I worried. Except, over ¡®her¡¯¡±, Escribo said. He sighed.

    ¡°Out with it, old fishy man. Who¡¯s ¡®her¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Afraid I won¡¯t be telling you. Just accept that I have experience losing out on love. You, you need more time with them. You¡¯re a smart kid, little strange, little dumb, but those girls, all you need is honesty. Why, that Qurbur you¡¯re going after, he¡¯s honest. That bastards after money. Learn something from him,¡± Escribo said.

    Qurbur, a black man with a genie costume and fluffy pants squishing is watching a picture at that moment in his lair. Surrounded by fine things, gold, myrrh, frankincense, incense, anything that sounds like it is made of money. The picture, he is holding fond with a smile on his face. His genie hat flopping about his head, the picture is revealed to be one of a pile of money. Qurbur sighs, he puts the picture down as a knock on the door is heard.

    ¡°Come in, Chanterise,¡± he says out loud. Chanterise his secretary, she¡¯s white, opens the door. The name was given by Qurbur as a fond recollection of his time with his favorite lover, an old lady with a lot of money. She had taken ill.

    ¡°Sir. Cruci is in Lord Ros¡¯s jail. His armor in their possession, his title as a paladin revoked. It was the work of Satin Saint Saten.¡± Chanterise said. Her voice is comparable to an accountant.

    ¡°You do love to keep me in the loop. Such a beautiful woman. Any other details that are amiss?¡±, Qurbur said. Chanterise fidgeted, knowing well that when he says that, she had better tell him the part that she omitted as part of her habit. She never wanted to tell the whole truth, but Qurbur was generous with his time as long as it made him more money.

    ¡°Um, a catgirl with a lord-class drill was seen standing over him in the streets after he was defeated. She had a sword too, witnesses said it looked like obsidian. High quality.¡±

    Qurbur¡¯s smile changed to a sneer. Chanterise made a sound.

    ¡°Sorry. It seems like we¡¯ll have guests soon. Make arrangements for defensive procedures. Thank you, bitch,¡± Qurbur said with an affectionate tinge to his voice. Bitch was a term of endearment for him. Someone like him, a font of confidence and many years of tricky business deals that he had navigated with personal power and clever turns of phrase, was not afraid of any criticism. Qurbur had taken them all on, won, and was vital to the war efforts both past, future, and present. A merchant, a true merchant, gives more than he takes.

    He walks to the window overlooking his riverside warehouse, breathing in deep and closing his eyes before exhaling long and opening them. Qurbur twirled flames in his hand to steady himself, making patterns in the air.

    ¡°A bitch like that one. Saten. If she¡¯s involved with that catgirl, they¡¯ll want me next. The puzzle expands. How I¡¯ve waited for a Saint like that to be my enemy. That one, her past, it¡¯s unfortunate she¡¯ll meet her end here. Or, should I just comply this time? If she¡¯s moving, that one, who doesn¡¯t get involved in such actions...an open hand. That simple. Violence is not necessary. How much will I have to pay to settle this one? Is her grudge and the catgirls the same?¡± Qurbur laughed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made an unfortunate enemy! Yet again¡­¡± A grin settled on his face.

    Qurbur¡¯s battle potential was well tested. However, to bury a Saint especially an infamous type like Satin Saint Saten, would be ridiculous. The political weight was too much, the royal capital would take notice, go to his competitors. He was not worried in the least he would lose in a straight fight. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had run awry of a Saint.

    Ralphos went back to the inn, after wandering the city by himself, trying to get his wings to work.

    ¡°Damn things, I bet there¡¯s all sorts of crazy secrets to how to work these things. Ah, whatever. The durability helped a whole lot. I¡¯ll be able to hang around Saten at least. Lord, huh. This is going to get a bit crazy, huh. I hope Juno talks to me soon¡­¡± Ralphos mumbled as he returned to their room in the inn. Juno was there, giving him a stone look with those emerald eyes. He was uncertain why she hadn¡¯t responded to him since they fought Cruci. It was like she was in a sort of robot mode, and it unnerved him. He had a conversation with Saten that ended with a ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry, okay? We¡¯ll get Qurbur later. He¡¯ll probably just shove money in our faces once we reveal that you¡¯re going to be the new lord, so don¡¯t worry about Juno now.¡±

    Needless to say, he was worried. He opened his mouth to say something, Juno was keeping busy as usual with housework. Even though it was a hotel. Looking at Juno, his heart almost gave out again, but in a burst of courage he approached her from behind. Honesty, Escribo said.

    ¡°You¡¯re worrying me. Are you okay? I¡¯m...uh, I want to get closer to you. When I saw that you came to me for the bulletblade, I was happy, I thought, ¡®hey, maybe we¡¯ll get to know each other, finally¡¯. That was reckless. You¡¯re going to get hurt if you pull that again, talk it over with me or Saten next time, okay? I don¡¯t know why she just let you do that¡­¡±, Ralphos rambled.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Juno froze, hanging some laundry. There was some processing time as his words lingered in the air, then she got back to work.

    ¡°Is that how you¡¯re really like?¡± Juno said.

    ¡°Did I give you the wrong impression? No. I lie a lot. But I¡¯m lost here, in this world too. I don¡¯t know enough about you, I just told the truth. I won¡¯t do it often, maybe. You¡¯ll find out!¡± Ralphos said.

    She made a disappointed noise.

    ¡°Leave me alone. Don¡¯t expect me to explain every little thing to you. You smell like fish.¡±

    Ralphos rubbed his head, relieved and confused, as he left to take another walk. He grumbled to himself something about avoiding her. Saten wouldn¡¯t be back until later, she was a good barrier. He wandered out to the streets, saying to himself something about how he didn¡¯t get it kicking the ground.

    Saten came back later that day, she arranged things with the Sanctus Sancti for the events to come. Brutus would be tomorrow if things went well, she was educating Ralphos for that purpose on politics.

    ¡°He¡¯s doing well, too well. Did I make the right choice? I don¡¯t think he can be worse than Ros, hopefully.¡± Saten had said that to herself, worrying as usual.

    Saten noticed that Ralphos was on edge with a sour look on his face, slumped over a bed with his wings out in another unfortunate accident. The townspeople had spread some unfortunate rumors, but neither of them knew that then.

    ¡°Ready? For Qurbur?¡± Saten said. Ralphos snapped up, he was waiting for this all day, putting down a book.

    ¡°Ah, great. I hope he¡¯s going to fight.¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Can I make him fight?¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°He¡¯s strong. Out of the three, if we had to fight him even I would lose, you know?¡¯

    ¡°Oh, come on. He can¡¯t be that good¡­¡± Ralphos said, trailing his voice off. If Saten said that, it was true. She wasn¡¯t the type to misrepresent facts. Ralphos sighed.

    ¡°Can you help me get these wings back in?¡±

    Juno followed them with her drill, mute. Saten had a light smile on her face, hair blowing in the wind. Ralphos had a scowl. They weren¡¯t able to get the wings back in.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t someone going to say something?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll have to risk it. Without you in front of Qurbur with that bulletblade, he might just kill me, you know?¡±

    ¡°Ahhh, this sucks. Everyone¡¯s looking at me,¡± Ralphos complained.

    ¡°Why am I even a dragon. I never asked for this. For any of this.¡± He sighed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get down before we even talk to him. Qurbur can read your intentions on body language alone. Even with me backing you, and that weapon, you won¡¯t be able to do well if he thinks he can take advantage of you¡­¡± Saten said.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not in character yet. You¡¯ll see, if there¡¯s one thing I got going for me, it¡¯s ¡®that¡¯!¡±

    ¡°You are strangely confident with ¡®that¡¯. Ancient magic from another world, I¡¯m interested. Show me some time, okay?¡±

    Juno pulled on Ralphos¡¯s coat.

    ¡°It¡¯s just ¡®that¡¯ Juno. I¡¯m not going to leave you behind¡­¡± Ralphos trailed off with a pout. Saten smiled.

    Qurbur¡¯s warehouse by the river was silent. The workers had gone home for the day, and Qurbur was leaning against the warehouse door. He had lookouts. If he wanted to, there was a small army of his old pirate friends still hanging around Locos working for the company. Business under Lord Ros was good, but Qurbur was the type who understood that politics is an ever changing landscape. He would have never been able to shift from his old line of work otherwise. He twirled a fireball aimless, walking out to meet them. Destroying the warehouse would cost him far too much.

    ¡°Saten! You¡¯re as beautiful as they say. How about you ditch that guy, let''s spend the evening together? Surely, you don¡¯t think he can beat someone like me?¡±, Qurbur said. He wouldn¡¯t joke at a time like this.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass. My only love is justice, but I don¡¯t think you could take the punishment I deal anyways. It¡¯s unfortunate.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. You haven¡¯t tried me yet. I¡¯ll show you a good time, I swear. You pay though, for dinner.¡± Qurbur said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like it. The man should always pay, you know?¡± Saten said.

    Qurbur¡¯s face stiffened.

    ¡°Who¡¯s the kid with dragon wings?¡±

    Ralphos stepped forward, pulling out his bulletblade with a dramatic flourish.

    ¡°I¡¯m the next lord. Lord Ralphos. Ros¡¯s time is at an end. I enlisted Saten¡¯s aid. This weapon,¡± Ralphos showed off the bulletblade with a dull shine on it, ¡°the royal capital will accept me immediately because of this. You¡¯re going to miss out, after all, you stole from me. Don¡¯t you remember?¡±

    ¡°Huh. Afraid I¡¯ve never seen you before. You¡¯re nuts,¡± Qurbur lied.

    ¡°Well. Then we have nothing to discuss, Qurbore. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s someone else you can get business from, maybe you can move your operation?¡± Ralphos said.

    Qurbur observed him. Confidence, exaggeration, proper conduct. The only thing he was missing was experience. Vital experience. There couldn¡¯t be a better deal for him.

    ¡°What do you want me to do? Why are you here then?¡± Qurbur said. Dodge the blame first, get him to bring it up.

    ¡°Admit you were there, that time you beat me and Juno here up. Then, you¡¯re going to make things easy for me when I take power. I¡¯m generous. I won¡¯t starve you out. Although things got off to a bad start, it doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t be friends, right?¡± Ralphos said. He had his arms wide.

    Qurbur was liking him more and more. He smiled, and a tear, a single tear came to his eye. He thought this kid was dumb and lacked experience, but he was also naive as well as ambitious. Fantastic, he thought. The amount of money he could make, the connections he could bridge even if this guy blew up, Lord Ros didn¡¯t compare. Qurbur smiled, knowing what he had to do next. He made full body contact with the ground, his pants fluffing.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Juno, is it? I made the wrong decision. Sorry for letting them do that to you, bitch-¡±

    ¡°Wait, did you just call her a bitch?¡± Ralphos was more confused than judgemental. He thought Qurbur was the type to watch his words. Qurbur¡¯s head snapped up briefly.

    ¡°Term of endearment. You understand, right? I¡¯m sorry, Juno. I mean nothing out of sorts, a verbal tick of mine. I¡¯m sorry. Hanging out with a paladin and a noble was the wrong decision, they corrupted me! They¡¯re bad people, I was lead astray! I regret everything. I¡¯ll return the money, as soon as I can, plus interest!¡±

    Ralphos looked at Qurbur, sure that he was putting up an act but also sure that given what he knew about him there wasn¡¯t any reason for him to lie. He glanced to Juno, who was zoned out staring off into the distance.

    ¡°Juno, you okay? This guy called you a name, want to beat him up? I¡¯m sure he can take a drill or two,¡± Ralphos asked with a look on his face.

    ¡°Ah, sorry. I wasn¡¯t paying attention, what did he say?¡± Ralphos told her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I didn¡¯t want revenge anyways.¡± Juno said.

    ¡°He¡¯s right there. Just drill him a little? For me?¡± Ralphos implored her. Saten looked excited for some reason.

    ¡°...no,¡± Juno said. It was unexpected for Ralphos. He turned away, starting to wonder if back then that fishman told her something when they talked and he gave her a fish. Along with what Saten said, he remembered what Escribo told him this morning. ¡°Takes time.¡± Just like it would take time to trust Qurbur. He¡¯d ask anyways.

    ¡°Saten, you believe him?¡±

    She was smiling, her blue eyes looking at Qurbur on the ground.

    ¡°He¡¯s lying. It¡¯s just a matter of how much. He¡¯ll turn on you if you don¡¯t watch him. Isn¡¯t that right, Qurbur?¡±

    Qurbur readjusted himself to a cross-legged sitting position, chin resting on his hand.

    ¡°You¡¯re everything they say. Don¡¯t worry. I like him. He¡¯s perfect. You give me a chance, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll make this work out. As long as there¡¯s money, there¡¯s me.¡±

 9-Harem Formation! and Some Smug British Guy

    ¡°Qurbur sounds like he¡¯s going to be trouble. Are you sure about getting Cruci out of jail when I¡¯m lord? That¡¯s...he¡¯s not a nice guy.¡± Ralphos said. They were lounging around the hotel room. Juno was out shopping, Saten was attending her clothes and a few small strange devices. He absent mindedly checked the soul counter inside the bulletblade, confused it went up again.

    ¡°Neither is Qurbur or Brutus. I¡¯ll be able to advise you and provide legal support, but that doesn¡¯t give you right to rule. Without economic stability, a political marriage, and that bulletblade you won¡¯t be able to pass muster with the royal capital. Once I get you into power, I¡¯ll make sure you do nothing wrong, justify your rule to the royal capital, and then...well I haven¡¯t thought that far.¡±

    ¡°Satin describes you. So soft minded.¡± Ralphos said in a light tone. Saten unexpectedly pouted.

    ¡°Don¡¯t use that.¡± She said. Ralphos felt intense joy, that he had found a way past her guard.

    ¡°Satin saten! Satin saten!¡± He said in childish joy and got a punch in the face. She stood over him.

    ¡°That¡¯s just annoying now,¡± she lifted his body up by the neck of his clothes, ¡°don¡¯t- hey!¡±

    ¡®That¡¯ poked her as she straddled him. She blushed and retreated. Ralphos realized he had gone too far, but to apologize now would rescind the territory he had gained. He went back to reading about the history of Locos and the royal capital, the war, and other things that would be vital to his new position. All while thinking about something far more important.

    Later that night, he woke up. Juno was gone. They were heading to Brutus¡¯s place for a meeting tomorrow, Juno had laid out his new clothes. It would be his first negotiation as the new power in town, to keep the transition of power smooth after Lord Ros was killed. They had avoided death so far, but from the tales Saten told him it was clear that there was only one way this could end, Ralphos running away or Ros dying and Ralphos taking his place as lord.

    He stumbled around in his pajamas, looking for the catgirl half hearted. He just wanted to confirm where she was, at the least, before he went back to sleep. Even though they were sleeping together most nights, he still felt distant from her. In a way, it was worse than sleeping alone, almost.

    He saw her under the moon on the roof through a window. Her white hair blowing in the breeze, ears twitching and tail swishing around as she looked at the moon. Ralphos opened the window, and called out to her.

    ¡°Hey. Come back to bed soon. Big day tomorrow.¡± In truth, Ralphos wanted her to come back but he couldn¡¯t say that.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need me for that. Saten can handle that.¡± Juno said.

    Ralphos climbed out onto the roof, losing his balance and his wings popping out before he struggled to sit next to Juno who was still looking away. Catching his breath, he tried to fold in his wings but failed. He cleared his throat, ahem. Ralphos stared at the moon with her.

    ¡°I want you, too. I know it¡¯s greedy of me. You said you don¡¯t have anywhere else to go, but I¡¯m farther from you than Saten. I wish you would...be straight with me. You were straighter when you drilled Cruci.¡±

    Juno laughed. It was the first time Ralphos saw her do that, her eyes twinkled for an instant before she went back to looking at the moon.

    ¡°Why, to use me? As a maid? As a sleeping pillow?¡± Juno said.

    ¡°You are a great sleeping pillow. It¡¯s true. As a maid, you¡¯re failing, maids should smile more. I want you to smile more, but not because of an order.¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°You better not be lying about that last statement. I¡¯ll drill you. Saten, do you like her? More than me?¡±

    Ralphos considered how to proceed at this juncture. Fishman said honesty. He hadn¡¯t steered him wrong yet.

    ¡°I like her more than you, now. Not because she¡¯s prettier, has a better body, and is more confident than you. She talks to me. You haven¡¯t been doing that.¡±

    Juno punched him off the roof, panic set in as she realized what she did and made an amusing string of noises in surprise. Ralphos, however, had his wings out, and was able to glide in sheer brillance in fear to the ground. He shook a bit when he touched down, surprised.

    ¡°Would of been fine thanks to my toughness anyways, Juno!¡±, he yelled up to her. He couldn¡¯t let his progress go to waste here, he had a great fear that if she was guilty over this her behavior would take another foul turn.

    Looking up at her, she was losing balance herself from the roof, and toppled down shouting out. Ralphos put all his strength into a dash, ignoring his wings catching the wind as they pulled them back. Pain shot from them as he slid to catch the catgirl, one of his wings snapping as it hit the ground at an unfortunate angle. He held Juno tight, his face grimacing.

    ¡°Ah! Are you okay?! I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll go get Saten to heal it!¡±, Juno said and scrambled to get away.

    Ralphos didn¡¯t let her move, holding onto her for another reason.

    ¡°Hey. It¡¯s your fault, you make it better.¡± In his pain and racing mind, he ended up spurting that out. He wasn¡¯t angry at her, much. He also knew the implication of Saten hearing about this, which would be more teasing on her part. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    ¡°But¡­I can¡¯t heal!¡± Juno complained.

    ¡°I believe in you!¡± Ralphos said still grimacing.

    Needless to say, ¡®that¡¯ happened. They were lying on the street until morning. Saten found them thanks to complaints from the inn staff who said ¡°your dragon boy is outside cuddling with that catgirl in the street¡±.

    Ralphos and Juno both looked worn out and baggy eyed after washing and dressing for the day¡¯s events. They didn¡¯t have time to sleep. The three of them boarded the arranged carriage in fine clothing. Despite the worry that the lord might find out before they had the chance to take him out, Saten thought it was necessary to make a proper show of power. That was ruined by Ralphos.

    ¡°I¡¯d say, ¡®let¡¯s cancel¡¯, after seeing you two like this, but Brutus wouldn¡¯t listen. He¡¯s the strict type, worthless in battle but adept at politics. There¡¯s a lot you can learn from him Ralphos, without him by your side, everything else will be far more difficult.¡± Saten said.

    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got this. He did beat me up in an alley, all I have to do is threaten him with that,¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t do that. He¡¯ll deny and use it against you, call you a lunatic. You¡¯re just wasting time doing that.¡±

    Ralphos considered his options as he held Juno with one arm. She was blushing a bit in front of Saten, who had her usual smile. His hand on his chin, he devised a plan.

    ¡°Okay. It goes like this¡­¡±

    They enjoyed the long carriage ride to the countryside of Locos, the vast mansion of Brutus stood before them. In there, there was a smug british man with political ties and vast years of experience.

    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t this guy like that fishman? Isn¡¯t that weird?¡± Ralphos recalled the brief look he had before Brutus smashed him with that teakettle he summoned.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange. Maybe because they are both aristocrats?¡± Juno said.

    ¡°Oh, guess that makes sense.¡±

    Ralphos at the head they were lead into the mansion by maids. Juno was admiring their outfits. Ralphos gave her a silent promise that he would get one for her, hoping that they could make a stronger one. It¡¯s no good if it isn¡¯t magical he thought. There were magical armors and weapons like his bulletblade, he wondered if Brutus had a good one stashed away, the pride of his maid collection. He¡¯d ask that first.

    The maid lead them to Brutus, she excused herself with a slight bow and left closing the door.

    ¡°Are you sure that the cat needs to be here?¡± Brutus said.

    Ralphos went to punch him in the face but Saten held him back with a calm smile on her face. Ralphos regained his sanity and dusted himself off muttering to Saten that he was cool.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about my catgirl like that. I want your best magic maid armor as an apology! Or you¡¯re...going to have issues.¡± Ralphos said, assuming his character.

    ¡°How do you know about the magic maid clothing collection I have! Spies? How devious.¡± Brutus sipped some tea he summoned with magic. No tea for you, he muttered under his breath.

    ¡°So you do have magic maid clothing! I knew it! Give me the best one!¡±

    ¡°For this cat? How droll. She is a fine example of her race, noble stock. A cat nonetheless.¡± Brutus sipped. Juno blushed, tugging on Ralphos¡¯s clothing. He muttered a ¡°I know¡± to her. She didn¡¯t want to be the issue, but Ralphos¡¯s plan wasn¡¯t important now that a new goal had arisen.

    ¡°Humans... you prefer humans?¡± Ralphos began. He had a new plan.

    ¡°Yes. Yes of course. Fine examples, like Saten there, impeccable. Short, stocky dwiffs? The demons, who would delude you with illusions? That witch to the north, those people of the flying castle? Nothing compares to humans, maids are reserved for them alone. That you would suggest that I would prefer another race to be maids is ludicrous. Cat people are only decent because they are so similar to humans, and even then only the types like this one, where the ears and tail, the most offensive parts, draw the least attention. Do you not see the usefulness of the white color of this girl¡¯s hair, to hide the inhumane parts about her?¡± Brutus said.

    Ralphos grinned. There were this type, but there was one thing that could turn them. Brutus gave him the ammunition from the start. Saten.

    ¡°A contest then.¡±

    ¡°Contest? You intrigue me, sir, I thought we were here to discuss the matter of your insurrection against the so-called evil Lord Ros to restore peace to this land and secure the lordship for yourself?¡±

    Ralphos pointed at Brutus with a flourish.

    ¡°Ah, yes, but first I need your apology. I need you to consider my point of view first, that catgirls are actually superior to normal human girls. It is you, who has closed your mind and eyes to future that is possible. Just as I will show you the future of Locos, so will I show you the joy of catgirls!¡±

    Brutus gave a chuckle then a disapproving look. He snapped back to his usual smug demeanor.

    ¡°Oh, young people. I remember being that young, so free and stupid and dull. Yes, yes, let¡¯s play your game, after all with a Saint backing you and country-class treasure I don¡¯t have much choice but to honor our new lord.¡±

    He gave a tut tut. Ralphos had him, the combination in his mind forming.

    ¡°Lend me your maids.¡± Ralphos said.

    A few hours later there was a blushing Saten in his strongest maid outfit from his collection with handmade cat ears and a detachable tail equipped in front of Brutus. Brutus was sitting back in his chair, Ralphos beside him doing the same, both had their hands on their chins.

    ¡°Yes, yes, but...mmm, yes.¡± Brutus said, analyzing. Years of maid appreciation, his favorite maid outfit, Saten¡¯s natural beauty and blue eyes with golden hair, her white thighhighs, combined with different shoes particular to Brutus¡¯s tastes that the maids related. Ralphos had the maids add the an addition of sleeves past the wrist to match her usual satin saint outfit. The fake cat ears and tail were golden to match her hair, a small addition to everything Ralphos knew Brutus already liked.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear Saten, to subject a saint to this kind of treatment, and to allow this crazy dragon boy to do so...my manners have flown me. I am ashamed to say it, as I have always been ashamed to admit my...tastes in public. This boy is correct. Ralphos is a genius, unprecedented. If he demonstrates such mastery and attention to detail to something this trivial, to have you and Qurbur at his beck and call, why, I cannot deny this. Although it may only be Saten¡¯s fantastic form working this magic upon me, I cannot deny the charm added by the cat parts. The sum is greater than its parts. I have lost, Ralphos. I will support you in your stupidity and youth.¡±

    ¡°I want the maid outfit. And the cat parts too. Also, tell Juno she¡¯s pretty and apologize.¡± Ralphos said.

    Brutus looked teary eyed, his teeth gritted. He looked to the side and sighed.

    ¡°I cannot deny you. Were I young again, and had such a woman by my side, I would do the same. You have two. This life of yours, so enviable yet so fraught with danger. You do realize what becoming lord means, correct?¡±

    ¡°I have my priorities in line, dear Brutus.¡± Ralphos said.

 10-Bunny and Lord Ros

    Juno didn¡¯t want to leave Ralphos and Saten alone. They spent the night in Brutus¡¯s mansion, and headed out in the morning to secure the lordship.

    ¡°The maid outfits not fitted correctly yet, you¡¯re going to have trouble fighting, you know?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I figured out most of it from the instructions, you can handle the rest, Saten.¡± Juno said. Saten looked away, pensive.

    ¡°Saten?¡±, Ralphos interrupted her.

    ¡°Oh. It¡¯s nothing. Juno, don¡¯t rely on me. I¡¯m strong but if there¡¯s anything I¡¯ve learned on the battlefield, it¡¯s that there¡¯s no excuse for not pulling weight in combat,¡± Saten said serious. Ralphos knew she was like this sometimes, but seeing her like that after the catmaid cosplay was too much. Juno nodded her head, agreeing.

    ¡°Ralphos, you kill Ros. You need to understand yourself what taking control of this town means. Lord Ros¡¯s crimes are unforgivable. Working with pirates, slavery, selling his own citizens off, war profiteering, the list just goes on and on. All the Saints told me I was mad to come here, to try to fix this during the war when this place is such a vital supply line. If you do the same as Ros, I¡¯ll make sure I¡¯ll punish you myself until you get it right. Understand?¡± Saten said. Ralphos nodded.

    He understood from the start that his goals and hers were different, but that wasn¡¯t important. He was prepared to run away if he went too far, carrying Juno under his arm if need be. If he screwed up, that was, until then he had to give him best. The time spent training with her gave him a good estimate of her true offensive power, light for Ralphos. He was sure that was only his dragon enhanced body talking though.

    The guards nodded them in, well aware of what was happening. Saten had made the rounds, seeing a Saint was enough to convince anyone to listen, much less one like Saten. Lord Ros had only one guard left, the mad wizard hired for this specific job. After Cruci was defeated and jailed, there wasn¡¯t a soul who would defend Ros left in the town.

    They walked in unopposed to the throne room, guards silent as they peeled off and left for the day. There would be murder best ignored in that castle. The victor would take the town of Locos.

    Saten pointed to the throne room, looking at Ralphos.

    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate Ros. We don¡¯t know the full extent of his ability. Don¡¯t die, okay? If you really need help, just yell. I can tear through this castle if I want to,¡± Saten said.

    Ralphos got his bulletblade ready, Saten activated her light gloves and Juno readied her drill. They entered the throne room. Inside was a 25 year old man next to a sleepy looking bunny girl. Her ears were drooping in front of her face like hair, a volume of black hair tied loose with a ribbon. She had circular glasses, light glinting off of them hid her purple eyes. She let out a sigh, and the young man laughed. He got out of his chair and flourished a sabre with a long handle in front of himself.

    ¡°Well. I was curious who was making such a mess with the Satin Saint backing them. Dragon boy? Looks like my reign is at an end. How pitiful! I¡¯m afraid that my girl here-¡±, he went for a arm circle to pull in the droopy bunny eared girl but she shot back guarding with her stave, giving him a sly look.

    ¡°Ah, so fast. She¡¯s really good, Saten. If she wins, I think the royal capital will look the other way. What do you say, me versus your dragon boy, you and that catgirl versus my friend here. Let¡¯s make it easy!¡± He laughed.

    Saten gave Ralphos a look, muttering a ¡®no¡¯. Ralphos took that as ¡®it¡¯s his plan so don¡¯t give in¡¯, but the battle started in that instant.

    A massive bunny shot out of the sky through the roof, knocking all of them back. It looked like a giant knit plush toy. The immense pressure and force of the oncoming attacks blew Juno and Ralphos away, Ralphos activated Drive 2 and grabbed Juno¡¯s body and charged the bunny girl.

    Getting closer, the bunny girls eyes went wide. Ralphos was about to say ¡®Drill her, Juno!¡¯ but realized that she was adorable. He couldn¡¯t back down here.

    ¡°Knock her out! She¡¯s too adorable!¡± Yelled Ralphos as he threw Juno headfirst into the bunny girl. Both of them were stunned from a perfect double head hit as fluff scattered into the air, Saten ripping the plush bunny to pieces behind them. Ros made distance during this, heading down a hallway. Ralphos pursued with a red aura, catching him on a open catwalk and yelling out: ¡°Drive 4, Soul Breaker!¡± before he could stop himself. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Standing with a grimace on his face, Ralphos watched as Ros knocked away the auto aiming blade with his sabre, using both hands.

    ¡°Country or lord-class? No wonder. Guess I really will die today, what a shame¡­¡± Ros laughed.

    Ralphos charged him, sheathing the bulletblade.

    ¡°What! This isn¡¯t a normal sab-¡± Ros¡¯s face was tight as Ralphos grabbed the sabre by the blade with one hand, pulling Ros in and punching straight through him with his right arm. The force was insane, a blunt attack causing a wound like a spear. Ralphos wrenched the sabre from Ros¡¯s hands and snapped it with his hands. Wisps of light scattered from the sabre, giving Ralphos a sense of foreboding.

    Lord Ros wasn¡¯t 25 according the history. He was old, according to the history that Ralphos read. Saten didn¡¯t say anything. It was either a test or she missed something. He looked to his bulletblade and aimed at the light.

    ¡°Can¡¯t hurt to be safe¡­¡± Ralphos activated Drive 4 off pure fear. ¡°Soul Breaker¡±, collect the soul of the enemy. Whether that was what he was looking at was a guess. The bulletblade glowed red, the wispy light grew red as if in response. They met, the bulletblade devouring the wispy red and returning to the handle in a flash.

    Ralphos checked the corpse and stabbed it a few times, realizing that he had just killed someone.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know I could be that brutal. Ah, Saten, you¡¯ve taught me so much. I feel like a different person, now.¡± Ralphos sighed over Ros¡¯s corpse.

    ¡°Hope they didn¡¯t kill that bunny girl,¡± Ralphos hoped with all his heart, his eyes shining as he sped back.

    After Ralphos ran after Ros, Saten had a sense of foreboding after ripping through the plush bunny. Tens of them crowded in from the hallways, all different sizes and shapes, charging in towards her as she let out a flurry of melee attacks covering her legs and hands. Her aegis would be a last resort, she stole glances at Juno in between attacks. It would get harder in the future if Juno couldn¡¯t take out a wizard type alone, especially with two lord-class equips. Saten saved her aegis and Saint¡¯s Liner High for the moment she thought Juno couldn¡¯t handle it, while appearing to be overwhelmed.

    Juno whacked away the bunny girls staff, and was trying to take her out with a blow to the head without drilling her. The point was unfortunately facing down into the bunny girl¡¯s face. Seeing a girl her age and listening to what Ralphos said, she had a good idea of what was going to happen if Juno let the bunny girl live. Juno wasn¡¯t jealous, she was just being dutiful. The bunny girl was panicked, holding back the drill with both hands from her face.

    ¡°If I press this spinner trigger, you¡¯ll die. Tell the plush bunnies to get back.¡± Juno gave the bunny a stern look.

    ¡°No, no! I can¡¯t! They run around on their own! I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± the bunny girl started blubbering and apologizing.

    Ralphos charged in stopped dead in front of Juno, taking in the scene. He gave Juno a wave as if dismissing her, but with a smile. Ralphos crouched next to the bunny girl, touching her upper arm light and soft.

    ¡°Hey, hey. Your employer is dead. I think. I¡¯m going to be the new lord, need a job?¡±

    The bunny girl was shocked and teary, but realized what was happening. She shook her head up and down making a noise.

    ¡°Ros wasn¡¯t your dad, cousin, raised you from birth, surrogate father figure, anything like that right? You¡¯re just a mercenary right?¡± Ralphos said, reaching. Juno stared, her emerald eyes a bit cold. Isn¡¯t it chilly? Bunny plush fluff was scattering through the throne room. Ralphos asked about the bunny plushes and got the same answer, only with more trembling.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Juno, let¡¯s finish this up!¡± Ralphos got up and charged, his red aura flashing as he dove into a pack of plush bunnies hitting Drive 1 over and over again.

    Later, the throne room was filled with fluff and Saten was leading off the bunny girl to a room, comforting her.

    ¡°Ros was horrible, he¡¯s really dead? He switched bodies a lot. I was too afraid to leave! I¡¯m unemployable! I¡¯m not lying¡­¡± The bunny girl trembled as Saten ushered her with a smile to a private room for delicate interrogation. The bunny girl was clutching a book, crying.

    Juno gave him a steel look, her ears twitching.

    ¡°Look,¡± Ralphos started, ¡°From now on, if I find girls like her, I have to do it. I have to. It¡¯s necessary. I¡¯m helping people. Saving lives!¡±

    Juno¡¯s tail swirled, her gaze judgemental.

    ¡°Bunny? Bunny girls don¡¯t even exist. She must be a great wizard, she must have corrupted herself with some sort of magic experiment. Not that you knew about that, right?¡±

    Juno said, she smiled. Ralphos smiled back, glad things were okay. Juno was silent, studying his face. He did just kill Lord Ros. What was that about switching bodies the bunny girl said as she was being led away? She got suspicious, realizing only Ralphos would try to pull a bunny girl into the fold soon after murder.

    ¡°Did you hear what that bunny girl said, about switching bodies, Ralphos?¡± Juno said.

    ¡°Oh. I suppose Saten will sort it out. I had a bad feeling, standing over his broken sabre. There was this light strand thing, didn¡¯t look like it was normal. I remembered Ros wasn¡¯t young too, so I got lucky and hit Drive 4. Could¡¯ve been bad, quite bad. If not for my attention to detail.¡± Ralphos said, imitating Brutus a little.

    Juno grabbed his face with both hands, giving him a stare.

    ¡°Don¡¯t change personalities on me again. Losing a goblin prince was bad enough.¡±

    Ralphos¡¯s face softened.

 11-Flying by the seat of my pants

    ¡°Come over here,¡± Saten said with a smile on her face leading Ralphos by his hand to a private room. This was after Juno talked with Saten, and they had a detailed conversation in secret after the bunny girl was locked away.

    Before that, Ralphos explored the castle, wondering how things were going to go, worrying over Saten¡¯s intent in the most pointless way. She was using him. That¡¯s as far as he could gather. He wanted to believe there was more there, but he recalled what he said to the bunny girl and shook his head. Ralphos was far ahead of himself, unsure of the present state of his relations or how the future would shake out. Qurbur, he thought of him. Saten said he was stronger than her. Ralphos tested his strength, breaking off a chunk of the castle before realizing that he was going to have to pay for that. He stuck it back on, hoping he would forget he did that, and walked away.

    No matter how much power he had, there was always going to be someone stronger. All of them couldn¡¯t be bargained with as easily as Qurbur. Juno, Saten, and him would be in trouble from now on, big targets. He thought of the royal capital, the task set ahead of him, the politics and long nights he would have to spend in Brutus¡¯s company to get ready. He didn¡¯t have much time either. He sighed, looking out of the town that was now his. Without Saten, he¡¯d be running around those streets. If he listened to Juno and left town, he wouldn¡¯t be in this position. If he ran at the sight of that fishman, he would never have met Saten. Just chasing after a pretty girl was worth this?

    He thought about that, considering. No, my ridiculous existence here is the only thing that¡¯s wrong. If I ever had a chance to go wild, to get everything I could out of life, it was here, with this bulletblade. He couldn¡¯t leave Juno or Saten alone, now that they gave him the chance. This was his life now, and he wouldn¡¯t stop. Not with that bunny girl either. Ralphos narrowed his eyes, laughing at himself as a grin spread over his face. If I¡¯m wrong for trying to take everything I can, why don¡¯t you come and try to stop me? Keep up with Saten? By the time I¡¯m done, she¡¯ll be the one chasing after me!

    He regretted saying that to himself after thinking it and sought a bed. He was going to have to collect Juno. She found him anyways most nights, but he couldn¡¯t get to sleep without her after Saten¡¯s training.

    That was when he found himself being led into a dark room with moonlight covering the bed by Saten in her thighhighs, revealing just enough for Ralphos to understand her intent here. He moved his free hand to his chin, considering how to handle this before giving up. At this point, he was catching up with her, so there wasn¡¯t much he could do about her movements right now. She sat Ralphos down on a chair near a desk, a vanity with a mirror, and pulled another chair to his side and sat on it. Just from this positioning, Ralphos could tell that she didn¡¯t want to look at him directly but wanted him to be able to look at her through the mirror.

    A strange setup. This must be the custom of this land, he marveled. It wasn¡¯t, but he didn¡¯t know that. It was just Saten being embarrassed about what she was going to do. There was a heat in her chest, a weight in her stomach, a blushed face as she closed in on his ear licking her lips. She trembled. Saten already went far with him, thinking about the attacks she layered onto him during training. She wouldn¡¯t admit it to anyone how she felt about doing that. Her eyes got teary, and she pushed herself to start speaking.

    ¡°You¡¯re only into this lord position, for one thing, right? Me?¡±

    Ralphos giggled, feeling her voice and breath touch his ear, playing along by staring in the mirror.

    ¡°You¡¯re great. I honestly think I would have done this damn thing for you alone, if I thought things would end that way. But, I knew that was wrong. You¡¯re smarter than me, more experienced. So, I took the only route I had left. I¡¯ll take everything I can.¡±

    Ralphos grinned and closed his eyes, feeling her breath in his ear.

    ¡°If you want to use me, watch out. I might end up using you one day, Saten.¡±

    Saten kissed his ear, blushing hard as she wiggled on her chair getting closer to Ralphos enclosing him in her arms.

    ¡°You¡¯re so dense. You¡¯re going to end up dead at this rate, if only there was someone to help you¡­¡±

    Ralphos weighed the options in his mind as to how to respond gave up as he felt her head tip into his.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot I don¡¯t know. But, there¡¯s also a lot I don¡¯t care about. If there¡¯s anything my power can give me, if there¡¯s anything I can do, to keep you two by my side, I¡¯ll do ¡®that¡¯. That¡¯s the reason I¡¯ll do ¡®this¡¯.¡±

    He made to turn to Saten but she straightened his head, forcing him to turn to the mirror.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I almost got you killed. I didn¡¯t notice. Wait for Juno to get here, or she¡¯ll be mad at me.¡±

    ¡°Killed? I must have missed that part, I ripped that lord apart.¡± Ralphos was lost in more than one way. Saten looked at him, breathing hard, and let it drop. Juno charged in and joined them later.

    That morning, Ralphos got up, a naked Saten pulling him back into bed. At the end he wasn¡¯t sure if she was conscious or not. Juno woke up, giving him a stone stare as he petted her head until she went back to sleep. He dressed, and headed out.

    Ralphos was flipping the latch to the bulletblade, the castle empty with a cool breeze blowing. He wandered into the throne room, still full of fluff and torn bunny plushies. He checked briefly to see if Ros¡¯s corpse was still there, collecting the shattered sabre. He clicked open the bulletblade, giving the soul counter a mean look.

    ¡°I¡¯ll check that out today. Need to have Afgar see this sabre anyways¡­¡± He put the sabre in a small pack he brought with him. There was only one task left here, before things got crazy. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°Can I handle that alone? Without Saten?¡± He laughed at himself. After last night, what he said to her, he realized again how much he was relying on her.

    ¡°It¡¯s no good. There won¡¯t be another chance to talk to her alone.¡± He explored the castle, finding a jail in the basement like he thought there would be. The guard addressed him, suspicious glint in his eye.

    ¡°Ah, the dragon boy. Our new lord, no doubt. Here for the girl? Please, keep it down, it¡¯s still morning.¡± He admonished, then sighed.

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m a decent guy. Nothing bad is going to happen, I think. You¡¯ll see¡­¡± Ralphos mumbled as the guard gave him a mocking look. The guard lead him down the hall, Cruci was at his desk writing in his cell. Ralphos walked with the guard to the next block and the guard pointed at the bunny girl, who was huddled with a anime girl pillow in the corner. Ralphos hid his shock, not wanting the guard to get the upper hand here.

    ¡°Do you have a room we could use?¡± Ralphos said to the disapproving glare of the guard.

    ¡°Kids,¡± he muttered as he opened the jail and poked the bunny girl awake, explaining to her what was about to happen. The bunny girl shook a little as the three of them went to a room off to the side, the guard posted himself and urged Ralphos inside.

    ¡°Please, be nice to her. She was shaking all night until she got that pillow, who knows from where. I didn¡¯t have the heart to take it from her.¡± The guard grumbled at Ralphos. Ralphos felt like apologizing before he even did anything, but entered the room anyways. The bunny girl hugging the anime girl pillow the size of her body tight was studying the floor, her glasses drooping along with her ears. The black ears drooped in front of her face, covering those deep purple eyes from an angle. Her black hair was just a volume, puffed out, huge and shiny, gathered in the back by a black ribbon. The bunny girl¡¯s body was obscured by a black robe even hiding her arms in the sleeves, but Ralphos could see ¡®them¡¯ hiding.

    He sat down, wary of her. In the end he was hoping things were going to go well somehow without knowing her situation. All he could do now was live with what he had done.

    ¡°Um, so, I wanted to get to know you better. Saten didn¡¯t do anything to you, did she?¡±

    ¡°No. She¡¯s nice. I only fought a couple Saints before, that was the first one that didn¡¯t go right for me. I was so happy. A Saint that doesn¡¯t go into melee with me right away! It was like a dream¡­¡± The bunny girl mumbled something like that, her eyes on the ground. Ralphos revised his approach.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Ah, Laplas. That catgirl almost forced me to use ¡®that¡¯ spell. I was scared. So, you must not be Lord Ros, this time, finally.¡± Laplas sighed one of her arms retreating from the anime girl pillow to rest on her chest.

    ¡°Yeah, it was close. I figured it out at the last second, barely. What, he can switch bodies or something? I hope I got him dead, actually dead. I¡¯m Ralphos.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Laplas avoided his eyesight. ¡°You killed him? Where¡¯s the sabre? Don¡¯t touch it, whatever you do.¡±

    ¡°I wish I knew that before I broke it with my hand. Just grabbed the thing and torn it in half.¡± Ralphos patted his bag with a smile.

    Laplas frowned, still looking away. ¡°You just broke a sword with your hands? What, are you a Saint too?¡± Ralphos laughed.

    ¡°Ah, no, I¡¯m a dragon. Kind of. It just sort of happened, I¡¯m still confused about it. This world is crazy, or I¡¯m crazy making this world crazy.¡±

    ¡°Huh. Never heard of that. So you¡¯re the new lord? You said something about a job. That¡¯d be great. You killed my last employer, so taking responsibility is important, right?¡± Laplas said, as if she was wishing it was true.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re cute. That¡¯s the only reason I saved you. How¡¯s your magic?¡± Ralphos said.

    Laplas stared at him in the eyes for the first time.

    ¡°You only saved me because I¡¯m cute? It¡¯s like you¡¯re from another world¡­¡±

    ¡°Funny thing about that. I¡¯ll tell you sometime. You can ask Saten or Juno, they know me pretty well, I think. I have a hard time figuring them out though, so I¡¯m flying by the seat of my pants here.¡±

    ¡°Flying, by the seat of your pants?¡± Laplas said, her eyes shining. What did he say? Laplas spoke again.

    ¡°I never heard that expression before. It¡¯s like it¡¯s from another world. What does it mean?¡±

    ¡°Doing whatever I want, deciding as I go.¡±

    ¡°How often do you do this?¡± Laplas¡¯s face lit up in a smile.

    ¡°Uh, been about a month. I went wild on my first day here, so I kind of regretted it. But at least I¡¯m not dead yet, lord, two girls, things are working great.¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°So, what do you want to do with me then? Work under you as a court wizard?¡±

    ¡°No, was thinking girl three, if you pass the tests. I can¡¯t just let anyone in, this is exclusive. I¡¯m royalty, noble, whatever.¡± Laplas burst out in laughter at Ralphos''s comment, hugging her anime girl pillow.

    ¡°Three girls? What are you some playboy?¡± Laplas gave him an amused look.

    ¡°Well, now I am. If you¡¯re not into it, I get it. A certain fishman told me to be honest with girls, I¡¯m just following that advice.¡±

    ¡°Fishman?¡±

    It went on like that for awhile between the two them, recounting Ralphos¡¯s history and how he was from another world. Laplas was surprised to hear of his relationship with Saten, though he spared her the details. He finally asked about Lord Ros, and the question he really wanted to ask from the start.

    ¡°This pillow? Oh, I got it from ¡®a¡¯ girl. ¡®She¡¯ scared me, but I think she¡¯s a nice person. A deity, she¡¯s got at least that much power.¡±

    ¡°Oh, another god? Those are pretty annoying. I¡¯m just glad the one who sent me here is leaving me alone.¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°Uh, Saten and Juno know you¡¯re from another world right?¡±

    Ralphos eyes went wide.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell them. Ah, don¡¯t tell them okay! It¡¯s too late, it¡¯s too late¡­¡± He rubbed his head into the desk between them, holding his head.

    ¡°Let me out of here and give me a room, then?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. I was planning on doing that, or letting you go. You sure you want to stick around? I¡¯ve got to prove legitimacy to the royal capital, I might die, you know?¡± Ralphos felt strange saying ¡®you know?¡¯ like he picked it up from someone he knew. Laplas laughed at him, saying nothing but smiling.

    ¡°I thought girls were confusing on Earth. Is this normal?¡± Ralphos muttered to himself as he wandered the streets of Locos, heading to Afgar¡¯s place. He forgot the way and asked a villager who greeted him with a smile. Juno showed up soon after, following behind him without a word her tail swishing. He gave her a pat on the head to greet her, and took the long route passing near a river, enjoying the breeze. Ralphos stood for awhile, Juno behind him, watching the river flow.

    ¡°You ready for what¡¯s next?¡± Ralphos asked her after awhile.

    ¡°Handle it. You¡¯d better, okay?¡± Juno was boring a hole in Ralphos¡¯s back. He knew she wanted to say something like, ¡°You¡¯re the best! Please don¡¯t leave me alone! I love you, Ralphos!¡± That wasn¡¯t her though. He gave her another pat the head, enjoying her smile and smiling too, before he headed to Afgar¡¯s. They grabbed lunch on the way.

 12-Made Maid

    Afgar the dwiff gave the dragon boy a stink eye as his drained a flagon for an uncounted time. Dragon boy wasn¡¯t paying attention, there had been so much drinking.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take a look at this sabre later. Soul switching, if that stinky lord got his hand on that bastard may still be alive. Give me the chills. I got work to do, though, mysteries can wait.¡± Afgar said.

    ¡°No, a bunny girl told me so,¡± said the dragon boy.

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me. That soul counter, I can¡¯t tell you why that keeps going up. There¡¯s my friend in the royal capital, Arga, she can tell you. Old bat is the only one I know who¡¯s dealt with country-class weapons like that enough to say. Hold off on using it, if you can. Nice work on that lord! Mi¡¯lord!¡± Afgar laughed, sending off the dragon boy and catgirl.

    ¡°Juno, what is it?¡± Ralphos noticed her looking at him, emerald eyes glazed over. He didn¡¯t do anything wrong this time did he? After last night, what could be wrong?

    ¡°Come with me, okay?¡± Juno said. She pulled Ralphos by the hand under a bridge by the riverside they were at earlier. Ralphos didn¡¯t resist, her demeanor serious now.

    ¡°Fine, fine.¡±

    It¡¯s dark under the bridge, Juno checked to see that no one was around, then turned to him, her hands behind her back.

    ¡°You¡¯re like another world to me. Do you remember, when I said I wanted to go to another world?¡± Juno said. Ralphos stayed silent.

    ¡°An exchange. You can¡¯t go to the royal capital with that name. I don¡¯t want to call you Ralphos anymore, either. Ralphos died, a long time ago, you¡¯re not him. I didn¡¯t tell you enough about the goblin prince, about Xethos. I said he ran away, that¡¯s not exactly right. I don¡¯t want to tell you everything, but you¡¯re so clueless sometimes I just want to lead you around,¡± Juno said.

    ¡°Me, clueless? Well, this is another world to me after all...wait, I didn¡¯t tell you that! I¡¯m sorry!¡±

    Juno laughed at him, white hair swaying in the wind.

    ¡°You don¡¯t remember? You told me a little, about the god, ¡®that¡¯, your dragon wings, how could I not know? Maybe Saten beat you up too hard¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh. Good. It¡¯s been busy. I¡¯ve been pushing myself a little hard lately, haven¡¯t I? I can take it, though,¡± Ralphos looked at his hand and felt the dragon strength twitch his fingers.

    ¡°Yeah. Yeah, you can. That makes me really happy. When I watched you get beat up by Saten, when I was looking at you from the ground, you looked immortal. You¡¯re so cool.¡±

    Juno smiled and looked down her eyes closed. Her tail made some swishes, her ears twitched.

    ¡°Then Igot this ¡®thing¡¯ this morning from Escribo. I read it. ¡®He¡¯s not done getting stronger?¡¯ I thought, and my heart was beating so fast. You¡¯re never going to die, are you?¡± Juno said.

    Ralphos¡¯s little gears in his head were clicking and turning. ¡®Don¡¯t leave me¡¯, is that what she wanted to say? She spoke up again, looking him in the eyes, her emerald eyes shining in the dark.

    ¡°I¡¯m not pretty or confident like Saten. I don¡¯t know magic, I got that new maid outfit because of you. I¡¯ll treasure it. I¡¯ll become someone who can stand behind you. You¡¯ve taken everything from me, it hurts. An exchange, I don¡¯t ask for much. Give yourself a new name, and let me serve you, as master and servant. I don¡¯t know if you like that sort of thing, but I read a story once like that. I¡¯ll call you master, my lord. That¡¯s the only thing I¡¯m confident I can do.¡± Juno said, her eyes shaking.

    Ralphos considered it. She was Ralphos¡¯s maid, but she wasn¡¯t his maid. Now that he was a lord- No, forget that nonsense. She wanted to call him master. Ralphos rejoiced. He petted her on the head, smiling, as he made sure to not rustle her ears too much. She¡¯s smiling now. Ralphos spoke to her after pulling his hand away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so worried. I love you. I¡¯m just taking everything I want now. The lordship? Who cares, I wanted Saten. The royal capital? I¡¯m more interested in Laplas. That¡¯s the bunny girl, I hope you can get along with her, she¡¯s...probably not dangerous? Oh well. If you¡¯re fine with someone like me, who¡¯s running after his desires alone, that¡¯s great. You¡¯ll call me master, huh? I like you more like this. Even when you¡¯re playing maid, don¡¯t forget to be straightforward with me.¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°Remember, I can tell when you¡¯re lying,¡± he lied and smiled.

    Juno looked at him, blushing and trembling, before hugging him and kissing him.

    They wandered out from under the bridge after a bit. Juno had a smile like Saten¡¯s on her face, walking a pace behind him, looking dignified. Ralphos felt excited, his heart pounding. Something about that, it felt like he hit something new with her. Was that the real Juno?

    ¡°A new name, huh. Thanks for the book. You said the fishman gave it to you? Wonder how he got this...isn¡¯t it too nice a gift for someone like me?¡± Ralphos looked at the self-help note that looked like it was written just for him. Escribo, what a wonderful guy. Maybe now I can fly with those damn dragon wings, finally.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°Juno, what do you think? Draco? Dracon? D? Drake? D, you can¡¯t have a name that¡¯s one letter, that¡¯s dumb. Maybe I should take something from this world, a name people will recognize.¡± Ralphos rambled.

    ¡°Master, you shouldn¡¯t be so hasty. Consult with Saten and Brutus before deciding.¡± Juno¡¯s tone had changed to a more dignified one. Prideful. Ralphos looked at her, walking calm behind him, eyes lazy, her posture erect.

    ¡°Hehe, you¡¯re good. I agree. I¡¯m not looking forward to seeing those three again.¡± Ralphos sighed.

    ¡°Saten?¡± Juno smiled, she knew he didn¡¯t mean Saten.

    ¡°No, no, the three who beat us up, that we now have to make all friendly with to make the whole ruling the town thing work. I¡¯m going to have a lot of enemies in the royal capital, far beyond my skill level in various disciplines as well. You ready, Juno?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you crush them all,¡± Juno whispered. Ralphos laughed, turning forward with a grin on his face.

    Meanwhile, at the castle, an entire corner tower collapsed a while ago. Ralphos would have seen and heard it if he wasn¡¯t so busy with Juno. The beautiful castle, situated on a plateau in the center of the city surrounded by a redundant moat at it¡¯s bottom was missing one of the towers entirely. Looking out from the inside to the out, Saten was trembling with Laplas beside her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Ralphos, he¡¯ll forgive me for sure, but the tax money, I¡¯ve wasted so much of the economy of Locos for something like this¡­I can¡¯t believe I lost my temper.¡± Saten said.

    Laplas was looking out over the city, a dumb smile on her open mouth, her dropping black ears and tied hair blowing in the wind.

    ¡°Saints are so powerful. To think I almost took these attacks so many times! I would have died, would have died,¡± Laplas said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. When I saw you eating at the table here, I thought something was wrong. Ralphos should have told me he decided to let you go.¡± Saten said. She huffed, blaming everything on him. Laplas put a hand on her shoulder, comforting her. They had just met.

    ¡°When the Saints were hunting me down, they never stopped in my golem¡¯s range. Ah, I love you!¡±

    Saten looked at the bunny girl with the droopy black ears. She had black circles under her purple eyes, spent the night in jail, was holding an anime girl pillow, and looked like this was the first human contact she had in a while. Saten removed her hand off of her shoulder, Laplas¡¯s smile went down as she gained distance. Saten¡¯s guilt counter increased. Saten decided to abandon all action, so she left without a word, leaving Laplas who was staring out over the town in joy by herself.

    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful, the sun, the town! I haven¡¯t seen the outside in ages. Poor Lord Ros, he¡¯ll never enjoy this. Lord Ralphos, huh. I don¡¯t know why, but I want to know more about him. That attitude, like he doesn¡¯t worry about anything, so carefree, I wish I could be more like that¡­¡± Laplas said and sighed, sitting down with her legs hanging over the edge of the destroyed ground floor of the tower. She looked into the moat below, admiring the tower¡¯s fallen remains.

    ¡°Huh, look Juno, a tower is missing. Must have been Saten. Maybe she missed me, what do you think?¡± Ralphos said that as he and Juno were approaching the castle.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem the type, master.¡± Juno said, dignified.

    After the two of them reached the castle, a butler found Ralphos and approached them.

    ¡°Hmph, you prospect yourself as our new lord-¡±

    Juno got in front of Ralphos, who watched her act.

    ¡°Saten told you, huh. Get back to work, the Lord has business. From now on, you will answer to me.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me madame, but who do you think you are? That clothing-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the Lord¡¯s mistress and head maid. The affairs of the house are mine. Do you have any complaint?¡± Juno said. The butler glanced to Ralphos, nodded politely and left.

    They made their way inside, maids scurrying away. Looks like the house wasn¡¯t in order. Juno moved to Ralphos front right.

    ¡°My lord, please excuse me. I will take care of the castle. Do you want me to order repairs for the tower?¡± Juno said.

    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t know too much about finances. Just leave it for now. Thanks, Juno.¡±

    Ralphos made his way to the broken tower, whistling to himself. He wanted to check out the damage. When Saten said ¡®she could tear this place apart¡¯, Ralphos believed her. After taking so many hits and enjoying flight for the first time he knew that a castle or two wasn¡¯t a problem for her.

    ¡°Who needs bombs when you have Saint¡¯s around¡­¡± He pulled out his bulletblade, flipping the latch and looking at the lonely drive 3.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get to you soon enough, Kingdom Crusher. I just don¡¯t have a target, yet, is all. Got to be careful, last time it took out a mountain.¡± He muttered to himself, thinking of names again. Laplas was sitting on the broken floorboards, looking out over Locos. Ralphos made sure to make enough noise so that he wouldn¡¯t scare her before he sat down, and looked out over the town with her in silence. She was holding the anime pillow that he saw her with that morning. They enjoyed the breeze together.

    ¡°Saten blew it up,¡± Laplas said.

    ¡°Figured. Why?¡±

    ¡°She thought I escaped from jail.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I like it. Castles usually have that stuffy quality, don¡¯t you think?¡± Ralphos said. She looked at him with those purple eyes, then broke contact as he looked back.

    ¡°I¡¯m a corrupted wizard. That¡¯s how I got the bunny ears.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a good person.¡±

    ¡°Huh. Me either.¡± Ralphos said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t lie, but I wish I did. I can¡¯t really tell where honesty and lies split apart.¡±

    ¡°I lie whenever I feel like it.¡±

    Laplas eyed him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve killed people. It was horrible.¡±

    ¡°Got one myself the other day. Got thanked for it.¡±

    Laplas sighed, long and steady in the air as her shoulders drooped.

    ¡°Is there any rule you follow?¡± She asked.

    ¡°The seat of the pants thing.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried? Your tower just got destroyed.¡±

    ¡°Got it yesterday, big deal.¡±

    ¡°Think you¡¯re going to be recognized as Lord of Locos at the royal capital?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

    ¡°Seriously. You¡­¡± Laplas sighed.

    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Ralphos said.

    Laplas stared out over the town, her face moody as she hugged the anime pillow.

 12.75~Maid/Stay Night~

    Ralphos and the rest were dining that evening in the room where the castle tower collapsed, enjoying the view of the city. Laplas was in a corner nibbling on a carrot with her anime pillow held close, ignoring the others. Ralphos looked to her and decided she was best left alone. Juno had cleared out the other maids and was standing behind Ralphos, silent and reserved. Ralphos wasn¡¯t sure to do about that either. He had tried to convince her ¡°we¡¯re equals¡± but that didn¡¯t end well. The whole ¡®Maid¡¯ title had backfired in an unexpected way, and he wasn¡¯t sure if it bothered him or he liked her better acting like this. Saten and him were the only ones together eating.

    Saten spoke up, her knife gliding through a beef steak.

    ¡°You¡¯re changing your name? Everyone¡¯s calling you ¡®dragon boy¡¯ anyways, so it might be a good time to decide on something that will work with the Sanctus Sancti and the royal capital¡­¡±

    ¡°Juno said it¡¯s about the goblin prince I got the bulletblade from.¡±

    ¡°Huh. Good catch, Juno, I forgot about that. That could have been a huge problem later, when Escribo told me ¡®yeah he killed a goblin prince and stole his blade that¡¯s how he has it now¡¯ I was shocked.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t kill him! I exploded, into him, from the other world.¡± Ralphos almost spat out his food saying that.

    ¡°Right,¡± Saten said, eating.

    There¡¯s a detailed background about the shining gravy on beef steak that everyone but Laplas and Juno were eating. None of them there knew it, so they enjoyed watching the town lights at night, the stars glittering in the sky. They ate in silence, Ralphos muttering in his mind about this and that but minding his table manners. He was worried about how the girls would think of him, now that he was closer to them he was more worried than before. Another part of him told him to not mind at all, but Ralphos couldn¡¯t do that. Laplas was lying in the corner near the broken opening to the stars, eyes closed and breathing soft with her anime girl pillow close. Ralphos felt it appropriate to broach the topic of his name as dinner came to a close.

    ¡°About the name, what do you think of-¡±

    Ralphos rattled off a few names he brainstormed. Saten hated them all. She said things like:

    ¡°You¡¯re not a dragon. An actual dragon, I mean, you know?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a famous Saint. Sanctus Sancti would hate you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a noble title. I thought you would know that one¡­have you been reading the books I gave you at all?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want people to be afraid of you!¡±

    ¡°Ah, the royal capital lordmaster would love that one, keep it in mind.¡±

    ¡°No. That¡¯s too long.¡±

    ¡°Reminds me of an old friend. Don¡¯t use it!¡±

    ¡°Cute¡­¡±

    Ralphos didn¡¯t like the look on her face after that one. She grabbed him.

    ¡°Up for a swim?¡±

    ¡°Excuse me? There¡¯s no pool around here-¡±

    Ralphos felt himself dragged out of his chair as Saten¡¯s leg and foot made a hard knock on the table top, pushing off of it into the night sky carrying Ralphos along with her. Laplas woke up, watching with idle fascination as Ralphos sped down into the moat surrounding the castle yelling ¡°Why!¡±

    Juno began clearing the plates, as if they left in a normal way. She gave Laplas an analysis. Wondering what to do, she figured she would try what she did in the past. Her time as a maid wasn¡¯t for nothing. She approached, forgetting the dishes for a minute now that Laplas was awake and alone. Ralphos told Juno ¡®treat her well.¡¯Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    ¡°Miss, we haven¡¯t met., is there anything you need?¡±

    Laplas looked at her for a second, her face went red, then she shook her head.

    ¡°I¡¯m Juno. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. I hope to support you here. Ralphos is going to need all the allies he can, I hope you can become one of them.¡±

    Laplas ignored her and closed her eyes. Juno assessed her as harmless for now. She didn¡¯t seem to have agency to do anything, much less rebel. She went to go clean up, stacking the dishes on the serving cart. Juno asked around the castle staff, all of them said some variation of ¡®we saw her sometimes but she ran away¡¯ or ¡®we order a lot of carrots, but the Lord, the old lord, always wanted them delivered right to him.¡¯ It would be trouble for another time.

    Meanwhile, down in the moat, Saten was giggling while torturing Ralphos. He was confused with her behavior, but the whole dragon thing allowed him to shrug it off. She was getting strangely aggressive so he pushed her off. She blushed and then kissed him. Ralphos¡¯s mind lit up and he gave in, Saten¡¯s behavior wasn¡¯t a mystery that needed solving right now.

    Laplas watched the two a hundred feet below her after Juno left. The moonlight covered her like a blanket, and a smile crept to her face.

    ¡°They¡¯re like little kids. That Ralphos, he acts like such an idiot. But I- Heh. I haven¡¯t been an idiot my whole life. Maybe~ It¡¯s time to start. How long can you keep this up, my lord? I want to see.¡±

    Laplas laughed to herself alone.

    It was the next day, Ralphos awoke in a wet bed with Saten. Juno opened the curtains.

    ¡°It¡¯s morning, master.¡± Juno said, her posture strict framed against the light from the window.

    Ralphos stumbled out from under Saten, Juno giving him a disapproving look as she returned with clothing and began dressing him. Ralphos hadn¡¯t seen her do that before, and was surprised at her new level of straight-forward behavior. It was a silent resolution in his mind ¡®this isn¡¯t bad¡¯ but he also thought ¡®something feels wrong¡¯. He spoke to lighten his mood.

    ¡°So, Brutus first thing? Then Cruci and Qurbur will meet me at Brutus¡¯s mansion, and we finalize the strategy over the next week. You ready, Juno?¡±

    ¡°Keep your concern about yourself, master. I told you, I will support you.¡± She bent back and smiled.

    ¡°Did you think my words weren¡¯t real, the other day?¡± Juno said. Her eyes were shining a little.

    Ralphos rubbed his head, confused as to what to do again. Honesty, the fishman said. It worked so far so-

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Juno looked at him in disgust. Then her shock lessened, the thought she had something like ¡®oh yes I forgot he¡¯s like this for a second¡¯.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make a proper lord of you yet.¡± Juno said.

    ¡°I¡¯m no lord, Juno. Never going to be. Get in my way and-¡± Ralphos had no idea how to continue that until a few beats later.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to do what I want. That¡¯s it.¡± He said, grumbling. Juno gave him a sour look her tail turning and ears twitching as she finished dressing him and left. He made for the door, but Ralphos noticed that Juno came back with Saten¡¯s clothes, the white thighhighs over her other arm.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to dress Saten?¡± Ralphos asked.

    ¡°Yes, master. She is your mistress.¡±

    ¡°No uh- I¡¯m watching.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t until later that morning that Saten was giving him a look of disapproval. Ralphos didn¡¯t believe he was wrong, marching ahead in his new castle down to the carriage. He saw Saten¡¯s face, but decided to leave it alone.

    ¡°Is he always going to be like this?¡± Saten said. Juno was smiling at her side.

    ¡°What, because he got the better of you this time?¡±

    ¡°Yeah but that¡¯s- wrong. Seriously, he should respect me a bit more.¡± Saten said as she narrowed her blue eyes at Ralphos¡¯s back.

    ¡°Beat him up a bit harder later, then.¡± Juno said. Saten looked at her smile and sighed.

    ¡°What happened between you two?¡±

    ¡°Nothing~¡±

    ¡°Oh, are you kidding me? Come on.¡± Saten grumbled.

    ¡°Nothing, you know?¡± Juno imitated Saten. All Saten could do then, sure that Juno would take any punishment with that stoic grin, was ignore her.

    ¡°You¡¯re no fun¡­¡± Saten looked down, defeated.

    Laplassaid she''d get there another way, so Ralphos just let her be. How? He wasn''t even sure she would want to come with, but when he talked to her it was an ''okay'' right away.

    The carriage was warm, the seats heated by the sun. They enjoyed each other''s company, making comments back and forth before letting the countryside roll by.

 13-"Ha! Ha! Ha!"

    At Brutus¡¯s mansion, Saten is running away with a young maid on her head, laughing.

    ¡°You can¡¯t call me D! Seriously! D?!¡± Our main character formerly known as Ralphos yelled after her. Half fed up, half hopeless, he turned to Brutus. Brutus, with a smile, invited him with his hands to sit down and have some tea. Brutus summoned a teakettle that floated in the air and poured.

    ¡°Why a teakettle?¡± D said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know about magic, D. You must be joking.¡±

    ¡°No, I know how magic works. Why tea?¡±

    ¡°Why not tea?¡± Brutus said.

    D sighed. If he didn¡¯t want to tell him about ¡®that¡¯ and all the complications, it¡¯s fine. Rather personal question for D to ask anyways, he realized. If he wasn¡¯t at the end of his rope with what Saten decided and what Juno said to him, he would have never have asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand women.¡± D said, more angry than anything else.

    ¡°Oh, to be young again. D, my eccentric genius lord, if you let women have their way, then they will always have their way.¡±

    D looked to Brutus shocked. He had no idea that Brutus might give a serious answer. Was this like what Escribo said? ¡®Be honest,¡¯ got him far. But from Brutus?

    ¡°D, calling yourself D is a stroke of genius. That you have a woman like Saten around you, a Saint no less, to tell you to pursue a course of action you thought was mad and uttered in regret is superb. Just because you let her get her way this time is no reason to give up on the next. Do you understand the value of mystery, D?¡± Brutus said.

    D sighed, gulping the tea he was served.

    ¡°No. The girls around me are mystery enough, give me less mystery!¡±

    Brutus smirked.

    ¡°There are two types of mysteries, would you like to hear them? I assure you, worth your time. Could save your life. Politics, after all, is all about mysteries.¡±

    D couldn¡¯t put down the idea that something Juno said was wrong. Saten, that was her normal setting, he reasoned. ¡®I¡¯ll make you a proper lord.¡¯ The words she said the other day, before they arrived at Brutus¡¯s mansion.

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± D said. Brutus gave a eyebrow lift of approval and continued.

    ¡°Mysteries in two parts. Those you need to solve, and those you enjoy. Which one are those girls?¡±

    ¡°Solve? For one of them.¡±

    ¡°Ah. I didn¡¯t know. It¡¯s not Saten is it? That would be unfortunate.¡±

    D pondered that idea and wished that he would never have an issue with Saten. She could be difficult enough as is, but she wasn¡¯t bothering him thanks to his dragon powers.

    ¡°Juno. She¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to tell me? You are quite unguarded. I can easily turn a knife on your back in the future, just as I left you in that alley.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll rip you apart if you do! Don¡¯t underestimate me, old man.¡±

    Brutus chuckled and sipped more tea.

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t miss Ros one bit. Fiery kid like you reminds me of my youth. Well, I¡¯ll tread carefully then.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me a smile like that! You¡¯re making fun of me, aren¡¯t you¡­¡± D said.

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m giving you the best advice I know. You¡¯d be wise if you chose those whom you can trust and not trust early on, I suggest.¡±

    D knew that was bogus advice. He talked to Afgar about Cruci, Qurbur, and Brutus. One unfortunate night, full of dwiff tales. The serving girl was the only distraction he had back then, an oasis in a desert. He couldn¡¯t let his guard down, the three of them would support him going forward but that didn¡¯t mean loyalty.

    ¡°How loyal are you? Just be honest. I plan to keep you around either way.¡± D said.

    ¡°Such a child, thinking someone trained in politics would tell the truth, especially behind a closed door. To think I complimented you the other day about your eccentricity. You are, I am not mistaken, a genius. But if you think genius is enough, you are wrong!¡± Brutus said, the smile on his face growing wider.

    D was sure he was enjoying this. Maybe in another world, this guy could have been one of those hated teachers who always loved telling his students off. Such a bully. Brutus was right though, D didn¡¯t like that one bit but let it drop. D knew that all of the people around him were talented and knowledgable. The only mistake here would be to ignore what they could teach him.

    ¡°Good point. I wouldn¡¯t be here if I didn¡¯t value your experience. Cruci¡¯s and Qurbur¡¯s too. I have a lot to learn. So tell me, why is D such a good name?¡± D said.

    ¡°Mystery. It¡¯s the type you enjoy. Everyone will think you are a fool. From your level of skill in politics, it¡¯s the best strategy we have.¡±

    ¡°Wait, are you serious?¡± D didn¡¯t see this coming.

    ¡°Your eccentricity and worth in battle is not in question, according to Saten. She said to me, ¡®if you want him to put on a show, I think he can do a fantastic job, you know?¡¯ There aren¡¯t too many Saints like her, I assume she has some modicum of political skill to have attained such a title at a young age. D, the mysterious lord who rose to power with a country-class weapon. Where did he come from? Who is he, really? And he has dragon wings too! How strange. They will laugh. While they are laughing, they might just forget the pains of the war and underestimate you.¡±

    D held his head. He had given up already, listening to him. Being a sideshow wasn¡¯t something he considered. When he heard about the process in the royal capital, how the whole thing was set up, and that it was certain he would be attacked and he just expected a chance to show off. D was reading that dragon book Juno gave him. Letting loose would feel good. D was worried about killing the wrong army though, he¡¯d have to keep it toned down.

    ¡°So how do I use this to my advantage?¡±

    ¡°The royal capital¡¯s lord is the ¡®lordmaster¡¯. He¡¯s the one who calls the lords together. You won¡¯t have to worry until that meeting is over, when the lords meet you at the council and decide to accept you or not. They will fail in denying you because of the weapon alone. Then, they may attack and try to seize your weapon and claim Locos as their territory. Most of them would claim it to sell to the lords in the surroundings of Locos at the least, but that weapon is reason enough alone to target you. If you manage to escape the royal capital, the city who rules over other cities, then you¡¯ll remain our lord!¡± Brutus explained. He took a sip of tea, looking at D who was composed. Brutus continued.

    ¡°Needless to say, I will be on your side in battle. I cannot say the same for Cruci. For Qurbur, it¡¯s which route he thinks will give him the most money. If you have to face him in battle, then I doubt you can win. A country-class weapon would sell for a fortune. In the case that he does fight you, do not expect me to stay loyal. Do you understand?¡±

    D was worried about Qurbur now. Cruci was a pushover, but Qurbur-

    ¡°Yes. And my new name? How do I use that?¡±

    ¡°Let them underestimate you.¡± Brutus laughed and offered D more tea.

    D found Saten resting under a tree in the mansion garden, legs clad in thighhighs folded beneath her. D worried about grass stains. You can¡¯t harm them! You can¡¯t! He put that aside, for now.

    ¡°Are you sure about this? D? My new name, D?¡± D said.

    Saten eased up, looking at him as D sat down against the tree trunk with her.

    ¡°This is the first time you¡¯ve complained. You always go right along with me, you know? Is it really that bad?¡± Saten said.

    D sat down next to her, taking in the air enjoying the smell and sunlight. After taking with Brutus, he was glad to be outside in her company again. He still had that question bothering him from earlier.

    ¡°Whatever. Anyone who would tease me for a stupid name like that is in another world anyways. I didn¡¯t want to ask you, but- the other day, Juno said she would make me a ¡®proper lord¡¯. Do you know what the means?¡±

    ¡°Oh. You don¡¯t know that?¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t talk about her past much.¡±

    ¡°You two seem so close¡­¡± Saten said. She held her hands together.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s strange to me. Sometimes it seems like you know, and sometimes you don¡¯t. It¡¯s cute.¡±

    D grimaced but let her continue. It wasn¡¯t the ¡®cute¡¯. That was appreciated.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°If she said something like that, isn¡¯t it because she¡¯s a maid?¡± Saten said.

    D¡¯s mind turned to steel. His eyes narrowed, as everything focused inward while memories aligned in his head.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± D said. There was a consensus reached. He was an idiot. D needed to ask Saten the final part to be sure.

    ¡°So maids, so as a maid in this world, what do they do?¡±

    ¡°Clean. But if Juno said ¡®proper lord¡¯ that would mean she¡¯s taken up a certain duty. Did she say anything to you?¡± Saten said.

    ¡°It was just a love confession. I think¡­¡±

    ¡°If it was, think it over carefully.¡±

    D tried to remember back then under the bridge. It was full of emotion, an impassioned speech about standing beside him.

    ¡°Something about how she wasn¡¯t pretty like you, I¡¯ve taken everything from her, she wants to be my servant¡­¡±

    Saten didn¡¯t believe him.

    ¡°Uh. Are you sure? How did she say it?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®how¡¯? She was just, uh, she was really devoted, and stuff.¡±

    Saten crawled to D and stared at him with those blue eyes, her hair swinging out.

    ¡°Are you dense or not? Tell her to cut it out.¡±

    Saten¡¯s hair waved in D¡¯s face.

    ¡°Cut what out?¡±

    ¡°The part bothering you, you know?¡± Saten said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it bothers me¡­¡±

    Saten eyed him again, then went in close. D gave up. Saten¡¯s face was in front of D¡¯s, waiting for something, looking into his eyes. She pulled back and stood up towering over him.

    ¡°Decide. I like you. A lot. But if you can¡¯t handle something like this¡­¡±

    D knew what she was going to say and he booked it.

    ¡°Cruci¡¯s waiting!¡± D shouted Saten an excuse. Saten sighed, watching him go.

    Saten laid down by herself on the grass, looking at the sun peeking through the leaves above her. The cool shade and the wind blew by her, and she wrapped her arms under her head to take a nap. That¡¯s right, D was going to fight Cruci. He¡¯d be fine, if he couldn¡¯t beat Cruci alone then-

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll go watch. I-¡±

    Won¡¯t leave this one behind. She almost said that out loud. Saten took a walk, following after the fleeing D. He¡¯d better win, alone.

    ¡°Ah, do I have bad taste, or did I always like guys who need a helping hand? No wonder. Sometimes, he gets it right. That¡¯s enough, right Dad? You¡¯ll probably be happy whoever I bring to you anyways¡­¡± Saten¡¯s reverie made her miss it.

    A small plushie in the shape of a humanoid bear shot out of the tree as Saten walked away. It did various extreme jumps across the fountain and garden of the mansion, into a small dark room through an open window. A bunny girl was there, holding onto an anime pillow she greeted the plushie and held it as it whispered in her ear.

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me. D? D? He changed his name to-¡±

    The bear continued to whisper in her ear.

    ¡°Oh. Huh. That¡¯s not like the books I read. There are people like that too? That¡¯s¡­ not bad at all.¡±

    Laplas laughed to herself, letting go of the anime pillow for once and pacing.

    ¡°And then? And what then? Repeat it.¡±

    She held the humanoid bear to her ear. Shocked, her eyes narrowed before she melted onto the bed again.

    ¡°Royal capital, huh. Should I? But he¡¯s- Not worth it. No, he didn¡¯t mind the murder confession. He¡¯s employing me at the least, I¡¯ll- Yeah. Why not. I¡¯m tired of waiting around, getting chased, staying holed up.¡±

    Laplas grinned into her bed, her purple eyes bright as she moved her ears and hair out of her face.

    ¡°Go a little crazy? No, they¡¯ll know- but will Ral-, uh D, care? I want to see if he¡¯ll care, if I do ¡®that¡¯... If he doesn¡¯t kick me out, then he¡¯s telling the truth. And if he¡¯s lying¡­ Time to find a new home.¡±

    She giggled to herself.

    ¡°Show me, D. Third girl? Third!¡± Laplas laughed to herself.

    Juno stopped walking with a pile of clothing, hearing that laugh down the hallway. A old maid next to her gave the young maid a smile.

    ¡°Agatha, who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Quiet girl. I know her type, domestic, but really she just wants to run wild, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°Does she have bunny ears?¡±

    ¡°Looks more like black flaps over her face to me.¡±

    Juno had worked with Agatha for awhile, helping out and keeping busy while the final preparations were made. Agatha¡¯s wisdom was far beyond her own, so she thought of asking her.

    ¡°How do I talk to someone like that?¡±

    ¡°Oh! Dear, you just be kind and wait. Breaking down a wall with someone like that, there¡¯s two ways, force or force of kindness.¡±

    Juno face went into a state of disgust at herself.

    ¡°I almost drilled her. She was an enemy then, that¡¯s alright, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Agatha put a hand on Juno¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Only do what you can, honey. You¡¯re still young.¡±

    Juno smiled at her, sensing her intent. She continued walking.

    The sun shined in through a window leading to outside. Over the trees, into a nearby forest where Cruci and D in the middle of a fight. It¡¯s training.

    Cruci was not having fun. He whirled his blades of light into D, shooting beams into him and tearing D¡¯s clothes but not causing any significant damage at all. D could catch the oncoming blades and snap them no problem, then push Cruci away by palming the aegis Cruci summoned. D was making attempts to dodge the light beams, but it was useless for him. If I could get better at using those wings! D was glad he read that book.

    ¡°You! I wish I killed you the first time I saw you! What was with that pretending to be nobody! Do you think I could just let someone who trashed a mountain go!¡± Cruci said.

    ¡°Could have left me the money. That¡¯s stealing.¡±

    ¡°And you call yourself ¡®D¡¯ now? What the hell are you doing! Why does Saten favor you!¡± Cruci yelled. He went in full force, dazzling D with the speed and accuracy of his attacks, but they went enough to cut through his dragon enhanced body.

    ¡°Were you always this strong? What kind of magic is this! Why didn¡¯t you fight back, then, in that alley?!¡±

    ¡°Nope. Saten¡¯s training and my own abilities are a good match. You could have killed me and Juno easily then. But now-¡±

    D punched through Cruci¡¯s aegis. He hadn¡¯t touched his bulletblade once the entire fight. D¡¯s arm made it through the magical shield, forming a perfect circle around his arm. He felt the intense energy pressing in and failing to cut his arm off as he grabbed Cruci¡¯s shoulder and pushed him to the ground with a heavy tap. Cruci¡¯s butt bounced against the ground his armor clattering as he skimmed a couple meters.

    ¡°I can win easily. Saten¡¯s aegis isn¡¯t as strong as yours. It¡¯s impressive. Your attitude is poor though. We¡¯re going to have a working relationship, you know? It¡¯s a waste to let talent like yours rot in jail. Come on.¡± D walked over to the fallen Cruci. Cruci looked up at him.

    ¡°You¡¯re just a kid. I¡¯ve seen so many soldiers like you die. What makes you think you can handle lordship? What do you know? What can you possibly do!¡±

    D shrugged.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to do the best I can. Get all the advice I can, get the best I can to work under me. Saten told me you¡¯re the best trainer in this region. If we want a decent general in our military, one we can trust, it has to be you. It¡¯s either that or jail. The Sanctus Sancti won¡¯t protect you, but I will. I already know I¡¯m wrong, how about you show me where?¡±

    Cruci sighed and adjusted his sitting to a more comfortable position, staring off into the distance. He saw Saten hiding in a tree, and admonished her in his mind. Don¡¯t you know how to do a proper ambush!- he began like that.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like you. Saten, I still have feelings for her.¡± Cruci said. He had given up already in jail. That dishonor was too much, if he was going to do anything else with his life it would be honorable.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like you either. Saten¡¯s mine.¡± D said. Cruci stared up at him puzzled.

    ¡°What?¡±

    D suddenly realized what he did, and in despair he covered it up with a clever act.

    ¡°My Saint!¡±

    ¡°Oh! That was misleading. I thought it was a romantic relationship for a second there. I¡¯d probably go mad with rage and stop at nothing until I killed you, if that was true!¡± Cruci laughed. D smiled to hide his shock. Cruci held up his hand and D took it helping Cruci up.

    ¡°Fine. You¡¯re not Lord Ros though. If you mess up, I¡¯m killing you.¡± Cruci slapped D on the back.

    ¡°If you can!¡± D said.

    They got back to fighting until the sun set. Saten slipped away muttering to herself.

    ¡°I worry too much. Was he that strong before? That¡¯s strange, when I first started training him it seemed like he would go down a whole lot easier¡­¡±

    As the moon rose and most went to sleep, Qurbur was analyzing his account books and laughing to himself. To him, they read like the story of his past, reminding him of good deals and wondeful friends. Wonderful friends who gave him lots of money. He had a nice corner room setup thanks to Brutus. This was going to be a vacation for him, he was so glad he trained Chanterise to handle everything so well. His absence wouldn¡¯t be of much concern to business. Above him, he heard a few knocks.

    ¡°Genje. Show yourself.¡± Qurbur said to the girl in the ceiling. A dark form flipped down in a revealing outfit that was unsuited for a stealthy profession. She was that good. A little skin would not stop her infiltration. Qurbur put down his beloved account book and gave Genje his full attention.

    ¡°Master. The bunny girl. From the lord¡¯s castle, maids spoke of her as an unknown. Checked Sanctus Sancti, she is wanted by the Saints. Top level disturbance, not known to the paladins.¡± Genje reports.

    Qurbur laughed. If he didn¡¯t chance upon saving a girl like this when he was a pirate, she would have never delivered such fantastic information to him.

    ¡°Ros was stowing away a criminal like that. She do anything?¡±

    ¡°All reports indicate she¡¯s a recluse. Actions unpredictable. Second level investigation ongoing.¡± Genje reports.

    ¡°Continue. If you find nothing, don¡¯t hesitate to make contact with her directly. Value your life first. Don¡¯t pull any heroics like last time!¡± Qurbur said. He was still mad about that time she took out an enemy ship without his okay. They were nice people, they were evil pirates, but they could be dealt with if you were careful. No need for mass murder there, Genje.

    Genje looked down, lowering her head even more.

    ¡°Master. Assassins defeated.¡±

    ¡°Oh, not again.¡± Qurbur put his hand it his forehead and massaged it.

    ¡°Tell me everything, Genje. Listen to me next time, alright?¡±

    ¡°No. They were threats, Master. Made it to this mansion. Had to act!¡± Genje reports.

    Qurbur nodded and urged her to continue. It was hopeless.

    ¡°From Zion to the north. Reputable. Had to use Full Release.¡±

    ¡°Not the full release! You swallowed all the corpses again!¡± Qurbur sighed.

    ¡°Master. Sword, here.¡± Genje shuffles close to Qurbur and offers him a blade, half of it chewed off. Qurbur knew the insignia on the hilt.

    ¡°Is this your way of saying that you killed them all right away without finding out more information again?¡± Qurbur took the sword, being careful not to touch Genje. She would get in a sour mood then, and he didn¡¯t want to pay Brutus for his mansion. He examined the blade, looking for the slightest clue.

    ¡°They said, and I report: ¡°The new lord is in there with the Saint. We kill them all, Locos is mine! Ha! Ha! Ha!¡±

    Qurbur was surprised at how good she was at imitating voices. If only she could loosen up, she might be fun to be around if she wasn¡¯t so dangerous.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know that voice. Genje, get back to work. Have some information about that bunny girl before morning.¡±

    Qurbur grumbled turning away as Genje leaped into the ceiling. He didn¡¯t like the fact that there was an unknown here. Genje told him that the dragon boy had talked to her with familiarity through a door, just who was she?

    It was that curiosity and the order ¡®make contact directly¡¯ which destroyed a nearby forest that night. A friendship was made in the end, so it was worth it. Qurbur made sure to play it off like he knew nothing. He didn¡¯t want to pay Brutus for damages.

 13.25~Night Battle~

    Laplas used her transform space spell to gain distance. A shadow appeared out of nowhere, said ¡®hi¡¯, and she ran. Of the amount of spells she could use, that one kept her alive, and was the spell she was almost forced to use to escape from Juno in the lord¡¯s castle. She couldn¡¯t let people see it, it¡¯s bad enough the saints know!

    ¡°Oh no, I only have the ursine with me¡­ should I head back? Maybe that shadow will go away on it¡¯s own. Why in a mansion?¡±

    Laplas knew Shadow Demons couldn¡¯t travel in shadows. That didn¡¯t make sense. She lived among them for a time, so she should know!

    ¡°Wait, it can¡¯t be¡­¡± Her purple eyes widened as the wind flapped her hair and ears around. A shadow appeared in the dark forest and took form. Laplas could see a lot of skin, white and shining against the moon. Was she showing herself on purpose? The humanoid was crouched and kneeling with a hand to the ground, a long wispy ponytail blowing in the wind.

    ¡°Sorry. Bad at conversation. Master wants to know who you are.¡±

    Laplas felt a shiverl hearing her voice. She steadied herself, readying her ursine plushie, a humanoid bear in her hand. She pointed it at the form, menacing her adversary with it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me use it! I¡¯m a¡­ I can make this thing grow big and fight!¡±

    Laplas was at a loss. Her first time threatening someone in her life was useless. How was she supposed to explain golem theory to someone? Her other hand rubbed through her hair, keeping her eyes trained on the form.

    ¡°Tell me who you are. I will not eat you.¡± The form said. Laplas shivered again. Her spine would tingle all over from that voice, it was distracting.

    ¡°How about you tell me who you are!¡±

    ¡°No. Tell me who you are. Cannot eat you. This time. Master said.¡±

    Laplas threw down the ursine plushie, and it exploded in growth becoming larger than her.

    ¡°I won¡¯t go all out! Leave me alone, Shadow Demon!¡±

    The form twitched all over, the ponytail straightening. It stood up, revealing a girl shape.

    ¡°Shadow Demon?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a Shadow Demon, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Shadow Demon?¡±

    ¡°Are you asking what a Shadow Demon is? You don¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°Shadow Demon.¡±

    Laplas¡¯s eyes glazed over. She couldn¡¯t attack, couldn¡¯t run, couldn¡¯t give up information so-

    Default mode set in.

    ¡°Shadow Demons are big pools of black formed into a giant, they have these long antlers and white eyes. They¡¯re very pretty. Most of them eat people. You can travel through shadows. They can¡¯t do that. I just assumed you were a derivative creature of them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a Shadow Demon?¡±

    Laplas sighed.

    ¡°Can you leave me alone? I¡¯m trying to sleep.¡±

    ¡°No. Tell me-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to.¡±

    The form stayed still a moment.

    ¡°Genje. My name is Genje. That is ¡®who you are¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You mean, who I am.¡±

    ¡°Your question, I report, ¡®who you are¡¯.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Laplas stared at her. She grinned.

    ¡°Roosevelt! Destroy her!¡± Laplas pointed at Genje. That was enough of that.

    The humanoid bear tripled in size, then reached into the heavens as Laplas used transform space to mount the head. Large patches of the forest were uprooted, Genje wasn¡¯t even visible at this range.

    ¡°Crush the whole area!¡±

    The humanoid bear plushie rampaged for a bit under the moon. Kicking up huge patches of ground and trees it continued while Laplas watched the ground with idle interest.

    ¡°She¡¯s gotta be dead by now¡­¡±

    ¡°No. Tell me who you are.¡±

    Laplas looked to the left on the bears head, noticing Genje there. Laplas transformed space.

    She wandered around trying to calm down on a mountain trail catching her breath. She looked out over the vast forest as Roosevelt tore up the ground sending geysers of dirt and trees into the air. Laplas sat down on a rock, enjoying the spectacle. Surely, now, that shadow would-

    ¡°Ugh.¡±

    Laplas complained as she saw the from still kneeling with one fist to the ground in front of her. Laplas¡¯s eyes narrowed as she laid down on the rock, sure that she could get away in the next moment.

    ¡°How¡¯d you get here so fast? How¡¯d you even find me? If you want information that bad, tell me everything about you in exchange!¡±

    ¡°Raised by pirate Qurbur. Saved me from mages. I can smell all creatures. I can travel through shadows. I eat people with shadows to attack. I love fire.¡± Genje reports.

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    That was all Laplas could say. She asked Genje to repeat it, and Genje did a few times. Laplas asked her questions. Her curiosity got the best of her, even if Genje¡¯s voice made her shiver.

    ¡°So, what are you then?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Qurbur named me Genje.¡±

    ¡°Why do you talk like that?¡±

    ¡°Talk like what.¡±

    ¡°Why do you want to know about me?¡±

    Meanwhile, Roosevelt continued to destroy the countryside.

    ¡°Qurbur said to get information. About you.¡±

    ¡°Where is Qurbur? Doesn¡¯t he usually stay at the docks doing merchant work?¡±

    ¡°Mansion.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    Laplas heard the reason why.

    ¡°So, then-¡±

    She didn¡¯t know about the relationship between D and Qurbur at all, and lost interest.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not telling you anything?¡±

    ¡°But! I told you everything!¡± Genje reports.

    Laplas looked at the girl¡¯s face, and ordered her giant ursine to stop. She transformed space bringing the ursine back to her.

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°Not fair.¡±

    ¡°Too bad.¡±

    ¡°Qurbur will be mad. I- don¡¯t want to disappoint him. He¡¯s done a lot for me.¡± Genje said.

    Laplas studied Genje¡¯s face.

    ¡°You could tell him I just ran away with magic or something.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true! I don¡¯t lie!¡±

    ¡°Oh, come on, I¡¯ll make it true then. What are you going to do? Chase me until morning? I can run really far. You¡¯ll get tired.¡±

    Genje¡¯s eyes wavered. They were black pools surrounded by white. She lowered herself to the ground like a shadow.

    ¡°Please tell me. I¡¯ll do anything.¡±

    Laplas stood up and brandished her arm out. It¡¯s the most fun thing she thought to say.

    ¡°Serve under me!¡±

    ¡°Okay. Master, can I tell Qurbur I¡¯m resigning?¡±

    Laplas was stunned and fell back off of the rock. Genje melted into the shadows, catching Laplas head on from the ground.

    ¡°Careful! Master.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious¡­¡±

    ¡°Can I-¡±

    ¡°Yes! Yes you can. I¡¯m going back to sleep. Don¡¯t bother me again- Tonight.¡±

    Laplas felt a sense of danger in saying only ¡®don¡¯t bother me again¡¯. Would she take that literally?

    ¡°Master. I look forward to serving under you. Now please tell me about you.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell Qurbur about what I tell you!¡±

    ¡°Understood. Can I tell him that you order me not to tell him?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Laplas explained her history to Genje.

    ¡°Wow. Master is amazing. Qurbur is amazing, but Master is more amazing.¡± Genje reported as she gave a golf clap.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone okay? I don¡¯t want anyone to know, no matter what!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s such an amazing story it touched my heart I feel closer to you. Other people should feel that way. But, I will not disobey. I¡¯ll miss Qurbur.¡±

    Laplas looked at Genje¡¯s face.

    ¡°Call me Laplas, from now on.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ma- Laplas. See you tomorrow.¡± Genje said.

    Laplas sighed to herself as the girl melted into the ground, leaving her alone with her ursine.

    ¡°Are you serious¡­ She¡¯s way too much like me. Given what she said, she must be-¡±

    The moon was in full view that night as Laplas quietly switched to another room out of fear.

 13.90~Probably magic.~

    The following morning, D met with Qurbur and hashed out the details. Qurbur¡¯s state was unkempt, and D thought that rare for someone who seemed so experienced. D didn¡¯t know that Genje had reported this morning that she was leaving Qurbur. Qurbur¡¯s main source of information and top spy who he raised had a sudden change of heart. Genje wouldn¡¯t even say why. He shed one tear, thinking of his time with her. Qurbur could only imagine that Genje¡¯s inscrutable thoughts were useless to ponder as he played with a fireball bouncing it up and down during the negotiation. The new lord had changed his name to something stylish and mysterious, Qurbur made sure to comment on it with praise even though he already knew through Genje. D stared out the window gathering his thoughts.

    ¡°So, you¡¯ll be handling everything. From what I understand, you just want money. That works for me.¡±

    D turned to Qurbur.

    ¡°No matter which way this goes, I¡¯m sure you can handle it. I¡¯m counting on you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re serious? What kind of lord doesn¡¯t care about power or money¡­¡± Qurbur was laughing inside. Outside, concern was shown.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got enough power, more than I can handle. You¡¯ve got the experience. Use Locos for whatever, just keep me out of it.¡±

    ¡°D, you know about my history?¡±

    ¡°Pirate and Pirate Hunter for fun and profit? Terror of the Long Coast? Just chill on the slavery and murder stuff. From the tales Saten told me, you¡¯ve calmed down. If you continue what you did under Ros, we¡¯ll have problems. In exchange, I¡¯ll overlook your past like Ros did and shelter you. Same deal, just a few more restrictions,¡± D said.

    Qurbur made a pondering pose. He had already foreseen this and changed his operation of course, no way someone backed by a Saint of all people would accept his various activities. Some of those were always secret anyways, so he didn¡¯t feel the need to inform D about them. The chance was slim that he would catch on, and if he did Qurbur would play dumb.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s regrettable, but I don¡¯t want to close operation here. I¡¯ll agree to your terms. Deal closed.¡±

    D¡¯s next task was searching for Laplas. He had a horrible feeling after Juno said ¡®there¡¯s a hole in the mansion where the bunny girl is staying!¡¯ D told Juno to not mind it, he¡¯d find her. If Laplas wanted to destroy Brutus¡¯s mansion a little, it was none of his business. However, he was concerned about her acting out at the castle. Saten already destroyed a tower, he had an omen in his head that that place might not last long. D wasn¡¯t concerned because of his heat sense dragon ability that he turned on. He thumbed through the book and activated it earlier, but usage was more difficult than he expected.

    ¡°Ah, she¡¯s still there.¡±

    He spotted a red mark through the walls of the mansion a few door down and asked Juno if anyone was staying there to which Juno told him they were the only guests. D would be shocked if that wasn¡¯t Laplas. He went to go find out why she busted her room.

    He knocked on her door. No response, as usual.

    ¡°Laplas? It¡¯s me. I¡¯m called D now. Sorry about the name change. It happens.¡± He said and asked if he could come in. Like usual a note shot out from under the door denying him entry, so he scrawled on the note with a pen he brought for this very purpose his question for her.

    We¡¯re going to the royal capital. Do you want to come? I might kill a lot of people and blow up the city so it¡¯s up to you. It read.

    D slipped it under the door. It was mysterious how he didn¡¯t hear any rustling, bumps, or shadow on the floor. Probably magic. She¡¯s a wizard or something, right? He was curious about her magic before and asked her through note and the answer just came back with a not telling written there.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Another note slipped out.

    I¡¯ll come! I¡¯ll come the same way I came to here. Also, I made a friend. She¡¯s a shadow demon lord. She¡¯s scary. How do I talk to people? It read.

    He scrawled back a message of face to face interaction helps.

    Another note came back with ha ha written all over it. D decided to let that go. At this rate, he wasn¡¯t sure how things could possibly work out with her but he wasn¡¯t in a rush. He had enough of change in his life lately, what¡¯s wrong with a shut-in bunny girl? D resolved himself, and wrote a farewell.

    In the room, Laplas was giggling looking at the note.

    ¡°Take care of myself? No, at this rate! He¡¯s not going to be upset when I blow up the royal capital, is he? He stole my idea! Genje!¡±

    A shadow formed itself in front of her, crouching and waiting for her order. The Shadow Demon Lord. If Laplas didn¡¯t spend time amongst the Shadow Demons, she couldn¡¯t have known that. The implications of such a thing weren¡¯t much to Laplas. She seemed like a nice person. That was enough. A Shadow Demon Lord was someone bad enough to hang out with her, she figured. Together, villains alike seeking a home! She narrated to herself and pointed an empty book at Genje.

    ¡°Genje, could you do me a favor?¡±

    Genje agreed to her lengthy request. Laplas found after checking with Genje that she had a perfect memory. She could go on for hours about the specific details of her life, and they spent that morning talking about Qurbur¡¯s pirate days. If it was just listening, Laplas felt she could do it. She did.

    D made the final preparations with Juno and then reported to Saten telling her how things went that day. He told her he¡¯d come by later and went for a walk to steady himself. D held the dragon book in his hand, wiggling it as he walked.

    ¡°This stuff¡¯s too complex. I thought using dragon abilities would be so much easier. At least thanks to that adaptability power and Saten, I should be able to handle most physical damage¡­¡±

    Saten beat him up with physical force and a few light attacks. Unlike most Saints, she could only manage to clad herself in light and not summon light swords or the light ball, both of those Cruci mastered along with the usual Paladin training in addition to a powerful aegis.

    ¡°Cruci¡¯sskills are more varied than Saten''s. I wonder why she¡¯s a Saint and he isn''t? Probably his attitude. I don¡¯t want to end up like him.¡±

    D kicked some stones on the ground.

    ¡°Then again, I¡¯d rather face Cruci than Saten. That¡¯s not because she¡¯s a girl either. Saten¡¯s offensive power is still there, even if it doesn¡¯t affect me like it used to.¡±

    He felt phantom pains remembering it. D had been through a lot. He stared over the fields, the farms, the odd tree here and there-

    And noticed there was a ruined forest in the distance.

    ¡°Must have been a storm. No wonder, could have been months ago. They don¡¯t have enough wizards around here to clean something that big up¡­¡±

    D explored the sea of broken trees. Some flattened, some snapped in half and others just uprooted and lying around.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like a storm. Probably magic. It near the mansion too¡­ Did Laplas do something last night?¡± D remembered her room got destroyed. He saw it earlier himself when he left the mansion.

    ¡°Is Brutus going to blame me for that? I don¡¯t think he even knows about Laplas. I hope Juno didn¡¯t say anything to the staff. Not like I have the money to pay for that anyways.¡±

    He depended on Juno to handle the finances, for good reason. Once he heard the word ¡®taxes¡¯ he recoiled in shock and Juno with a lovely smile on her face saved him. Juno rose a few steps in his heart then. Saten fled the room in a panic when the accountant they summoned mentioned it.

    ¡°There¡¯s thing even Saten is scared of. Guess I can try it.¡±

    He pulled out the dragon manual again.

    ¡°Wings... think about terrorizing¡­ visualization¡­ feel the pangs of hunger¡­ and¡­ balance¡­¡±

    D went through the process. It was much harder for him since he wasn¡¯t an actual dragon in the first place. The wings were inside him only in the vaguest sense. When he read the term ¡®mana vacuum¡¯ he skipped the passage right away, only to come back later.

    D¡¯s wings popped out and flexed. He couldn¡¯t get them to move with his mind well, so he imitated with his arms and they followed along.

    ¡°And, flex, and, extend¡­¡±

    D had been doing it when he could. Saten would laugh at him if she caught him, D tried to avoid that as best he could. Juno would say nothing and he thanked her silently for that. D crouched, wings extended. He wanted to check out the area, and the best way-

    He ran. D waved his arms slowly like the manual said, generating lift. D piledrived straight into a tree.

    D¡¯s body crunched the tree trunk in and it¡¯s natural hardness saving him from a long deadly gash across his chest. D bumped a broken tree shard as he flew in and it scratched him. D got up and spent the rest of the evening trying to fly and failing.

 14-Lords and Kings

    Laplas sent Genje on reconnaissance to the royal capital. This meant that the army lying in wait to ambush D on his way to the royal capital went undiscovered and undevoured. D, Saten and Juno had a long carriage ride. It was eventful.

    D crouched on the top of the carriage with his bulletblade out, sniping the riders on top of their giant anteaters they used as mounts. The blade sped back and forth, rending apart riders and anteaters alike as they charged the carriage. Saten told him to protect the carriage, and he followed that order. Meanwhile she was clad under her clothing with light and running full speed along with the mounted attackers, taking down the mounted ranged wizards and bow wielders with Juno. Juno activated her maid uniform for the first time during the attack. The Maiden¡¯s Made, Brutus¡¯s prized maid outfit. Agatha back at Brutus¡¯s mansion told her the history of the clothing, needless to say her bell skirt acted as a rocket shuttling her forward with her drill droning full blast, boring through mounted soldiers and spilling guts and blood all over the hilly plains. She circled around, making short work of the wizard types whose spells were absorbed into a heart shaped magical shield the maid outfit summoned automatically for defense.

    Saten kept pace with her physical speed overtaking the anteaters, downright snapping their long noses and tongues in half as she mounted mounts and incapacitated soldiers. She didn¡¯t hesitate as she threw a wizard under a stampeding anteater and leapt to the next without a second lost.

    D from the top of the carriage activated Drive 1 Bisect to kill the faster mounts making a beeline for the carriage. The anteaters split apart bodies were gruesome but he ignored it with chagrin and concentrated on targets like it was a shooter gallery game. Without a breath to spare, he kept shooting the bulletblade. Anteater blood splattered all over the plains, riders yelling out curse words as they snapped their bones against the ground.

    D knew if they stopped they would be outnumbered by the oncoming mounted horde. Saten, Juno, and D piled up corpses as a legion of bounding anteaters split ways around the fallen.

    D saw Juno¡¯s face get singed and her white ear catch on fire. A errant fireball, Juno¡¯s stony gaze didn¡¯t waver but D¡¯s heart did.

    ¡°Saten, Juno! I can take care of them, pull back!¡± D made a decision then that he knew he would regret. There were too many soldiers after them. Why not use it? This is all their fault for trying to kill him anyways! He pouted to himself inside, debating the mass act of self-defense he decided to enact.

    Juno flew back, the rocket of crimson flame from under her skirt quelling itself as she landed the top of the carriage with a determined look. D patted out the fire on her ear causing her to squint as he bisected a nearby anteater. D smiled at Juno as he called to Saten to heal her.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want Saten to know about this one,¡± D said to himself. There¡¯s a number of abilities he didn¡¯t want her to know about for obvious reasons:

    -The adaptation one because it¡¯s a clear excuse for her to get even rougher with him.

    -The shadowflame he¡¯s about to use to wipe out the army. He thought she wouldn¡¯t like a spell that was so nefarious looking and turn against him. Isn¡¯t it something a final boss would use? Appearances are very important in a romantic relationship!

    -Drive 3, Castle Crusher for the bulletblade because of the scale of damage he¡¯d seen it do. Saten worries about innocents. D did too, but him worrying about Saten worrying was worse. He also thought she might learn about the mountain he blew up. D made Juno swear to not tell anyone, that mountain just happened to be there when they fought. It¡¯s not his fault.

    -Drive 4 because Soulbreak sounded like an evil thing. Saten didn¡¯t seem the type to like that, either.

    -The Dragon¡¯s Hoard ability because he figured that she would tease him endlessly if she found out. Especially the ¡®treasure¡¯ he gained from Saten. D cringed inside thinking of what she would say if she saw ¡®it¡¯.

    -Dragon Drive because of the innocents that might end up as collateral damage.

    D cramped his face, looking into the horde of anteater troops in full regalia. He¡¯d killed a lot of them today, but watching Saten and Juno rip them apart made him feel worse. Although he couldn¡¯t understand why he felt that way, he had to do what he had to do. Kill the oncoming mounted army with a dragon breath.

    D¡¯s stomach filled with butterflies, knowing that since he killed Lord Ros that everything had gone far past anything he expected. When he agreed to Saten¡¯s proposal, he didn¡¯t think it would end up like that. Even though he felt it was only the obvious conclusion of his decision. His mind flashed back to his powerful arm passing straight into his body, the fear he felt seeing the mysterious energy from the broken sword, and his eyes darted to the grisly sight corpses strew across the plains being covered in the dust of the carriage in front of him.

    D looked to Juno, unsure what she was thinking but was comforted briefly by Saten healing her with her hands on Juno¡¯s head. D watched as the burns closed up and gritted his teeth as Juno¡¯s emerald eyes met his.

    ¡°Do it,¡± is what he knew she was telling him with that look. Her saying ¡°Protect me, Master!¡± was his brief fantasy of what he wanted to believe she really said in her heart in that moment. Close enough, right?

    This is what it meant to rule as a Lord in this world. D readied himself, the first ability he mastered and the one he hesitated to use the most. D breathed in, imagined the horde in front of him now bright with the noon sunlight cloaked in shadow, and breathed out from his heart imagining a blaze.

    From D¡¯s open mouth a torrent of dark flames whirled across the plains. The anteaters collectively leaped in shock in myriad directions trying to find a way out. Like ash from a volcano the horde sunk into the red and black mist, the fire spreading and melting the ground as it passed by fizzling into the air with shining yellow sparks. A scar across the ground was left in a massive, like the ridges of a cliff face. Burning red both the ground and the dead, like a plains tinged in the light of a sunset.

    D sheepishly made a face, rubbing the back of his head looking at the destruction he caused on the top of the carriage.

    ¡°Wow, that was, ah¡­¡± D made little noises like that trying to absolve himself of his mass murder. This is war, you know? D wanted Saten to comfort him by saying something like that.

    ¡°This is war, you know?¡± Saten said. ¡°Still, you never told me you could do something like that! We could have done that from the beginning!¡±

    Saten pushed him dangerously hard and D waffled on the edge of the top of the carriage before balancing himself by spreading his wings out. He gave her a innocent look, neck craned towards her from the carriage edge. D steadied himself.

    ¡°It¡¯s new. I¡¯ve been, uh, reading, about dragons. Didn¡¯t know I could do that, um, exactly, that much, at least. You told me to read, I read,¡± D said.

    ¡°There¡¯s a book that teaches you how to be a dragon?¡± Saten¡¯s eyes narrowed to blue slits.

    D looked into those blue slits and chose to say nothing. Calm, he lowered himself into the carriage with one arm, scooted over to the over side, and pulled Juno off the top of the carriage lowering her inside with him.

    Saten sighed. She would let him be. She kept secrets from him too, it¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it? The armies dead, that¡¯s what matters. If she had him during that battle- Saten shook her head snapping herself out of her reverie. That battle will never come again.

    Left on the top of the carriage looked out over the devastated plains that faded into the distance as the carriage made it¡¯s way.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to tear the royal capital apart, isn¡¯t he¡­¡± Saten wondered. She had a few things in mind before she got the worst news possible for both of them. She pulled out the note, the one she didn¡¯t want to show D. She knew she had to explain it, but procrastinated. Saten didn¡¯t want to admit to him how useless she was now, when it was her request for him to become a Lord in the first place.

    ¡°If he knows, then what? Still, at this point¡­¡± We weren¡¯t that much different, is what she wanted to say. She could run away with both of them right now. Tell D the truth her father sent her a letter explaining Saten was excommunicated and sentenced to death by the Sanctus Sancti for supporting an accused Dragon Demon Lord. That the Troll King and Dwiffking were visiting the royal capital. She didn¡¯t know that both of them had heard about a certain mountain exploding, suggesting the location of a certain goblin prince¡¯s weapon they sought. That just happened to be a confluence of unfortunate coincidences. Unfortunately, being unaware of that will almost get D killed.

    ¡°Dragon Demon Lord? What a dumb lie. Why¡¯d they immediately assume that from the rumors about a ¡®dragon boy¡¯? Wouldn¡¯t he just be a chimera to them?¡± Saten wracked her mind. It¡¯s unfortunate for her, but her knowledge of what chimeras were was wrong. When the fishman told her ¡®oh yeah he¡¯s a dragon¡¯ and she saw him in human form she assumed he was a magical hybrid, a chimera.

    What she wasn¡¯t aware of is that chimeras aren¡¯t common at all in this world, and are hunted to extinction. Laplas herself is a chimera, so-called secret class that only the top of top warriors are tasked to hunt down and eliminate. Saten only heard rumors that sometimes chimeras pop up during her training, a result of her father being occupied with the task of hunting down Laplas himself. Her father, Koto, a strict Saint, never told her what chimeras were. Only those close to royalty like Lords or high level Saints and Paladins were allowed to know the truth. The truth about alchemy.

    Alchemy, the science that produces chimeras and other far dangerous devices, is forbidden for good reason. Only the Warlock on his island is rumored to practice it, but few know that. Saten¡¯s misunderstanding of what a chimera meant to the highest people in power put her in the worst possible position the moment she chose to support D for Lord. The lower members of the Sanctus Sancti believed that she had been bewitched by the magic of a Dragon Demon Lord. That was the official story. The truth that her father explained in the note was that D and her are targets for elimination because D is a chimera and Saten is too close to such a being. The Sanctus Sancti heard of her antics in Locos and were not pleased, but the rumors of ¡®Dragon boy¡¯ caught their most dangerous attention.

    Naturally, once that information spread to the two Kings visiting the royal capital already interested in the bulletblade and the goblin prince, things got even worse. The Kings concluded they needed to set a trap for the new Lord who thought being a chimera was an acceptable race choice.

    Two foreign Kings, the Vampire Lord, and the strongest dwiff who served as a trainer for a King lied in wait in the royal capital throne room for D. They didn¡¯t know that the new chimera lord happened to have the lost goblin prince¡¯s country class weapon. That is pure chance.

    Saten didn¡¯t know about the ambush at all. D was heading right into a trap. Saten didn¡¯t have any standing to support him. She crumpled the note in her hand, looking to the sky. She had to tell D, but she was putting it off.

    ¡°He needs to know. I¡¯m not running away. It¡¯s like I didn¡¯t have a choice. I won¡¯t be able to help him at all¡­¡±

    The plan was that Saten would support D politically in the throne room against the gathered Lords. However, only one Lord would be there, and that Lord¡¯s aim was to kill D. Saten¡¯s Father¡¯s note saved her life. If she had went along with D like she intended, she had no chance of surviving the ensuing chaos of a chimera walking into a room with all of the strongest combatants of the countries allied in the war.

    Currently, the Dwiff Kingdom, the Ice Troll Tribe, and collected towns of the humans loosely united under the royal capital were in a mutually dependent alliance. The royal capital¡¯s lord, the lordmaster, acts as a diplomat communicating between the Troll Hero-King, the Dwiffking, and the human town lords. The alliance opposes the No Life King, the Goblin Empire, the Cat Kingdom of the Caves that Juno hails from, and the witch to the north in her flying castle nation. Also, there¡¯s a Warlock with a really cool island that is playing both sides. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    It is a mess. Although the war between the two sides wasn¡¯t officially over, it wasn¡¯t officially started either, leading to on and off raids by both sides over many years. An indefinite state of war and alliances formed more for stability than anything else.

    The royal capital, Marscione. The throne room of the main castle turned into an impromptu meeting room for the four strongest warriors on the Troll-Dwiff-Human alliance.

    There, the Dwiffking, leader of the dwiffs, what dwarves are called in this world, faced down against Juro, the Troll Hero-King. A friendly spar to the death. Another dwiff and a small girl were witnesses.

    ¡°Juro, I swear I¡¯ll get Nosebeard to teach you how to really fight one day. You just wait!¡±

    The Dwiffking gestured with a slab of metal that someone shaped into a short fat sword to the dwiff standing near the girl. Nosebeard had a beard covering his entire head, only the nose poking out. A strange aura surrounded the dwiff, although he was dressed in plain clothes. His battle strength is regarded as one of the highest in the world.

    ¡°Train a troll? Do you think Nosebeard would listen to that request? He¡¯s too busy training a certain dwiff,¡± Juro said. He was tall with brown fur and a flowing red cloak extended from his back. In his hands he had a spear and shield formed out of ice at the ready. The Dwiffking swung down his sword slab on the ice shield Juro held. Juro gained distance andthrew a spear into Dwiffking which the Dwiffking cut in half. Juro condensed the air around him into another spear made of ice. A cool breeze of white shaving shook off of the spear as Juro nabbed the spear from it¡¯s place floating in the air around his body. A few more ice spears formed themselves around him, floating menacingly.

    ¡°Guess not. However!¡± Dwiffking raised his blade and knocked away another incoming spear. ¡°I¡¯ll crush you enough times so I won¡¯t be able to learn anything from you anymore! Once I get to that level, Nosebeard, who¡¯s tasked with my growth as a King, will train you out of boredom!¡±

    Juro stopped his spear attacks and held his shield out to receive a heavy blow from Dwiffking. Unfazed he turned his head to Nosebeard.

    ¡°Nosebeard, you think this Dwiffking here will ever get above my level?¡± Juro pushed Dwiffking back with a sweep of his shield, unbalancing him and stabbing him directly with his ice spear. Despite a full on attack from the massive troll to the unprotected Dwiffking, the spear barely went past the muscle. Juro pulled back the spear wet with blood, and the small girl with red hair tied in twintails looked at it and drooled. A white staff floated behind her, the middle of it interupted by a floating pale blue ball and an exaggerated handleguard. The top and bottom of the staff ended in points, the staff thickening into a cone shape as it got closer to the blue ball in the middle. Nosebeard looked to the girl, his distaste beneath his beard invisible to everyone.

    ¡°This Dwiffking, reaching your level? Afraid not. Juro, if you kill him, I won¡¯t mind.¡±

    Dwiffking¡¯s head swept to him, taking another spear stab from Juro to the face and ignoring it.

    ¡°Nosebeard! Can¡¯t you defend your King? Look! I¡¯m dying! I¡¯m dying!¡±

    The girl moved closer to Dwiffking, Juro noticed her and smiled to himself.

    ¡°Silva. You hungry?¡±

    The Dwiffking¡¯s eyes went wide as he realized what Juro planned.

    ¡°Not the vampire! Not again!¡±

    The Dwiffking booked it as Silva tackled him and started sucking on the blood coming out of his head.

    ¡°Nosebeard, you traitor! Listen to your King!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kind enough to feed a vampire Lord with your own blood, milord. How could I interrupt that?¡± Nosebeard said.

    Dwiffking let out a groan uttering Nosebeards name, reaching for him fruitlessly as Silva drank her fill. She got off of the dwiff wiping her face with a long ruffled red sleeve.

    ¡°Thanks, Juro. He¡¯s always an easy one to trick. Did he really think he could win this time?¡±

    Juro dismissed his ice spear and shield into shavings of ice. They dissolved into the air.

    ¡°Nosebeard probably threatened him. A King that spends most of his time getting pushed around by an aide, I don¡¯t envy him at all.¡±

    Silva looked at the beard faced dwiff.

    ¡°Nosebeard, what do you think about the chimera Lord, this, D, this, ¡®Dragon boy¡¯? Why would a chimera seek a lordship? I have no doubt he wandered before this, a mongrel seeking a place in the world. Does he not know his place in this world is only to die?¡±

    Even though the vampire Lord was five hundred years old, she deferred to Nosebeard¡¯s expertise. Nosebeard is part of a line of aides to the dwiff throne, his access to the secrets of the world is beyond compare. In addition, the true extent of his combat power was kept hidden on purpose. Even the Dwiffking had seen Nosebeard¡¯s full release only once before in a desperate battle against the No Life King. Nosebeard had no reason to lie to Silva, a Lord with her own town and the only non-human to hold the position. Except that she was a vampire. He chose to lie to Silva. His personal knowledge is better kept personal.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. The boy¡¯s better off dead, for all our sakes, that¡¯s for sure. ¡®Dragon boy¡¯ didn¡¯t know that chimera¡¯s are hunted down in secret and a threat to everyone, that¡¯s only to be expected if he lived a hermetic life. Even the No Life King and his allies would not shelter something like him.¡±

    Juro shrugged.

    ¡°Either way. I think we¡¯re enough to take him on.¡± Juro looked to the white staff floating behind Silva. ¡°That weapon will help keep the castle safe. Dwiffking can finally go all out. No matter how strong that chimera is, Dwiffking¡¯s Busterbreak Blade and it¡¯s soultaker magic should be enough to finish it. I¡¯ll distract, as usual. One day, I¡¯ll get a fancy weapon like you two!¡±

    The Dwiffking mumbled incoherently responding in rage on the ground. They all ignored him.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we get the lordmaster involved, at least? He¡¯s supposed to be responsible. If my ¡®Penance¡¯ magic breaks, won¡¯t the whole castle explode if the battle gets out of hand?¡± Silva said. She rubbed the staff which floated behind her dutifully. It tinged a shade of red.

    Nosebeard sighed out of his nose.

    ¡°He¡¯s worthless in a team fight. Juro, Dwiffking and you will take him on together. Silva, you support with your shadow hippo kin. Once the other Lords hear I was involved, they chickened out. No wonder. Two Kings and the legendary vampire Lord that rules over humans, if they value their lives steering clear of the castle is the right thing to do. They aren¡¯t cowards, just smart. If I need to step in, all of you need more training. It¡¯s just a chimera.¡±

    If any of the Lords heard ¡®it¡¯s just a chimera¡¯ they would run. One of the requirements of a Lord was chimera extermination. Had D gotten the chance to talk with Lord Ros before he killed him, or another Lord, he would have learned of that secret duty. Chimera¡¯s aren¡¯t taken by anyone but Nosebeard.

    ¡°How confusing. If you¡¯re so amazing, why don¡¯t you take on the chimera yourself? You don¡¯t need Juro, Dwiffking, and me, right?¡± Silva said.

    ¡°Please. I¡¯m not invulnerable, Silva. You overestimate me.¡±

    Although Nosebeard said that, Silva had suspicions it was a lie. This time, however, Nosebeard told the truth. His true value was in concealment and ambushes. The reason why he reputation was so well earned was because of the level of detail his family was taught to observe. Because of that, if they chose to involve themselves in a battle they never lost. It wasn¡¯t a coincidence that they would flee a losing battle in an instant to preserve that reputation. Nosebeard¡¯s other excuse was the limitations of his abilities that he wouldn¡¯t discuss around anyone to preserve his family''s power. Yet another excuse was to hopefully teach Dwiffking how to fight in a group, finally. Nosebeard had little hope that last excuse would ever go away for him.

    Juro sauntered over to Nosebeard, putting an arm around him.

    ¡°Come on. Drinks on me. Let Dwiffking sleep it off. Take care, Silva!¡±

    Juro and Nosebeard left talking amicably. They left the red haired twintailed vampire girl and the moaning Dwiffking alone.

    ¡°Can¡¯t leave him like this¡­ Nosebeard, did you expect me to clean up your King after you?¡±

    Silva whined and heaved the Dwiffking over her head. The Busterbreak Blade still clutched in the Dwiffking¡¯s hand, she carried him off to a private bed in the castle to let him rest, her staff following close behind her.

    ¡°Vrustof, please heal Dwiffking. He looks a little pale¡­¡± Silva addressed the staff, a white laser healed Dwiffking as Silva tucked him into bed.

    In D¡¯s carriage, Saten explained about her excommunication from the Sanctus Sancti and how they viewed D as a Dragon Demon Lord. Saten also mentioned chimeras and her father in passing, and that she thought the Sanctus Sancti would rule him as a chimera.

    ¡°Guess the rumors about a ¡®dragon boy¡¯ from Locos spread to them. I wish I could have learned how to hide these wings sooner¡­I am not a chimera! How dare they call me a chimera. Though it¡¯s not like I can just say ¡®I¡¯m from another world and got these powers from a god¡¯, right?¡±

    D sighed and thought it over, laying on Juno¡¯s lap. He was glad to see her face healed. Juno smiled down at him, and D returned the smile with a grin.

    ¡°Saten, you can¡¯t come in the throne room with me then. It would have been nice to give them a grand show and do an over the top dragon character to fool the Lords. Have them call me an idiot so they would let me become a Lord in peace. Guess I¡¯ll have to wing it, like usual, and prove I¡¯m not a threat. What are chimeras, anyway?¡±

    It was extremely unfortunately neither Genje or Laplas were there to explain or report the concept. Saten passed along a terrible misunderstanding.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s a convenient excuse in my favor. I¡¯m a magical experiment gone wrong, I never read about those in the history books. Must be rare. Okay, the plan now is, you two run if things get crazy. If any castle explodes, it¡¯s probably my fault. If I can¡¯t take whatever they throw at me, you two sure can¡¯t. Good thing you can fly now, Juno. Saten, from earlier, you know what I mean when I say crazy, right?¡± D said.

    ¡°With the shadowflame? What about the people, the town?¡±

    D balked. He wasn¡¯t going to tell her about how he could also use Drive 3, Castle Crusher, which would probably only destroy the castle. Probably. He argued with himself briefly before coming up with an excuse.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try to keep the damage to a minimum. It¡¯s unfortunate, but the Lords are the one¡¯s picking a fight with me after all!¡± They already sent an army after him. That was proof enough that going into this he would have a fight on his hands.

    Saten smiled. It took her back, sensing that naive tone in D¡¯s voice. All she wanted to hear was that he would try.

    ¡°In the war, I didn¡¯t have a choice. Juno, what would you tell D to do if he needed to break a castle or two to come back to you?¡±

    ¡°Kill them all,¡± Juno replied.

    ¡°Juno, please, that¡¯s so bloodthirsty. I¡¯m glad you care. Hopefully, the Lords don¡¯t cause too much trouble. I took out that army, so it should be fine, right?¡±

    It was unfortunate that the town¡¯s gates and their booked hotel had various thugs and countless traps planted lying in wait. Qurbur had sold the information on their carriage that they would be riding in long ago. Cruci, Qurbur, and Brutus took a later carriage to avoid the mayhem. The plan D told them was, ¡°I¡¯ll go first and clear out all the trouble like a magnet, when you get there you can make amends with all the Lords I tick off and befriend the ones I don¡¯t tick off!¡±

    Qurbur thought it quaint but he admired the balls D had to say that in the first place. Although he figured it was more out of idiocy and hope than anything else.

    ¡°So what¡¯s the plan, Dear Cruci?¡± Brutus said. He summoned tea for the both of them. Qurbur usually didn¡¯t drink tea, but this was free tea. They lounged in their carriage, watching the sun go down as D¡¯s group fought for their lives in the royal capital. A few buildings and a certain mercenary troop were exterminated by Saten alone by this point.

    ¡°If that D survives, I¡¯m playing this straight. I¡¯m tired. Unlike you two, I wasn¡¯t happy under Lord Ros. Not that I expect D to change much, but at least if he lets Qurbur run things it should be more agreeable,¡± Cruci said as he sipped his tea. Brutus gave Cruci a smile before turned to Qurbur.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry to hear about Genje. After all those years? What will you do now?¡±

    ¡°Oh. Hire spies again. So expensive. Maybe I should pillage a Lord or two under D¡¯s name. What do you two say? Up for some mischief?¡±

    Qurbur turned to both of them, and both of them nodded. It was understood without question that if D were to fail they would all have to scatter into hiding until they could make peace with the next Lord. Until then, a nest egg would be necessary. It was just a question of who to target.

    Brutus ran down the list.

    ¡°Silva is out, vampire. Nothing but trouble. Phronz, he¡¯s too militant, even if he isn¡¯t present in the royal capital. For an old man on the border I do envy his staying power but his love of security and likelihood to send assassins is high. Marscione, the lordmaster, he¡¯s too strong. I don¡¯t think he would miss treasures but there¡¯s always the chance he wants to renew his revenge vow on Qurbur. Same for Villa. Qurbur, did you have to burn down her estate and slaughter her loved ones? Guanyi is the best target simply because he is so honorable. I doubt he would focus on anything but the war. It surprised me that I got word from my associates that he¡¯s here. And that finally that sword girl-¡±

    ¡°Guanyi is fine. It¡¯s a good chance to take him out,¡± Qurbur said.

    Brutus looked at him.

    ¡°Qurbur?¡±

    ¡°If D manages to pull this off, the war effort is going to get more expensive either way. We either try to negotiate with the war hungry Guanyi, or we let D get Guanyi¡¯s territory. If D doesn¡¯t manage to survive, we can use that chaos to flee to Guanyi¡¯s territory, Zion.¡±

    Cruci gave Qurbur a stern look, Qurbur noticed and waited for Cruci to say something, but Cruci looked away.

    ¡°Cruci. That¡¯s strange for you. No complaints about killing Guanyi?¡±

    ¡°I have a feeling. D¡¯s got some sort of idiot magic surrounding him. I want to see how far that can go.¡±

    Brutus grinned.

    ¡°Oh, Cruci, I swear I wouldn¡¯t see the day. You¡¯ve got your hopes up, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Please. I want him to fail. Just like that young Lord girl with the curved sword I followed into war, he¡¯ll get everyone around him killed and get called a hero. And when that happens, I¡¯ll be there to make sure Locos stays safe. If nothing else,¡± Cruci sighed. He looked out at royal capital, enjoying the blaze in the night. D had caused quite a mess already, he observed. The smoke drifted into the sky, a signal of the battle to come.

 15-Run

    D had a rough night. Laplas was discovered mysteriously in the room down the hall in the inn. The inn itself was crawling with spies. Everything he imagined that could be possible to poison was poisoned. If Saten didn¡¯t have such great cleansing magic, D would have died. He became sure that he could resist any poison now. After the fourth time Juno got poisoned, he had her ride on his back to avoid touching anything as D used his body as a trip for the poisons. D got various infections and Saten cured them over and over as he explored the inn and got accosted by more assassins. Saten suggested they leave, but D knew that this was his only hope of getting any rest before tomorrow. If he slept in one of their tripped traps, with all of them dead, he couldn¡¯t possibly run into any new traps. So he thought. Eventually he realized that even the bed and covers were poisoned, he gave Saten a stink eye as she healed his already puffed up face as Juno whispered worries in his ear.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just sleep outside? You¡¯re really pushing it¡­¡±

    She admonished him. But, he stubbornly kept at this until he shadowflamed a room clearing it and decided to sleep on the floor. There can¡¯t be any poison left now, right? That morning he threw Saten and Juno who were curled up on his body to the side and woke them up.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way you two will be safe here! Let¡¯s just go home,¡± D whined. His mood was sour. After barging through an army of thieves and malcontents, duping swinders and exploiters with his wit, and securing a poisoned inn through sheer determination, dragon adaptability and Saint magic he had enough. Last night he had been too tired to consider any course of action but sleep. What bothered him the most was Juno¡¯s safety. Saten didn¡¯t seem like she was going to die, but Juno poisoned face from the night before stuck in his mind.

    Today he had to go to the castle, and anywhere where he couldn¡¯t see them meant Saten and Juno would be in danger. On the other hand, taking them with him would expose them to the Lords directly. D didn¡¯t know about the trap laid for him, but from this reception he figured he would be jumped by all seven Lords with their lord-class weapons and armor and have to activate Dragon Drive to survive. He might have to kill them all, and what then?

    Saten looked at him, a smile on her face as she grabbed his head. D didn¡¯t understand what emotion she was expressing, but he did not figure it was a good one. Juno had her own concerns, but she kept her arms folded between her thighs on the floor.

    ¡°There¡¯s no going back. If we withdraw now, Locos becomes a target for military action. Now that I¡¯m not a Saint anymore, now that you¡¯ve received a welcome like this, the only way out is through!¡± She released his head and sat back on the inn floor. Saten sighed. ¡°Or, we could run. Forget the Lordship, forget Locos, spend our lives wandering in the wilderness. Or join the side of the No Life King and the goblins. Maybe they will accept us?¡±

    D could see Saten was at the end of her wits after last night. If D didn¡¯t have such ridiculous abilities like the Dragon Drive and Dragon Hoard, he¡¯d be thinking the same thing. Those, combined with his shadowflame, adaptability, and bulletblade assured him of victory. Even then, he wanted to leave the lordship and Locos behind and just take the two girls here with him. Why does he need to push himself? Does he really need a town and a political position?

    However, seeing Saten give up on the Lordship gave him a sense of loss. He liked Saten when she was stronger.

    I didn¡¯t think even this would break her will to continue, even when she said she was excommunicated. D felt there was something he had to protect there. Saten continued as D¡¯s analysis of the situation tumbled.

    .

    ¡°Why would the Lords would go this far? You¡¯re right, D. Maybe we should just call you Ralphos again, go on a journey, the three of us. We can get matching cloaks with hoods covering our faces, right wrongs, it¡¯ll be an adventure,¡± Saten¡¯s eyes unfocused as she looked down at the floor.

    D didn¡¯t like that look on Saten¡¯s face. Even though he thought something similar, even though he wanted to give up, he didn¡¯t want to see Saten give up. He thought of Laplas. Her confession to him when they were overlooking Locos drifted into his mind. She seemed so lonely. He wasn¡¯t sure she would stick around if he wasn¡¯t a lord.

    Although their relationship wasn¡¯t much at the moment cutting it off entirely felt like a loss to him. He thought of Locos. Of Afgar, that strange sword that he broke that Lord Ros had, just what the hell was that thing? The three he took revenge on and put under his weak rule that was already crumbling at that moment. D looked at Juno.

    Juno nodded to him and spoke, noting the glint in D¡¯s eye. She knew what that meant.

    ¡°Lordship or Kingdom, don¡¯t come back dead. That¡¯s all I want from you, D.¡±

    D looked to Saten. He had to tell her. D reached into a nearby pack, and handed her a book.

    ¡°Dragon manual. I¡¯ve been studying the history of the towns and their lords, the weapons and armor of different classes, magic, and the history of the war. But, I also read this. I¡¯m going to use everything I learned, and I¡¯m going to come out on top here.¡±

    D stood up. He didn¡¯t know if his words were him lying to himself or him telling the truth to himself. His body felt stronger in that moment, bigger, like he could handle whatever was next. Saten looked up at him, tears in the corner of her eyes. D looked down to Saten.

    ¡°I¡¯m crushing all those Lords. They ruined my night. I¡¯m going to show them how uncomfortable it is to sleep on a floor with only your packs as pillows!¡±

    D roared.

    Saten¡¯s face twisted back into a smile, and she laughed at him. Juno smiled and closed her eyes. She wanted to believe D could handle it, no matter what it was. Even though she knew his dragon powers were insane, she was still afraid.

    ¡°D, don¡¯t hesitate to use the Dragon Drive, okay?¡± Juno stood and looked at him.

    ¡°Juno, use that outfit to book it. Even if you have to leave Saten behind, don¡¯t mind her. She can handle herself,¡± D said.

    Saten stood and looked at the two, her smile growing wider.

    ¡°Please, be careful not to hurt too many innocents, alright? You look like you¡¯re about to start a war.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s their fault. This is self-defense, Saten! As for the innocents, well, I¡¯ll do my best. For all of us.¡±

    D left his pack behind and grabbed the hilt of the bulletblade. He walked to the door, giving the both of them a final look. He faced away from them, and said the words he didn¡¯t want to say to Saten the most.

    ¡°Get out of town. I¡¯m not sure how long it¡¯s going to last.¡±

    After D left Saten held the Dragon manual close to her body as she questioned Juno.

    ¡°He¡¯s not serious about that, right? He¡¯s going to be okay, right?¡±

    Juno furrowed her brow.

    ¡°He¡¯d better be okay. This is going to be a disaster. His abilities, they got him this far, but against the Lords¡­¡±

    Saten saw the trepidation on Juno¡¯s face. If Juno knew that D was walking into two Kings, a vampire, and a mysterious warrior of an ancient family protecting the stability of the world she would have fought him physically to turn to a wandering life with her and Saten.

    ¡°Tell me, earlier you said ¡®Dragon Drive¡¯, what¡¯s that?¡± Saten said.

    ¡°D¡¯s abilities, well, should I just say that maybe I¡¯m worrying too much? It would have to take the strongest on this side of the war to give him a real fight!¡± Juno laughed nervously.

    Unfortunately those were the very people D was about to meet.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you. D gave you that book, so he wants you to know. That¡¯s enough for me. I¡¯d rather you scram though,¡± Juno stared at Saten with sudden bloodlust. Saten caught the line of her sight, and laughed at her.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about it Juno!¡± Saten rubbed Juno¡¯s head gently. Juno sighed as she enjoyed the sensation, her tail making a turn as she recounted D¡¯s abilities.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried. When he gets back from destroying the world and comes to me first instead of you, I¡¯ll calm down. Anyways, he¡¯s got the bulletblade. It¡¯s got four ¡®Drives¡¯. Each one you hit a switch and it activates a certain mode. Drive 1 bisects a certain target, Drive 2 boosts your base abilities. I used it during the fight against Cruci, that red aura, remember? Drive 3 blew up a mountain. Hopefully he doesn¡¯t use that one. Drive 4 cuts souls in half and absorbs them. The dwiff who told us said the bulletblade runs off souls, somehow. The bulletblade was made by Xethos, you know about him, Saten?¡±

    Saten¡¯s blue eyes were big from what she was learning, but she just swished her head from side to side. Xethos wasn¡¯t a name a human would know anyways. Most Cats from the Cat Kingdom of the Caves didn¡¯t know his name either, unless you were a member of a Lord family like Juno used to be.

    ¡°Xethos is a long dead cat wizard of great infamy among the Lords of the Cat Kingdom of the Caves. He created chimera, horrible creatures that destroyed the bounds of magic. Thankfully, they were all wiped out. However-¡±

    ¡°Chimera? They called D that!¡± Saten said.

    ¡°Are you sure? That doesn¡¯t sound right. The chimera I know aren¡¯t human at all. Must be a mistake,¡± Juno ignored it to continue her explanation. ¡°Anyways, Xethos ruled as one of the Wizard Kings of the Cat Kingdom. He should be dead, but there¡¯s rumors. Some believe that his creations, his magical weapons and armor, were given to the goblins. When I found out that the bulletblade was made by Xethos, I understood a simple fact about it that I couldn¡¯t tell D, but this is the perfect time to confess it to you. The bulletblade is alive. It has it¡¯s own magic. However, if you tell D that, there¡¯s a chance that the bulletblade could turn against him. I¡¯ve been watching the bulletblade as best I could for that reason. Just as I¡¯ve been watching D. If it weren¡¯t for his other abilities, I¡¯d be more worried about the bulletblade¡¯s influence. Good thing he¡¯s a dragon.¡±

    Juno sighed. She worried about that so much before Escribo handed her the Dragon manual. ¡®Adaptability¡¯ ensured that he couldn¡¯t be influenced by something for long.

    Saten¡¯s rapt attention was broken by her own question.

    ¡°So, there¡¯s no way to know what the bulletblade will do? It could betray him?¡±

    Juno shook her head.

    ¡°The other weapons never betrayed their masters. But, Xethos has a bad reputation. All of the things he created changed the people that received them, and not always for the better. Prince Ralphos didn¡¯t have much of an issue with it for some reason, although I had my suspicions. If the town doesn¡¯t get destroyed, there¡¯s a dwiff here that might be able to explain it to us. But, for now it¡¯s a mystery. His other abilities are all from his dragon self:

    ¡°Adaptability. Once he is influenced by something, his entire being shifts in order to accommodate the change better. Remember all the times you hit him? Didn¡¯t he get harder and harder? I thought he was just getting better at fighting, but D actually got much stronger just from taking those hits. Whatever magic the bulletblade may use on him is useless at this point, since he¡¯s been using it himself for so long he should have adapted by now.¡±

    ¡°Shadowflame. That was the dark fire yesterday the he spewed, that burned that army. It¡¯s useless against stronger foes. D doesn¡¯t know that, but I didn¡¯t want to give him a reason not to use it. At the least he might take out some of the weaker Lords if they gang up on him.¡±

    ¡°Dragon¡¯s Hoard. He collects ¡®treasures¡¯ in the hoard. From what I understand about reading about it, these reproduce certain magics that are used on him. They become a form of his own magic. He said he didn¡¯t want me to ever tell you about it for some reason. I don¡¯t understand why. When he used it on me, he got a ¡®treasure¡¯ which summoned a bunch of small cat maids that crawled all over his body. It¡¯s strange. He said there was one he got from you, but his face went red. I wonder why?¡±

    ¡°Dragon Drive. Something about alchemy. I couldn¡¯t understand it at all, but it¡¯s basically infinite energy or something. I guess he could blow up the town if he uses it wrong.¡±

    Juno finished her explanation, and answered Saten¡¯s questions. Saten was concerned about a number of things, but they all went back to Dragon Hoard. After calming Saten down, Juno gathered up their packs, including D¡¯s and suggested that they leave town like D said. Through the air, naturally.

    Saten and Juno made their way out of the window in the inn room and crawled to the roof as Juno checked her activations on her maid outfit.

    ¡°100%, 100%, altitude correct, magic flow optimal¡­¡± Juno muttered to herself brushing and adjusting the outfit. She still didn¡¯t understand how to use most of the features, but she understood how to fly well enough. Saten waited patiently until she saw a figure mounted on a roof approaching.

    That was when Saten strode forth clad in light, her black outfit containing it as she grabbed an incoming light sword projectile. The sword came right from the figure. The shadow wobbled in the distance, and Saten heard a laugh. Saten knew who that voice belonged to. She snapped the sword with her light clad hand and her face got serious.

    ¡°Juno. D told you to leave me if I got in trouble. I can handle myself. I¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    Juno saw the look on Saten¡¯s face. She was startled, but with a grim look she stared at the approaching shadow as light swords began to circle around it¡¯s form. Did he attack after D left on purpose? Juno shivered, but stood firm.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help-¡±

    ¡°Not this time. Not against him. There¡¯s plenty of times when running is much better, you know?¡±

    Juno caught her meaning from the look on her face and her tone as Saten leaped to the next building. Saten¡¯s aegis, which Juno only saw during the week that D and Juno trained with Saten, went up. Instead of a golden ball like Cruci¡¯s aegis, it was a small shield that floated in front of her and spun around her body slowly in a circular motion.

    Juno went for her drill, stopping her hand halfway and staring at Saten¡¯s back. No good. She understood that from Saten¡¯s words and tone. She would not only be in the way-

    ¡°I¡¯d die and- a useless death.¡±

    Juno activated her skirts propulsion and flew off. She¡¯ll find D, he shouldn¡¯t have gone far.

    ¡°Hang in there, Saten!¡± Juno yelled at the figures on the roof as she sped away into the air.

    Juno met her own resistance there. A tremendous massive falcon tackled her with immense force as she flew over the town, carrying her across the sky over the town in an instant. Juno looked down at the bird tackling her, a falcon with golden eyes pushing her with it. The wind buffeted around them, and by the time she threw herself out of the falcon¡¯s tackle Juno could only see the town as a speck in the distance. She caught her breath as she saw the falcon become a speck in the distance from her position, before lazily turning in the air and charging her at all speed again.

    Juno maneuvered her rocket and whipped out her drill, shedding the packs she carried and setting the spinner trigger to full drone.

    ¡°Center it!¡±

    She adjusted herself as the drill droned on, watching the falcon speed toward her trying to aim straight for the head. Just when she had it pointed dead on to the falcon¡¯s charge, the falcon bent with the air at the last second and buffeted her with a wing.

    Juno screeched out as she shot towards the ground, tumbling in the air and spinning at an uncontrollable speed. Her mind spun as well, and she had only one idea.

    ¡°Straight through.¡±

    She thought the herself. The droning of her drill was the only sound she could hear in that moment. She charged her skirt with all the energy she could.

    ¡°Full Tilt! Overcharge!¡±

    Her maid outfit sparkled with blue and gold lines along its cloth. Juno pushed her drill into the wind as in droned, aiming at the ground.

    ¡°All speed ahead!¡±

    Her body straight and spinning like a drill with the additional force of her rocket skirt maid outfit plummeted into the ground, a wave of dirt erupted as Juno used the resistance of the dirt pushing against her drilling to redirect herself.

    She turns it, slowly but surely, going straight on through rock and dirt but turning all the while. Juno bursts from the ground again and straight into the sky, breathing hard.

    It¡¯s taking all of her boosted magical energy just to hold onto her drill, but the force of the rocket behind her is urging her on. She sped into the clouds, above them, the sun reflecting off the cloud tops.

    Her eyes darted and saw the falcon making a leisurely trip back. Had it assumed that when she hit the ground, she was dead?

    ¡°I spent years drilling at home, dumb bird!¡±

    That was all she had back then. She wasn¡¯t good at magic, she to earn her keep as part of a Lord¡¯s litter of kittens she-

    Got a gift from her Grandpa. It¡¯s the drill she holds now.

    She aimed. She tilted herself, carefully slowly, towards the lazy difting falcon in the distance. The clouds shot from her vision. The bird grew large. It head turned and it¡¯s golden eye grew big as it¡¯s beak opened in disbelief.

    The falcon spun into the drill. A second¡¯s contact as Juno shot straight through. Feathers burst into the sky, sunlight covering them. Blood and bone spread into a mist, the falcon now falcon bits.

    If you were on the ground, a farmer, and you looked to the sky that evening not so far away wiping the sweat away from your brow of a hard day''s work, you could see it. A massive Falcon, drifting on the winds. A peaceful sight, distant, giving you peace for that day. The farmer would smile, thinking of how grand the the beauty of this world is to him. Then, the Falcon would burst apart. Feathers would reflect the light, a black mass of them floating like a seraphim framed against the clouds. It would a beautiful and mysterious sight for him, that would confuse him to the end of his days. He would paint it one day, the farmer would think, as he saw the Falcon¡¯s unexplainable explosion.

    He could never have imagined the truth. That a catgirl Lord¡¯s daughter miner turned maid turned rocket maid rent that Falcon apart.

    Juno herself couldn¡¯t stop, her speed too much for her and her emergency cutoff inaccessible. Juno would have to let go of the drill, and that would send her spiraling of into the ground. The only way to stop is to find something to drill into again. Her last reserves of strength leavin her, she pulled with all of her will to aim slightly towards a mountain. A catgirl maid streaked through the air causing an explosion of mountain rock. The dust and boulders settled around the new cave created, Juno¡¯s drill buried in the rock, it¡¯s droning silent. Juno¡¯s body was splayed across the inside of the new cave, looking out at the clouds above. Her body exhausted fully from holding herself straight, she kept her eyes a moment more looking into the sky. D, Saten, they would be alright. She tried to convince herself, again and again her mind drilled that thought around her consciousness as it slipped away.

 16-Saint v. Saint

    Saten faced off against an approaching lanky figure on the roofs of the royal capital. He himself a Saint, her title that she earned with blood protecting the innocent was there no longer. Saten¡¯s not a Saint anymore.

    She¡¯s an attendant to an upstart Lord, at best his favorite mistress and a war veteran at such a young age. She got out of the war fine, she had her health, beauty, and made some friends recently. It had been lonely at times, the few friends she had during her training at the Sanctus Sancti either jealous of the attention she got or harbored ulterior motives. That¡¯s why, she didn¡¯t let anyone know about her real self. That¡¯s why, she didn¡¯t want anyone to know that she had shameful desires. Even talking about it with D would bring a blush to her face. She was lucky. D accepted her violence, her shame, with no complaint. Being a dragon helped a lot for D. Men usually like women for their looks, women usually like men for their confidence but either way appearance is vital for an intimate relationship. For Saten, that was a little different, that¡¯s all. There was nothing strange about her at all. She would insist that, and so when the Saint called her name-

    ¡°Satin Saint Saten. No more a Saint. How pitiable. I loved the consonance. It¡¯s just Satin Saten now, isn¡¯t it? Sounds like a licentious woman. Out of respect for your service and accomplishments, I won¡¯t call you that. Is that agreeable to you, Saten?¡± The lanky Saint said.

    Baquash, he had it out for her. After all she-

    Saten checked her light clad hands and legs, her satin outfit covering her body tightly. Inside, light had spread over her skin, useful as both armor and offense. Saten¡¯s main strength as a Saint was her ability to spread a extremely thin layer of light clad over herself. It became one of the reasons she was accepted at such a young age into the folds of the Saints, along with her record of military service. The people she saved, the people she killed, the battle she won with her efforts alone. It was undeniable. Even if she was a beauty and young, they couldn¡¯t deny her worth as a Saint candidate as well and so-

    ¡°Yes. Thank you, Baquash. I didn¡¯t expect you to come all the way here, just for me,¡± Saten tightened her fist as she saw Baquash advance. She can¡¯t run. He¡¯s faster. She knew that much about him, and more.

    Baquash¡¯s thin frame surrounded itself by floating blades of light, he spread his arms out. Clad in black religious outfit, he clad his hands in white light with magic. Thick white light. He was wearing normal pants compared to Saten¡¯s shining white legs with white thighhighs. Baquash didn¡¯t even give those legs a glance.

    ¡°So! Do you know you¡¯ve been excommunicated? I can¡¯t in good conscience bring you justice without knowledge of your crimes.¡±

    ¡°I heard,¡± Saten said. She kept her eyes on him as he drew closer. If her Dad didn¡¯t send the letter, she would have welcomed Baquash as a friend. He saw her stance and activation of magic and figured she was wise to the current events. There was another reason he assumed she knew as well, her father is a Saint too. Saint Koto. If he came-

    ¡°Koto told you, no doubt. I assumed he would. Saint like that wouldn¡¯t abandon his daughter for work. He¡¯s a strange one. And you, so are you.¡± Baquash stopped and lowered his arms. His eyebrows went up, bemused. ¡°Consorting with a Dragon Demon King? Really? You? What nonsense gave you that idea, Saten, that anyone would be okay with a boy running around with dragon wings and think there was nothing wrong with that at all?¡±

    Baquash knew nothing about chimeras himself. His goal here was only one, anyways.

    ¡°Tell me that your excommunication was a mistake, that the Dragon boy has bewitched you, and we shall move along to your execution.¡±

    ¡°Baquash. This isn¡¯t what the Sanctus Sancti wants. This isn¡¯t justice,¡± Saten said. She opened her hand and took a stance flexing her leg into the roof. It cracked.

    Baquash spread his arms wide. ¡°Do you think that I am just looking for an excuse to get away with murdering a fellow Saint? Well-¡±

    He released all of his light swords into Saten at once.

    ¡°Then you are absolutely correct!¡± A open smile on his face triggered the start of the fight as he summoned countless more light swords in a rain. Dragon Demon King? Who cares? Not all Saints were nice people, you know? And that was how Saten attained her lofty position so early. And that was why she saved so many at that battle. Because she killed-

    ¡°Your brother, I¡¯m sorry. But, it¡¯s isn¡¯t ¡®just¡¯ for me to die here!¡± Saten charged through the light swords, knocking away those she could with her hands and taking the rest head on with her aegis. She would take her time closing distance against a normal opponent. At range, it would be an inevitable loss against a stronger opponent. At close range, she would have her only chance. She had to sacrifice everything to finish this right now.

    ¡°You think this is about my brother? Please. I want to see you suffer, Saten!¡± Baquash¡¯s arm grasped the air beside him. Forming together from specks of light, a massive sword of thick light pulled itself out of the ether and he swung the giant blade onto the oncoming Saten. Saten kicked upwards blocking the blade with a leg, sliding with her other leg along the roof under the blade¡¯s onslaught.

    She slid across the ground from the momentum, blocking the giant light sword pressing down on her with one leg, kicking at his legs with the full force of her other leg. Baquash let her. Saten¡¯s leg thudded into Baquash¡¯s right leg, Saten¡¯s face twisted as she felt Baquash push down on top of her.

    ¡°Such an easy target. Saten, your specialty of a thin light clad magic is wonderful against magical opponents. It provides so much speed and lithe movements. Against someone like me, who has so much strength in his magic, how did you hope to succeed? Was there anything you could have done!¡± Baquash laughed as he pushed down further with the heavy light blade, Saten was trapped. In desperation, she kicked the ground and squeezed out. Baquash met her retreat with a hail of light swords. Saten couldn¡¯t get close or she would face his sword, couldn¡¯t retreat because she would face his light sword rain. She had one more option, then, speed.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°If you wanted to take me on, I would have brought you to justice at any time. Why the excuses? Don¡¯t you want to be honest with yourself?¡± Saten brushed away the light rain and ran in a semicircle around Baquash, closing in and gaining speed. It was a spiral she made around him on the rooftop, and Baquash laughed at her efforts.

    ¡°Truth from the mouths of babes. Indeed. I wasted too much time. But, it¡¯s so easy now, I can write in the report, ¡®She consorted with a Dragon Demon Lord. I brought both of them to justice.¡¯ Isn¡¯t that much easier?¡±

    Saten disabled her light clad across her entire body and channeled it onto her attacking leg. She aimed for him. For now, her thin light clad was useless. She made the thickest light clad she could, weaving the magic together like a lattice and pounding her leg straight onto the back of Baquash¡¯s head.

    He grabbed that leg. Baquash¡¯s speed matched Saten¡¯s for only a second. He disabled his clad light entirely to give himself that speed, using his body alone. Baquash tightened his grip as he pulled her leg, taking her entire body into the air and summoned a light blade with his other arm. He grabbed the light blade and aimed it at Saten¡¯s unprotected stomach, a wide open mouthed grin as he prepared to stab her.

    ¡°Shame! You weren¡¯t the only one who managed to learn a th-¡±

    A blue bolt of light smacked into Baquash, sending him flying into a nearby building and through it into the street below and bounced him into the buildings across the street. The building had a hole through it. A few people looked at the body that flew through, startled at the sight.

    Baquash¡¯s unprotected body took heavy damage. Without his light clad activated in that moment he matched Saten¡¯s speed, he had nothing to protect his body but his clothes.

    Baquash lied there against the wall of buildings across the street and far below Saten on the roof. Wounded and groaning, his upper body propped up by the building to his back. Shards of woods stuck out in angles all over his body.

    Still in midair, Saten felt warm arms circle around her and set her upright. The tall figure checked her body, looking for wounds, and Saten¡¯s eyes teared up looking at him.

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    Saint Koto, her father and savior, admonished her.

    ¡°Saten, I told you to run away against a strong opponent. What if I wasn¡¯t here?¡± His tone strict, he patted her head with a huge palm. His eyes kind but devoid of light, a strange man that you couldn¡¯t tell if he cared or not by a glance. Koto turned away, his grim face and a blue needle light sword he summoned into his hand signaled his next action. Saten knew what was next. Saten¡¯s fear of death, staring down Baquash¡¯s attack moments before, and the sudden appearance of the person she wanted to see most in the world. Those were the experiences that lead her to say a stupid thing in that vulnerable moment, looked up at her violent father.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t kill him! He¡¯s wounded, that¡¯s enough, right?¡± Saten sputtered out. She regretted saying it.

    Koto looked to her. From those eyes and that face, she knew what he was going to say. Inside, Saten admonished herself for thinking that it could be any other way. She listened anyways.

    ¡°Justice isn¡¯t enough for me, Saten. Did you forget, acting by your lonesome for so long? That man, I almost saw my beloved daughter killed before my eyes. Forgiveness comes after punishment. Didn¡¯t I teach you that?¡±

    A light sword, blue and thin in his hand. Like a needle, he hefted it and moved. Saten trembled as her father jumped effortlessly to the ground and sauntered over through a broken building, the way created with Baquash¡¯s flying body. Koto stood over Baquash, one Saint straight one Saint bent and whimpering.

    Saten looked on, her heart pounding. Saten killed many in the war, including Baquash¡¯s brother. From what he said, that didn¡¯t matter to him, but it mattered to her. Seeing her father standing over an injured man ready to kill him disturbed her. The hatred in her heart from the battle between her and Baquash, her pounding blood, and her love for her father kept her rooted on the roof as she saw what happened next.

    Koto raised a blue needle like like sword over a bloody Saint.

    ¡°Rest in peace,¡± Koto prayed. Koto stabbed down into Baquash¡¯s heart. Koto dismissed his needle blue blade of light, people in the street gasping as he turned around and addressed them. A well to do woman with an open mouth was singled out with a booming voice.

    ¡°Miss? Please, fetch a cart. This man, he was impersonating a Saint by dress and attacked a civilian. I brought him to justice. Tell the authorities that I am responsible, Saint Koto, and to address their complaints to the Sanctus Sancti.¡±

    Koto had said such similar lines before that he whipped them out without a single pause. Years of experience as one of the strongest saints allowed him that much skill in dealing with commoners. Koto spread his own light clad magic along his body, tiny blue lines of immense strength. Similar to his daughter, they were thin but the strength was incomparable. He stepped casually and that was enough to land him with a graceful bound onto the roof where Saten stood trembling. Koto gathered his daughter to his body with a sweep of his arm like a wing, his hand on her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he comforted her. ¡°You grew up so tough. It makes me so happy to see you like this, reminds me of better days.¡± Koto¡¯s eyes were their usual dark color, but he smiled looking down at her form from above.

    ¡°Stay away from bad Saints, Saten. This is the second,¡± Koto said. The first, Baquash¡¯s brother in the war, Saten remembered. ¡°As a civilian and not a Saint, you should be able to do that easily now. Now, tell me all about this dragon boy.¡±

    Koto didn¡¯t believe for a second that D was a Dragon Demon King. After all, he knew that the real reason the Sanctus Sancti spread that rumor was because D was a chimera. Koto knew about chimeras and their danger, one of the few who did. Koto had a history hunting down Laplas, after all. Laplas had a thing for him. It¡¯s not romantic.

    Saten looked up to him, tears in her eyes. She was scared for herself, troubled by what her father did in front of her and worried about D all at once. However, she knew that it had to be done. Baquash had to die, and she would have not had a single regret if she could have killed Baquash herself. Saten felt powerless.

    ¡°Dad. I-¡±

    She told him about D, but not everything. Just the surface stuff, not about how he was from another world. Saten mentioned his abilities.

    At first, Koto smiled, happy that his daughter had found someone she could relate with. Koto was often worried that Saten was doomed to be as antisocial as he was. However, as the conversation bore on and certain facts became known, Koto reached a conclusion. One he couldn¡¯t voice to Saten, both because he was worried for her safety and worried about upsetting her feelings.

    Koto said this to himself in his head after.

    ¡°That¡¯s no chimera. The Warlock. Alchemy. Saten, you¡­ really do have the worst luck. Being born as my daughter, now this?¡± The warlock¡¯s tower. The witch to the north with her flying country. Alchemy, and the truth behind it that needed to be preserved. Another misunderstanding was made in that moment. Koto at that point decided he needed to discover the truth behind D¡¯s existence at all costs.

    If Saten had only told him ¡®he¡¯s from another world and he got his powers from a god¡¯ Koto would have believed her immediately and further trouble would have been avoided. Koto¡¯s that kind of person. If Saten said it, if his daughter said it, he would have believed her. Saten left out the ¡®other world¡¯ part out because she didn¡¯t want her dad to think she went crazy.

    However, D may not have found out about the other enemies waiting for him in the future. The enemies waiting on the other side of the war. The history behind alchemy. Laplas¡¯s past, and how he actually had something in common with her.

 17-Castling

    The royal capital castle, rock slabs cut and cobbled together made a mountain in the middle of the town. No moat, no drawbridge, the royal capital castle of Marscione. The lordmaster and ruler of that castle, who took the name of his town as tradition dictates, is busy drinking and laughing with a certain girl who is effortlessly resisting his advances. Marscione the lordmaster is away from his castle.

    D walked along the stone tiles in the belly of the stone beast, hearing the echoes of his steps in the dark. Little torches in the distance with their accompanying guards showed D the way to the next torch. D went through hallways, long and dark tripping over furniture and into doors left open or ajar. Garments and pieces of paper lied scattered around the castle''s inner grounds. The high ceilings covered in shadows, D felt as if he was walking through a cave rather than a physical building. Drips of unexplained fluid and the smell of wine didn¡¯t help the feeling. A basement, a cave, and a castle all in one, D wandered directed by one fat sleepy eyed guard near a torch to another skinny narrow eyed guard. Without a word, the skinny guard pulled his guardian torch above his head from it¡¯s sconce. He carried it above and to the right of his head, not even motioning for D to follow. D did, out of a sense of loss for what to do next, he stared into the guard¡¯s back as the torch¡¯s light dawned upon a heavy ornate door. The skinny guard looked D in the eye for a moment, dead eyes, and pulled the door open. D glanced at him, foregoing manners D walked in.

    A grand hall and a throne. In the reaches of the ceiling sunlight cracked in towards the vast stone grounds. Small windows there, carved through the stone, allowed just enough light to illuminate. D continued walking in a trance, his eyes tracking down from the light above to the throne far away from him. Black and twisted like an obese poisoned tree root, it¡¯s form highlighted by the light above it composed both the end of the room and it¡¯s only furniture. Red curtains framed it, hung on the wall behind. Steps lead up to the throne, draped with a red and gold carpet.

    D stopped in front of the throne, and snapped out of his trance. The room¡¯s empty, excuses and anxiety littered his mind as his hand reached for his bulletblade.

    Then, he felt his body jerk. He pulled the bulletblade out from it¡¯s sheath and his head went down, staring at the icicle that grew through his chest. Blood traveled along channels edged into the ice spear¡¯s ornate design. Cold and crushing weight. That was all he could notice in that instant as the force from the blow from behind carried him forward. D stumbled, his limbs under him trembled like a fawn but he staggered around upright painting red around the stone below. His breath caught, lungs wouldn¡¯t move, his body numb. If only he could yell out, activate Saten¡¯s treasure from his Dragon Hoard, he could survive. Is there another way! Another ability?

    D pulled the bulletblade to his chest under the spear through his body. His consciousness fading, unable to summon the ability he needed most to survive, his fingers on his other hand scrambled numb on the bulletblade unable to open the latch. Drive 2, Limit Breaker, maybe if he could activate that! D shouted in his mind, his heart pierced through by the ice spear. Blood traveled along an inlet on the spear through a wayward channel in it¡¯s design.

    That blood drop fell from the ice spear onto the bulletblade. The blood spread and absorbed, the bulletblade split open, revealing green insides through cracks in the black metal and Drive 2 powered on. A red aura pulsed over D¡¯s shaking body. Through the blood, D¡¯s will got through. The bulletblade woke up. D¡¯s mind and body connected with it, his nerves coming alive and muscles firing, his whole body clenched at once as his heart itself snapped the ice spear in him into shards. Pumping blood filled his lungs, but they convulsed with a new energy. D blew out of all the blood like flame, shouting out:

    ¡°Dragon¡¯s Hoard - ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯!¡±

    Looking into the dark room D faced four figures D saw for the first time, his eyes focused, his hand pulled the bulletblade up to guard as he saw it¡¯s new form. Red aura around him, his body still in weak shape D gasped for air. Then, the world above him, a stone ceiling and cracks letting in minute beams of light transformed.

    It became a radiant sun and blue sky filled with¡­ white thighhighs. They floated as if they were clouds, curling in the air like streams. The whole room drowned in sunlight, and D¡¯s wounds healed themselves, white energy pulsing down from the thighhighs drifting above.

    In front of him, four seasoned warriors all lost their sense of reason unable to ignore the sudden appearance of the sun and women¡¯s clothing. A troll, two dwiffs, and a small girl admired the brand new sky.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Juro said, the Troll Hero-King hefted his shield. Juro threw had thrown his ice spear straight into D¡¯s heart from behind. A planned ambush in the vast dark throne room. Juro watched as the chimera¡¯s body stumbled forward and activated strange magic, snapping the spear in half with it¡¯s chest muscles alone and produced a grand illusion. Juro checked the chimera¡¯s chest for the wound but he only saw white energy there with the chimera primed for battle. Juro summoned another ice spear from the air, grinning and he leaped towards the chimera checking out the weapon he held. What is that? Juro couldn¡¯t let up his attack, or he might not like what he finds out. Juro slammed D with his shield, following up with a stab of his ice spear into D¡¯s unprotected leg as Juro got a good look at the chimera¡¯s growling face. D swiped at the spear snapping it off from Juro¡¯s grip. Juro gained distance sensing the massive amount of wind pressure and speed that D¡¯s hand showed him. Don¡¯t challenge him in strength, that was the lesson Juro learned from that one attack. To Juro¡¯s surprise, white energy surrounded the broken spear still stuck in D¡¯s thigh and the surrounding muscle crushed the spear into slivers of ice.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    D aimed the bulletblade at the retreating troll and fired, Juro knocked it away with his massive ice shield. The heavy brown troll with superior speed pierced his leg with his spear, but ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ healed it beyond D¡¯s expectations. The spear snapped in place, his leg healed with white light. D realized then staring at the spear shattered that he almost died. It was so close. His heart pounded, and D being grateful looked to the troll. If it¡¯s a fight they want-

    D rocketed forward with his healed leg, his momentary respite after being pierced twice allowed him that much. His superior dragon toughness from a well tested dragon adaptation, Limit Breaker, and ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ from his Dragon Hoard allowed him to survive. Now, to counter the people he believes are Lords out for his life. He¡¯d make them pay.

    D pounced at Juro flinging his body¡¯s weight into the shield head on, but Juro from long years of battle saw that coming. Like leading on a bull, he timed and shifted his weight at the last second before D¡¯s body impacted him. Juro dodged to D¡¯s side and pushing into the speeding chimera with his shield changing D¡¯s trajectory towards Juro¡¯s dwiff friend. A present.

    D¡¯s body flew towards a dwiff, red hair and a red beard, a massive slab of iron as a sword. The dwiff stood, angled his thick blade and slammed the oncoming D into the ground. D felt the force spread through his body, snapping his bones and cracking the floor. Above him, a dwiff forced down the slab of metal and D in a panic pushed himself off to the side with all his strength. D caught a sight as his body flew away of the stone ground erupting shards into the air like a volcano exploding.

    D skidded against the ground, knocking lightly into a wall feeling white energy healing his new injuries already. Would he have survived that if he didn¡¯t have ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ activated? D trembled, trying to gather his shaken wits and body while the group in front of him had a quick casual conversation.

    ¡°Silva, the barrier. Shadowkin Hippos too,¡± requested the dwiff with the blade. Dwiffking wielded the slab of metal grumbling as he started after the chimera, D, near the wall..

    A small girl nodded to her pointed staff floating nearby, and as if it understood a blue glow spread out from it in an expanding circle. A thin aura, ¡®Penance¡¯, protection to keep the castle together. The throne room became clad in blue. The blue sky above from ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ and the blue glow below matched and complemented each other. Near Silva another dwiff whose entire face was a beard with only a nose poking out sniffed and waved at the girl with his hand, signaling no to her. Nosebeard wasn¡¯t going to let this chance go to waste, such a perfect training target for Dwiffking.

    ¡°Silva, don¡¯t bother. Juro, you too. Let the Dwiffking take him alone.¡±

    Juro looked disappointed as he formed another ice spear with his magic and leaned it against his shoulder.

    ¡°Dwiffking, can you handle it?¡± Juro jeered.

    D struggled to his feet as Dwiffking swung in with a heavy strike. D caught the blade head on dropping his bulletblade. Unable to escape Dwiffking¡¯s speed D pushed back with all of his enhanced strength against the slab sword. Dwiffking took a step back as he gauged that his opponent was stronger than him in an instant from how hard D pushed back. Dwiffking swung again and again, overwhelming D with the speed of his attacks despite his small stature and reach. Frustrated by a rain of heavy blows, D charged forward grabbing for the Dwiffking¡¯s body with his bare hands. Dwiffking nimbly dodged him with simple prediction of D movement.

    The difference was experience. D only had trouble fighting against Saten while training. Dwiffking saw real combat, and faced enemies where it was a given that they were physically stronger than him. A wide variety of experience and enemies with enhancement, magic weapons and armor, mages, Saints, and the weapons spread by the warlock-

    D took Dwiffking¡¯s slab of metal straight to his side, cutting in deep and knocking him into a distant throne room wall. D slammed into the blue aura, taking more heavy damage which healed as his body dropped limp to the floor below.

    Dwiffking shouted to Nosebeard, ticked off that he got no support and fully understanding the reason why, training.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my hippo shadowkin? Juro? Anyone?¡± Dwiffking mocked them and swung his blade around. ¡°Nosebeard, you see that?¡± Dwiffking pointed with his blade at the blue sky filled with thighhighs floating like clouds. ¡°That white light? What, you want to see how long it lasts? Don¡¯t be so sadistic. Let me end this right now.¡±

    Nosebeard knew Dwiffking was asking for permission to use the full release of the Busterbreak Blade, Dwiffking¡¯s country-class magic weapon. However, something about the spell that D used to turn the throne room ceiling into a lewd sky bothered him. Nosebeard worried about the chimera¡¯s possible abilities: ¡®Maybe he¡¯s right. I¡¯m play-¡¯

    D stood, breathing in heavily, and imagined the whole room consumed in flame. A dark flame burst forth from his mouth like volcanic ash blanketing the throne room. Nosebeard didn¡¯t budge. Flame smoothly curled around him. Silva and her staff next to her covered themselves in a thin blue shield. A personal effect of the staff¡¯s ¡®Penance¡¯ ability.

    Juro and Dwiffking panicked at the sight of the oncoming dark flame and ran. Straight through the door out of the room, slamming the door shut behind them. They continued to run as the shut door melted behind them.

    Dwiffking gathered his wits, accepting that he would have to use the Busterbreak Blade or get engulfed by the flame. Without Nosebeard¡¯s permission, using the blade¡¯s powers is against his rules. It¡¯s training It¡¯s also against Nosebeard¡¯s rules for Dwiffking to take unnecessary damage. It¡¯s training. The choice had to be made.

    To the skinny guard down the hall, to the halls outside of the throne room, the shadowflame D spewed out charred the dark grey stone black. Dwiffking activated his Busterbreak Blade and Juro skidded next to him, hugging the dwiff as his ice weapons melted. The Busterbreak Blade snapped and extended, cracks opened in it and orange parts inside beat like a heart, absorbing D¡¯s incoming waves of shadowflame that chased both of them to their limits. The black flames buffeted around Dwiffking as he shielded Juro

    Juro let go of Dwiffking and stood, adjusting his cape and surveying the damage to the castle¡¯s halls outside of the throne room.

    ¡°Even my regeneration may not have been able to handle that!¡± Juro laughed as he put his hairy brown troll foot experimentally onto the charred stone, satisfied that it wasn¡¯t hot. Juro slapped Dwiffking on the back, urging him to return to the fight and Dwiffking grumbled as they returned to the throne room. Nosebeard and Silva welcomed them, and a brief respite in the arduous fight opened up for D.

 17.35-Santa Ahgo ~ DHBuK x MWO x mediocre Crossover Christmas Special!

    A castle in the town of Locos. D is now it¡¯s new, confirmed Lord. After a daring battle barely won, one in which he nearly lost his life, against powerful foes. D was home, as close to home in another world he could be. A difficult negotiation of alliances with other Lords. All of that done, new worries in his mind plagued him. But! Now, he was back home, thinking of his old home in another world.

    ¡°I miss Christmas.¡±

    D said that to the town he now ruled. The town of Locos filled with colorful spires on the buildings and snow falling off of them, a bunch of party hats digging into the stars in the sky. Ground blanketed with white glittering pin size lights, the signal of pristine snowfall. No sign of celebration. Not a single green tree, not a single red santa. In this world, Christmas isn¡¯t around. The moon above a grey color like home, so similar yet so alien. Staring up at the moon, leaning his head up, D saw a form there. A shadow.

    He recognized it.

    ¡°No¡­ way!¡±

    Framed against the vast moon in front of his eye, a green troll that reminded him of the troll he fought rode a sleigh. The hippo shadows he fought that were summoned forth by the vampire girl pranced in the air, got lashed by a whip from the troll in a red santa outfit,carrying the sleigh higher and higher into the moon above.

    Laughing, crude and deep, rang out and D didn¡¯t believe his eyes. A red santa suit, a green troll, a sleigh carried by hippo shadows flew across the moon. D sat spellbound watching them go. Cheering in his heart as they went. A mysterious event. They passed away, into the night.

    D stood in fright, worrying for his sanity that Christmas night. D grumbled as he went to bed.

    ¡°Maybe that fight made me a madman¡­¡±

    Juno and Saten would take care of his head.

    And so~

    Above in the sky the green troll in the santa suit, Ahgo, in his sleigh eyed the mysterious world making his way!

    To the royal capital of Marscione that christmas day. There were some characters from another story that needed to pay. They escaped another story by the author that Christmas Day. No way. Ahgo got recruited and dispatched by a strange smug fishman to bring them the present of an asskicking and portal them away.

    In the heavens, Ahgo recalled their meeting, and grumbled, his mood despair. His face grim there, as he whipped the shadow hippos pulling his sleigh, urging them on to make his task done

    ¡°Here. It¡¯s a portal device. And a santa outfit. I¡¯ll send you home after you finish the task I told you about. Just go with it.¡± A smug fishman said to him, and handed him a satchel and gave him an explanation. ¡°It¡¯s like ghostbusters. You throw it, and it sucks them in, so pile them together. Have fun!¡±

    Ahgo protested, but then was directed into the sleigh and teleported away.

    There, Ahgo, Troll Hero-King of another world met Juro the Troll Hero-King of this world. They fought, and Ahgo won, Juro complained like a child. After Juro teamed up on him with some strange little girl, Ahgo wrestled the shadow beings she summoned and lashed them to his sleigh. Ahgo made his daring escape that way.

    ¡°So immature. That troll never fought a being like Granadyr. Once you experience such resounding defeat¡­¡¯

    Ahgo whipped the whiny shadow hippos, and they cried into the night sky. Cold wind buffeted Ahgo¡¯s three eyes. His cone ears wiggled in the icy air, as he formed a blade of ice out of silvers of cold in the air. Ahgo threw it, smacking a shadow hippo behind, rocketing the rest forward toward the open sky.

    ¡°You never forget it. How naive. If I didn¡¯t have to head to Marscione to get back home, I¡¯d train him. To think there¡¯s someone so like me, yet so different! How strange reality can be!¡±

    Ahgo cackled, his jolly tone echoing out alone. The shadow hippos weary they made their flying ways, and weary would they be before the morning came.

    So it was that Christmas night that sight of Ahgo and his laugh became a legend.

    Over the hilly plains of the collected towns ruled by the human Lords they would tell the tales of a laughing green troll with a red outfit and sleigh with Lord Silva¡¯s shadow hippo¡¯s pulling it. They believed him to be Juro, the Troll Hero-King, an honest mistake.

    They would say his laughter kept them warm in their hearts that cold winter night. Later, when a King united the Lords under him, they would make a new holiday in memory of that night.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    A troll riding a sleigh in the skies, rumored to be the Troll Hero-King gone insane.

    He stole the Vampire Lord¡¯s shadow hippos that night.

    He took flight, to bring joy to all with his mere sight.

    Against the moon that night they flew.

    The Troll Hero-King becoming a legend.

    To bring to hearth and home in the winter cold.

    The town of Marscione, the royal capital alone. After D survived the events there and managed to stop it¡¯s destruction, they were glad to see D go away. The rumors of a mad dragon boy who ripped through the town on his first day, leaving corpses all the way to the inn. Then, that night, a few wandered in from another world. The cast of ¡®mediocre in another world¡¯. They toured the streets, thinking they reached their destination, but were confused. They headed to ¡®a¡¯ Marscione, but ended up falling into a portal to Dragon Harem Bulletblade King by mistake. It happens.

    ¡°Aeschyli, where are the rivers¡­ you said there would be rivers...:¡± Cosimo complained. A boy, wearing red, his mysterious powers unexplained. A giant anteater druid in the form of a man followed behind.

    Aeschyli, a girl with long red brown hair gathered together with a bangle lead the way, admiring the buildings and their design. Her red outfit wasn¡¯t chosen to match with Cosimo¡¯s it was an unfortunate coincidence. This place, it¡¯s not the Marscione she read about in books.

    ¡°Arge. I¡¯m lost. We¡¯re lost. Is this possible?¡± Aeschyli fell to her knees in the snow. Her face blank, her eyes devoid of light like usual made their appearance, staring into Arge¡¯s face. They were into the same girl. That¡¯s about what Arge figured was going with Aeschyli.

    Arge, an older kid but still a kid who lead the adventuring party of Chel, Slo, and Doru. He¡¯s a thief and the party¡¯s second tank, but would never put either that way. Arge looked away from Aeschyli to Slo, who grew up in the town. He gave her a nod. Slo shivered and sobbed, clutching her staff and witch hat. She didn¡¯t want to come to Marscione. They tricked her!

    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s not Marscione then, right? No need to cry!¡± Arge comforted her, trying to get close. Slo raised her staff, a rare steel in her eyes, and Arge backed away.

    ¡°W-why did you lie to me?! Did everyone know! Even Chel and Doru! They didn¡¯t even blink when Cosimo said ¡®is this marscione¡¯! Everyone knew! I thought I could trust you¡­ Arge¡­¡±

    Slo cried, as a blonde girl in a full black robe with a staff with a tiny bat on it kept her distance. Her name is Chel, the party¡¯s healer and she will be the first to die. Chel tried to calm Slo down, but Slo threatened force. Slo¡¯s magic could blow the royal capital away, so they had to be careful.

    Doru, a dwarf with a shield made out of a door he had on his back, watched the kids play.

    ¡°Ah, to be young again,¡± Doru sighed.

    The mage Slo raising her staff pointing at anyone who got close and crying, and the red girl kneeling in the snow listless while the rest of the party stood to the side. Aeschyli mind is first rate and would have solved it in a heartbeat if she wasn¡¯t drained. They had just fought off a monster the other day sent from Aeschyli¡¯s dad, and she was obsessed thinking about it.

    If only there was a way home, for all of them. Ahgo above took out the pictures of the characters below from his satchel, and checked the group below.

    ¡°The anteater looks different. That fishman did say he could change forms. Better get this over with.¡±

    Ahgo circled the sky and parked on a nearby roof. Looking at the crying mage girl waving her staff threateningly at the rest. He observed, making a plan and reading the prepared materials about their abilities. Ahgo tossed them away in frustration, thinking to himself. ¡°It¡¯s definitely them, I¡¯ll just beat them up if they resist. Violence is the only thing I¡¯m good at anyways.Maybe we could talk this out?¡± Ahgo jumped down from the building with a bound. He¡¯d try.

    Cosimo, the boy in red turned around hearing the sound. His eyes grew wide.

    ¡°Santa¡­is that a troll wearing a santa suit?¡± Cosimo was the only one of the mediocre group who knew who Santa was. Like D, he¡¯s from earth. The rest of the party only took him to be a passing local, even though the streets were empty because it¡¯s midnight. Cosimo and Ahgo locked eyes and Ahgo in his santa suit approached the boy. Ahgo gave a jovial wave, and a ¡®ho ho ho¡¯ to lower Cosimo¡¯s guard. He¡¯d start with ¡®that¡¯, only Cosimo would know.

    ¡°Hey there. It¡¯s Christmas, shouldn¡¯t you be getting back home?¡±

    ¡°Christmas? Are you from earth?¡± Cosimo said. The anteater, Timothy, near Cosimo turned to listen to the conversation between Cosimo and Ahgo.

    ¡°Yeah. All of you fell into another world. I got a thing from some fishman that can send you back. It happens. Right, Cosimo?¡± Ahgo said. Ahgo heard about how Cosimo got sent to another world by a god.

    ¡°Are you a god? Like the one I met?¡± Cosimo said.

    Ahgo took that as a good excuse to use to explain the situation.

    ¡°Sure. Now, could you convince the rest of your group to go along? I¡¯ll get the thi-¡±

    ¡°But, Slo¡¯s upset, and I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with Aeschyli¡­¡± Cosimo interrupted.

    Ahgo realized his words were the plight of the hopeless child. Unwilling to act by himself he voiced his thoughts to Ahgo without a filter. Surely, this anteater, a druid, is more mature?

    Unfortunately, he was far less mature.

    Everything quickly went downhill.

    Ahgo looked to Timothy. They had similar heights. Seeing as he said nothing but listened, Ahgo wanted his input as an equal part of the conversation. The anteater in the form of a man put his hand to his chin.

    ¡°Never fought a god before¡­¡± Timothy said. That was when Timothy shapeshifted into a dragon and attacked Ahgo. He¡¯s a combative sort who can¡¯t resist a challenge. Cosimo started pushing and yelling at everyone to run away. The mediocre cast retreated and watched, Slo stunned by the sudden change of events as Arge carried her away in his arms. Doru, noticing no one moved Aeschyli, grabbed her by her convenient long thick squirrel tail shaped hair and dragged her as he ran. The battle began.

    Although Ahgo tried to calm the angry hairy brown dragon anteater in front of him down his words were useless. So, Ahgo did what Ahgo always does when things get useless.

    Ahgo felt the flow of magic within his body.

    Condensed the air, chilled it with ice, formed each river and inlet of the blade as if it was steel.

    Wielded it and felt the weight.

    Ahgo breathed and forgot the past and future.

    In a single moment and forevermore, Ahgo fought.

 18-Throning

    D saw the four of them unfazed by the shadowflame as he ran and snatched his bulletblade lying on the ground and readied the latch. For some reason, he felt like he could just think about it and Drive 3 would activate, like he had another arm or something. D ignored that feeling and went for the switch on the inside of the weapon. That felt more real. Now that he had distance from Juro and Dwiffking, he could finally use Drive 3.

    Castle Crusher. D felt he wouldn¡¯t get another chance if he didn¡¯t use it now. D flipped the switch. The already fractured bulletblade with pulsing green inside fragmented even more, turning into countless tiny shards which expanded and shot out covering the entire room. Nosebeard¡¯s head twitched at the sight of the shards spreading like hail. He whirled his entire group out of the room, his beard extending across his entire body like armor. Nosebeard charging forth knocked D across the throne room with a beard clad smack. Nosebeard¡¯s entire body is bigger now, looking at him it¡¯s impossible to discern where the beard ends and his body begins. Above, the shards of the bulletblade kept extending, digging into the walls and the blue aura of ¡®Penance¡¯ humming around the throne room walls. Nosebeard yelled to his group outside of the throne room, his mouth hidden in his beard.

    ¡°Anti-Army! Fall back!¡±

    There was a name for magic similar to Castle Crusher - Anti-Army. Although, it wasn¡¯t limited to country-class weapons and armor at all, even powerful mages can use some of the weaker ones. Juro and Dwiffking couldn¡¯t handle them, while Silva¡¯s staff and Nosebeard could.

    So Juro and Dwiffking hitched a shadowkin hippo ride to gain some distance to be safe. Silva summoned two of them, and Dwiffking and Juro wide-eyed each mounted onto one as the hippos bounded away through the halls of the castle. No amount of distance was good enough in these situations, if Silva¡¯s staff¡¯s barrier failed Dwiffking and Juro might die. Silva stayed with her staff, heading into the throne. The Vampire Lord watched as the bulletblade shards dug into her staff¡¯s blue barrier. She looked to her staff, disgust on her face.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to lose against a lowly weapon like that? What are these, even?¡± Silva picked up one of the shards digging into the ¡®Penance¡¯ aura like it was a needle. She observed it, then tossed it into a orb in the center of the floating staff. The staff¡¯s orb glowed blue, analyzing the shard, describing the nature of the bulletblade to itself. It could think. It could think a lot. At that moment, all of the bulletblade shards bounced back off of the ¡®Penance¡¯ aura, collecting themselves and reforming around D¡¯s bulletblade leaving him with a stunned face.

    D adjusted himself, looking at girl in red clothing and the staff floating beside her, sheathing his bulletblade and catching his breath. D stood to face the dwiff covered entirely in beard. Nosebeard stood with his arms folded. D couldn¡¯t tell, but Nosebeard was looking into D¡¯s eyes, checking his intent.

    Nosebeard couldn¡¯t let D leave alive. That much was certain. He would occupy him for now. That weapon would be his as well.

    ¡°Silva, call Juro and Dwiffking back. False alarm.¡±

    ¡°Such a strange form¡­¡±

    It was Silva¡¯s first time seeing Nosebeard fighting. His beard armor appalled her and she had a desire to tell someone, but in her heart Silva couldn¡¯t expose someone¡¯s secret shame like that, when she had her own. Silva summoned a shadow hippo and lightly pet it, signaling to the shadow hippos that Juro and Dwiffking rode to return.

    Nearby, another shadow, Genje, had been locked out the room by the ¡®Penance¡¯ ability of Silva¡¯s staff. D melted the doors to the throne room earlier with his shadowflame, for some reason the barrier couldn¡¯t protect them. Genje peeked out from her shadow at the scene, watching with Silva and reporting the new events in text. The book held in front of her, a long black side ponytail spread like a snake across the ground behind Silva. At no point did it occur to her ¡®maybe I should get Laplas? D might need help!¡¯. She¡¯s not that sort of person. If you can call her a person. Most of the details Laplas so lovingly crafted for Genje to record in a blank book were sadly misinterpreted. Not that Laplas gave her any order like ¡®tell me if D needs help!¡¯ either. So, it ended up being a happy mistake that in Genje¡¯s misunderstanding she left to report the events to Laplas. Genje wanted to discuss the shadow hippos but her conversation with Laplas naturally turned to ¡®D¡¯s fighting who?¡¯ Once Genje explained that, Laplas felt she couldn¡¯t leave D alone. Genje slinked away to report.

    Nosebeard and D faced off in the throne room, exchanging blows. D activated Drive 4 Soulbreaker right away, aiming for Nosebeard who ignored the incoming blade as it slipped off the beard armor. A few strands of beard branched off from his body misdirecting the attack entirely. D marveled at the strange sight as his bulletblade retracted. For the first time, he raised his finger, attempting to address his attacker and perhaps come to an agreement of peace. Can¡¯t we get along, if there is a dwiff in full beard before me? The hatred and revenge gone for that instant, Nosebeard sensed it and closed the distance before D could respond.

    Heading towards D¡¯s face, a spike made of swirling beard and a fist behind it came within a short distance before D grabbed the hair out of instinct to block. D¡¯s hand started to bleed and cut, and with a strange fear he jumped back and fired the bulletblade rapidly to force Nosebeard back.

    However, it¡¯s useless. Nosebeard walked straight through the attacks, none of them even hitting him straight on, seeming to slide off the moment they hit. D sheathed the bulletblade, grimacing as he went toe to toe with Nosebeard with fists and took a strong hit from the start. A left. Then kick, a knee, and backhand, a beard lift, and a power bomb. Pain and crunching were about all D could understand, only the sheer power of his body alone and ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ kept him alive. His head swooning, D attempted to reorient himself for another shadowflame but Nosebeard¡¯s speed kept him stuck reacting to attacks. What little damage he could prevent D¡¯s mitigated with his blocking arms.

    Nosebeard ducked and laid into D, unleashing a torrent of physical hits without stopping. He drove D into the wall. Nosebeard pushed D against the blue aura of the throne room wall again and again. Each time, D took serious damage and his body broke, but each time ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ healed him.

    Nosebeard grew suspicious, thinking of what that meant as his frustration grew. Alchemy isn¡¯t infinite, nothing is, unless it¡¯s a Dragon using Dragon Drive. When he heard the rumor ¡®Dragon boy¡¯ he assumed it was just another failure of the warlocks. If there was an ability he was using, some sort of magic that allowed him to continue taking hits of Nosebeard¡¯s level and healing without stopping-

    It would have to be Dragon Drive. That means that the warlock- or worse yet, the witch to the north, succeeded. The chimera D is allied with one of their strongest enemies or allies in the world.

    There¡¯s good chimera¡¯s were hunted down. Dragons came from alchemy in this world. All the Dragon¡¯s were killed because the source of a Dragon¡¯s power is Dragon Drive, infinite energy, infinite destruction. A dragon could fight without stopping. Cast magic without tiring. If the chimera in front of him had that ability, Nosebeard wouldn¡¯t be enough to win. Although Nosebeard could tell D was lacking in skill from his attacks, with abilities like that nothing mattered. Nosebeard would need his family. Nosebeard¡¯s hidden dynasty, the third true power behind the world.

    This world is ruled between three forces, the witch of the north, the warlock, and Nosebeard¡¯s dwiffking attendant dynasty. Nosebeard¡¯s family waited, hidden in the shadows of the Dwiffkings of old, protecting ancient secrets and hunting down the chimera with the aid of the human Lords and the Troll Hero-King.

    ¡°If the dragons rose again, ¡° Nosebeard cursed and shut down that thought. He thought of asking his family for help and at that thought his insides burned. Within him, heat bubbled like magma in a volcano. ¡°Show me a loss, dragon boy,¡± Nosebeard challenged the punching bag in front of him. He renewed his attacks with increased vigor as D pushed back ignoring his wounds. Despite D¡¯s lack of speed an experience, his body could handle the attacks. D laid himself into each of Nosebeard¡¯s punches and got himself away from the wall.

    D fought hand to hand, struggling for each breath as Nosebeard outclassed him in the center of the throne room shaking D¡¯s body with each strike. D didn¡¯t understand Dragon Drive at all. The best he could gauge from the book is that alchemy doesn¡¯t end. So he could cast really awesome magic. However, D was terrible at magic when Saten tried to teach him so-

    D¡¯s plan changed. D took the hits, waited his turn until Nosebeard went too far in with his punishments. D¡¯s distended, his arm extended like a spring straight into Nosebeard¡¯s nose. At that moment, Nosebeard stopped as if frozen, and D felt an intense wave of hatred. Although he couldn¡¯t see Nosebeard¡¯s eyes, it was as if some mystical line in the world that should not be broken was broken. Nosebeard grabbed D¡¯s neck, hoisting him up.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to do this, chimera,¡± growled the talking beard.

    For the first time, one of his attackers talked to D. A brief moment of happiness spread in D¡¯s heart, being acknowledged as a person. A moment later D felt racked with pain, his body felt like it was snapping again and again from the inside. With his face twisted, unable to see or understand what Nosebeard was doing to him. It¡¯s not good in the least, D figured that much out from the suffering and inability to move.

    D tried his last resort. A last ditch effort. He was unaware, but all of his dragon abilities counted as magic. Dragon Drive kept him alive through ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯, and it only could last so long because of Dragon Drive. If Saten were healing him with magic, D would have died at least a hundred times already. Dragon Drive and ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ combined were the only reasons he survived this fight from the start. However, for the first time, he would turn the tables with his final, most confounding ability.

    All of his abilities felt useless against these guys, so why not try everything? That was his thinking, in his pain, as he activated it.

    D has two ¡®treasures¡¯. ¡®Treasures¡¯ are obtained through a difficult to explain process, but it could be said that they are earned through experience and connection to greater concepts. So, to D, he was able to understand Saten¡¯s thighhighs. Beyond that, there was one more thing he could understand. Another concept, from another girl. Juno, the ¡®Maiden Made¡¯, her maid outfit. Now as to why he refused to use this-

    It¡¯s just a bunch of tiny catgirl maids.

    However, he used it. In his pain and confusion, tired mentally from the fight and at his wits end trying to find anything that would work on them, he used it out of despair. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Dragon Hoard - ¡®Maiden Made¡¯!¡±

    Under his beard, Nosebeard¡¯s eye¡¯s may have went wide in that moment as tiny catgirls rained down on him. Each of them wearing a perfectly sized maid outfit, all of them with white hair like Juno.

    Silva looked on with amusement as Nosebeard released D and tried to peel the tiny catgirls off of him. However, they were muttering things:

    ¡°It¡¯s too much, cut it~¡±

    ¡°The skin will dry out~¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s some scissors~¡±

    ¡°I wonder what style would be best~¡±

    ¡°This world, I¡¯ll bring order and justice to it at any cost~¡±

    Strange voices came from them, and Nosebeard in fear tried to swat them away as they rapidly cut his beard armor away. Scissors appeared in their hands inexplicably. Nosebeard couldn¡¯t catch a single one, for pride alone staying silent as he danced a jig away from D. For some reason, they stopped when it returned to his normal state and jumped off en masse as one unit and bowed to Nosebeard in perfect spaced arrangement. A maid each diagonal to each other, smiles on their faces and the scissors gone. It was as if they practiced it for a performance.

    ¡°Thank you master~¡±

    ¡°Are you satisfied~¡±

    The strange voices keep coming at Nosebeard as the tiny maids bowed to him in unison. D stared at the catgirls with equal shock, and in a moment of unexpected brotherhood both D and Nosebeard looked at each other. For that moment, the two felt they understood each other. A David and God reaching out for each other moment between Dragon Boy and Beard Dwiff spooled out like a light from Nosebeard¡¯s nose to D¡¯s nose.

    Then the moment broke. Nosebeard went in for a normal punch, unable to overpower D but still knocking him back and the battle began again in earnest. The two fought and neither gained ground. Each of them now matched for the other, but only one of them tiring.

    Nosebeard stalled and contemplated his next move. ¡®Dwiffking and Juro should return, and then they could finish this. Now that the magic weapon is sheathed and Silva¡¯s staff ¡®understands¡¯ it¡¯s anti-army ability-¡¯

    ¡°Do you want some help?¡± Silva called out, her hand at her mouth. Nosebeard ignored her as he uppercutted D. Below, one of the maids from their formation peeled off and trotted to Silva¡¯s staff alone. Silva caught it¡¯s movements and watched on fascinated at how real it looked.

    ¡°Amazing¡­¡±

    The maid stopped in front of the floating staff. It was twice as tall as Silva, so to the tiny catgirl maid, it was a monolith. The maid bowed.

    ¡°Please disable the barrier~¡±

    It said. It¡¯s voice tiny, yet the staff responded in a deep booming tone.

    ¡°Sorry, Silva,¡± said the staff. The barrier went down. D looked over in surprise at the exchange before taking another hit on the cheek from Nosebeard, slapping his entire head to the side and deforming it.

    Silva looked at the staff in disgust, rubbing her forehead with a red ruffled sleeve.

    ¡°Heraclitus¡­¡±

    That was all she said to him. That was all she wanted to say to him, as she watched the maid retreat to the rest of the pack. All of them moved off to a corner and stood at attention, as if waiting for something.

    Behind Silva, a bunny girl transformed space and appeared. A shadow girl behind her stood at attention. Laplas approached the vampire Lord, and with her watched D battling Nosebeard. Silva noticed, but this wasn¡¯t the first time she met Laplas. Silva sighed, checking out Laplas¡¯s condition. She smelled better than usual. Her eyes went to the shadow girl in curiosity, but Silva¡¯s manners dictated that it would be improper to ask for an introduction. She really wanted to know, though.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Laplas?¡±

    Laplas, without her anime girl pillow and dressed presentably, sighed as she looked on at the sky in the throne room.

    ¡°My attendant told me you were here, so I came to say hi. She told me my current Lord is fighting for his life too, but he looks fine. What¡¯s that?¡±

    Laplas pointed to the sky. Thighhighs drifted like clouds and Laplas smiled. Silva was surprised that Laplas even had a Lord in the first place. Communication wasn¡¯t Laplas¡¯s best quality.

    ¡°Well, he¡¯s your Lord, isn¡¯t he? Shouldn¡¯t you know? You¡¯ve always been the lazy one. Even with that ¡®transform space¡¯ spell you never visit,¡± Silva grumbled.

    Laplas patted Silva¡¯s head. Silva looked up at the smiling Laplas in surprise. Laplas looked at Silva in the eyes, a rare move for her.

    ¡°It¡¯s got plenty of limits. Very complex. It deals with space. That¡¯s very difficult,¡± Laplas gestured towards D. ¡°Can I have ¡®that¡¯ back?¡±

    ¡°Laplas, are you sure? The other Lords won¡¯t tolerate a chimera as a Lord, and if they find out you¡¯re under him-¡± Silva sighed. ¡°Whatever. I should have killed you long ago, if I was doing my duty anyways. Nosebeard!¡±

    Nosebeard didn¡¯t look away from the fight, but switched to D¡¯s other side to get a good look at Silva to respond as he kneed D in the gut. D struggled with the wind knocked out of him as Nosebeard took in the bunny girl standing next to Silva. He knew who she was. What he didn¡¯t know was that Silva and Laplas had a long relationship. Silva knew Laplas was a chimera, but she didn¡¯t care. Nosebeard yelled out as he continued beating D.

    ¡°That¡¯s the secret-class chimera, Silva! Activate Heraclitus¡¯s full release and kill her!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m betraying you,¡± said Silva. Her tone was dismissive and casual. She knew he was busy, so she didn¡¯t want to bother him much. That was the quickest way she thought she could get across the full message that:

    ¡®Laplas and me have a secret friendship that I have no shame having despite my duty to slay chimeras. So now that she¡¯s shown some interest in something I¡¯m less interested than usual in this whole pact to hunt down chimeras and protect the world from alchemy than seeing where she¡¯s going with this. Also, she made a friend? How is that possible, I need to know the truth!¡¯

    Those thoughts were not conveyed. But, the alliance between the Vampire Lord Silva who ruled a human town and the Kings wasn¡¯t that strong anyways. That was more Silva¡¯s fault than anything.

    It was at that point that Juro and Dwiffking returned on their hippo shadowkin and swooped towards Laplas, taking the situation in at a glance. Standing outside the throne room were Silva, Laplas, Genje, and the staff Heraclitus. So, when Juro and Dwiffking returned and heard Silva say ¡°I¡¯m betraying you.¡± They realized they needed to act quickly, even if it was worthless. They wanted to test Silva¡¯s response. For if she really was on the chimera¡¯s side now, that was a troubling thought.

    Silva watched as her shadowkin hippos without her command bucked off Juro and Dwiffking and charged them. They had a direct link to Silva¡¯s will. Juro stabbed his former mount and Dwiffking punched his, both of them keeping their weapons at ready as they watched the hippo¡¯s fall apart and dissolve into the ground. Juro laughed and addressed her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. Silva, what are you playing at? You know who that is, right?¡± Juro tapped his ice spear on his shoulder, smiling good naturedly. If Silva had turned sides, the battle was done. Moreover, he was afraid he¡¯d get pulled into Dwiffking and Nosebeard¡¯s nonsense if this continued. Chimera hunting? No, no, this alliance is for fighting a war for survival. Even though he knew the trouble chimeras posed, that didn¡¯t matter to him.

    Dwiffking looked at Juro. He knew exactly what Juro was thinking, and sighed, about to give up himself. Before that, he had to say something.

    ¡°Laplas! Fight me once for dwiff¡¯s sake! Stop your damn teleporting away!¡± Dwiffking complained. Laplas looked away, intimidated, and Silva moved in front of Laplas protectively. Even though Laplas was nearly twice her size. Dwiffking upon seeing that sheathed his blade, giving Juro a look and a shrug as he entered the throne room. Dwiffking saw Laplas up close for the first time as he did, and nodded to her politely. Laplas barely noticed, trying not to meet his gaze.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Juro,¡± Silva said to answer Juro¡¯s question. ¡°The alliance remains. The chimera hunting, well, since Laplas is a chimera, that¡¯s out. As for D, he¡¯s her Lord.¡±

    ¡°Her Lord? Two chimera working together? This is ridiculous. Nosebeard¡¯s going to have a fit. I can¡¯t wait to see that!¡± Juro bounded towards them, letting his ice weapons go and dissolve into the air leaving a fine mist. He wanted to see this no matter what. Laplas backed off instinctively, and Silva calmed her.

    ¡°Juro doesn¡¯t care about killing chimera¡¯s. It¡¯s just part of maintaining good relations with the Dwiff kingdom. Now that I¡¯m supporting you, and you¡¯re supporting D, it would weaken the war effort. Especially since I¡¯m the second strongest, well, with Heraclitus of course.¡±

    Silva nodded to her staff. Laplas showed concern, looking into throne room.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this, Silva.¡±

    ¡°I am. Is there a problem?¡±

    Laplas smiled.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You in love with him?¡±

    Laplas laughed, Juro gave her a snide look but Laplas ignored him.

    ¡°I was going to blow up the royal capital to see what he would do. He¡¯s interesting. I want to see what he can do. And look at that,¡± she pointed to ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯. ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous. He¡¯s ridiculous. Aren¡¯t you interested?¡±

    ¡°Just seems like a brat to me. Poor choice, Laplas. Also, couldn¡¯t you tell me next time you plan on destroying a city? Like old times?¡± Silva said. Although she said ¡®poor choice¡¯, the look on Laplas¡¯s face and her behavior were more than enough to convince her that it wasn¡¯t.

    ¡°Next time. I still haven¡¯t decided if I¡¯m not going to destroy the royal capital or not. Depends on the Lords.¡±

    Both of them ignored Juro as he digested the information, trying to piece together what kind of relationship they had. Given Silva¡¯s history-

    His attention got stolen by the throne room, watching as Nosebeard approached D after Dwiffking stopped the fight. D sat down in the corner, noticing Laplas he gave himself a respite waiting for his attackers to sort out their differences when Dwiffking stepped in and got Nosebeard off of him. Maybe he would have a chance to talk it out? He wasn¡¯t eager to keep fighting. D admired the ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ as he noticed Nosebeard.

    Nosebeard sighed, looking at D. With Silva¡¯s betrayal, he¡¯d have to fight Laplas, whoever her shadow friend was, and Silva with Juro and Dwiffking. He didn¡¯t even include D. That wasn¡¯t a winning fight.

    ¡°What do you know about what you are?¡± Nosebeard started.

    ¡°Chimera?¡± D said. He wanted to end this, and if Nosebeard wasn¡¯t punching him that was enough.

    ¡°Good. Chimeras are hunted down and killed by Lords, you¡¯re advertising for assassins by holding a public position. This won¡¯t be the only time you¡¯ll be ambushed by people out to kill you, if you don¡¯t stop now. Quit your quest for Lordship. Dwiffking and I-¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a King?¡± D pointed at Dwiffking.

    ¡°Yes, and that troll over there is another King. The Troll Hero-King. If I could, I¡¯d kill you right now, but that¡¯s proven impossible. You are very dangerous, so listen-¡±

    ¡°Wait, so this whole fight was because I¡¯m a chimera? What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±

    Nosebeard figured the best way to deal with this was education. So educate he did. D learned about the Dragon Drive that Nosebeard expected D to have and Nosebeard grimaced behind his beard as D shouted ¡°oh I have that!¡±

    ¡°So. Quit your Lordship. You have no business ruling a human town. All the Lords will be against you. This war is not for you to fight,¡± Nosebeard said. He left out the part where he would be coming back to kill D with his family no matter what D did.

    D pondered. Mulling it over, he had already made his decision, so he stood up, looking down at the beard dwiff.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see. Thanks for telling me about alchemy. Why did you stop attacking?¡±

    ¡°Silva, the girl over there. She¡¯s a Lord as well. She decided to support you, and opposing her at this point is foolish. May we never meet again,¡± Nosebeard said. He walked off with Dwiffking, infuriated that he couldn¡¯t kill Laplas either. The sudden relationship between them confounded him to no end, but he had no choice but to retreat as he pulled Juro along.

    D left in the throne room looked to Silva and Laplas in the doorway, the tiny catgirl maids in the corner and the ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ above. He lumbered over to the throne.

    A grand hall and a throne. In the blue sky thighhighs spread about like clouds, white light emitted from them eased his tension as his body fell into the throne. Black and twisted like an obese poisoned tree root, it had no cushioning but D was glad for the support under him. Red curtains framed the thronehung on the wall behind. Steps lead up to the throne, draped with a red and gold carpet. Silva and Laplas approached for an audience, tiny catgirl maids flanking them.

 19-Kay

    In the throne room, D sat talking to Laplas who stood while Genje kneeled. D had his interest in Genje¡¯s body, and snuck peeks at her cleavage from time to time. Laplas noticed it, but said nothing. He¡¯s like that, she understood it from the first conversation they had in the jail interrogation room. D is an absolute idiot, driven entirely by compulsion, and what¡¯s more, he¡¯s aware of it.

    ¡°Laplas?¡± said D, interrupting her disparaging thoughts.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Are you sure you¡¯re okay? Taking a spear right through your heart¡­¡± Laplas looked away when talking as usual, studying the carpet.

    ¡°Oh! That!¡± D flummoxxed back into the throne, leaning lazily to the side with a leg strewn over the armrest. ¡°Yeah, they really almost got me there. I¡¯m beat. Absolutely nothing worked. No wonder, if those guys are the best fighters on this side of the war. Two Kings? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡±

    D sighed. Catgirl maids were crawling all over him, fixing his bloody and torn clothing with instruments they produced from nowhere. D gave up earlier when they surged onto him en masse. D tried ordering them off of him but the tiny catgirl maids ignored him and kept up their adorable mutterings. D gave up trying to figure out how that Dragon Hoard ability worked, and then D turned to Laplas for their second in-person conversation since he met her.

    Laplas adjusted her voluminous robe, shaking her volume of black hair into a ponytail with a hairpin as she voiced her concern, still avoiding D¡¯s direct gaze.

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. And you¡¯re a chimera too? Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear the rumors about the ¡®dragon bo- oh wait, you don¡¯t go outside. I forgot. Why¡¯d you come now then?¡± D questioned.

    ¡°I told Genje to spy on you. I hope you don¡¯t mind. I have a relationship with Silva, so you got lucky this time,¡± Laplas said.

    ¡°Then, how¡¯d you get here so fast?¡± D asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a secret?¡±

    D waved his hands about in protest.

    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m your employer, you can at least tell me that much!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem like the type who minds things too much. Let¡¯s keep it that way?¡±

    D¡¯s eyebrow smushed together as he held his chin. There is merit to that argument. Tiny catgirl maids are crawling all over me now. Yes. I see now, he thought, but then his mind raised another protest.

    ¡°Okay, but what about Genje? How did she follow me without me knowing, and get back to you so fast?¡±

    Laplas looked to the kneeling girl. Genje¡¯s body is curved and firm, like a statue she remained still and her proportions seemed to achieve a golden mean. Her dense black eyes contrasted with the vigor of her white sclera, her black hair with a long drifting side ponytail complemented by an inner shine. Laplas didn¡¯t get a good look at Genje the night they met, but undoubtedly Laplas thought that Genje¡¯s the best looking woman she¡¯s seen. If you can call a Shadow Demon Lord a woman.

    ¡°She¡¯s a shadow demon,¡± Laplas responded finally.

    ¡°Uh, I¡¯ve killed a shadow demon before, that girl¡¯s no shadow demon,¡± said D.

    ¡°She¡¯s a shadow demon, they can do that. Right?¡± Laplas said the ¡°Right?¡± with a stern voice. It contrasted her weak demeanor and lack of eye contact.

    ¡°Right¡­¡±

    D gave in, Laplas didn¡¯t want him to know anything. So, he defaulted to the only other topic he could think of at the time.

    ¡°Thanks a lot for the save there, Laplas.¡±

    Laplas turned and started to walk away, Genje rising and following without a word. Laplas stopped and turned her head a little, meeting D¡¯s gaze for the first time.

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±

    D sighed as he watched her leave. Alone in the throne room, his ¡®Thighhigh Sky¡¯ and ¡®Maiden Maid¡¯ from his Dragon Hoard ability were still active. He silently chanted their names, deactivating them. D let his head fall back against the throne and spent time there gathering his wits and trying to relax. It was a tough day. It was a tough night before. And now¡­

    D rose and left the throne room.

    Meanwhile, Saten and Koto back at the inn headed towards the castle to check on D. They expected to meet Juno there, but Saten grew worried. The fight with Basquash didn¡¯t take that long. Juno can¡¯t fly that fast. In her worry, she finally voiced her concerns to her taciturn father.

    ¡°Dad, can you use that tracking spell to find Juno? She¡¯s a catgirl maid that travels with D, I haven¡¯t seen her since she flew off to the castle. Recently I¡¯ve begun to view her as a friend¡­¡±

    Saten didn¡¯t want to ask, so she felt the need to present the request like that. However, Koto stopped his tall lanky frame and faced his palm upwards. Blue veins extended from his hand outward into the air, forming a circle representing the city as he searched.

    ¡°Any more details you can tell me?¡± Koto addressed Saten with an even tone.

    ¡°Ah, she has a lord-class drill. You know, the ones the Cat Kingdom uses? It¡¯s an unusually expensive one.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s related to a lord, huh,¡± Koto whispered to himself as he adjusted the spell. It allowed him in the past to be the top person, Saint or not, to come in contact with Laplas again and again, causing her endless grief and some sleepless nights. Their relationship gradually improved later on, so it wasn¡¯t all bad.

    ¡°Out of range. She can fly, you said? How?¡± Koto questioned Saten.

    ¡°It¡¯s a lord-class maid outfit. Can you make the range bigger?¡± Saten said. She expected her Dad to only have a small range in the first place, she¡¯d only heard of his tracking spell in whispers and indirect conversations growing up.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Koto expanded the circle outward, and blip appeared

    ¡°She¡¯s stopped on a mountain.¡±

    ¡°A mountain? She was supposed to be heading to the lordmaster¡¯s castle to find D, that doesn¡¯t make sense,¡± Saten said.

    ¡°Follow me then. Let¡¯s go pick her up. The threats eliminated so Juno¡¯s location is the most pressing matter.¡±

    Saten followed Koto without a word, telling herself to leave it up to D. She didn¡¯t even consider the possibility that Juno was attacked by a mysterious opponent the moment she took to the air.

    D stood in front of the inn layered with bodies all around him. Another ambush he beat his way through.

    ¡°They really don¡¯t like me¡­¡±

    Now that he knew the Lords were waiting for him elsewhere and that he got set up and trapped since entering the city, he felt like it would be best to leave. However, Saten¡¯s warning about the political problems that would crop if he did that bothered him to no end.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got to do the Lord thing seriously¡­ A normal person would be dead a thousand times over, definitely!¡±

    They wanted his bulletblade, a country-class magic weapon. So no expense seemed to be spared here, but he was starting to wonder just how much and who would keep throwing bands of low lifes his way. D entered his room, the baggage they carried piled in the center. He expected Juno and Saten at least if the gear was there. D skulked around, eventually knocking on Laplas¡¯s door.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    A note slipped from under the door. As usual, D pulled out his pen and took up the note ready to write a response until he saw the message there. D wrote down a thank you and pushed the note back under the door, returning to his room and laying down with his arms behind his head.

    ¡°So Saten met her Dad and Juno fought a giant falcon, and now Saten¡¯s going to pick her up because that fight blasted her far outside of town? Great, now what do I do¡­¡± D groaned.

    He closed his eyes and mulled over the issue. However, he came to a resolution almost immediately. D can¡¯t leave unless he finds the Lords and negotiates with them somehow, and he¡¯s just learned that he has a perfect source of information right down the hall.

    D took a walk after having the note passing discussion with Laplas. D didn¡¯t expect she would be willing to help, but he took it upon himself to muster the will to ask and was surprised at the result. He had a perfect map in front of him, drawn to the smallest details. Laplas wrote on the note that Genje drew it from memory.

    ¡°That girl¡¯s amazing, shadow demon or no, I¡¯m lucky. I guess? I mean, this could be another difficult fight where I almost die again, right? I left Saten and Juno behind for that reason, right? Hopefully Juno¡¯s okay¡­¡±

    D had confidence Saten could handle the healing, but he cursed himself for leaving Juno alone. Next time, he wouldn¡¯t bring her with him to such a dangerous place. But, would Juno be okay with that? Somehow, he could only imagine her saying no. Because obviously, Saten would definitely be there with him being a war veteran and a Saint.

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s not a Saint anymore, the Laplas note gave him said. There goes my political support.¡±

    D had hoped that the whole support of Saint thing would get him maybe a bit of leverage, but now that D learned about the whole chimera persecution thing he rubbed his chin as he walked to the mansion, studying the map as he did.

    ¡°How the hell can I pull this off?¡± D asked himself.

    He thought of the various decisions he made since he came to this world. Being aggressive with Juno, bad idea. Way too out of his normal behavior, made him uncomfortable. Getting talked into talking to Saten, good idea. Or not? D did end up a Lord because of that. But hey, no one said politics was easy.

    ¡°I do have a castle, a maid, a mistress, a mysterious freeloader, and a talented shadow demon spy. That¡¯s nice. Oh, and the dragon powers and the bulletblade. No, life is good. I almost lost all of that today and I didn¡¯t even know I had a shadow demon spy before today. Though, is that shadow demon spy mine? I mean, technically¡­¡±

    People stared at D as he argued with himself aloud about his situation. Before long, he found himself in front of the mansion gate, his wings popped out. D folded them around his body and adopted an aristocratic air. I care about nothing in this world. I am very, very bored. D focused on that feeling, trying to get into character. D had a plan. He looked to the guard, and pointed at him with a straight arm.

    ¡°Grant me access, peasant. I am displeased. I am Lord D!¡±

    The guard kept silent, laughing deep inside his heart as he whispered to another guard who ran off to check with the mansion¡¯s inhabitants. The guard then resumed his stance and waited with D in awkward silence as D¡¯s face grew even more bored and superior looking at the same time. The guard tried to ignore D as best he could. Finally, the other guard came back and mouthed a ¡®yes¡¯, and they let D into the gate.

    D made sure to walk slowly. If anyone is looking at him, that¡¯s the first indication that he¡¯s actually very awesome and did not mind at all about the traps, the army sent after him, or the thugs he just thrashed in front of his inn. Also, the poison everywhere. D wanted it to look like he had a peaceful night¡¯s rest and this is merely a bother.

    D imagined in his mind the smuggest possible person. His memories flicked back to his days back on our world, through tv, movies, games, everything. He never met a smug person in real life until he came to this world, and that person was undoubtedly Brutus. D held that image in his mind, imagining his face that way and trying to over do it a little bit. It had to show.

    As for the reason why he needed to be smug, well-

    D slammed the door¡¯s open wide, they ratted in their hinges and cracked the frame. A butler stood there in shock with a sweaty face, he dodged back just in time to avoid getting pancaked. D thought that the polite thing would be to knock and wait for some attending butler to receive him. However, he¡¯s not playing someone polite.

    ¡°Hmph. Kneel.¡± D commanded.

    The butler ran away. D kept his face smug even though he got dissappointed that the butler didn¡¯t listen. Not forceful enough?

    A girl D¡¯s age came, a long brown ponytail tied high and an unmistakable japanese sword at her waist, she sneered at him with an unamused face.

    ¡°Sebastian, tell the staff to avoid the dining room for now.¡± said the girl as she approached D.

    ¡°Chimera, ¡®dragon boy¡¯?¡± She said, pointing to his dragon wings wrapped around his body like a cape.

    ¡°My illustrious and powerful name is Lord D, master of the town of Locos. Address me as so, vile woman!¡± D told her. Inside, he praised himself.

    ¡°Uh-huh,¡± she contemplated for a moment what to do with this absolute disaster of a demi-human in front of her before she heard Silva¡¯s voice from the dining hall.

    ¡°Just bring him in! It¡¯s fine!¡±

    The girl sighed and put her hand on her sword hilt, addressing D casually.

    ¡°I¡¯m Bisha, Lord of Oricalcos. If you want to win some friends, I¡¯d drop that act. Talk to me later if you have something good to say.¡±

    Bisha lead D who didn¡¯t break character at all as he was lead into the dining room. There seated was Silva on a nearby reclining couch being fed grapes via by her staff Heraclitus. Heraclitus picked them off the vine with a blue aura, and levitated it into Silva¡¯s mouth. Around the table, a rough looking older man with bloodshot eyes clutching a wine bottle and a smiling older woman sat.

    ¡°Bisha, sit him down. Let¡¯s get started,¡± Silva said, rising to her feet and taking one last grape from Heraclitus before sitting at the vast dinner table. The distance between each of the lords was large, as if on purpose. Although there was ample seating, Bisha chose her last seat far away from D who immediately gravitated towards the end seat, preparing himself for a speech before he sat. Ahem. D didn¡¯t expect Silva to be here, he had a good chance to ask a question about Laplas and their relationship. However, that would break character so-

    ¡°Greetings, lesser nobles. I am Lord D, I defeated Lord Ros with my bare hand, shoved directly through his body due to my pure and noble dragon strength. If you deny me my lordship, then you will all suffer the same fate!¡±

    A murmur of ¡°Really?¡± came out from Bisha, Silva ignored him, the old man looked up from the table lazily, and the older woman kept smiling.

    ¡°Better than Ros, I guess?¡± the older woman said.

    ¡°Villa, who isn¡¯t better than Ros?¡± the old man responded. They both ignored D as he flourished his wings and sat at the table with smugness.

    ¡°Good point. Did you have fun at my castle, D?¡±

    ¡°I effortlessly defeated the Dwiffking and the Troll King in battle,¡± D said.

    ¡°He got ambushed and almost died, spear right through the heart. He¡¯s amazing!¡± Silva commented. D kept his face straight. Admit nothing.

    ¡°Wait, spear right through his heart? Are you serious?¡± said the old man.

    ¡°Yeah. His strength is the real deal, even though his training and experience are lacking the war effort should be bolstered significantly, Marscione.¡±

    The vampire girl Silva ignored D entirely. Marscione, the old man, slammed his wine bottle down and straightened up. He looked to D and adjusted his clothes in futile effort to appear like he cared. Marscione smiled at D.

    ¡°Okay, then, ¡®D¡¯. Introductions. I am Lord Marscione of the royal capital of Marscione. It¡¯s a title and name, you¡¯ve heard of it? Please, be generous with us.¡±

    The older woman spoke up, her smile static.

    ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve had a rough day. Silva just got back from the castle, it¡¯s amazing you survived. I¡¯m Villa, Lord of Quellos. Nice to meet you.¡±

    Silva looked to D as Heraclitus floated behind her side.

    ¡°I¡¯m Silva, the vampire Lord of Zion. Your lordship was confirmed already, due to recent events. Guanyi, the Lord of Chinos has died. Our alliance is already weak as is, and our dedication to exterminating chimera like you has become unpopular of late. Perhaps you¡¯ve heard of Laplas, the Black Bunny?¡±

    D nodded his head, trying to keep up with the new information and not lose the smug face. It was difficult.

    ¡°Her involvement with you that she revealed to me after she used her magic to transform space near me made the difference. Before that, I was all too willing to absorb Locos now that Lord Ros was dead, Saint backing or no. However, your battle potential has been shown to be indisputable in addition to my personal connection. I will excuse you for slaughtering my army if you agree to remain peaceful with Zion and I from now on. Do you agree?¡± said Silva. She said it without much inflection.

    Inside D¡¯s mind, he was still stuck on the vampire part. Silva¡¯s a vampire? I fought a vampire? A little girl vampire? Well - no I didn¡¯t exactly fight her specifically but-

    ¡°D?¡±

    D snapped out of it as Silva interrupted his thoughts.

    ¡°¡®Kay.¡±

    D said that in despair. Didn¡¯t she just say she sent an army after me too?! That army, with the anteaters, the one I shadowflamed?!

    ¡°Is he okay?¡± Bisha muttered.

    ¡°Personally,¡± Silva started, putting her hand on her nonexistent chest, ¡°chimera¡¯s are a minor issue. I¡¯ve only met a few, and Laplas is as harmless as they get. I only hear the insistence to hunt them down from Dwiffking and Nosebeard, his attendant you fought. I think we can be friends, and protect our lands together. What do you say?¡± Silva said.

    ¡°¡®K-kay,¡± D said.

    Completely deflated. D looked to the table, sweating. He didn¡¯t expect everything to go smoothly.

    Marscione addressed D pointing his wine bottle at him.

    ¡°There¡¯s a matter of your blustery attitude you had when you came in. Are you really just a kid? I thought you were a dragon taking the form of a human!¡±

    D sweated. He said nothing.

    ¡°Hopefully, he¡¯s more use in the actual war than he is right now¡­¡± Bisha murmured.

    ¡°Well, D, welcome to lordship!¡± Silva cheered. She was the only one who did.

 20-Katana Crush, Wait, is that a-?

    Sound in The dining room trickled to nothing. D left with a casual ''goodbye'', he hadn''t heard about Silva being a vampire. Or even her name. Or that her staff had a name. After his guard dropped, his confidence in the situation and will to continue decayed in it''s entirety. By the time Silva had stopped talking, he had forgotten that she had revealed that she and now deceased Guan Yi were the cause of the budding roving bands of assassins, the poisoned inn, and the army D burnt to nothing.

    He wandered out of the dining room, saying his goodbyes and mulling over new worries. Is Juno okay? Thanks to the main issue being taken care of, there was another that floated into it''s place. But that didn''t change the good news that he was a confirmed Lord now, and without another fight too.

    It felt like a weight floated off of him when Silva said "You''re confirmed for lord already!" There was some talk of the war, but Silva put a stop to it, insisting D needed rest. Although D didn''t realize it, as soon as she mentioned it, he acknowledged it.

    Taps against the stone rang out with his steps. It''s a garden. The sun''s shining, his skin feels warm, and the assassination faucet was now off. D turned the spigot off with his actions today. Even if it didn''t go how he wanted, it went well enough. Now, time to enjoy the peace. He could get some real sleep ton-

    D felt a blade cut into his neck.

    "Do you have any sense of danger? This may not be enemy territory, but-" complained Bisha.

    D''s switch flipped. Oh, look, it''s the Lord of Whocaresistan. I''m afraid you''ve caught me in a bad mood, madam.

    D turned and grabbed the curved sword out of Bisha''s hand, her face twisting in pain as his vice grip overpowered her hold on the handle. She clasped her hands in pain and shock at the force of his movement. Although D held the edge with a clasped hand, it didn''t even cut his skin. D stared into Bisha''s eyes, waving the curved blade he held. She''s cute but- this isn''t the time to give in to cuteness!

    D waved the handle in Bisha''s face menacingly, then with a swoop of his free arm put it around her shoulders.

    "Wha-?!"

    D guided the struggling Bisha to sit down on a nearby garden bench.

    "Let''s talk, shall we?" D said.

    Bisha struggled against D''s arm a little more before realizing the extent of his strength. It was more like pushing against a rock than another human.

    "Chimera''s are this strong? No wonder Dwiffking wanted you wiped out!"

    "Look, it''s not nice to judge on appearances or circumstances of birth. I''ll have you know I was human a couple of months ago," D informed her. Nicely.

    "I won''t attack you again. Get your arm off me. And give me my sword back."

    D pulled his arm off Bisha, leveled the curved sword in front of him and grabbed the other half of the edge. Both hands clasped on the blade, D gripped a dent into the metal and twisted. The sword snapped, and he tossed away both pieces with an upset look on his face. D leaned back, crossing a leg over his knee, and stared forward into the garden. He ignored Bisha entirely.

    "My sword!" Bisha gasped. D didn''t watch as she writhed in agony, staring at the distant pieces of metal. "Do you unde-"

    "Let''s talk," D repeated interrupting her. His voice was monotone. That was about as threatening as he felt like being under the circumstances. Juno was waiting.

    D saw her contorted face about to complain and continued.

    "It''s been a rough day. You ever been speared through the heart? Ice Spear? It''s cold. It''s ice cold! I''ll have you know I really should have died! Screw your sword! You know what I care about, Bisha? Quiet. I''ve got a maid, a catgirl maid, and I don''t know if she''s okay. Screw your war, screw politics!" D whined. He didn''t even take a look at Bisha''s face. D got mad at himself, stopping to re-evaluate his behavior. This isn''t mature at all. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.

    "Leave, or I''m going to shadowflame you," D said.

    Bisha stood and left, anger on her face and a small tear as she reverently collected her sword pieces. D caught a sight her crouching over her sword, a mournful look on her face as he walked away.

    Bisha started crying, alone in the garden, she screwed her eyes tight and balled her fists- unfortunately around the edges the broken blade pieces.

    She rolled around on the ground in pain, cursing D as she grit her teeth.

    Marscione, the royal capital headed by the ever drunk Lord Marscione is full of tributaries and hilly islands. You could even call it more of a countryside surrounded by thick rivers with half submarine half boats dotting the waters. See, Marscione has rivers with small dark forms sliding in them. If you were to stand by the edge and look down, fully aware that there was no railing to save you, and looked down into the depths, you might recoil in horror at the sea creature''s shadow.

    D, intent on heading back to the inn, had gotten lost. He left the map Laplas had slid under the door at the inn to him somewhere not in his clothing. There was several minutes of upset patting and rechecking his pockets, and his resolution became he left it at the Lord''s mansion.

    "I''m not going back there! I don''t want to go back! Let it end! Let this day end!"

    D groaned with his hands on his head, leaning towards the sky.

    "Juno..." D grumbled. D kicked the ground, cracking the pavement and willfully ignoring the screams of the nearby townspeople.

    He plodded back, trying to find the way. It''s unfortunate, but he had already walked away quite angrily from his encounter with Bisha, so he was lost. Without any signs to guide him, he approached an apple seller for help.

    "Oh, Marscione''s mansion? Sorry, no idea," the apple seller said.

    D made his way into the street, frowning as he did.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "That apple seller was unnecessarily... fit?" D said.

    It was strange to him that it would be that way. Well, I suppose, he began thinking, if you carry huge apple tins all day...

    D glumly sat by the river. Big enough to be called a small sea or lake, he could see hilly islands in the distance connected by a web of bridges.

    "I''m just resting, just resting," he mumbled.

    His appearance wasn''t that strange, but the thought of having to catch another stranger''s attention again wore him out. He was already at his limits from that encounter with Bit- I mean Bisha and Silva making a fool out of him in front of the Lords. But hey, at least it''s over right? D tried to comfort himself like that. Even in his own city, Locos, he didn''t know the inhabitants that well. Maybe when he gets back he should-

    He remembered Afgar and the magic sword he gave him, the one Lord Ros almost stole his body with. Because of that, he remembered that Afgar referred him to another Dwiff in the royal capital to check out his bulletblade.

    "I don''t want to do it... I want to get out of this damn city as soon as possible," D complained with a heavy sigh. He flexed his wings out, not caring that he might be seen as he headed toward the river to rest for a moment.

    D sat cross-legged on the river bank and switched open the handle, looking at the soul counter. It rose again. He clicked it closed, putting his hand on his cheek and resting his elbow on his thigh. Juno came first. Saten had it. Saten probably had it. No, Saten definitely saved her. D tapped his finger on his cheek.

    D looked out over the water, the sunset red and yellow sparkling off into his eyes.

    "Should I fly here? In the city? Nah, that would make them panic, for sure," D sighed.

    He frowned.

    "Then again, I might as well throw caution to the wind..."

    At that moment, a giant horn pierced the sea''s surface. Nine feet long, a bulbous head with pinprick eyes stared at him. D froze, looking into the eyes of the beast, his eyes traveling up the horn for a moment. The horn submerged into the water, leaving D only with the impression of-

    "what the-?"

    D got up and walked away from the sea. His sweat mottled his face as he did, heading towards anywhere away from the sea of Marscione.

    "I could totally rip that narwhal in half... I just don''t want to..."

    D lied to himself out loud.

    At that point, he heard a splash and roar of a torrent of water. D turned, andnine-foot horn plunged straight through him all the way until his chest met the bulbous head at the hilt of the horn. A massive black shape writhed in front of him, flippers extending out of its form like a massive black turd strewn across the riverbank to get to D. Although the beast was perhaps several tons of flesh D''s immense dragon strength allowed him to not even budge from the spot. The result, a nine-foot horn straight through D''s chest with him holding his ground out of reaction alone to the force of the impact.

    Strangely, although he was pierced, it didn''t hurt. As D''s mind clicked his senses back in order, he saw his newly repaired shirt ripped again. This time, no blood, no pain.

    "Huh. Is that... a narwhal?"

    That was about all D could process from the sudden attack from the seaborne creature. That he could even talk with several tons of narwhal writhing on the riverbank with the super long horn through him was a testament to his impossible strength. Strength that had grown from his dragon adaptability during the throne room fight.

    D smacked the narwhal like a fly in the next instant. The horn cracked off, and the narwhal''s face deformed from a bulb into a concave as it''s body began to float like it was ascending to heaven. Then, it did ascend to the heavens. D squinted his eyes, tracking the speck of the narwhal, trying to see where it would land. To his surprise, it didn''t come into view again.

    D looked at his hand and flexed it, feeling the strength, surprised he could even pull something like that off. He examined the broke off narwhal horn in his chest and gingerly pushed it through his body in disgust. The narwhal horn popped out the other end, the hole healing by itself with unprecedented speed. D frowned, turning to the broken narwhal horn lying on the riverbank behind him, looking to the sky, and back to his chest.

    "Dragon adaptability is too insane..."

    The thought occurred to him when he read the manual that there should be a limit. Didn''t seem that was the case. D touched his chest, then flung his hand away and picked up the narwhal horn in joy swinging it about and humming as he resolved to return to the inn at any cost.

    "Maybe I can fly, then? It was a lot harder with lower strength, but if I''m at this level now..." D wondered.

    D shouldered the narwhal horn like a spear and ambled into town, a grin on his face. D made it to the nearest building, a stone building with an ample waterfront property. He threw the narwhal horn to a battlement at the top, it pierced through halfway and sat there, waiting for him. D began to climb. There were no handholds to be found, the stone bricks placed without even a hair''s width between them. D''s fingers scraped into the stone pulling his body upwards without the aid of his feet.

    He reached the top by marring the stone walls with pockmarks. D looked out over the city, grabbing the narwhal horn and freeing it easily from the stone battlement. D spread his dragon wings and jumped. He flapped a few times with more strength than before, catching the wind and balanced himself. A touch of movement of this wing to the right, a touch of moving this wing to the left, he learned as he went, nervously putting both hands on the narwhal horn for comfort. D soared over the town of Marscione, enjoying the new freedom in the sky as he searched for the inn.

    Rumors spread about there being a narwhal that grew wings. That was cleared up later. It was just the new chimera Lord of Locos flying with a narwhal horn.