《Tales of Yhigressia》


 Ch. 0 - The Grand Ecstasy

    *Huff Huff Huff Huff*


    Under the blistering desert sun, a dark elf gasps for air as he pushes his legs to the limit. His breath comes in ragged bursts, his sprint motivated by what chases him.


    A Giant Desert Cockatrice, a B-tier monster, trails close behind. An apex predator in the known areas of the Great Humilean Desert, this creature views the elf as another meal in a harsh ecosystem already starved of sustenance.


    Unlike its forest-dwelling relatives, which sport a blend of chicken and wyvern features, the Giant Desert Cockatrice boasts a serpentine body and a rooster''s head. Its beak brims with serrated fangs meant to tear victims apart.


    Yet, despite the looming beast''s pursuit, the elf exhibits an eerie calmness. No trace of panic on his face, as if he''s already experienced similar trials before.


    "NOW!" the elf shouts.


    A short distance away from the elf and the cockatrice, a mound of sand suddenly rises, revealing an armored figure gripping a sword and shield. A grin tugs at his lips as he prepares to face the monster. The cockatrice''s time to react is slim, and it opts to devour whatever appears before it. Its jaws gape, exposing a grotesque maw.


    "EAT MY SHIELD!"


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    CRUNCH!


    The armored warrior delivers a powerful shield bash, rippling shockwaves that disturb the nearby sand. The cockatrice''s beak shatters, the force magnified by the creature''s own momentum.


    Remarkably, the armored figure emerges unscathed. With [Fortify] bolstering his defenses, he confronts the monster head-on.


    While the cockatrice remains dazed, a girl dressed in novice mage clothing prepares her attack-a spell requiring meticulous preparation.


    "O potent goddess of lightning and storm, Uil, lend me your strength and accept my deepest gratitude..."


    As her incantation unfolds, a small dark cloud materializes in the sky.


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    .


    "THUNDER CALL!" The mage screams with confidence.


    In an instant, the cockratice got struck by a lightning strike. Paralyzing the creature and burning him inside out. Despite the thunderous attack, the monster is still alive but unable to move.


    Seeing that the Cockatrice is subdued. Two figures appear behind a large rock. One is a girl wearing an unusual cleric clothing and another is a dark skinned man wielding a sword.


    "Blessing of Power - S"


    "Enchant weapon - M"


    Both spells invigorate the darker-skinned man among them, who readies his sword as he advances toward the cockatrice.


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    "This is for all villagers you killed. Rest in Piece." The dark skin man said with solemn voice.


    Leaping onto the cockatrice''s head, he raises his sword, aiming for the creature''s skull.


    [Comet strike]


    His strike buries the sword into the cockatrice''s head, the impact creating a sizable dent in the skull and sinking it deeper into the sand.


    The cockatrice''s brain is obliterated. The monster perishes without resistance.


    The man hops down and rejoins his waiting companions.


    "Is that thing really dead?" the armored man queries, brushing sand from his body, armor, and hair.


    "Indeed. Given that its brain is now a goop" the mage responds, an amused grin playing on her lips as she gazes at the fallen foe.


    "Huff huff huff... Water... Please..." The elf remains tired on his running.


    "Here''s your water. Good job!" the cleric cheers the elf, handing over a canteen that the elf eagerly drains.


    "Not enough... Claustrine... Could you douse me with you spell?" the elf requests.


    "Sure thing." The mage conjures a minor spell, manifesting a blob of water that she trinkles down onto the elf.


    "Ah..." The elf sighs, relief flooding him as his body cools.


    "I could use a water bath too." the armored man mutters, irritated by the sands inside his armor.


    "Later. Dismantle this thing first." the mage says while pointing his finger on the dead cockatrice and also showering the elf with water.


    "But why he got a bath first? Unfair." The knight protest as he watch the elf enjoying the bath.


    The mage, slightly disgruntled. Suddenly stops the shower to the dismay of the elf.


    "Awwwww..." The elf sadly said.


    "Happy?" The mage said while looking to the knight.


    "Ugh... Fine. Just have enough water on standby. I don''t want the stench sticking on me." the armored man grumbles.


    "Heh, why bother when you''ll wash off with soap and cologne back in the city anyway?" The mage chuckles.


    "Well, smelling good draws the ladies in," the armored man grins.


    "Then just wash later when we already reach the city." The mage said with a smug.


    "You annoying..." The knight just sigh. Tired of talking with the mage who also amused.


    "Hey, are you alright? Need healing?" The cleric''s concern directs her to the armored man, who responds with a pat on her shoulder.


    "Don''t worry about me. My body''s sturdy as ever," he asserts with pride.


    "Thank god," she smiles.


    "Hey! We''ve got dismantling to do," the swordsman calls for aid.


    "Coming!" The armored man follows the swordsman''s call.


    After two hours of work, they dismantle the monster, collecting valuable parts: the heart, vials of blood, and the poison sack for alchemy. The tail feathers serve as decoration, the cocketrice''s comb and wattle, and the eyes as evidence of their feat. Although they desire the beak, its destruction renders it useless. They decide to take meat to share with the townsfolk who posted the Cocketrice request.


    "These critters are really hungry and waiting huh?." the armored man notes, eyeing the pack of desert spiked hounds and draconic vultures that have gathered.


    "No doubt. They''ll feast once we leave." the swordsman agrees.


    "And so will we! A town feast awaits with all this meat. I wish they''ll whip up something special." the armored man enthuses.


    "Yeah, yeah. We''ll going to eat and get drunk, the Grand Ecstasy way." the swordsman smiles with a touch of excitement.


    "Alright, packed up! Let''s get cleaned and head back!" The armored man hoists their haul.


    "Let''s roll. We leave the rest you guys!" the swordsman bids farewell to the vultures and hounds.


    With the two departing, the pack of Spiked Hounds and Draconic Vultures immediately descend on the carcass.


    After stowing the materials in their Bag of Storage, Grand Ecstasy ventures back to town. The town celebrates as the menace that blocks their trade route is finally dead. They cheer even more when Grand Ecstasy gives them a lot of Cockatrice meat.


    In an instant, the townsfolk prepares all sorts of dishes and serves all the ales. The town partied until the sun settles down.


    The four comrades along with the townsfolk dance, drink, and sleep contentedly that night.


    The following day, Grand Ecstasy receives their quest completion proof and bids the town farewell. Ready to return to the city for some well-deserved relaxation, they set off for journey back home.

 Ch. 1 - The Curious Mage

    [CLAUSTRINE''S POV]


    "CHEERS!" we say as we clang our beer mugs and then gulp their contents like there''s no tomorrow.


    "Ahhhh~ Natunia beer is the best!" Mateo''s satisfied words.


    We''re currently drinking in the tavern we''ve always visited for years now. To the point that the owner considers us as valued customers. And for us, we just really love the delicious foods and drinks they offer ¨C a very satisfying way to end a grueling quest.


    "The Cockatrice quest really gives us huge rewards. Despite all of that exhausting work, I can really say it''s worth it," Bertrand said, our party''s frontman. This time, he''s wearing very fancy clothes that reek with perfume. I hate it as for some reason, the strong smell of perfume mixes with the food once I eat some.


    "I believe no one picked that quest for days, that''s why the reward is increased," I said.


    "Now I feel sad. It must have dealt a huge blow to their finances if they''re willing to give a huge amount of money for killing the Cockatrice," our Cleric Sophia said.


    "Don''t worry. The full reward is contributions from multiple towns that were affected by the Cockatrice. I guess it''s better to spend a large amount of money than just wait for the monster to disappear, which might take months," I explained to Sophia to reduce her worries. I don''t want to see her sad.


    Sophia smiles.


    "Anyway, where is Shirna?" Mateo asked.


    Shirna is the dark elf member of our party. He''s swift, petite, and a nimble archer who acts as our scout and ranged support. But now, he''s probably taking a well-deserved rest.


    "He said that he was too tired, so he decided to just sleep," I say to Mateo.


    "Oh... I understand," Mateo smiles.


    We continue our little feast, and some adventurers congratulate us for the Subjugation of the Cockatrice. As we drink and eat to our hearts'' content, I also stare at Mateo, our Party leader, who still has no idea that someone is looking at him with suspicion.


    And that suspicious look came from me.


    After hours of nighttime drinking, we decide to go home as it''s already dark.


    "Okay, let''s wrap up this day. See you next time," Bertrand''s farewell. I can clearly feel his excitement to go to the brothels, and I just sigh.


    "See ya," I say.


    "Bye, guys!" Sophia''s farewell as she walks away while waving her hand. I wave back.


    "Are you sure you want her to walk home alone?" I asked Mateo.


    "Of course not. But how about you?" Mateo asked; his concern for me is genuine, so I smile to reduce his worry.


    "Don''t worry about me. I can defend myself and also, no one likes someone who looks like a grumpy hag. Haha," I jokingly respond.


    "Don''t put yourself down that much. You have your own charms," Mateo recklessly says. I''m surprised by his response.


    "W-what are you s-saying!? Can you just make sure Sophia gets home safely!?" I say, then kick Mateo in the back of his legs.


    "Ouch! Fine, fine, haha. Goodnight, Claustrine," Mateo''s farewell, then he smiles before leaving.


    "Good night. Just call us for another quest," I gently wave to Mateo.


    "Wait, Sophia!" Mateo says as he tries to catch up to Sophia. After ensuring that everything is fine, I decide to go home.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    It all started 2 months ago when we were in the middle of a jungle on a mission. It was midnight, and we were sleeping when I was interrupted by a voice.


    Seeing that I was the only one awakened by an unknown woman singing with backing instruments, I cautiously followed the source, and to my annoyance, I saw Mateo sitting on a fallen tree talking to someone.


    At first, I just wanted to warn him to stay quiet, but I snapped back to my senses and became fully awake when I realized that the singing voice are coming to his spot.


    Relying only on the moonlight and an unknown light source that he was holding, I decided to observe Mateo. From what I could tell, he''s like fondling on a small and thin rectangular device he''s holding which also emits light.


    Mateo is humming a song I just heared for the first time, his tune is off a little on the singing voice he''s trying to duet with.


    Which coming from the small device he''s holding. An unknown music that supposed to be performed by a band, is being played a singled apparatus the size of my his hand.


    From that day, I started documenting Mateo even more and began discovering more suspicious actions.


    To avoid detection, I decided to learn low-level stealth magic and follow Mateo when I have the chance to observe him even further. But I only manage to see few peculiar behaviours from him. But all these few exceptions are enough to make me even more suspicious to our leader.


    Mateo occasionally visits the market, and this is not normal shopping. Mateo buys a huge amount of vegetables, meats, and eggs. This is nonsense, as there''s no way for Mateo to stock that much food unless we''re on a mission. As far as I know, Mateo is the only one living in his house. Moreover, there''s no proper storage in his house; such systems are reserved only for wealthy people due to how expensive they are to maintain.


    To confirm, I decided to make a surprise visit one day. I knock the door and wait for him to open the door which he did. His posture doesn''t have any hint of panic.


    "Hello, Mateo."


    "Oh, Claustrine? What brings you here?"


    "Nothing. Just wanted to visit. Can I?"


    I noticed Mateo''s initial hesitation, but he eventually accepted my presence.


    "Sure. Welcome."


    A few minutes later, I was seated while Mateo brought snacks and placed them on the table.


    "Is studying stressing you out?"


    "No, not at all. Just wanted to take a short break."


    "I see."


    "So, what''s up? Just gonna spend your day-offs here?" I asked.


    "Nah, not really. Got some sword training scheduled for tomorrow. Today''s all about relaxing," Mateo replied honestly.


    "Well, looks like my timing for dropping in is perfect then."


    "No doubt. Gotta admit, I was getting a bit bored. Thanks for dropping by."


    "No problem at all."


    "Wanna eat lunch here?" Mateo offered.


    "Huh? Seriously?" I was a bit surprised by his invitation.


    "Absolutely! It''s not like it''s your first time eating here."


    Ah, he''s right. This should be just normalcy for us but I act suspicious.


    "Uhmm... Thanks."


    "Just hold on a sec. I''ll go grab some groceries. Cool with you?"


    "Yeah, need some help?"


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "Nah... I''m good. Beside, you''re a guest here." Mateo smiles.


    With that, Mateo headed outside, leaving me alone in his place. I was pretty excited about the chance to explore his house a bit.


    I suddenly realized that Mateo''s house was quite small, built for perhaps just one or two people. There were no extra rooms visible, except for the bathroom. The kitchen, his bed, and the living space were all within a single, spacious room, divided only by significant gaps. The setup left me feeling somewhat uneasy.


    To confirm my suspicions, I decided to thoroughly search the entire house, hoping to uncover a hidden compartment or magical artifact. Unfortunately, my efforts yielded no results.


    Feeling exhausted, I took a seat in a nearby chair and closed my eyes. I focused, mentally preparing myself for a final inspection.


    .


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    [Arcane Detection]


    With a single incantation, I release a magic wave within the vicinity of Mateo''s house. This beginner''s spell can detect anything with Arcanic energy, from living beings to enchanted objects.


    Three seconds later, I just sigh as the only things I detect are two people outside with small Mana, probably lower-ranked mage adventurers.


    I return to my initial position and wait for Mateo''s return. However, the uneasy feeling, different from what I feel in tight spaces or tall spots, still lingers within me. Despite my efforts to suppress my suspicions about Mateo, everything he just did screams peculiarity, and I need to uncover the truth for the safety of our party.


    Minutes later, Mateo returns with ingredients. I try to help him, but he refuses my offer, repeating that I''m a guest, so I should leave everything to him.


    Mateo cooks a simple beef stew with bread as a side dish. Despite its simplicity, I still enjoy the food, as Mateo never misses when it comes to cooking.


    "Hmmmmm... Delicious."


    "I''m glad you like it. Do you want seconds?" Mateo offers.


    "Yes, please."


    Mateo adds more stew to my wooden bowl. The smell only increases my appetite.


    "Mateo, it''s been years, right?" I ask, trying to make small talk.


    And also to test him.


    "What do you mean?"


    "You know, the first time we met. I still can''t believe that our party is still standing and continues to do missions."


    "Yes... It makes me very nostalgic," Mateo says happily.


    "Do you remember our first promotional quest to reach silver rank? I still can''t forget how pathetic we were."


    Mateo laughs.


    "I would never forget that. We almost died on that mission. We didn''t expect that the goblin''s cave would have a huuuge army in it witb hobgoblins to boot. I still can''t believe that we managed to finish that mission," Mateo tells the story with excitement.


    "Right?! We returned to the guild with the stench of blood and goblin smell, and the other adventurers instantly left. And when we told them what happened, the guild master reprimanded us like there was no tomorrow." I continue his story. I didn''t notice, but I really enjoy reminiscing about the past.


    "Phew! Well, what we did was truly stupid. As the guild leader said, we should have just scouted the area and tell everything to them. But still, the guild is proud of us for completing such a dangerous mission," Mateo continues. I can feel that he''s sincere in telling the story.


    "How about the time when our party encountered an S-ranked monster?"


    Mateo suddenly shivers as he remembers a very scary experience.


    "Geez. The Forest Mammothragon. That was a very thrilling experience. I remember that we stood still like statues and waited for that monster to leave. I still can''t forget how Sophia cried after the Mammothragon left."


    I chuckle after hearing the story.


    "Who can blame her? That was her first mission with us, and suddenly we were involved in a life or death situation."


    We spend the afternoon just talking and remembering the past. And when night falls, I bid farewell to Mateo and decline his offer to escort me home.


    In my study room, where a bunch of bookshelves surrounds me, my suspicion is now coupled with confusion.


    During our conversation, every story Mateo told matches the truth of our past experiences. Even though there are a few mistakes, it''s still clear that the Mateo I know is still there. But this confusion persists as to why Mateo has suddenly started acting strangely.


    I really wish I could ask Mateo directly about his habits, but my fear takes over, as I''m worried I might trigger something that could lead to disaster for me.


    I sit in front of my desk and open a book that contains all the information I''ve gathered, which, despite the extensive amount of text, is still relatively limited in terms of overall information.


    The reason my notes appear so extensive is due to the numerous so-called "random" words I heard from Mateo and his rectangular device while I observe him.


    Pridyider


    Tea bee


    Manila


    Esem


    Jolly bee?


    Bedyu Game


    Buss


    Tri-cycle


    And many, many more that I try to decipher, to no avail. Even the biggest library in the city of Nattunnia doesn''t have any information about the unknown words written in my notebook.


    But it doesn''t mean that I didn''t manage to guess some of them. I managed to understand a little bit just by listening to how Mateo uses the words.


    For example, the device that Mateo uses to communicate is called a "Sellfon," Manila is some sort of place, Esem is a store, and Jolly Bee is some sort of name for a restaurant.


    Still, this little knowledge doesn''t help me uncover Mateo''s secret. And this curiosity is driving me insane the longer it goes on.


    "AGHHHH!!! What is your secret, Mateo?" I scream in frustration while aggressively scratching my head.


    I drink tea in order to calm myself a little bit, and then I clean my study table. Another day of not getting even a small lead.


    After cleaning, I throw myself on the bed and just stare at the ceiling. I notice that I''m still wearing my mage clothing, but I just ignore it. I''m too tired.


    I wish I could ask well-known wizards or academics if they knew anything about my problem.


    But I''m scared. What if Mateo possesses some sort of forbidden knowledge? If it turns out that Mateo''s secret is taboo, I can''t imagine what the authorities might do to him, or worse, our party might get executed. Imagining the scenario sends shivers through my whole body.


    That''s why I''ve decided to handle this on my own, and now I''m reaching my limits.


    "I''m going to get more aggressive in dealing with this investigation," I say to myself. After that, an idea suddenly pops into my mind¡ªa very stupid idea that makes me smile because of how risky it is.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    Three days after my visit, I''m tailing Mateo in the market as he goes about his routine of buying a huge amount of meat, fruits, and vegetables. I''m observing from the shadows, trying my best to hide without arousing suspicion from any passersby.


    After Mateo buys the things he needs, he finally decides to return home, but I''m going to be there in advance for my plan to work.


    As I see Mateo approaching, I prepare myself.


    "Oh God of moon and shadow, Zir. Please envelop me with your protective presence..."


    "Midnight cloaking."


    Midnight Cloaking. The low-level type of Deistic magic that I studied to assist Shirna in his work that requires stealth.


    I might be invisible to everyone, but due to its low level, I can still create sounds, affect the surroundings, and it can''t completely hide my presence, which veterans can sense if someone invisible is using this spell. Compared to higher-level spells, it has a shorter duration.


    Mateo puts three heavy baskets of goods on the ground first before opening the door of his house. Then he carries the three baskets again and brings them inside his house. I don''t waste the moment and carefully enter before Mateo closes the door. Inside, I position myself in front of the open window and just watch.


    "Eeekk!"


    I''m surprised when Mateo suddenly walks in my direction. Panicked, I quickly leave that area and almost bump into a nearby chair. Mateo closes the window shut, and as a safety measure, he also close the curtain. After seeing what Mateo did, I realize I''m still in front of another window.


    "By the love of Gods!" I exclaim to myself.


    Once again, I move away from the window, but I''m more careful this time. I decide to stay in the corner so I can observe him without revealing myself.


    But why did Mateo shut his own house?


    My question is instantly answered when he stands on the middle of the room and Mateo''s right hand lights up and a door slowly appears in front of him.


    "What!?"


    I don''t remember Mateo using any type of magic spell in the past, so I''m totally dumbfounded when he suddenly uses some sort of magic.


    And not just ordinary magic; it looks so advanced that Mateo must be a Wizard if he can do things like this.


    And the door, it looks so normal for something magical. It''s a solid wooden door with a darker varnish coating and carved floral design. There''s also a doorknob and a wooden door frame with the same dark color as the door.


    Mateo opens the door, and the light from whatever''s inside brightens the area around the door. Mateo carries the supplies he bought earlier and goes inside the suspicious door.


    I''m scared about everything that just happened, but my curiosity really wants to learn the truth. I gulp, close my eyes, and begin to enter the mysterious door. There''s no turning back now for me.


    I opened my eyes and became even more dumbfounded by everything I saw in that moment.


    I found myself in another room, but this time, it''s smaller, with light blue walls, white smooth flooring, and a white ceiling. Confusion began to set in as there were so many things I didn''t understand.


    There''s still the usual bed, pillows, and cabinets and drawers. However, the cabinets and drawers are clearly not made of wood, but some kind of colorful material, judging by how vibrant they appear.


    The light in the ceiling isn''t from a lamp or a magic light source, but it''s so bright that it illuminates the entire room as if it were daytime. I hadn''t even noticed that it was nighttime outside.


    And there are more strange pieces of equipment that I can''t comprehend. There''s a table with a rectangular box, a thin board with some sort of buttons on it, a weird circular thing with strings, and another black board.


    The walls have some sort of posters, but can I really call those posters just mere posters? All of them look like pieces of art with a very weird art style. Each one is also so detailed. One of the posters has some sort of 4 girls in a frozen wasteland. Three of them hold hands while it looks like they''re walking, wearing protective clothing in blue, red, and orange that appear bulky. And one girl, smaller in size, seems to only wear the pants of the same bulky attire with only a lime green shirt on top. She''s also holding some sort of device. The poster is partnered with unknown symbols, and there are birds standing upright in the background with black and white color and wings that seem impossible for flight. My head hurts a little as I process everything.


    Despite wanting to see more of these peculiar things, I notice that Mateo is leaving by opening another door, so I quickly follow him. Suddenly, I feel that my stealth is starting to wear off, and my brain is sending warnings to stop, but my heart and curiosity really wish to continue. I really want to learn the truth about everything, and my gut is telling me I should proceed so I can uncover it.


    I didn''t notice that we''re in some sort of living room full of things that still don''t make sense to me. There, we are greeted by two women who appear to be expecting Mateo''s return, and a boy who is using a device similar to what Mateo uses. The boy finally notices Mateo and looks at him with unnerving surprise. One of the women seems to be staring in my direction.


    "O-oh, Mateo, welcome home," the older woman says.


    Mateo puts the goods on the table.


    "I''m back. But why do all of you look so shocked, as if you''ve seen a ghost?" Mateo seems concerned for some reason.


    "Well, Bro... We didn''t expect you to bring a friend with you."


    .


    .


    .


    .


    "Eh?"


    "Eh?"


    "Eh?"

 Ch. 2 - Welcome to Earth

    "Eh?"


    "Eh?"


    Both Claustrine and Mateo are confused by Mateo''s brother''s words.


    "What do you mean by ''friend''?" Mateo asked as he looked at his family, who still looked surprised, but he noticed that the three of them were not looking at him directly.


    Mateo''s brother didn''t say anything and instead pointed a finger in his direction, though it wasn''t entirely aimed at him. Mateo is still confused about what''s happening and decides to look behind him, only to be completely shocked by the revelation.


    Behind him is Claustrine, who is also shocked in realization that her [Midnight Cloaking] has finally faded away.


    "T-Trinne!?"


    "H-Hello, M-Mateo... Hehe..." Claustrine''s embarrassed reaction.


    Suddenly, another man enters the room and looks at everyone, especially at the obviously caucasian lady with an awed expression.


    "Who is she?" The man asked.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Claustrine, Mateo, and the rest of the family are now sitting at the table. All of their gazes are focused on Claustrine, who is visibly embarrassed by the attention she''s receiving.


    "Maybe before we talk, we should introduce ourselves," the older woman proposed.


    "Well, I guess I don''t need to introduce myself here. Maybe you should start first, Mom," Mateo suggested.


    "Mom?" Claustrine''s surprised reaction.


    "Ahem... My name is Ligaya Agbayani, and just like what my son said, I''m his mother. Nice to meet you," Ligaya introduced herself with a smile.


    "And I''m his father. My name is Reymundo."


    "Hello. My name is Beatrice, and I''m Mateo''s sister. Nice to meet you!"


    "J-Jade... I''m his little brother."


    Claustrine gulps and then formally introduces herself.


    "My name is Claustrine Evergreen, and I''m Mateo''s friend and party member. It''s nice to meet Mateo''s family."


    "Hmmm... So? You''re not my son''s girlfriend?" Reymundo asked with a disappointed tone.


    "H-HUH!? W-WHAT?" Claustrine''s flustered response, as she didn''t expect the sudden question.


    "Dad... I told you, you should ask my sisters for a grandchild," Mateo responded, cringing at his father''s question.


    "Hahahahaha! You''re still as stubborn as always," Reymundo replied enthusiastically.


    "Ahhmmm... Sis Claustrine, are you a wizard?" Jade asked curiously as he looked at Claustrine''s staff.


    Claustrine smiled and instead of telling, she used a training spell that summoned a floating blob of water over the top of her hand.


    "Wow!" Jade''s amazed reaction. The rest of the family was also amused by the display.


    "We finally see the magic that Mateo was so against showing us," Beatrice ranted as she poked the blob of water Claustrine had conjured.


    "First of all, I''m not a magician. And if I were, I would not show it here due to the risk," Mateo explained.


    "Whatever you say..." Beatrice respond with annoyance.


    Claustrine became confused by Mateo and Beatrice''s conversation and finally snapped back to her curious senses. She erase the blob of water.


    "E-everyone... Where exactly am I?" Claustrine asked as she looked around.


    Mateo just sighed and stood up. Looking at Claustrine, he opened his arms as a gesture of greeting.


    "Claustrine Evergreen from Kingdom of Nattunnia, welcome to Earth."


    "Earth? Are we located on another kingdom?"


    Mateo expected Claustrine''s confusion, so he scratched his head.


    "I know this might be hard to believe, but right now, you''re in another world called Earth."


    Claustrine''s eyes widened as she didn''t expected the truth.


    "A-another world!?" Claustrine''s surprised reaction. "WHAT?!"


    "That''s the truth. In this world, magic and monsters only exist in the form of fantasy."


    "Now that explains your family''s surprised reaction," Claustrine said as she slumped harder into her chair, having a harder time processing all the information she was getting.


    "No wonder those words don''t exist in Yhigressia''s vocabulary!"


    "No wonder nothing in this house makes sense!"


    "No wonder the places Mateo mentioned aren''t in Yhigressia at all!"


    "Everything makes sense now!"


    Claustrine adjusted her sitting position and looked at Mateo with sincerity.


    "Mateo, answer this question of mine."


    "Sure."


    "Are you from this world?" Claustrine asked honestly.


    "What a stupid question Claustrine!"


    Mateo just nodded. Claustrine felt a slight pain in her head as the information was just too much for her.


    "Iha, are you okay?" Ligaya asked with concern.


    "Y-yes, I''m fine, ma''am. I-I just need time to process everything," Claustrine answered honestly while holding her head.


    "I see... Perhaps we should eat first. Maybe a good meal can make you feel better," Ligaya suggested. Mateo and Claustrine, both hungry, just nodded.


    As they waited for Ligaya to finish cooking, Mateo looked at Claustrine with a curious expression.


    "W-why are you looking at me like that?" Claustrine asked, confused.


    "Claustrine."


    "Y-yes?!"


    "I think you should change your clothes first."


    Claustrine understood what Mateo was implying but replied, "I want to, but I didn''t bring any spare clothes with me." Mateo just nodded.


    "I see... Sis, can you help my friend?"


    "Geez. Leave it to me," Beatrice smiled, then she stood up and walked over to Claustrine. She grabbed Claustrine''s arm.


    "W-w-wait! What''s going on?" Claustrine panicked.


    "The food will take a while, and while we wait, we should take a bath first." Beatrice explained with ethusiasm.


    "B-bath!? B-b-but..."


    "What''s the problem? We are both females, so don''t be shy," Beatrice smiled as she dragged Claustrine.


    "T-that''s not the only problem here... Noooooooo!"


    Both Claustrine and Beatrice disappeared. Only Mateo and Reymundo remained at the table, as Jade went back to the sofa and played with his phone.


    "Claustrine is cute, isn''t she?" Reymundo remarked.


    "Yeah..." Mateo replied shortly, already knowing where the conversation was going.


    "Are you really sure that she''s not your girlfriend?"


    Mateo just sighed.


    "Dad, I still don''t have any thoughts about things like that."


    "But you brought her to our world."


    "She just secretly followed me. I had no idea she was using an invisibility spell to sneak with me."


    As the father and son talked, another man entered the house and was happy to see Mateo.


    "Oh, bro, you''re already back."


    "Yeah, welcome home, Shiva." Mateo greeted happily.


    Shiva placed his bag on the couch, removed some of his clothing, and then sat at the table with Mateo and Reymundo.


    "Bro, can I borrow your motorcycle tomorrow? I''ll pay for the gas," Mateo asked.


    "Hmmm... Sure thing. But why so suddenly?" Shiva asked curiously.


    "It''s a very long story, but you''ll learn about it later," Mateo replied briefly. He stood up.


    "Where are you going?" Reymundo asked.


    "I''m going to take a bath," Mateo answered, then he smiled before walking outside.


    Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Claustrine had mixed feelings of awe, confusion, and embarrassment as she was currently being washed by Beatrice.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    "Ms. Beatrice, I-I can wash myself."


    "Awww, don''t be shy. Also, just call me Bea, okay?" Beatrice''s friendly words made Claustrine soften a little.


    "Sis Bea... These shampoo and soap smell good."


    "Of course! They''re my favorites, after all."


    Claustrine just smiled as she let Beatrice wash her. Even though she was shy, she could feel the sisterly feeling that she missed for a very long time.


    But still, despite knowing magic, everything in this world still felt magical for her. As Mateo said, magic doesn''t exist in this world, but in front of her was a device that spouted a huge amount of water, and above them were some sort of apparatus that simulated rain.


    And even while she was in the kitchen, she could see that Ligaya looked like she was cooking with some sort of magical device that spouted flames, and nearby is a device with rotating part that blew cold air. The lights were easily turned on with some sort of switch, and even the device Jade used that looks like what Mateo used have some form of entertainment similar to what his brother have.


    The shampoo and soaps Beatrice used on her were also phenomenal. They were incomparable to any soap and shampoo used in the city, even the ones used by the nobles, as those had weaker scents and their floral fragrances were faint compared to what Beatrice used. The ones she used were silky smooth on the skin, smells great with a high floral scent, and also created a huge amount of bubbles. Claustrine thought that if she could somehow bring those soaps and shampoos to her world and sell them, the nobility would be willing to pay a huge price just to get such high class product.


    After the bath, both Claustrine and Beatrice were now in Beatrice''s room, drying Claustrine''s hair with another device that blew hot air. After that, Beatrice picked out the clothes that Claustrine was going to wear. But...


    "W-where are my clothes?" Claustrine asked, shyly.


    "Don''t worry. Mom will wash those tomorrow."


    "B-but..." Claustrine stopped talking and just accepted everything. Beatrice had done all of this for her, so she must feel grateful.


    But she still felt embarrassed while looking at the attire that Beatrice gave to her.


    After several minutes. Mateo, Beatrice, and Claustrine returned to the dining table to the surprise of Shiva and Mateo himself.


    "W-who is that!? Why there''s a foreigner in our house?" Shiva asked with a shocked expression.


    "She''s Claustrine, a guest from another world."


    "Another world? YOU MEAN-!"


    "Yes. That world." Mateo''s short answer.


    "To think that you finally brought someone here from the other side of the door."


    Mateo just looked at Claustrine, who was visibly shy. Probably because of the dolphin shorts and plain white fit tank top Regine had lent her. He could understand why Claustrine felt that way.


    "That looks great on you," Mateo said.


    "Great? I feel so naked right now."


    "C''mon, it looks cute on you. Also, that''s pretty much a house and sleeping attire."


    "B-but... It almost feels like nobilities'' undergarments."


    "But here on Earth, that''s typical. The difference in culture is just so huge. Also, if you think about it, we''ve seen far worse than that in Yhigressia, right?"


    "What do you mean Mateo?" Claustrine said raising one of her eyebrows.


    "Didn''t some of the female warriors and rogue adventurers we encountered in Yhigressia wear sexier attires? Like... some sort of Leather armor underwear?"


    "Ugh... Fine." Claustrine stopped, unable to deny Mateo''s words.


    "Bikini armor? Now that''s interesting." Shiva''s words made Ligaya and Beatrice look at him with disbelief as Ligaya brought the food to the table.


    "Now I understand why you want to borrow the motorcycle tomorrow."


    "Moto-sickle?" Claustrine''s curiosity was piqued due to Shiva''s words.


    "You''ll know about it tomorrow. Right now, we should eat first." Mateo''s happy words showed his excitement to eat his mother''s cooking again.


    Claustrine was perplexed to see the food Ligaya brought to the table. It was a completely new dish despite knowing some of the ingredients used. She tried the soup with meat, radish, some sort of sticky potato that possibly made the soup slightly thick, eggplants, and some sort of green leaves with stems and a tube-like appearance. At first, she was surprised that it was sour, but not so sour that it made the dish inedible. The taste left her feeling refreshed somehow.


    Claustrine noticed that Mateo''s family paired the soup with some sort of white food with a grainy appearance. She understood that it must be the staple food in this world.


    The dinner was spent with Claustrine telling some of their adventures to the family''s delight. It was fun for everyone from start to finish.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    Claustrine went downstairs, still visibly sleepy, as both she and Beatrice had spent more time telling stories to each other the whole night.


    "Good morning, Trinne," Mateo greeted.


    "Good... Morning..."


    Claustrine scratched her eyes and looked at Mateo, only to see him dressed in an unusual attire. He was wearing a black jeans and a white T-shirt with an unknown logo painted on the front. She also noticed Mateo''s shoes; they were the same shoes she had seen in his room the previous night.


    "Trinne, get dressed."


    "Huh? Why?" Claustrine was confused.


    "Let''s stroll a little bit. And also show you this world."


    Claustrine got excited at Mateo''s offer, but a realization hit her.


    "But... I don''t have any formal wear." Claustrine felt sad.


    "I HEAR THAT."


    Claustrine was surprised to hear a voice behind her, and when she looked, she noticed Beatrice with a very wide smile.


    "Good morning, sis." -Mateo


    "Good morning. Going to explore with Claustrine?"


    "Yes. It''s better if she learns a little bit about our world."


    After hearing the answer, Beatrice grabbed Claustrine''s shoulder, to her surprise.


    "Let''s go back to my room," Regine said with an excited smile.


    "W-w-why?"


    "I''m going to lend you some clothes."


    "Ehh?! Are you sure, Sis Bea?!"


    "Of course! Someone like you needs formal clothes, so leave everything to me." Beatrice said with ethusiasm followed by a wink.


    Feeling that refusing Beatrice''s offer would make her sad, Claustrine accepts the offer, and both of them return to their room while Mateo returns to his work.


    "Mateo."


    Mateo looks to the one calling him and sees his father approaching him.


    "Good morning, Pa. What''s wrong?"


    Instead of answering, Reymundo hands him some cash.


    "Huh? What is this, Pa?" Mateo asked in confusion.


    "Pocket money."


    "Eh? Is this really okay? This is a huge amount of money. Also, I can just exchange some gold."


    "You don''t have time for that right? Also, your mom said that use that money to buy gifts for Claustrine. Consider it us our welcoming gift for her."


    "How about your budget?"


    "Don''t mind it. The businesses is still booming. Also, it''s been a while since you enjoyed your time in our world, and you brought a wonderful friend."


    Reymundo puts his hand on Mateo''s shoulder.


    "I wish both of you a nice day-off."


    Mateo smiles and nods.


    After waiting for a few minutes, Claustrine finally appears, and Mateo is surprised to see her in new clothes. Claustrine still has her double long braided blonde hair, but now she wears black slacks and a white blouse partnered with white sandals and a stylish beige sling bag; all of them look very fitting on her. Very formal yet elegant at the same time.


    "What do you think?" Claustrine asks as she blushes a little bit.


    "It looks great on you," Mateo honestly says, which makes Claustrine happy, while the other members of the family are amazed by Claustrine''s look.


    And now the two go outside, and Mateo prepares the motorcycle they going to use for their little exploration.


    "Is this... the moto-sickle?" Claustrine asks as she remembers what Shiva said.


    "Yes."


    "Hmmm... Based on the two wheels, it might be a transport vehicle. But can it really carry both of us? Also, can it really balance itself?" Claustrine doubts that the two-wheeled vehicle will transport them.


    Mateo hops on the motorcycle and waits for Claustrine to get on.


    "Perhaps you should try it first instead of asking questions," Mateo says and then smiles. Claustrine has no choice but to follow Mateo.


    Due to riding a motorcycle for the first time, Claustrine struggles to the point that they almost lose their balance.


    "Sorry."


    "It''s okay. Just hold on to me tight."


    Claustrine does what Mateo instructed, and Mateo finally starts the engine. To Claustrine''s surprise, the motorcycle moves, and they quickly leave the house. The two of them now explore the neighborhood.


    "Is... this... magic?" Claustrine asks.


    "No. Magic doesn''t exist in my world."


    "Then what the hell makes this machine work?!"


    "It''s complicated. But if I had to summarize it in one word, I would say it''s science."


    "Say-yans?"


    "It''s really hard to explain, but you might understand a little bit once you look into it. You''re a magic scholar, after all."


    Claustrine stays quiet, not knowing how to process the answer Mateo gave her. So she just proceeds to sightseeing, and everything around them is truly a very new experience.


    The buildings are very diverse; she sees small houses and very large mansions all in a single area. There are also some box-type buildings with shops in them. Claustrine is also shocked to discover that not only is the motorcycle a common mode of transport with multiple designs, she also sees carriages with no horses pulling them and very large vehicles that transport multiple people at once. Once they reach the highway, Claustrine can''t believe that people in Mateo''s world managed to create such a wide stone road that can handle a huge amount of vehicles.


    "Your world is amazing," Claustrine says with wonder.


    "Really? Maybe everything is new to you, just like how amazed I am when I see your world."


    "Perhaps we''re the same. Hehe."


    Claustrine notices tall poles with rope-like things running on them.


    "Mateo, what are those tall poles?"


    "Ah. Those are power lines where we get one of our main power source. Electricity."


    "Elik city?" Claustrine feels like she''s heard the word before.


    "It''s like some sort of controlled lightning."


    "LIGHTNING!?"


    "More like a weaker version of lightning. Electricity runs through those wires, which lead to our homes and power most of our machines, like cell phones and lights."


    "I see. It''s truly amazing. I can''t believe lightning can be used as a power source."


    "Ah, right. Yhigressia is powered by magic."


    "I can''t believe something like this is made possible with science."


    "Trust me. That''s just the surface."


    Claustrine enjoys more of the scenery. She even sees a place called Jollibee in the distance which she remembered as one of the words she heard from Mateo. The buildings start to become even larger until they finally reach their destination.


    "What the... where am I?" Claustrine''s nervousness is clearly visible as she sees a very large building that looks like it''s made of stone and glass.


    "This is a supermarket."


    "Super? What does that even mean?"


    "Well... let''s go inside and see what I mean."


    As they enter, Claustrine is greeted by a new environment like it''s another world again. There are so many people everywhere, and as they explore, Claustrine sees numerous shops that sell different things.


    "I-I think I finally understand why it''s called a supermarket."


    "Good to hear that."


    "But... why are we here?"


    Mateo shows the bundle of cash Reymundo gave him. Waving it like a fan proudly.


    "Let''s go shopping."


    And thus, the shopping spree commences. First, they eat at a Western-style restaurant, and to Claustrine''s amazement, she recognizes most of the dishes like pastas and breads. But the difference is that these are more delicious compared to her world''s versions. Once they finish eating, Claustrine and Mateo go to a clothing store.


    At first, Claustrine is sad, as she feels bad about spending what seems to her like a huge amount of money. But Mateo insists that it''s a gift from his parents, and they should accept their gratitude. Claustrine then decides to accept their kindness.


    Right now, Claustrine is excited to see different types of clothing, and the staff assist them with smiles on their faces. Perhaps, Claustrine''s cheerfulness influences them.


    After picking a few clothes, she tries all of them. From jeans, shirts, and blouses to different assortments of colorful dresses. Claustrine shows all of them to Mateo, who is happy to give compliments.


    And Claustrine finishes picking her favorites, and Mateo pays for everything.


    "Thank you very much!" one of the sales crew says as the two leave the store.


    "That foreigner is so beautiful. Everything just fits her like a glove," the crew who assisted Claustrine said.


    "True. Do you think they''re a couple?" a boy clerk says.


    "Of course. Not only did the guy pay for everything, but the two of them also look so sweet with each other," the assisting crew said.


    "Damn, I wish I also had the luck just like that guy," the boy clerk said with sadness.


    Meanwhile... The two decide to take a break and eat some snacks.


    "Trinne, I noticed something."


    "What is it?"


    "I see that you are very specific about the clothes you buy."


    "Ah... I see. You noticed it, hehehe."


    "Perhaps it''s related to your world?"


    "Yes. I decided to pick clothes that would not create suspicion for me. That''s why most of them are dresses instead of other unusual attire."


    "I''m happy that you put some thought into it."


    "Well, your secret is also becomes my secret after all." Claustrine then smiles.


    "So... where do you want to go next?" Mateo asked.


    "Hmmm... Can we go to a perfume store? I want to try the perfumes of your world."


    "Oh sure. Then how about soaps and shampoo? My sister says that you really love her soaps."


    "Eh?!" Claustrine blushes.


    "Hahahahaha. To hell with that reaction." Mateo says.


    "Yes... I wish I could also have soaps like those. They smell great and are smooth on my skin."


    "Hahahaha. No worries. I understand you."


    "Oh? And how so?"


    "Because I also use the soap here while I''m in Grimael."


    "No wonder you always smell good!" Claustrine''s surprised reaction.


    "I don''t intend to smell like a flower field. It''s just that I can''t handle those soaps that feel like rough stone and also smell weird. And noble-class soaps are so expensive."


    "I understand you," Claustrine sighs, then smiles.


    The two continue their shopping, and Claustrine falls in love with different perfumes. They easily buy amount of soaps that will last for a few months. Claustrine is very happy as they continue to explore multiple stores and restaurants. They even experience the cinema, which blows Claustrine''s mind.


    "Hey... Did those scenes really happen in real life?" Claustrine tries to lower her voice as she points at the giant screen where humans are getting killed by aliens.


    "Hahahah. No, it''s just acting."


    "And how is that even acting? It looks so real. Look! He even got decapitated!"


    Claustrine''s voice gets louder, but thankfully the movie''s audio is loud enough to hide Claustrine''s voice.


    "Just think of it like advanced theater."


    After some time...


    "Phew! I guess our shopping ends here."


    Claustrine stays silent with a serious look on her face.


    "Trinne? What''s wrong?" Mateo asks.


    "Uhmmm... Mateo, can I request something?" Claustrine shyly asks.


    "No problem. What is it?"


    "Can we go to a bookstore?"

 Ch. 3 - Exploring the New World

    "Okay, here we are, The National Bookshop," Mateo introduced the shop while making a presenting pose in entrance of the shop.


    Claustrine was already excited as she saw the stacks of books inside.


    "There are... So many... Books," Claustrine whispered with awe.


    The two entered the bookshop and were instantly greeted by the familiar smell of paper, which made Claustrine even happier.


    "So many books... It''s comparable to an academic library."


    Claustrine inspected every row of books and noticed something.


    "Wait... These books look different."


    "What do you mean?" Mateo asked.


    "These books... Are not stitched. Also, not leather-bound."


    Mateo realized Claustrine''s confusion, and he smiled.


    "Ah, I don''t know what the real term is, but basically, those are mass-produced versions."


    "MASS-PRODUCED, YOU SAID?" Claustrine tried to hide her surprise. Hearing Mateo''s explanation finally made sense to her about why there were so many copies of each single book.


    "Yeah. Those are easy to make in mass quantities."


    "What happened to the leather-bound books? Also, how mass-produced are we talking here?"


    "Hmmmmm... Pretty much, there are machines that can copy a single book and create hundreds of copies in a single day. And I repeat, it''s not magic."


    "A-amazing." For Claustrine, everything sounded like magic.


    "Also, to answer your first question. Leather-bound books are just too outdated in terms of our world''s technological progress, expensive, and hard to make. That''s why they only do leather backs for a select few as collector''s editions."


    "I understand now. It must have taken hundreds of years for your people to make this transition."


    "Yes."


    Claustrine really wanted to open the books, but they were protected with some sort of transparent film, so she gave up on the idea, as she wouldn''t understand the text anyway, just like she couldn''t read the signs.


    "Anyway, why did you suddenly want to visit a bookstore?" Mateo asked out of curiosity.


    "I want to learn the language of this world," Claustrine answered with a smile.


    "Wait... You can''t read the language of our world?" Mateo is surprised.


    "Yes. And it''s super weird. I can easily understand people''s words when they speak, but I don''t understand a single symbol used in your language."


    "I see. That''s definitely weird, considering I experienced the same problem since my arrival in Nattunnia."


    "Yeah, I remember that moment. It''s so hard to teach you the language." Claustrine sigh followed by the two laughing.


    "In my first arrival in your world, I had no problem communicating with the locals. Then I realized that I couldn''t read a single letter of your language. It took me months to learn enough to make my life a little bit easier."


    "It must have been tough for you." Claustrine felt sad as she imagined Mateo''s hardship. A man with no connections in her world struggling to survive every day. Mateo just smiled.


    "It is, considering that my early transfer is like some twisted isekai novels."


    "Isekai?" Claustrine was intrigued by the word.


    "It means ''another world'' in Japanese. But we can talk about that later once you learn to read our language," Mateo said. Claustrine just pouted, her curiosity remains unanswered.


    "Fine. I''m going to learn your language. So you have a responsibility to teach me. Is that clear?" Claustrine ordered as she gave a cheeky smile.


    Mateo sighed, followed by a little smile.


    "Fine. Just always visit me at my home in Nattunnia."


    The two decided to only buy books about Filipino and English language to help Claustrine adapt.


    "Wait a minute. How many languages does your world have?"


    "Hmmm... Hundreds. Pretty much each country has its own language."


    "Hundreds?" Claustrine asked. Mateo answered her question by opening a roll of Earth''s map.


    "You notice every segment has its own colors? Each one of them is a country."


    Claustrine was overwhelmed by the information, as in Yhigressia, it consisted of vast empires that owned a huge amount of land. To think that something like Earth''s countries existed was unbelievable for her.


    "Also, each country has its own different dialects. But we don''t need to learn each country''s language. We''re only going to focus on Filipino and English?"


    "And why is that?"


    "Filipino is the main language of this country, and English is the established language used in foreign communication. Also, most of the books are written in English."


    "I see." Claustrine just accepted her confusion. But a realizations hits her mind.


    "Wait a minute... Why your world map looks a lot... larger?"


    "Ah you notice... If my estimate is correct, if you combined all the lands of Grimael. The size is comparable to this continent." Mateo explained then he points his finger on the map  circling the entire Europe. Claustrine''s eyes widen after the realization.


    Claustrine suddenly gets dizzy and almost slump to the ground but Mateo manages to catch her.


    "Are you telling me... That our... World... Is a lot larger... Than it seems?" Claustrine''s disbelief.


    "Yeah. Grimael is just a continent like Australia."


    Claustrine sighs.


    "This might flip common sense in my world if they realized that the world is a lot larger than it seems." Claustrine holds her head as she feels dizzy.


    .


    .


    .


    "You know, this shop is not only focused on books. It also sells other kinds of things." Mateo tries to change the topic.


    "What do you mean by other things?"


    Mateo picked up a ballpen and showed it to Claustrine.


    "Like writing essentials and papers. This ballpen might be a good choice for you," Mateo explained as he proceeded to write his name on the sample paper in Grimael''s text.


    Claustrine was intrigued and also wrote her name in Grimael''s language. She loved how smooth and fine the lines were on the paper compared to the fountain pen she primarily used. She also noticed its portability and disposability.


    "I want to buy an entire box. Is that okay?" Claustrine asked.


    "No problem."


    "Also, I noticed some blank papers nearby. Can we also get those?"


    "Sure no problem." Mateo answers in kind.


    Then the two proceeds to buy more things like markers, scissors, pencils and others stuffs. Each items makes Claustrine curious and happy.


    Mateo laughed as he look on Claustrine''s shopping spree.


    "Is something funny?" Claustrine was confused.


    "Hehe. It''s like we''re buying for a back-to-school student. Don''t worry. Leave everything to me," Mateo said with confidence.


    Claustrine blushed a little, then smiled.


    "Thanks a lot, Mateo."


    And they continue to pick more stuffs until Mateo warns her thay they going to exceed their carrying capacity.


    Claustrine and Mateo exited the supermarket holding bags of clothes and writing materials. Mateo then proceeded to forcefully put them in the large top-box of the motorcycle.


    "Okay, there''s only one thing we need to buy."


    "What is it?" Claustrine asked.


    Several minutes later, Mateo and Claustrine left the drive-thru with Claustrine holding bags of burgers, fries, and fried chicken.


    "So... Jollibee is really a restaurant," Claustrine''s only words.


    "To think that my gut feeling is correct all this time."


    "Eh? What do you mean?"


    "Nevermind,"


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The two now went home as the sun was already setting down. Darkness engulfed the surroundings, lights also started to appear from everywhere. From street lights to buildings. Claustrine was mesmerized by the brightness incomparable to what she commonly saw in the capital.


    And the two safely returned home with no issues. They entered the home, and the first thing they saw was the family waiting for them.


    "Sooooo... How was the date?" Shiva''s opening line.


    "W-w-what!? D-d-date!?" Claustrine''s flustered reaction.


    "Geez... Stop joking like that." Mateo says while looking to Shiva with disbelief.


    Shiva just laugh after seeing their reaction.


    Mateo put the Jollibee food on the table, making Jade excited as she noticed the food.


    "That''s what I''m talking about!" Jade''s happy words.


    "So you were expecting this, huh? Then buy two bottles of cola," Mateo said, then he gave 200 pesos to Jade.


    "No problem. But I keep the change," Jade said, followed by a cheeky smile.


    "Ughh... Fine," Mateo was lost for words.


    "Yey," Jade said, then she proceeded to go outside to buy some cola.


    "Iha... What do you think of our world?" Ligaya''s question. Claustrine gave a satisfied smile.


    "This world is fun. There''s just so many things I want to learn."


    "So you truly are an academic, just like what Mateo says," Shiva said, as she viewed the school supplies and books they bought.


    "But it seems that you two also bought something special," Beatrice said, as she pulled out a dress and showed it to everyone.


    Reymundo gave a job well done to Mateo as he viewed the things they bought as a great gift for Claustrine.


    "I can''t wait to see you wear all of these!" Beatrice''s anticipation made Claustrine a little bit nervous.


    "Claustrine, what are you going to do after this?" Ligaya asked.


    "Hmmmm. We''re going to continue our job as adventurers as usual. But if Mateo agrees, I really wish to return to this world," Claustrine''s honest response. The family looked at Mateo as he was the one who managing the door to another world.


    "It''s fine by me. I already decided when we''re strolling in the supermarket. But I only agree when Trinne follows my rules."


    "Rules? What rules?" Claustrine is intrigued.


    "It''s simple, really, but essential to keep the existence of the door a secret to both worlds," Mateo said.


    "Ahh, I understand. Then, what are these rules?" Claustrine asked with a serious face.


    Mateo elaborated on the rules as follows:


    1. Never bring anything that might cause an imbalance in both worlds. Examples include bringing a huge amount of gold and jewelry from Yhigressia to Earth that could cause a market imbalance and suspicion of wealth or bringing advanced technology from Earth to Yhigressia that could make Yhigressia advance for better or worse.


    2. Never bring any suspicious items from both worlds like magical artifacts or Earth items with obvious earthly origins.


    3. Bringing consumables from Earth is fine, as long as you don''t leave evidence everywhere, like plastic wrappers from packaged foods, empty cans and bottles, any forms of plastics, etc. Hold onto it and only dispose of it on Earth.


    4. Never perform superhuman feats or any magic on Earth, but in case of emergency, ensure maximum secrecy.


    5. Always maintain secrecy about the existence of both worlds. Avoid writing in diaries/journals about Earth or posting pictures or anything on social media about Yhigressia that could raise suspicion. Never leave any hint that could jeopardize both worlds.


    "And you really follow these rules all the time?" Claustrine asked with doubt.


    "Of course. Just think, why did it take several years before you discovered my secret? Because I strictly follow those rules."


    "But... What about the smartphone?" Shiva asked in an attempt to catch Mateo off guard.


    "Oh, right! Why did you bring your smartphone?" Claustrine followed.


    "Of course, I need some sort of entertainemnt!"


    "You just can''t really live without a phone huh? I remember the very first thing you did after you returned to this world was to buy a smartphone." Beatrice''s teasing, then both her and Shiva laughed.


    "Sigh. Fine, fine, you''re right. And how can you blame me? It''s been 5 years after my transfer before I even managed to return to Earth. Of course, the first thing I was going to do is connect to the internet!"


    Claustrine heard another word that made her curious.


    "Mateo? What is the internet?" Claustrine asked.


    "Don''t worry about it. You''re going to learn about it after you finish learning our language. Right now, just remember my rules and follow them."


    "O-Okay."


    Jade finally returned holding two big bottles of cola.


    "All right, that''s enough everyone. Let''s eat," Ligaya''s invitation.


    The Agbayani family enjoyed the huge amount of burgers, fries, and fried chicken.


    "Even though we already drink this in the supermarket. The tingling sensation still really surprises me," Claustrine said as she looked at the dark-colored drink bubbling.


    "But that makes it even more delicious," Mateo''s response.


    "True," Claustrine said as she smiled.


    And the next day, Mateo and Claustrine finally said their farewells and returned to Nattunnia with all of the things they bought in Earth. After that, Claustrine said her farewell to Mateo as she was excited to put all of the clothes and supplies in her room.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    One week later, Grand Ecstasy decided to meet at the Adventurers guild as it was time for them to do another quest.


    "So what are we going to hunt this time?" Beltrand asked confidently, as if anything was good for him.


    "I hope it''s not another desert region hunt," Shirna wished.


    "Maybe it''s time for us to do a Volcano region hunt," Sophia suggested.


    "Oy!" Shirna refused, which made Sophia chuckle, as she was just joking.


    "Wait a minute... Something smells nice."


    Beltrand follows the flowery scent until he reach Claustrine.


    "Well well well... How ironic." Beltrand''s smug words while looking at Claustrine.


    "What?"


    "You always complain about me and my perfume but now you''re using a very fragrant perfume yourself." Beltrand teases Claustrine.


    "So what? It''s not like my perfume smells revolting, unlike yours." Claustrine fights back.


    As Grand Ectasy talked to each other, some adventurers glanced at them, but not with hostility, but with admiration and respect.


    The five just looked at the request board while the other adventurers picked their choice of quests. But as usual, only a few people took the Gold-rank missions. Mateo thought that maybe other Gold-rank adventurers had just recently finished their big quests and were now on a day off.


    Mateo picked up a piece of paper that caught his attention.


    "Then how about this one?" Mateo showed the mission to his party members.


    "Investigating the deeper layers of Reverse Tower of Jhulzihar?" Claustrine recognized the name.


    "Wait, are you sure? We already visit that so many times." Beltrand asked. He visibly unamused.


    "Whats wrong? Besides the unexplored two Layers, we just need to investigate the other Layers and find potential dangers or new discoveries just like we always do. Easy money right?" Mateo explained.


    "So? We don''t need to completely enter the remaining two layers, and we pretty much just scout the area?" Shirna asked.


    "Yes. And also, we can also get materials we find while we traverse the tower. So pretty much..."


    "We''re just going to use this investigation as an excuse to go to the deeper parts of the Reverse Tower and loot valuable goods. Why am I not surprised," Claustrine said with an unamused reaction.


    "Exactly!" Mateo feels proud to himself.


    "And how many layers does the Reverse tower have according to them?" Shirna asked.


    "Explorers estimate that the tower has 10 layers. Layers 1 to 5 are open for adventurers below silver. But 6 and below is when things get difficult, and they only allow Gold or higher-tiered adventurers," Claustrine explained.


    "What do you think, guys?" Mateo asked.


    "It''s fine for me," Claustrine agreed.


    "Me too," Sophia followed.


    "Well, it''s just an investigation, so it must be okay," Shirna agreed.


    "Well, I really need money, so this mission is a great way to earn it. Count me in!" Beltrand finally agrees.


    After everyone agreed on the mission, Mateo went to the beautiful receptionist and gave her the paper. The receptionist frowns.


    "Is there something wrong?" Mateo was concerned about the receptionist, a lady he had befriended over the past years.


    "Ah, nothing. Good luck on your mission, Mateo. I wish your party safety," the receptionist gave a rolled paper to Mateo and also a warm smile, unlike the fake smile she commonly used to other adventurers in her daily routine.


    "Thanks a lot, Ms. Emma. Don''t worry, we''ll surely come back safe and sound," Mateo reassured Emma.


    Mateo returned to his party, who were waiting for him at a table.


    "So, did we get the approval?" Beltrand asked.


    "Yes. So let''s spend the rest of the day preparing for our departure tomorrow morning," Mateo said.


    "Okay!" The four responded with approval.


    As the party finished their meal in the Adventurers guild, a group of people approached Mateo from behind, and one of them came closer and put his hand on Mateo''s shoulder. Mateo looked back and was delighted to see a familiar face.


    "Long time no see, Mateo," the guy wearing a very fit red armor said, followed by a confident smile.


    "Graham!"


    Mateo stood up and hugged Graham, who also hugged back.


    "It''s been a while. Where have you been this entire time?" Mateo asked.


    "Well, we just finished a mission in the north, jt took us a very long time to finish it."


    Graham''s other party members also greeted Grand Ecstasy.


    "Hello, may the gods bless your journey," a guy wearing a priest attire and carrying a small shield and a mace said.


    One of the female party members of Graham came closer to Claustrine and hugged her. Her chest pressed to Claustrine''s face.


    "I MISS YOUUUUU, TRINNEEEE!" The female with a slightly revealing attire cried.


    "Eckk... Monica... I can''t breathe," Claustrine said as she tapped Monica''s shoulder.


    "Ohh, sorry!" Monica apologized, then released Claustrine from her hug. Claustrine then proceeded to breath deeply.


    "And what did you guys hunt in the Northlands?" Beltrand asked, as he was really curious about his friend''s exploits.


    "A blizzard hermit," the male priest answered.


    "Ohhhhhhh, that''s big! Nice one!" Beltrand complimented the party, who were pretty much big shots in their guild.


    And Graham''s party, called "Wanderer," was known for their nature of picking quests in faraway lands and their love for long explorations. For Graham, the travel was equally as important as the destination itself.


    Wanderer consisted of three members:


    - Graham, a very skilled spearman who acted as the party leader.


    - Monica, the mage specialized in fire, with lots of arsenals of fire magic to boot.


    - And Boltz. A Crusader Priest who specialized in both supportive magic and mace and shield. He acted as both support and frontline.


    "Did you also just finish your mission?" Graham asked.


    "No. We already picked a mission," Mateo then showed the poster of the Reverse Tower mission. Graham, Monica, and Boltz opened their eyes wide and frowned.


    "Are you guys really picking this quest?"


    "Yes. We already received approval. Is there a problem?" Claustrine asked.


    The Wanderers sat alongside Grand Ecstasy with serious looks on their faces.


    "Everyone, listen to me carefully. When you''re in the deeper layers of the reverse tower, absolutely be careful."


    Grand Ecstasy felt the sudden increase of tension, as it was rare for them to see Graham be so serious.


    "I-is there a reason why?" Sophia asked, as she started to feel anxious.


    "When we were in the frontlands, rumors spread that there''s something wrong in the Reverse Tower," Graham explained.


    "Isn''t the Reverse Tower known for that very thing?" Claustrine asked, as she knew that Reverse Tower was notorious for magic-powered traps and Jhulzihar beasts. Not surprising for a place previously owned by a legendary wizard.


    "That''s true, but according to the gossips we heard, a few adventurers suddenly disappeared and never came back once they entered the 6th to 8th Layer."


    "If that''s the case. Then why is this mission still posted on the wall?" Mateo questioned the authenticity of the rumor.


    "Yeah. All branches of the Adventurers'' guild should probably be informed about the disappearances and issue a ban on missions to the Reverse Tower," Claustrine explained her stance.


    "From what I can learn from this issue. The disappearances just started 5 days ago, and for the reason why the tower is still not closed, is probably because of the nature of our job," Graham continued his explanation.


    "It''s a normal occurrence for us Adventurers to do missions spanning several days, and people assume that those missing adventurers just decided to prolong their missions. Considering how large the Reverse Tower is and its loots, I can understand if people think it that way," Boltz explained further.


    "And I believe that if some adventurers tell this to the higher-ups at this stage, no one would believe him. Just my thought," Monica gave her opinion.


    "Isn''t the guild as a whole very serious about things like this?" Sophia asked.


    "That''s true, but those rumors are still rumors. The guild would not risk spreading panic and disrupting the whole Adventurer guild based on some rumors," Boltz answered.


    Everyone stayed quiet for a while until Mateo broke the silence.


    "I understand your concerns, guys, but don''t worry, we''re going to be careful. We pretty much just go there to gather information and get some valuable loot anyway," Mateo assured the Wanderers.


    "But still. You should stay careful there. It''s better to be cautious as adventurers, right?" Monica said.


    "Of course! We wouldn''t have reached this rank if we didn''t take our job seriously!" Beltrand said confidently. Claustrine and Shirna nodded in approval of Beltrand''s words.


    "That''s good to hear," Monica said, feeling reassured.


    "But if two weeks pass and you guys still haven''t returned here. We''re going to report you to the guild. Is that clear?" Graham added a condition.


    "Geez. Fine by me," Mateo agreed.


    To lighten the mood, both Wanderer and Grand Ecstasy enjoyed a feast together while sharing their own tales and adventures for a while. Then the two parties separated as Grand Ecstasy needed to prepare for their mission in the Reverse Tower until night when they decided to go home.


    In their home, every member of Grand Ecstasy was very concerned about Graham''s warning, and doubt lingered in their minds, thinking that the mission might not go as smoothly as they wished. Especially Mateo, who decided to do some additional preparations on their own in case the worst-case scenario comes.

 Ch. 4 - Inside the Reverse Tower

    "Phew! We''re finally here," Beltrand said as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. Wearing heavy armor really takes a toll on heating up his body.


    The entrance of the Reverse Tower wasn''t extravagant like a temple, nor ugly like a Goblin''s Cave. It was just a gigantic rectangular stone box-like structure with a giant open entrance, heavily guarded by the Kingdom''s guards. In fact, the only thing that made the area somewhat colorful was the small merchant tents scattered everywhere.


    The party decided to enter Layer 1, and after showing their Badges, the guards willingly let them enter.


    As they journeyed from Layer 1 to Layer 5, they encountered numerous lower-ranked adventurers doing their best to gather materials and slay monsters. From low-level slimes to gargoyles and Ghalalaks - types of giant fish with hard scales and six crustacean-like legs.


    Layers 1 to 5 were all mazes, but thanks to numerous explorations done by the guild, multiple safe pathways are mapped, reducing the number of adventurers getting lost in the Tower. These layers primarily served as training grounds for new adventurers now.


    And finally, they reached the entrance to Layer 6.


    "Hmmmmm...." The strong-looking soldier guarding the entrance to Layer 6 inspected the adventurer badges of Grand Ecstasy carefully.


    "Okay, you''re good to go. Just be careful. Jhulzihar''s beasts have been acting up lately."


    "We will. Thank you for the warning."


    And just like that, Grand Ecstasy entered Layer 6, which was unlike the first five layers. Layer 6, known as Green Anguish resembles a dense jungle filled with dangerous hazards and monsters.


    Not far from them, they spotted a peculiar creature. Grand Ecstasy instantly shift into their combat mode.


    "Octasnaka spotted! Prepare for combat!" Mateo commanded, and the party wield their weapons.


    Several long snake bodies were swinging in the branches of the trees, each measuring six meters in length and with enormous width. These snake bodies, however, did not belong to separate snakes. Instead, all eight of them were connected to a single giant snake-like head, a grotesque serpentine interpretation of an octopus. It swung and moved through the nearby giant trees like a primate swinging from branches.


    "Shirna, start aiming. Once that thing pounces on us, shoot its eyes," Mateo instructed.


    "Ok!" Shirna responded as he started to draw his bow with two arrows prepared.


    As anticipated, the Octasnaka pounced from a tall tree, and Shirna''s arrows landed successfully in its eyes.


    "Everyone, get out!"


    The party scattered to avoid the Octasnaka''s landing impact, and the blinded creature thrashed its tentacles in a fit of rage.


    "Trinne, Sophia, leave this to us. We need to conserve your mana for later," Mateo advised.


    "Ok," both Claustrine and Sophia agreed.


    Mateo drew his sword and slowly approached the Octasnaka, dodging its tentacle swings effortlessly.


    "You can just cut its tentacles, you know," Beltrand suggested, but Mateo gestured for him to be quiet.


    Mateo quickly reached the main head and without hesitation, he severed one of the tentacles from its base using a clean downward swing of his sword, causing the Octasnaka to screech in agony. The creature now in panic, attempted to escape, but Bertrand grabbed one of its tentacles.


    "You''re not going anywhere," Beltrand says with a smile.


    Mateo continued to cut the remaining tentacles, even the one that Beltrand held. Only the head facing the sky remained, as the separated tentacles scattered everywhere, wriggling until they stopped.


    "Trinne, it''s your turn," Mateo calmly called Claustrine, who walked to the Octasnaka head''s direction, positioned herself in front of the beast''s forehead, and started chanting.


    "Oh god of fire and volcano, Valvafir. Please honor my burning desire to eliminate my enemies with your eternal flame."


    Claustrine pointed the head of her staff at the middle of Octasnaka''s head, which was still screeching but had lost its mobility to escape its guaranteed death. The head of Claustrine''s staff started to glow red, with smoke emanating from it.


    "Molten spear!"


    As Claustrine finished her spell, a thin, lava-like substance was released from her staff, piercing the Octasnaka''s head and emerging from the other side. The smell of scorched flesh filled the air, and the Octasnaka instantly die as its main weakness was destroyed.


    "Is it dead?" Shirna asked.


    But his question was answered when the dead Octasnaka and its severed tentacles started to disintegrate until a damaged green crystal core the size of a human head appeared but also crumbled into dust. The only thing left in the spot was the Molten Spear, which solidified and crumbled into multiple chunks and also fades away.


    "Hey, what''s happening? How about the loot?" Shirna panicked.


    "Ah... I forgot, it''s your first time entering this tower," Mateo said.


    "Forget about getting loot from monsters from Layer 6 onwards," Claustrine explained.


    "What do you mean?" Shirna inquired.


    "Monsters from Layer 6 and below are artificial monsters created by Jhulzihar. You see the core, right? That''s the thing that creates the monsters here," Claustrine elaborated.


    "Isn''t it still worth grabbing the core and taking it outside? Maybe we can sell it to researchers?" Shirna suggested out of curiosity. Claustrine chuckled.


    "That''s a very dangerous idea. As long as the core remains undamaged, a Jhulzihar monster would regenerate its body at an absurd speed. You can carve the flesh however you want, but it will just continue healing. I can give you a history book detailing a disaster when they tried to bring a Jhulzihar core into the city," Claustrine explained further.


    "Then... what''s the point of coming here?" Shirna wondered.


    "Just listen to them first," Sophia assured Shirna that the journey was worth it.


    Mateo looked around and smiled as he saw a single black flower with an obsidian-like luster. He picked it up and returned to the group.


    "This smell... I remember this," Claustrine said.


    "Smells really good," Bertrand noted.


    "Yes... Reminds me of the chapel," Sophia smiled, reminiscing about her time in the church.


    Mateo gives the flower to Shirna.


    "Uhmmm... you know I''m a boy, right?" Shirna teased as he looked at Mateo. Mateo smiled and playfully karate-chopped Shirna''s head.


    "Ouch."


    "That''s not a gift, you little rascal. Just remember the appearance or smell of that flower," Mateo said.


    "But why?"


    "That single flower is worth 1 gold coin."


    "Huh.... HUH?!" Shirna''s eyes widened as he examined the flower.


    "A Darkit Rose. Yeah, that''s expensive," Claustrine confirmed.


    "Why is this thing so expensive? How?" Shirna asked in amazement.


    "That rose is primarily used as a material for a specific perfume. Because of its long-lasting, strong, and dark floral scent, Darkit Rose Perfume is highly sought after by nobles," Claustrine explained.


    "It''s also used for specific ceremonial purposes in the Church. So, the Church is willing to buy it at a reasonably high price," Sophia added.


    Shirna was still surprised by this revelation. He thought about their recent Cocketrice mission that rewarded them with 50 gold coins. They could potentially surpass that just by gathering roses like the one in his hand.


    "I want to destroy your expectations now. That rose is very rare here, and we are really lucky to find one this early. But there are other materials we can gather that, while not equal to the Darkit Rose, still fetch a high price. So, stop sulking and prepare your eyes for some gathering," Mateo said to Shirna.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Shirna smiled and handed the flower to Claustrine, who placed it in the bag of storage.


    "Okay!"


    The party continued exploring Layer 6 while also collecting a few materials along the way. They tried to avoid enemies as much as possible, but they still encountered other Layer 6 monsters, like the Bristle Ape - a very large gorilla with hard and sharp bristles it could spray everywhere.


    "Shit!" Beltrand exclaimed as he used his Knight''s Promise ability to create a barrier with his shield to tank the barrage of bristle spray. The rest of the party hid behind him.


    "These bristles sure sting," Mateo commented as he pulled a bristle stuck to his leg, wincing in pain.


    "Let me help you," Sophia said as she used a basic healing spell to quickly close and heal the wound.


    "Thanks a lot, Sophia."


    "No problem."


    Suddenly, the barrage stopped, and the bristles were scattered everywhere in the area.


    "The ape is completely bald!" Shirna realized after observing the Bristle Ape.


    Grand Ecstasy prepares for counter attack. Mateo draws his sword and approach the Bristle Ape.


    The Ape, completely agitated, rushed at Mateo, preparing for a devastating punch. However, Bertrand intercepted it.


    Undaunted, the Ape opened its mouth, revealing its dangerous fangs, attempting to bite Bertrand. But...


    *Swoosh*


    Three arrows flew above Bertrand and landed inside the Bristle Ape''s mouth. The Ape howled in agony and frantically tried to remove the arrows.


    "How does it feel to taste your own medicine? It''s painful, right?" Shirna taunted.


    While the Ape was in a panic, Mateo dashed forward and cut the Bristle Ape''s neck, which was easier now due to the lack of protection. The head fell to the ground, followed by the body.


    Mateo then signaled Claustrine, who was already prepared.


    "Fireblast!"


    Claustrine used a basic spell that didn''t require chanting. She conjured a small orb of flame and threw it at the Bristle Ape''s head, causing an explosion upon contact. The head disappeared along with its core, and after that, the body started to disintegrate.


    ...


    And Flying Colony - a giant wasp carrying a huge nest on its abdomen, which also contained smaller wasps.


    "Nope! Nope! Nope!" Mateo shouted as they all desperately ran. Behind them, a swarm of dark-colored wasps the size of apples pursued them.


    The moment they spotted the Flying Colony hovering above the trees, their instincts told them to run away.


    "Worse monsters we could encounter here. How lucky we are!" Claustrine ranted.


    "Why didn''t we just fight them?" Shirna casually asked. Unlike his companions, he never felt tired in this environment, as the forest and jungles were like a playground for a Night Elf like him.


    "Fight a Flying Colony with 1000+ wasps? Good luck!" Beltrand sarcastically rants.


    "At least it''s not a Flying Fortress, or we''d be doomed!" Sophia commented between breaths.


    "A Flying Fortress?" Shirna asked.


    Mateo noticed that the wasps had stopped chasing them and had returned to their nest.


    "Looks... like... we finally left... the danger zone," Mateo said as he caught his breath.


    "If we... just have... the manpower to... kill that thing..." Claustrine said, gasping for air.


    "Manpower? Is that thing really that dangerous?" Shirna questioned.


    "Fighting 1000+ wasps with deadly venom in a very open area, unprepared? Even a Platinum-ranked adventurer would hesitate to fight it. It takes numerous parties and reliable area-of-effect spells to safely fight it," Claustrine explained.


    "Then why are they willing to use that many adventurers just to destroy a single monster that doesn''t even have loot?" Shirna was confused.


    "Because a Flying Colony is the only Jhulzihar beast that gives something," Beltrand answered.


    "Huh?! But you said that every monster from Layer 6 and below disappears after death?" Shirna was even more confused.


    "Yes, the monsters disappear, but in the case of the Flying Colony, what it carry remains," Claustrine clarified.


    "You mean... the hive?" Shirna finally grasped the implication.


    "Yes, and you''ve probably already guessed what''s inside."


    "Honey..." Shirna''s response was short.


    "Not just normal honey. It''s a powerful mind-altering drug called the ''Nectar of the Gods,''" Claustrine said seriously.


    "I believe we''ve rested enough. Let''s continue," Mateo said, and everyone prepared themselves.


    "We''re going to report to the guild about the appearance of the Flying Colony. I''m sure they''ll form a massive hunting party just for that honey," Beltrand added.


    "But what is this Flying Fortress that Sophia mentioned earlier?" Shirna inquired.


    "Oh, that''s an entirely different kind of beast. We''ll explain it to you once we find something similar to a Flying Fortress," Bertrand promised.


    "Similar to a Flying Fortress?" Shirna questioned to himself.


    The Grand Ecstasy continued to traverse the vast wilderness, and Shirna continued to ask questions, with Claustrine happily providing answers.


    "Why is this jungle so huge?" Shirna wondered.


    "Not really sure, but academics theorize that Layers 6 to 10 are like pocket dimensions. It''s just a theory, though; we can also assume that the dungeon is just really enormous, considering it''s underground."


    "Why is there still night, day, and air here if we''re underground?" Shirna was perplexed.


    "Look at the ceiling."


    Shirna gazed at the sky where there were no trees obstructing his view. He was astonished to see some enormous holes and numerous bright lights.


    "W-what?!"


    "You see it, right? The ceiling. Those holes are probably part of an intricate ventilation system powered by magic. And the lights are also powered by magic, replicating the day and night cycle outside."


    "Is it the same for the remaining Layers?"


    "Layers 6 to 8 are the same. But no one knows about the remaining 2 because no one has ever reached them."


    "I''m amazed..."


    "Me too... since this dungeon was created by one of the most powerful wizards in the world," Claustrine said with admiration.


    "To think that a human can create such a complex system," Shirna marveled.


    "I''d rather say that this huge project was a team effort. But those helpers were probably as powerful as Jhulzihar."


    "How old is this dungeon?"


    "800 years old."


    "Not really that old, to be honest," Shirna commented.


    "Because you''re comparing it to natural ones like caves or dungeons created by generations of monsters. Remember that this dungeon is very complex and artificial. Also, it almost the age of a single elf lifespan." Claustrine defended the dungeon.


    "You''re right." Shirna just agree.


    "Also... This dungeon is still full of secrets, like the mysterious Layer 9 and 10."


    "How do academics even know that there are still 2 layers remaining? You said that no one has reached those 2 layers yet." Shirna continues his question.


    "Because it was mentioned by one of Jhulzihar''s students in his book that we still read today. But sadly, he only tells anecdotes about Jhulzihar''s story. He also didn''t know the mystery."


    After some time, the Grand Ecstasy safely traversed the jungle with only minor encounters with weaker Jhulzihar beasts. They now stood in front of the stair case down to Layer 7.


    Cold winds rushed up from below, warning them of what''s waiting for down there.


    "So... cold," Shirna said.


    Beltrand opened the party''s bag of storage and handed out winter gear to each member.


    "So... this is the reason why you asked me to bring winter gear. Thanks a lot," Shirna expressed his appreciation, to which everyone replied with a smile.


    After wearing their winter gear, the Grand Ecstasy proudly entered the stairs leading to Layer 7. The deeper they went, the colder the surroundings became until they finally reached Layer 7.


    Instead of awe, Shirna expressed intense dread.


    "What... is... this?" Shirna exclaimed as he looked at the vast snow.


    An almost infinite area of snow with deep red patches that looked like a brutal war and bloodbath had just recently happened everywhere.


    "Still gives me the creeps to this day," Beltrand admitted. Sophia nodded in agreement.


    "This area always reminds me of what the hell was in Jhulzihar''s mind while making this disturbing landscape," Claustrine stated her opinion.


    "Is the whole Layer 7 looks like this?" Shirna asked, still disturbed.


    "Sadly yes. At least the sky is not red, or it would really look like an apocalyptic nightmare," Mateo said.


    "Also, it''s a good thing that the red patches are not blood, but still, there''s no explanation for why the snow is red," Claustrine explained.


    "If you think about everything that we''re going to encounter, this bloody scenery is a perfect fit, right?" Beltrand said.


    "Whatever. Thanks for reminding me of those monsters," Claustrine added with less enthusiasm.


    "Welcome." Beltrand response followed by a cheeky smile.


    "We finally entered Bloody Ice."


    Shirna gulped as he already expected that whatever they were going to encounter in this area would be more dangerous.


    The Grand Ecstasy started to explore Bloody Ice, and they found themselves in a small taiga, which made Shirna even more disturbed as the snow on top of the trees also had bloody red patches, making the area look like a forest of blood.


    Mateo signaled his party to stop.


    "What''s wrong?" Claustrine whispered.


    "Something dangerous is coming."


    Saying that, everyone gets tense. Their silence revealed the sounds of trees being pushed and loud rustling of snow, sounds that grew louder and louder as time goes by.


    "Shirna, climb a tree and look for the danger?"


    Shirna nodded and climbed the nearest tree. He had trouble as huge piles of snow kept falling on him, very different from the normal trees he climbed on his home.


    But he safely reached the top and looked at the surroundings. His eyes widened when he saw the source of the sound.


    "What a grotesque creature," Shirna said.


    He was looking at a giant monstrous-looking elk that was almost impossible to identify as an elk due to its very thick and long fur. But the most disturbing feature was the numerous large antlers running from the elk''s head to its shoulder, each with an absurd number of branches, making it look like there was a mini forest of antlers on its back.


    After observing the monster, Shirna quickly climbed down and gave the information to everyone.


    "It''s a giant elk with an absurd number of antlers."


    Sophia and Claustrine sighed.


    "What a relief," Beltrand said, relaxing a little bit.


    "What?" Shirna didn''t have any idea.


    "It''s a Decantler. We''re lucky that it''s the first thing we encountered. As long as we don''t disturb it, that thing will ignore us," Mateo explained.


    Hearing the good news, Shirna smiled, and the party prepared to pass by the Decantler, ensuring they didn''t intimidate the large monster to avoid unnecessary combat as much as possible. They created a safe distance and also tries to hide, and the Decantler was now far behind them.


    Then suddenly, the snow started to rumble, which shocked Grand Ecstasy, especially Shirna, who was close to panicking.


    "Okay, what''s happening now!?" Shirna screamed.


    "Just continue walking and ignore what''s happening behind us," Mateo said. Shirna looked to the other members to find answers, but each of them just gave him a serious nod. With no choice, Shirna followed the others.


    But Shirna couldn''t quell his curiosity and took a sneak peek at what was happening behind them. He saw the Decantler running away, only to be stabbed by two very long and large white tentacles, followed by numerous smaller ones.


    "What the!"


    The Decantler tried to struggle, but to no avail. It was just getting pulled by the tentacles. Moments later, a giant white fish head revealed itself. Its mouth was already wide open, ready to gnaw the unlucky prey who had lost its strength and was easily dragged by the tentacles coming from the fish''s face.


    Shirna runs in panic and return to the rest of the party who stopped when they notices that Shirna is falling behind.


    "What is an Icyatsh doing here?! And why is it so huge?!" Shirna questioned.


    Icyatsh was a white catfish-like monster common in snowy areas, swimming in snow like fish swim in the sea.


    The Icyatsh is only the size of an adult male foot and pretty much a source of food for people in Frozen Northlands. But the Icyatsh in Layer 7 of the Reverse Tower was enormous, with a typical length of 30 meters, plus 30 meters from its long whiskers.


    With some unknown reason, the Icyatsh had turned from a source of food into a deadly ambush monster.


    "You''re right. That''s an Icyatsh but transformed to become a dangerous monster," Claustrine said.


    Mateo resumed walking, followed by the others.


    "To think that we really walked above that thing," Shirna shivered as he imagined the scenario.


    "But thankfully we''re too tiny for its appetite," Mateo said.


    The Grand Ecstasy continued their journey, even more prepared for what could happen next.

 Ch. 5 - Looming Threat

    "Despite all of these thick clothing, I can still feel the cold." Shirna complains as he positions his self closer to the fireplace.


    Grand Ecstasy is spending their night on one of numerous log cabins built inside Layer 7. The cabins acts as checkpoints for adventurers that traveling in vast snow.


    The only thing that protects the log cabins from dangerous monsters lurking outside are the magic seals repelling them. This method of protection ensures the safety of everyone inside not only from harsh environment but also from any beasts.


    "Here''s some soup Shirna." Sophie gives him a bowl of vegetable soup. After holding the bowl, Shirna smiles as he feels the warmth that helps him fight the frigid temperature.


    "Thanks."


    "I noticed that the Magic seals are starting to lose its power. We should ask the guild to sent some experts for a maintenance." Claustrine recommends then she sips on her hot soup.


    "Noted. So far, that''s the only thing notable in this Layer." Mateo replies as he gets another bowl of soup.


    "I knew this mission is going to be a boring one." Beltrand complains.


    "What do you mean by boring? How about the things we encountered?" Shirna asked as he''s genuinely confused.


    "For you it''s a new experience, but for us. Besides the Flying Colony, it''s pretty much like a routine. I wish we encounter something exciting." Beltrand says.


    "Like something similar to Flying Fortress?" Shirna asked.


    "Woah woah calm your horses there buddy." Beltrand is suprised.


    "But that seems the only one that you didn''t encountered yet."


    "And we never want to meet one." Claustrine added to Shirna''s words.


    "Are those thing really that strong?" Shirna is even more intrigued.


    "Well, they''re truly strong but it still depends on what kind of Apex beast you going to encounter." Mateo explained.


    "Apex beast? Is that their name?"


    Mateo nods. Claustrine continues the explanation.


    "Remember the Bristle Ape we encountered in Layer 6? Its Apex version is just larger and more ferocious with more red bristles instead of brown."


    "Sounds simple enough."


    "Ah also, The red bristles is poisonous that can cause agonozing pain. The poison is also the reason why Apex Bristle Ape is always agitated in the first place."


    "What...the...fuck?" Shirna is in disbelief.


    "And thats only one of unique traits Apex beasts have. What makes them difficult to fight is each type of Apex beast requires different planning and approach." Mateo finishes the explanation.


    "I guess we should avoid an Apex at all cost." Shirna finaly realize the danger they facing.


    Grand Ecstasy spends their night peacefully until morning where they quickly eat a breakfast of Bread and ham. Then they continue their journey in the harsh bloody-white environment.


    Treading the vast snow with ice cold air really gives their body the chills but thanks to their winter gear, they can fight the extreme cold. Still, the danger lingers as they encounter one beast into another.


    The years of experience of the Party really shows as they always manage to defeat every Jhulzihar beasts that tries to halt their advance.


    But the most challenging ones are the predators. Grand Ecstasy encounters a pack of White Stalkers - A wolf like beasts that instead of fur, its body is covered by shiny white scales which is proven to be a durable and can withstand most physical attacks. White Stalkers are ambush predators thay buries themselves on snow in group and waits for the prey to walk on their range.


    Grand Ecstasy almost fall on the ambush but thanks to Shirna they manages to avoid the danger when Shirna feels that there''s something watching them.


    "A group is going to attack now. Be prepared." Shirna whispers to his friends. Grand Ecstasy now expects the ambush.


    10 White Stalkers pounces all at once which Grand Ecstasy manages to deflect and dodge all the attempts of biting and pinning down any of them. Now that the ambush fails, the White Stalkers decides to fight head on.


    "White Stalkers?!" Claustrine is surprised to see the pack. Others except Shirna also gives a confused reaction.


    But still Grand Ecstasy also prepares for combat.


    Beltrand opens his small personal Bag fo Storage and swaps his sword into a mace.


    "Oy Mateo, do you have a blunt weapon?" Beltrand ask.


    "Of course."


    Mateo opens his pocket dimension bag and search for a mace but...


    "Fuck!"


    "What''s wrong?"


    "I forgot my blunt weapons."


    Beltrand gives a sigh as he always tell Mateo to bring replacement weapons for situations like they''re facing now.


    "Well. Sucks to be you."


    "Can I ask. Is these things have some sort of Pack leader?" Shirna asked as he remembers tha moonlight wolves common on his hometown.


    "No. It''s pretty much a family unit." Mateo shortly answers.


    "Damn. I thought defeating their leader makes thing easy." Shirna''s dissapointed response.


    The White Stalkers starts to surrounds Grand Ecstasy who responsed by protecting each others'' back.


    One of the White Stalkers runs toward Sophie, seeing him as an easier target. It jumps and ready to bite but Shirna fires an arrow who directly hit one of White Stalker''s eye thus stopping its attack.


    Beltrand quickly follows up by smashing the White Walker''s head once it landed on the snow. Its hard scales can''t handle the strong blunt force the mace have and its head gets smahed alongside its core, scattering blood and brain matter everywhere adding more red coloration to the already bloody like snow.


    9 White Stalker remains.


    Without wasting more time and seeing an opening where Beltrand and Shirna is distracted, three White Stalker attacks Beltrand.


    Bertrand quicly gets back on his foot and blocks one of the White Stalkers using his shield, bashing it to throw the beast away. Bertrand swing his Mace and smash it to the second White Stalker, destroying its jaws.


    But the third White Stalker is now open to attack Beltrand''s exposed sides. Beltrand notices the beast but its too late for him to respond.


    "Shit!"


    Suddenly, a bolt of lightning hits the White Stalker, pushing and paralyzing it in front of Beltrand.


    "Thanks!" Beltrand shouts and he quickly smash the White Stalker''s head instantly killing it.


    8 White Stalker remains.


    One White Stalker tries to attack the now open Claustrine, it jumps and open its mouth targeting Claustrine''s neck.


    But Mateo tackles the side of the White Stalker mid air. Both of them falls to the snow and knowing the danger, Mateo quickly positions itself by avoiding the White Stalkers head who frantically tries to bite him. He grabs one of the leg of White Stalker and kicks and breaks it like a twig. The White Stalker release a pained howl but Mateo is not done yet.


    Grabbing both White Stalker''s foot, he use the White Stalker as a makeshift club and smash it to another White Stalker thats already in the air and ready to bite him. Both White Stalker are thrown far away and the two recovers quickly, but one of them is limping due to the damage dealt by Mateo.


    Mateo notices that Claustrine is still open because she just helped Beltrand kill an enemy by paralyzing another White Stalker, who almost get Shirna after he miss his arrow. Now another White Stalker is running towards her but instead on jumping, its targeting Clautrine''s leg.


    Sophie raise her wand in the sky and starts praying.


    "Ohhh our Lady of Perpetual Selfishness Vivvilly. Please hear my prayers of protection."


    Sophie''s wand starts to glow bright yellow and then she aims it on Claustrine.


    "Blessed barrier!"


    A yellow transparent wall suddenly appears in front of Claustrine blocking the White Stalker''s dash. The White Stalker is confused for a moment but then tries to pounce on Claustrine only to hit the same wall hard. Now it agressively scratches the wall to no avail.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Then it notice that the side of the Barrier is open so it quickly runs to the side to attack Claustrine, but its too late as Mateo grabs the White Walkers hard and spiky tail and he smash the beast on the hard rock nearby, hitting its head and shattering the core along with its skull, killing it.


    Mateo''s hands is bleeding due to spikes that penetrates his hand. But they don''t have time to heal so he indures the lingering sharp pain.


    "Damn!"


    Beltrand fails to notices that another White Stalker is rushing toward him when he kills another. He got bitten in his right arm that he used to protect his neck.


    "Ahhhh!" Beltrand screams in pain as the White Walker is slowly crushing his arm.


    "Shirna, Trinne, Sophia! Cover us!" Mateo commands.


    The three quickly follows and surrounds both Mateo and Beltrand. Beltrand drops the White Stalker in the snow and Mateo positions his self. He place his hands in the White Stalker''s mouth.


    And then he proceeds to pry it open with brute force. The mouth slowly opens enough for Beltrand to release his hand to its powerful jaw.


    "You piece of shit!" Beltrand shouts then he shoves his shield in the White Stalker''s mouth.


    Knowing that Beltrand can''t use his right arm for a moment. Mateo grabs Beltrand''s mace and with full downwars swing, he smash the White Stalker''s head.


    He then proceeds to assess Beltrand''s injury.


    "Bones?" Mateo asked.


    "Its fine. It didn''t manage to break it." Beltrand responds.


    "Good. Sophia! Heal Bertrand''s arm."


    "Ok!"


    Mateo goes into defensive as Sophia rush into Beltrand and starts her prayer.


    5 White Stalkers remaining.


    One of the White Stalkers gives a deep howl which the other gives their howl in response. The White Walkers regroup and Grand Ecstasy brace themselves for another coordinated attack.


    But instead of Attacking, the remaining White Stalkers decides to retreat after experiencing that their chosen target would only kill them all. One of the White Walker is getting far behind as it was still limping.


    Seeing that the surrounding is now safe. They find a safe spot and drop themselves there. Visibly exhausted on the recent battle.


    "What are those thing?" Shirna asked as it was his first time to fight such beast.


    "White Stalkers. They''re primaly pack ambush predators. To think that we going to encounter a group of them." Mateo explains.


    "Hey. Isn''t White Stalkers only attacks humans in specific reasons like Humans entering their territory or showing agression?" Beltrand asked while still holding bitten arm, still feeling slight pain.


    "Yes... But I didn''t hear a report of White Stalkers directly hunting humans before. Let alone a coordinated assault. That''s unproductive from them." Claustrine questions.


    "What do you mean? Isn''t they hunted us like a food?" Shirna asked. Wanting to join the conversation.


    "Jhulzihar Beasts'' primary source of food is the Cores inside them. So hunting humans is pretty much useless for them."


    "I think that''s not the only problem here. For some reason, every beasts becomes hyper agressive." Bertrand''s opinion.


    "Right. Even the other Beasts that mainly avoid humans tries to attack us for some reason." Sophia added.


    "How about the Giant Icyatsh?" Shirna asked, remembering that the giant fish didn''t attack them and instead choose the Decantler.


    "Those Giant Icyatsh is the only outlier in Reverse Tower. Explaining it would be long and difficult, but to make things simple. Giant Icyatsh is not endemic in Reverse Tower."


    "Meaning?" Shirna is still confused.


    "For some reason, Small Icyatshs are introduced here and over time, they become giant monsters." Claustrine continues her explanation.


    "Huh? So, they don''t have cores?" Beltrand.


    Claustrine nods.


    "Why you only tell us that information now?" Beltrand asked as he raise one eye brow.


    "Well, you didn''t ask."


    "Wow. Just wow. If we have that knowledge, we would not have food shortage on our past exploration in this tower." Beltrand''s annoyed response.


    "Sorry ok! I just recently learned about it. And it''s not like we can fight that easily." Claustrine answers!


    "Ok back to the topic. We still need to explain the hyper-agressiveness of Jhulzihar beasts. As far as I know, they only attack humans when we provoke them or theres a pressence of... Apex Beast." Mateo says the name menecingly.


    "True... But not only we tried to avoid uneccessary encounter, but it looks like that the Beasts are actively hunting us or do the first move on us, a group of humans... and an Elf. Characteristics different from two reasons Mateo said." Claustrine explains.


    "And so far, we didn''t encountered any Apex Beast... yet." Sophia added.


    "I can''t imagine how dangerous things would be if there''s also an Apex Beasts added in the mix alongside this anomaly." Beltrand says. The party went silent.


    "Claustrine? Do you have any theories?"


    Claistrine gives a deep sigh.


    "I-I don''t know. I''m also getting confused. All of us are becoming confused." Claustrine''s only answer


    Mateo writes down the recent encounter in his book and then they decides to find a safer spot for them to rest as they not feeling safe staying in open area after everything that just happened.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    After some time. They found another log cabin. Grand Ecstasy spends the lunch time inside while also healing themselves on the previous injuries. They''re sitting in the floor surrounding the fire that gives them heat.


    Mateo slowly feels uncomfortable on their mission. A supposedly easy monitoring and gathering quests turns into a continious fight where different beasts fights them everywhere. It should be an piece of cake for them just like how they did it in the past but they find themselves staying longer than anticipated.


    And they don''t want longer inside of the Reverse tower especially that the beasts seems more aggressive and dangerous than before.


    "Somethings weird." Mateo starts the conversation. He holds a piece of bread and he just looking on it. His mind is filled with so many thoughts.


    "Yeah..." Claustrine seriously agrees. She takes a sip on her cup of tea.


    Grand Ecstasy already encountered numerous beasts in Layer 6 but all of them are started by the beasts attacking them when most of the time they tend to attack other beasts as source of food rather than humans. Unless they''re Apex.


    But the time they enter Layer 6, they instantly greeted by a beast attack. And that is followed by more encounters like the Bristle Ape and Flying Colony.


    "I don''t know why these beasts are so agressive now but we should warn the guild to close Layer 6 and below. Its better to be safe." Mateo recommends.


    "But the fact the we got attacked constantly is really pushing us to our limits. Perhaps we should stop our exploration now?" Beltrand suggested. His wound is completly healed now but beside her is Sophia, leaning to Bertrand''s shoulder as the healing process drained huge amount of her mana and energy.


    "But we didn''t even explored most of Layer 7. Also, how about Layer 8?" Claustrine asked.


    "Oh c''mon. You also know how pathetic Layer 8 is. Do we really need explore a place where mostly nothing happen?"


    "But thats the real concern. What if something brewing in Layer 8? especially when all of this weird phenomenon about Jhulzihar beasts happens." Claustrine defends itself.


    "Like what? Apex floating cube?" Beltrand sarcastically answers.


    Shirna doesn''t have any idea on what the two is talking about but he decides to not ask questions as its a moment for his party to make a key decision. He just observe everyone debates on what to do next.


    "Guys... I also think that we should return and report everything in the guild." Sophia finally enters the discussion.


    "What is your reason Sophia?" Mateo asked calmly.


    "I believe we already have enough important information. Like the seals and the sudden agressiveness of the beasts. Also, we already gathered enough materials that it already returns our investment in this mission." Sophia explains herself.


    "I also agree with Sophia. But for the sake of everyone, I believe we should explore more of Layer 8 and ensure that there''s no Apex Beasts roaming around?" Shirna joins the discussion.


    "You really want to see a Apex Beast huh?" Beltrand teases Shirna.


    "No! It''s not like that! What if all of these constant agressive attack is caused by the pressence of an Apex Beast different from other recorded?" Shirna theorized.


    His question makes the party fell silent for a moment. Then Claustrine furiously scratches her head.


    "No no that''s not it. It''s even become weirder." Claustrine talks to herself.


    "Whats wrong?" Shirna ask as he doesn''t expect the reaction of his friends.


    "You see... Your suggestion is the complete opposite of what Jhulzihar Beast supposed to do when theres an Apex Beast." Mateo explains.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Jhulzihar beasts tends to hide or run when theres an Apex on the loose nearby. As lower beasts becomes an easy source of food for it." Beltrand added.


    Hearing the answer. Shirna also starts to think. Meanwhile, Mateo remembers what Graham told them in the Guild.


    "There''s a rumor spreading that somethings wrong in the Reverse Tower..."


    "Few adventurers suddenly dissapears and never come back."


    Viewing the implications on everything happened to them so far, Mateo finally decides.


    "If you put it that way. I believe we should stop the exploration now." Mateo suggested.


    Claustrine is doubtful at first but when she weights everything that they learned in the exploration, she slowly agrees on Mateo''s decision.


    "Fine. I agree on ending this mission early. This anomaly might be enough for the Guild to consider our mission as complete."


    "I also agree. We have no more reason to explore further expecially if things becomes more dangerous." Shirna said.


    "It seems that everyone agrees on ending this mission. Well then, let''s return and report everything we discovered so far."


    After agreeing on a decision. Grand Ecstasy decides to depart from the the cabin. Because of Sophia still not recovering her energy, Bertrand carries her which Sophia highly appreciates.


    Grand Ecstasy is silent as they traverse the bloody snow. They''re anxious that another Beast might appear.


    They continue to walk back, on the way to the exit.


    And walk, still observing the surrounding.


    And walk on the vast bloody snow and tree landscape.


    .


    .


    .


    *Rumble*


    Grand Ecstasy is alerted on the sudden rumbling of the ground and the sound starts getting louder and louder.


    "W-what?! An avalanche?!" Shirna panics.


    "Are you for real? There''s no mountains here!" Claustrine''s response.


    "Then what is happening?!"


    Mateo notices cloud of snow slowly approaching them.


    "Guys... I think we need to hide."


    Everyone now notices the cloud and after few seconds, everyone is shocked to see huge pack of White Stalkers running in their direction.


    "Oh shit!!" Beltrand screams.


    "What we should do?!" Shirna asked as he''s getting scared.


    "Prepare for combat!" Mateo commands.


    "W-what?! But theres too many of them!" Claustrine questions Mateo''s command.


    "I know but we don''t have a choice now. We need to put all of our best or we going to die!"


    "Beltrand put me down now. I need to help." Sophia pleas.


    "Are you sure?"


    "I''m ok. I already recovered enough energy."


    Beltrand slowly drops Sophia and she easily stands on her feet.


    Grand Ecstasy draws their weapons and wait for the impending impact. Each one of them is tense and the thought of impending death lingers in their mind.


    But Mateo notices something as she looks on the pack of White Stalker with estimate count of 100.


    "Guys! I have a plan!"


    "Just tell it! Hurry!" Claustrine screams.


    "Let''s hide behind trees!"


    "What! And how is that gonna help us!?" Beltrand questions Mateo''s suggestion.


    "JUST DO IT!"


    With no better choice. Grand Ecstasy hides behind the nearest tree and they shocked to see that every White Stalkers just run past them and completely ignore their obvious pressence. Few seconds later, the White Stalkers and other unseen Jhulzihar beasts hidden by the snow cloud are now far away and the rumbling sound gets quiet until it dissapears completely.


    "Are we safe now?" Shirna asked. But he''s scared to see the grim expression of his friends.


    "We put ourselves in even worse situation." Claustrine said with solemn expression. Sweat falls on her cheeks.


    Suddenly, a defeaning howl engulfs the surroundings. The howl is so loud and horrifying that Grand Ecstasy knows they''re going to go into a dangerous fight.


    Shirna saw his friends slowly reveals themselves to what monster is waiting on them. He swallowed and also follows them and what he saw puts him into intense fear.


    In front of them, a White Stalker stares at them with savage and malicious intent. But this White stalker is completely different on what they encountered.


    Its 12 meters long, and 2.5 meters tall. Several times larger than a regular White Stalker. The supposedly white scales is reformed to look like spiky pseudo-fur with grayish larger and longer pseudo-fur in the neck and face that makes the White Stalker looks intimidating and wolf-like with a face of a lizard. And the scariest part of it is the tail which now longer than its body and the scales uniquely reform on this part that it makes the tail look like a serrated whip blade.


    "There''s no denying it. That''s an Apex." Beltrand says. He''s trying his best to look calm.


    "But it''s the first time that a White Stalker''s becomes an Apex. How magnificent it looks." Claustrine''s opinion.


    "I think this is not the time to admire its beauty Trinne." Mateo said.


    "It''s our first time fighting an Apex. And it looks like its not going to let us escape at all." Sophia says as she''s visibly scared.


    "Well. It''s nice to meet all of you guys. Our journey is a very fun and amazing one." Bertrand says.


    "HEY! ATLEAST FIGHT WITH ALL OF YOUR BEST! STOP SAYING THAT THIS IS THE END!" Sophia is annoyed.


    "Fine fine hahaha. Ok then let''s start this battle."


    "Sophia. Give us all of the buffs." Mateo''s command.


    "Roger!"

 Ch. 6 - Apex Beasts

    "Inner Vitality."


    "Flexebility 2."


    "Powered will."


    "Strenght 1"


    "Haste 1"


    Sophia cast numerous minor buffs in quick succession. Despite the hasteful casting of spells, Sophia manages to stay in focus. She using all possible remaining time before the Apex White Stalker makes a move.


    "Our Lady of Perpetual Selfishness Vivvily. Give us your unconditional embrace..."


    Sophia''s wand starts to glow. She close her eyes and she aim her wand in the sky.


    "Divine coating!"


    A shining shock wave is released by Sophia''s wand. It hits all members of Grand Ecstasy in small radius, each are now have a shiny bringht membrane surrounding their body.


    Mateo unsheaths his sword. Beltrand also do the same with his mace and shield.


    "You know cutting and stabbing surely don''t work on that thing right?" Beltrand asked as he go in a stance.


    "I know that. But I have no choice but to try something."


    Shirna dips the tip of ten arrows in one of his bottle containing a powerful poison of Miasma Frog.


    The Apex White Stalker sees the posture and movements of Grand Ecstasy as acts of agression, decides to make the first attack. Its face contorts into anger and pounce, aiming to slam its huge claws to the party. The party response by dodging and scattering everywhere.


    But the Apex quickly goes back to its feet and instantly follows up and aiming to chomp down Mateo who is running away.


    "Not in my watch!"


    Beltrand comes from the sides and slams its mace to the Apex''s head. The force is enough to stop the beast on its track and push it for few inches, but there''s no noticable damage on its head. The Apex just brush off the attack and focus its attention to Beltrand.


    The Apex rushes to Beltrand who just stay in his place and prepares its shield to block the Apex attack.


    In just Milliseconds, the Apex notices something glittering from the distance and it quickly stops and jumps from the side. And then the arrow miss its target which is the Apex''s eye.


    Few meters behind Beltrand is Shirna which is hiding in a pile of snow.


    "Tsk!" Shirna click his tongue as he''s dissapointed that his arrow is dodged by the Apex.


    The Apex still didn''t notice Shirna and decides to continue on rushing down to Beltrand. Then Mateo leaps and lands on Apex''s back. He''s going to try to stab the back of the Apex''s neck so he puts big portion of his mana to empower his weapon.


    [Comet Strike]


    A Direct hit but to Mateo''s dismay. The stab didn''t even penetrate a slightest into the Apex White Stalker''s neck.


    The Apex didn''t even notice Mateo''s attempt and just continue its attack on Beltrand. Mateo just casually leap on the side and chase it while thinking on how they going to defeat the beast.


    A huge ball of flame suddenly hits the Apex side. It''s Claustrine''s fireblast. The explosion is massive but still, there''s no noticable damage on the Apex.


    It makes the Apex more angry and switch its target again. This time, it''s aiming to tear Claustrine using its powerful jaws.


    But Claustrine didn''t bulge and instead she point her staff to the Apex and starts to chant.


    "God of fire and volcano, Valvafir. Please honor my burning desire to eliminate my enemies with your eternal flame."


    Claustrine deep down, is scared. She close her eyes so she would not see the sight of the Apex rushing to her with its predatory eyes and deadly maw. She masters all of her remaining courage to cast the spell.


    The Apex leaps and open its mouth, ready to gnaw Claustrine to pieces.


    "Flame Burst!"


    The moment Claustrine summon and release the ball of red flame, Mateo jumps and grabs Claustrine away from the Apex path. As Mateo and Claustrine rolls several meters in the snow, the Apex directly chomp the flame ball causing an explosion of fire on it''s mouth.


    Mateo stands up first and offer his hand to Claustrine who kindly accepts and she stands with his help. But Claustrine notices the sour expression of Mateo.


    "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?!" Mateo angrily says to Claustrine who quickly understand why her leader is upset.


    "It''s better to take a risk than to wait for us to die here. Just like the old times." Claustrine justifies her action.


    Mateo just facepalm as its not the time for them to argue.


    "Just tell us first if you going to do something wreckless. Ok? Geez, you still didn''t change that hobby of yours." Mateo said then he returns to his combat pose.


    "Sorry." Claustrine''s short but honest apology. She also returns to her combat posture.


    Meanwhile, the Apex is still running amok as the painful burning sensation still continues to linger on its mouth. The flame and smoke is still rages on as the flamable magic liquid continues to burn. The Apex'' rampage hits everything on its surroundings.


    "I can''t get closer! Damn!" Beltrand says as she watch the rampaging Apex.


    "I can''t properly aim! It''s too agile!" Shirna shouts while still trying to aim his bow to the Apex beast''s eyes.


    "Prepare to cast another spell Trinne. We''re going to try to make it stay in place." Mateo commands as it is a perfect opportunity to deal more damage while the Apex is still distracted.


    And Claustrine understands the importance of the moment so she prepares to channel one of her more powerful spells.


    "Potent goddess of lightning and storm, Uil. With your unstoppable might..."


    Arcs of lightning starts to form around Claustrine.


    "and with your and powerful lightning dancing into the dark clouds. I plead to lend me your po-"


    Claustrine abruptly stops her channeling and the Arcs of lightning starts to fade away. Other members of Grand Ecstasy also stops on their movement when they see what the Apex is trying to do.


    Suddenly, the Apex White Stalker starts to chomp huge amount of snow and with each bite, the flame on its mouth slowly disappears. And a mix of water and blood falls from its mouth. Making the already reddish snow below the beast even more menecingly red.


    And just like that, the Liquid Flame is completely extinguished. The Apex is now even more seething and it released a scratched roar to Grand Ecstasy who completely see the damage Liquid Flame did. Its mouth is a mix of charred black and spots of dark red color of blood.


    "That''s truly an Apex Beast. How resilient." Mateo said.


    "I expected it to last a little bit longer." But to think that it can think something like that." Claustrine says.


    "Still, it''s good that we deal some sort of damage to that beast. Atleast, it gives some hope that we might have... a chance" Beltrand is still chill despite everything that transpire.


    The Apex White Stalker suddenly starts to shake violently and after few seconds. The pseudo-fur hardens and completely turn into spikes. Its tail also becomes even more grim as the spikes stands up.


    "Now its truly angry." Beltrand said.


    "Be careful guys. I can feel its animosity." Sophia warns her friends.


    Out of nowhere, Shirna decides to shoot two poisoned arrows, aiming to strike the eyes. But the Apex just side-steps to dodge the arrows and then it makes a quick rotating motion. Realizing what''s going to happen, Mateo instantly shouts.


    "GET DOWN!!!"


    Grand Ecstasy drops their body to the snow and they all feel something fast swings above them. It''s followed by the surrounding trees starting to fall down.


    It turns out that the Apex swings its blade like tail in circular motion, cutting all the trees surrounding them in half. The cracking and falling sound of trees falling engulfs the area.


    Grand Ecastasy stand up as fast as possible and avoids few falling trees.


    "Damn! That''s scary!!" Beltrand screams as it observes the surrounding full of fallen trees.


    The Apex is not willing to give more free time for the Grand Ecstasy and continues its assault by jumping and slamming its tail to the party.


    Grand Ecstasy manages to dodge the tail slam but they barefly escape the follow up tail swing from Apex White Stalker when it lands. The lenght and flexibility of the tail makes it hard to predict.


    The Apex leaps backwards to create space. And for Grand Ecstasy''s surprise, the long tail that supposedly just an extension for the beast starts to move like its now have freedom on its own. It turns out that the Apex just clearly capable of controlling it in various ways.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    And one of them is to control its tail to continiously attack Grand Ecstasy with barrage of quick tail swings. The modified scales in its tail acts as very sharp blades capable of cutting even the sturdiest of surrounding trees.


    "We can''t let this continue!" Beltrand screams.


    "I know that! Shirna, can you shoot your arrows?"


    "No! I can''t just shoot randomly, the arrows can''t penetrate that beast''s skin."


    "Guys... we''re going to lose stamina here!" Claustrine shouts while still dodging and blocks the barrage of attacks.


    Of course Mateo knows that due to the nature of their class, Claustrine and Sophia lacks the stamina to continue dodging such aggressive attacks. That''s why he''s thinking really hard.


    Then an idea struck Mateo''s mind.


    "Shirna! Did your bring Flash vials?!"


    "Of course! But are you sure?! Using it while in this situation only spell disaster to us!" Shirna questions the use of the item and Mateo agrees on Shirna''s concern.


    Flash vial is a powerful tool made from compressed essence of a luminous insect monster. Combined with magic, volatile monster parts and other ingredients. The thick liquid reacts when exposed in light and within 3 seconds, the liquid explodes into a very bright light that can even overwhelm a normal brightness of daytime for 1 second.


    Alchemist use the strongest materials to contain such dangerous liquid and invented numerous safe mechanism to ensure that accidental exposure is prevented. Thus making the container made of strong type of glass and the vial with the thick liquid is covered by a jet black cloth that blocks any form of light to expose the glass vial. Using the vial requires to remove the tie and flings the vial alongside the cloth that covers it. As the vial flings in the air, the container and the black cloth seperates. Exposing the liquid leading to a bright explosion.


    A powerful weapon against monsters but its effects on humans is nasty. When exposed to the light even for a fraction of a second, the human becomes blind for the rest of its life. The brightness completely turns the human eye into complete white nothingness. Even just looking far away on the explosion can still cause temporary vision problems due to the brightness engulfing the surrounding. That''s the reason why the distribution is strictly controlled by the Adventurers Guild and only accessible for Gold ranked adventurers and higher.


    And also the reason why the Flash Vial is only used as an ambush tool where theres hiding spots for the humans rather than a counter attack.


    "Yes! Give me a vial!"


    Shirna runs to Mateo and carefully gives the vial.


    "Hey is that!" Sophia notices the Flash vial.


    Everyone is still doing their best to dodge the Apex''s non-stop barrage of tail whip.


    "What are you planning!? Are really you going to use that thing?!" Beltrand is concerned.


    "You preach to me about recklessness and now you going to do something like that! Ironic!" Claustrinne jokingly said.


    "Just trust me! When I say "GO". We going to drop down and plant our face in the snow! Do you understand?!"


    "Are you joking?!" Claustrinne asked.


    "No I''m not!"


    "Hahahaha! I understand the concept! Ok then, I trust you!" Beltrand laughs as he realizes what Mateo is trying to imply.


    "Ok I''m going to throw it. Prepare yourselves!"


    Mateo runs a little closer to the Apex White Stalker while dodging the attacks. And when he feels that he reached the right distance, Mateo throws the vial with extreme force.


    "GOOOOOOO!!!!"


    Grand Ecstasy quickly drops down and plants their faces deep in the snow.


    The vial is still flying mid-air but the clothes is starting to fall off. Mateo''s throw is so strong that it reaches the Apex and the vial explodes in front of the White Stalker. The area surrounding them instantly engulfed in very bright light for a second.


    The Apex White Stalker howls and panics as its vision is completely gone. It trashes around and blindly swings its tail, but it didn''t know that Grand Ecstasy is already distanced themselves.


    "Shirna. Can you do it?" Mateo asked.


    "I will do my best." Shirna replies then starts to aim his bow.


    Instead of aiming for the eyes which is a very small target, Shirna decides to aim for the mouth. In maximum focus and predicting the chaotic movement of the panicking Apex White Stalker, Shirna fires three consecutive poison-tipped arrows. All of them directly piercing the insides thus injecting the poison which is deadly but due to the nature of Jhulzihar beats, the only thing it could do is temporarily paralyzed the monster.


    The Apex White Stalker feels the pain and gives a very defeaning howl. The Apex wrecks havoc on its surroundings and slams its tail everywhere in an attempt of finding the one that dares to attack him, to no avail.


    "How long do you think before the poison takes effect?" Mateo asked as they watch the rampaging Apex from a distance.


    "In my estimate. Probably 30 minutes." Shirna gives his observation.


    "I''m not confident that your poison would kill an Apex." Beltrand said.


    "I don''t care about the outcome. What important is it gives us time to escape and leave. So we should go now before the Apex notice us." Mateo commands.


    "Ok." Everyone agrees and they start to leave the desolated area.


    "Wait a minute. Is poison works on Julzihar beasts?" Shirna asked.


    "Who knows? What''s important is we safely escape." Beltrand said.


    "If Bristle Ape and Flying Colony uses poison agains other Julzihar beast, I guess your poison arrows also going to do the same." Claustrine explained.


    "Good. Atleast I can justify the use of Miasma Frog poison. That thing is expensive you know."


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    In the Adventurers Guild. Wanderer decides to talk to the Guild master about the incidents regarding the Reverse Tower.


    "Guild Master Hilgurd, I think its safe to take the Reverse Tower rumors seriously. Maybe we should stop the access to Layers 6 to 8 while we do our investigation." Graham proposal. The old man in the desk just gives a deep sigh.


    Despite his old age, Guild Master Hilgurd still retains his masculine fit physique to the point that its not different from his prime form during his adventuring days. But the signs of his 70 years old age still remains like his long ashen beard, long hair and the wrinkled skin.


    A very renowed Adventurer in olden days that reached Platinum rank by hunting powerful remnants of the Vielarata race. He decides to retire as he wants to give the stage for the new generation.


    Hilgurd prepares a Tobacco, lit it and takes a long puff. Then he release the smoke on his side. Avoiding blowing smoke directly to Graham.


    "I understand your concern Graham but we all know how difficult nobles and the Merchants guild to deal with." Hilgurd replied.


    "But there''s already numerous report of Adventurers not returning after 2 weeks inside the Reverse Tower. As far as I know, thats a concerning thing." Graham states his opinion.


    "But that''s not enough as reasons to block the access to Reverse Tower. As Gold rank adventurer especially a party known for far explorations, you should know how long most of Gold rank missions are. Presenting the Adventurers as reasons would only gives us confused and mocking stares."


    Hildurg takes another puff of his Tobacco and release another cloud of smoke.


    "And the nobility and merchants cares more to the things inside of Reverse Tower than the Adventurers risking their lives just to get those thing for them." Hildurg continues.


    Graham understands what Hildurg is trying to say. The nobility and merchants guild would more likely react more when the access to Reverse Tower is suddenly banned instead of caring for lowly adventurers like them.


    But its still hard for him to just let things continue.


    "How about the Academia? They should have a say about the dissappearance considering how enigmatic Reverse Tower is."


    Graham believes that the Academia might view the rumors differently considering that all of the mysterious dissappearances are happened inside of a dungeon created by one of the most powerful mages in the world.


    "They decides to wait for the signs to appear. They probably take action 1 month after rumors are started." Hildurg''s response.


    "That''s bullshit." Graham''s annoyance.


    "I understand your anger but we can''t do anything as long as the other three sectors disagree. The only thing we can do is to wait for Adventureres to not return after a month before we propose that something is wrong. Thats all that I can say." Hildurg finalizes his statement.


    "I understand." Graham accepts defeat, stands up and prepares to leave.


    "Anyway. Thank you for caring for the Adventurer''s sake." Hildurg''s gratitude.


    "I''m also an Adventurer so I don''t want something bad happen to my fellow adventurer. Also, there''s something bothering me." Graham said.


    "What is it?"


    "Grand Ecstasy is currently doing a mission in Reverse Tower. Its just been a week since their departure but, I''m still concerned on their safety."


    "Is that true?" Hildurg is surprised to hear the news.


    Hildurg sees Grand Ecstasy as a laid-back yet hard working party of Adventurers that diligently do their job. Grand Ecstasy is a very great asset for them due to the success rate of their missions and their positive influence to the branch of Adventurers guild he manages.


    "Yes. And if after a month and they still didn''t return. We decided to follow them and do a rescue mission if thats what really needed." Graham said with conviction.


    "I see now why you so persistent on investigating the rumors."


    "I''m going to leave now. Have a nice day Guild Master." Graham politely says his farewell and leaves the room. Hildurg is just staring in the ceiling, visibly conflicted on what he should do.


    "Maybe I need to call him now and prepare for the worst." Hildurg said to himself.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    In Layer 7 of Reverse Tower. Grand Ecstasy continues their walk but they feel that something is off.


    Since they escape the Apex fight. Grand Ecstasy didn''t encountered any type of Julzihar beast and the silence of vast bloodied snow only worsen their anxiety.


    Now they''re in a middle of field of snow and pine trees but still no signs of any Julzihar beast.


    "We should hurry. This silence is giving me creeps." Claustrine is really anxious.


    "Same. It feels like something bad would happen." Sophia agrees.


    "Please don''t jinx it." -Beltrand


    Shirna''s ears twitch and he suddenly becomes alert. He signaled his friends to stop walking.


    "What''s wrong?" Mateo asked.


    "S-something huge is approaching."


    They go silent and because of that, they clearly hear the rumbling sound and the loud rustling of trees. The sounds gets louder and louder until.


    "I-impossible..." Claustrine said as she was engulfed with fear and confusion.


    Grand Ecstasy sees a creature 10 meters tall and dwarfing the nearby trees. Its neck and body is protected by segmented bone like plates and it have a very huge and majestic antlers that connects and creates a circular halo of antler above its head.


    "W-what the hell is that thing?!" Beltrand screams.


    "W-why theres two Apex existing at a same time?!" Claustrine is shocked.


    "Apex?!" Everyone is confused.


    "From what it looks like. That thing is might be an Apex... Decantler."


    "Decantler?! The prey of this Layer?! How?!" Bertrand can''t believe what Claustrine just said.


    "I-I don''t know! It might be the first time that it appeared!"


    The Apex Decantler notices the Grand Ecstasy. Without hesistation, the Apex Decantler raise its front leg and stomps the ground, creating a trail of ice spikes that folllows the direction of Grand Ecstasy.


    "WHAT?!" Everyone is surprised to see something that should be imposible. An Apex beast casting magic.


    Grand Ecstasy dodges the ice spikes and just stay motionless due to the shock of what they just witnessed.


    Until Mateo breakes the silence.


    "RUUUUUNNNN!!!!"


    Grand Ecstasy runs like theres no tomorrow but the Apex Decantler just slowly follows them.


    "This doesn''t make sense! What is happening!?" Claustrine screams.


    "There''s no time for questions! We need to survive first!" Beltrand screams back.


    "B-but! That''s clearly a casted magic! That should be impossible!"


    "Isn''t Magical Monsters exist?!"


    "That''s true! But... Julzihar Beasts are not Magical Monsters but Artificial Beasts! The only magical thing about them is their core!" Claustrine screamly explained.


    The Apex Decantler is still following them while also casting magic like icicle throw that it conjured mid-air. But no one of icicles hit due to the Apex Decantler''s poor aim.


    "I don''t really understand but if thats really big deal then its a big deal!" Beltrand''s response.


    "Guys we have a problem!!" Shirna screams.


    "What is it?!" Mateo asked


    "Something is approaching us in very high speed!"


    "WHAT!?" Everyone''s genuine response.


    And their question is answered when suddenly, the Apex White Stalker jumps out of the trees. It jumped so high the it reach the height equal to the Apex Decantler they''re trying to escape. Now its in the air and ready to slam the ground where Grand Ecstasy is standing using its sharp claws.


    "Shit!" Beltrand screams.


    Grand Ecstasy don''t have time to dodge the ambush due to the fact that the appearance of Apex White Stalker is a complete surprise that really caught them off guard.


    Casting spell is futile...


    Trying to guard is futile...


    Escape is futile.


    And if for some miracle they manage to dodge the ambush. It''s imposible for Grand Ecstasy to fight two powerful Apex at the same time.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    But in just half a second before the Apex White Stalker reach Grand Ectasy. A very fast magic circle suddenly appears beneath the party. The White Stalker slams its powerful body creating a fog of fine snow. After few seconds, the fog dissipates revealing the completely confused Apex White Stalker as despite slightly recovering its vision, it can''t see the Grand Ecstasy nor smell it.


    The Grand Ecstasy, is completly dissappeared with no trace left behind.


    The Apex White Stalker''s confusion is quickly replaced by alertness when it finally notice the pressence of a more powerful enemy. It faces the direction of Apex Decantler and release a very disturbed and pained howl while the Apex Decantler summons icycles ready to throw it to the new foe.

 Ch. 7 - In the Depths of the Abyss

    "Our Lady of Perpetual Selfishless Vivvily. I truly beg for your mercy and atones us of our sins during our time in the land of living. Guide our souls to the promise land-"


    Mateo can clearly hear the sorrowful prayers of Sophia and she''s in the verge of crying.


    But something is wrong. Her voice is echoing in the surroundings.


    "-and please help our loved ones on dealing with our unfortunate ends and give them the peace of min-"


    "Sophia." Mateo softly said as for some reason, his body lacks strenght to move and try to reach Sophia.


    Sophia is crying. Mateo opened his eyes only to be shocked that despite clearly having a still functioning eyes, he can only see complete darkness.


    "I''m truly grateful to the life you give-"


    Mateo use his little strenght to crawl and follows the sound of Sophia''s prayer. He touch something with a texture of cloth unlike the rough and solid floor.


    "EKKKKKK!!! OH GODDESS AHHHHH!!" Sophia scream.


    "Sophia!"


    "M-Mateo? I-Is that you?!" Sophia panicly asked.


    "Of course! Is my voice not enough as a identification?"


    "Who knows! Maybe you''re a monster that mimics voices!"


    "Geez... Just cast a illuminate spell please. This darkness is starting to make me nervous.


    "O-ok."


    A little light starts to appear then its brightness becomes stronger until it makes a big portion of the surroundings visible.


    Mateo first see Sophia with a floating bright orb on her palm. He can see that Sophia is happy to see him.


    Mateo slowly move and sit, then he observe his surrounding, only to see Beltrand, Shirna and Claustrine still unconcious and laying on the ground.


    But Mateo is glad as whatever happened earlier. That something manages to bring all of them alive with their equipments intact.


    "Ughhhh... W-what happened?"


    Claustrine starts to wake-up and she''s also feel the weakness of her body.


    "Are we dead?" Beltrand said as he also starts getting back to his conciousness.


    "Gladly we''re not dead...yet." Mateo said.


    Meanwhile, Shirna just quietly wake up.


    "Mateo, is that you?" Claustrine asked.


    "Yeah. Are you alright?"


    "Ughhh... Yes. Just slightly disoriented. But where are we anyway?" Claustrine asked as she slowly crawl towards Mateo and Sophia. Bertrand and Shirna follows her.


    "I don''t know to be honest. But..." Mateo observes the surroundings again only to see walls and ceiling of stone and dirt.


    "I think we''re in some sort of cave."


    "Cave? But how? Ouch.. my head." Beltrand asked.


    "Who knows, maybe we''re in the legendary Layer 9 or something." Mateo''s non-chalant response.


    Beltrand just sigh as he can see Mateo''s point.


    "But how we even got in this place anyway?" Sophia asked.


    Shirna finally come back to his senses after calibrating his mind for seconds.


    "Guys I think I have an idea." Shirna softly said.


    "Drop it." -Mateo.


    "When we almost get killed by the Apex Stalker, it''s just a half a second but I saw a magic circle instantly appears beneath us then here we are."


    Claustrine face palmed after hearing Shirna''s explanation.


    "So we pretty much teleported in some unknown location? Great, we''re now in an uncharted location. We don''t even know if we still in the Reverse tower to begin with." Claustrine''s opinion.


    "B-But... To think a Teleportation spell really exist." Sophia''s awe as she imagined the posibilities.


    "How about our supplies?" Beltrand asked.


    "I think we already consumed 3 days worth of our 7 days supplies for Reverse tower." Claustrine calculated.


    "Geez. Ok its official, we need to tighten our belts in order to survive. I just wish this unknown cave have drinkable water." Beltrand said.


    "What we should do now?" Shirna asked.


    "Let''s prepare ourselves first and regain our energy. Then we going to explore this cave." Mateo''s command.


    While they''re eating a very small portion of their supplies. They notices that they''re in a cave chamber with only 1 way out. After regaining energy, Mateo talks to Claustrine.


    "Claustrine. Manipulate a small portion of stone and carve a marker on this area. Be careful to not make a cave-in."


    "This is our starting point?"


    "Yup. It''s expected that we''re in some sort of cave system with possible crossing paths so we need to mark our location. If we reach a dead end, we can just backtrack our route and if that happens. Remove the marks."


    "Ok. I think I understand your thinking about this. So what''s the distance between marks?"


    "I believe 15 meters is good. Just make the mark sizable enough that its visible, safe and didn''t drain your mana. Also, make the mark looks like an arrow pointing on the direction we going through."


    "Okay."


    "Ok guys let''s move."


    Grand Ecstasy embarks to a new journey with no idea on the things they going to encounter.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    The dynamic of Grand Ecstasy is Beltrand and Shirna is in the front holding a magic lamp, Sophia and Claustrine in the middle where Claustrine quickly manipulates a wall of stone to make a mark everytime they reach 15 meters and Mateo is in the backside prepared on whatever is going to attack them in the behind.


    The size of the cave pathway changes as they explore. Sometimes the size is wide enough that they can move freely while sometimes its narrow that they can only walk in straight formation.


    For Grand Ecstasy''s luck. Ponds of freshwater created by dripping water from the ceiling are available and they can easily refill their containers. But they also encounter numerous dead ends that make them backtracks and go in another path several times.


    Grand Ecstasy sees that the cave they exploring are different. The cave they explore based on how they map it, is more like roots of a plant with numerous branching paths with small chambers scattered everywhere.


    As Grand Ecstasy continue their exploration, Beltrand notices something far beyond them.


    "Guys, I think there''s a person laying on the ground." Beltrand''s words as he points the object of interest.


    Hearing Beltrand, the party quickly go to the thing that Beltrand saw only to feel sad to see a skeleton with some of its parts scattered everywhere.


    "I think he''s one of the missing adventurers." Shirna said.


    "That''s the only answer considering how we got in this situation." Mateo said.


    Beltrand finishes his investigation and talk with everyone.


    "I believe where not in danger."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Yes. Despite some of the bones being scattered. There''s no damage on its clothes nor intense damage on the bones except from a broken left leg. He didn''t die after an encounter with a dangerous monster. It''s more likely he succumb from an injury caused by an accident." Beltrand explained.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "But why the bones looks so disturbed and scattered?" Shirna asked.


    "I think theres non-dangerous scavenger monster that lives in this cave. Those thing might be the cause of the disoriented appearance of the skeleton." Beltrand continues his explanation.


    "But we still need to be cautious on other hazards like critters that can poison us." Mateo added, everyone nods in agreement.


    Beltrand search the body and picks something. He gives it to Mateo who quickly understand what Beltrand wants.


    In Mateo''s hand is a small piece of gold plate with the engraved logo of the Adventurers guild. She flips the card and see who is the unfortunate adventurer.


    Name: Fil Tyren


    Age: 34


    Branch: City of Natunia


    Sophia insist of giving a prayer for the dead first and then they proceed to continue the travel in the uncharted cave system.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    20 days after Grand Ecstasy''s departure to the Adventurer''s Guild. Rumors about the Reverse Tower now found its way to the City of Nattunnia. But because of the nature of rumors and the lack of reliable information. Adventurers are divisive on what''s really going on.


    "Maybe they just decide to stay longer inside the tower?"


    "I agree. Besides the useless monsters, Reverse Tower have very valuable loots. It''s not really a stretch to think about it."


    "But there''s rumors that some adventurers are already missing for a month now."


    "Those adventurer are probably already eaten. My merchant friend said that monsters inside the Reverse Tower are starting to act agressive for some reason."


    Emma just watch the adventurers talks about the rumors and feels sad. She knows a little about the rumors of Reverse Tower but she still didn''t tell a word about it to Grand Ecstasy. Emma feels guilty as she think what might happen to the party and should say a word about the rumor to them.


    But because of her job as a Guild Receptionist, she''s scared of the consequences if she tried to stop a party on getting a quest especially if that quest is comissioned by both Nobility and Academia. Emma doesn''t want to be kicked to her job for 2 years.


    Emma gives a sigh and wishes for the safety of Grand Ecstasy.


    "W-wait! Is that?!"


    The guild suddenly goes into ruckus. The reason is easily gets clear when a tall good looking man with gray long hair tied in ponytail, wearing a elaborated deep scarlet coat with black lines walks in. On the back of the coat is a family insignia of a wolf holding a sword on its mouth. The man brings with him a black sword sheathed in a black scabbard engraved with gold linings.


    "What he''s doing here?" One of the man said. Intimidated on the pressence of the man.


    "He''s really so handsome!" One of the women mage screams.


    "Calm your hormones girl. He''s already married."


    "Tsk! A nobility." One of the man said with annoyance.


    "Shh... Shut it. What if he heard you."


    "Who is he?" One of the young adventurer asked.


    "Are you for real?! Do you really don''t know Gilmore?"


    The man goes to the counter and look to Emma with seriousness.


    "Is the guild master present?"


    "Yes. He''s inside doing some measure about the rumors."


    "Thanks."


    The man walks and opens the door of the Guild Master''s office.


    "You''re so lucky to have a chance to talk with him." Emma''s fellow Guild Receptionist asked.


    But Emma just smiles. As she''s more concerned that the rumors might be so serious that Gilmore Vandril also get involved.


    Inside of the Office. Gilmore and Hilgurd are sitting in the elaborate chairs, facing each other.


    "I recieved the letter. What''s happening?" Gilmore asked.


    "You should have a slight idea when they talk about it outside."


    "The only thing I knew is there''s something happening in the Reverse Tower and that''s enough for me to get involved."


    Gilmore fix his sitting position.


    "But more information is also good so tell me what happened."


    Hilgurd makes a deep sigh. He starts to lit up a cigar.


    "It''s started several weeks ago. Numerous adventurers is rumored to be dissappeared inside the deeper layers of Reverse Tower. Estimate number of missing adventurers is 24."


    "It''s started as a rumor?"


    "Yeah. But the truth slowly gets clear when guilds from different towns and cities involving us starts to collaborate. It confirms that the missing adventurers last appearance is when they got a mission related to Reverse Tower and all of them are Gold Ranked adventurers. The most concrete evidence is when one adventurer from Town of Gardenfall returns and franticly tells how her friends suddenly dissappears."


    Gilmore''s face suddenly become more serious as Hildurg tells more about the incident.


    "And more problem appears when the guards of Reverse Tower calls for state of emergency. Their reports said that numerous Apex Jhulzihar beasts appears from Layers 6 to 8 with new Apex types also recorded. The deeper layers is now in constant turf war between the apexes and access to the deeper layers are now closed."


    "That''s insanity. Since the discovery of Layers 6 to 8. There''s only 1 Apex can exist in the deeper layers. And did you just say that even Layer 8 also have Apex beast?"


    "Yes."


    "And what kind of peculiarity can evolved and become an Apex on that gray wasteland?


    "It''s a surprise and so sudden that everyone have no idea how it happened."


    Gilmore makes a deep sigh.


    "Now I understand why you suddenly call me." Gilmore just stares to a stressed Hildurg


    "Actually. Those are also reasons but not the real reason why I suddenly call you."


    "What do you mean?"


    Hildurg takes a puff on his cigar and spouts the smoke slowly.


    "I want you to find Grand Ecstasy."


    "Grand Ecstasy?"


    "They''re a promising bunch of adventurers and hardworking younglings. They leave several days ago and they''re currently in the reverse tower. I''m concerned that something might happened."


    "They must be good that you''re genuinely concerned about their safety."


    Hildurg smiles.


    "Yes."


    Gilmore also smiles as he is happy to see that the Guild Master is still the same as he knows from years ago.


    "Ok then. Just leave this task to me."


    "I appreciate your cooperation. But I also want to add another mission. I guess you already know what I mean."


    Gilmore quickly understood what Hildurg is implying. The atmosphere suddenly gets tense.


    "Yes. With all of these unfortunate events. Maybe its time for the Reverse Tower to reveal its secrets."


    Hildurg extinguish his cigar on the ash trey.


    "Well then. Gilmore, You have two mission: The rescue or... retrieval of Grand Ecstasy and Investigate the Reverse Tower. I wish you good luck and may the Gods bless your journey."


    Gilmore stand up and gives his respect to Hildurg before heading out. The adventurers just watch with awe and intensity as there''s an implication Gilmore heading out with a serious expression on his face.


    "To think that a Platinum adventurer is going to get involved." One of the Silver Adventurer.


    "The rumor must be true then."


    "I wish I can see him in action!" One of the female adventurer daydreams.


    "Reach Gold rank first." Her friend said.


    "Speaking of Gold Rank. Isn''t Grand Ecstasy take a Reverse Tower mission?" An Iron ranked adventurer loudly said. The guild is fallen into silence as they realized the weight of Gilmore''s appearance.


    "I wish they''re fine." Emma sadly said.


    As Gilmore is going to exit the guild. Wanderer enters. Graham looks to Gilmore with shocked as he recognize the Platinum adventurer. Gilmore just replies with a soft smile before heading out completely.


    "W-wait... Is that..." Monica also surprised.


    "Yes, he''s Gilmore." Graham answered.


    As for Gilmore. He''s going to go to the Reverse Tower as soon as possible in order to complete the two missions. One is given to him and another is a mission for himself.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    Name: Tehur Felyp


    Age: 23


    Branch: Coven town


    Name: Lissa Appleseed


    Age: 22


    Branch: Coven town


    Name: David Talfir


    Age: 34


    Branch: Fern Village


    Name: Leo Castellia


    Age: 39


    Branch: City of Nattunnia


    Mateo is in sorrowful expression as he read four Gold adventurer tags that they got from four dead adventurers. The party are currently resting and preparing food.


    "Shirna. Give me the portable soup." Sophia asked as she was cooking a soup.


    Shirna gives a brown and leathery like object. Sophia drops it on the pot.


    "Bertrand. The dried fish."


    Bertrand gives an already chopped dried fish. Sophia puts it on the boiling pot.


    Claustrine already chopped some potatoes and carrots and place it near Sophia so she can put it later.


    Sophia continues to seasoned the soup and once she''s satisfied on the taste, Sophia rest for a bit.


    "How much remaining supplies we have?" Sophia asked.


    "Enough to last for only 2 days. We''re going to starve ourselves if we still didn''f find the exit." Beltrand answered while he polishing his equipment.


    "Maybe we should just salvage some of the food they have." Shirna said. Bertrand and Sophia looks at him with a dissappointed look as they know what he''s implying.


    "What? I mean they don''t have any use for those supplies anyway."


    "Bold for you to assume that their Dimensional bags still have something inside. Maybe anything except food." Claustrine said.


    "Well, we didn''t look at those bags." Shirna continues.


    "Claustrine is right, and even if those bags have food on them. I can''t stomach to think that we disrespect the dead." Sophia said with sad expression.


    "And also there''s no way for us to open those bags now that their owners are dead." Beltrand added.


    "But look at our situation. I just suggesting it in survivalist''s point of view."


    But instead of words. Shirna just recieves a deeper dissappointed look from Sophia and Beltrand.


    "Sorry." Shirna apologize. Realizing that what he said is distasteful.


    Hearing his friends talk about the fallen. Mateo looks to the gold name tags on his hand. The way they found the owner of the tags still lingers in his mind.


    First is a Swordsman Tehur and Mage Lissa that they found in one of the chambers. The two''s skeletal remains are embracing each other. The scavengers might not found their bodies due to a huge hole in the ground seperating the chamber and the road. Probably the hole was created by Lissa with his last remaining strenght to give themselves an final peaceful rest.


    Next is David. Grand Ecstasy found his remains in one of the branching roads. Scavengers completely ravage his remains but there''s one thing that puts Mateo in unease. In David''s skull, a small crossbow arrow is embeded on his side.


    And the most recent. Gerald. Where they finally found the elusive scavengers.


    "What is that smell!" Sophia screams. The party tries their best to block their nose.


    As they walk, the smell becomes stronger and stronger until they saw something.


    From a distance. The party can clearly see what looks like bunch of black furred animals moving erraticly in a single spot. Then the animals notices Grand Ecstasy''s pressence and they face the direction where the party is. The moment Mateo and his friends saw the face of the creatures makes them nervous.


    The creatures is half a meter long. From what makes sense to them, the unknown creature looks like bats but with enlarged nose and ears, the eyes are completely non-existent.


    The creature crawls with 4 limbs with its 2 front limbs are in equal lenght on its main body partnered by very long fingers. Mixed with its jet black fur, the creatures appearance disturbs Grand Ecstasy.


    But for the Grand Ecstasy''s luck. The creatures are scavengers and when they see the party, all of them scattered everywhere revealing a decomposing and mauled body.


    Sophia pukes due to the smell and scenery.


    "What the hell are those things?" Shirna asked.


    "We better not know and it''s good that those thing are not predators." Claustrine reponded then she stops herself on throwing up.


    "I see..." Mateo just only said when he saw a small dagger on Gerald''s throat. Similar to other daggers in the ground.


    Bertrand notices a shining thing near the corpse and when he takes a closer look, its a Gold adventurer tag. Bertrand picks the tag and asked Claustrine to cast a minor water spell to wash the tag.


    "Should I burn the body?" Claustrine''s sugggestion.


    "Don''t. Making huge fire might be dangerous for us." Mateo answered.


    So Grand Ecstasy just make a short prayer before leaving the body. As they walk, they can hear the scavengers screech as they returned feasting on the body.


    The discovery of the creature makes Mateo nervous. As if those creature are evolved on that way, there''s a posibility that the caverns they exploring are far more deeper to the ground from what he expected. Far more deeper than the Reverse Tower itself.


    And the corpses of other adventurers makes him worried on how the caverns might affect them. Makes him more glad that his bonus preparations are in good use. But he''s still conflicted if its right to use them.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    With no way on telling the time as they can''t see the day/night cycle unlike Layers 6 to 8 which follow the real life time. Grand Ecstasy just relied on their body clock to tell the amount of days they''re trapped inside the huge complex caverns. And their estimate is they already stayed there for 13 days.


    And the morale is slowly getting lower as their supplies are disappears one-by-one. The silence and engulfing darkness of the caverns starts to corrupt their psyche.

 Ch. 8 - Fear and Hunger

    "Let''s take a break." Bertrand suggestion as he can feel the hunger chipping away the remaining strenght of his body.


    "Is there any food remaining?" Shirna asked.


    Bertrand shakes the Bag of Storage they used for food upside down, and the only thing falls from it are 3 leaves.


    Claustrine, Sophia and Shirna have a sad expression on their face.


    From what Grand Ecstasy''s estimate, they''re traversing the cave system for 17 days now. The supposedly 2 days worth of supplies, the party manages to extend it for 4 days but in exchange of their strenght as their food intakes is just enough to make them stay alive but not enough to give them energy to do labor extensive work like combat. The only good thing about their situation is the cave doesn''t have any dangerous monsters that can surely defeat them in their state right now.


    "Should we hunt those little monsters?" Shirna said, implying the bat like creatures.


    "Absolutely not! Do you forgot how we find those creatures to begin with?" Sophia''s absolute disapproval.


    "I think, I also agree with Sophia. I don''t want to eat those things." Beltrand said.


    "How about the worms?" Shirma refers to the abundance of vividly colored worms they found near ponds of water.


    "Nope. Too risky, those colors screams "Poisonous"" Mateo said.


    The four gives a deep sigh followed by silence.


    Food is not only their problem, their light source- a lamp powered by arcane stones are also getting dimmer. Magical spells that can also become a source of light can provide them temporary illumination but considering their state. They don''t have energy to maintain even the minor magic like that active for long. Without light, the darkness would surely brings them to madness.


    Mateo just watch his friends. He''s very conflicted on what he''s going to do.


    Using his last hours of preparation before their journey to Reverse Tower, Mateo is already prepared for this very situation since Graham warns them about the dissapearance. But Mateo is still doubt if his plan is a good idea for him in a long run. He still tries to follows the strict rules he made for himself afterall. So Mateo tries to be optimistic. Believing that they can escape the caves early without risking his secret.


    But now that his optimism is shattered and seeing their situation slowly getting grim for each passing hour. Mateo can''t stomach to see her friends slowly getting weaker due to starvation. Mateo looks on Claustrine who holding her stomach, trying to ease her hunger.


    "Fuck this! We need to survive first!"


    "I''m so sorry guys for making you suffer like this."


    .


    .


    .


    "I''m hungry..." Beltrand says quietly.


    "We know." Everyone agrees.


    Beltrand, Shirna, Claustrine and Sophia starts to slowly lose their hope. They just stare on the ground.


    "Perhaps, this is the end huh?" Beltrand.


    "Yeah. I''m glad that I meet you guys." Shirna said as he reminiscence on their past adventures.


    "Guys please stop saying something like that. Its not over... Yet..." Claustrine still tries to motivate her friends even though she''s also not sure, to no avail as Sophia slowly starts to sob.


    "C''mon Sophia. Don''t cry." Claustrine console Sophia.


    "B-but there''s nothing w-we can do. In the end, we also follow the other... d-dead adventurers we m-met earlier." Sophia said then quietly weeps.


    The four understads what Sophia feels and thinks. Beltrand especially thinks that maybe ending it early is better than reaching the worst case scenario. But knowing his leader, he knows that Mateo would never agree to do such thing nor the other grim options they can think off.


    In the end, Beltrand just stay silent. Clenching his teeth and fist out of frustration and guilt.


    .


    .


    .


    "Beltrand! Catch!"


    Beltrand is surprised to hear the sudden command and out of reflex, he make a quick catching posture. Seeing something flying on his direction, he catch the thing and see what looks like hard bread covered by some sort of transparent coating.


    "Huh?" Beltrand is confused and then he looks to the direction where the thing came from. Only to see Mateo preparing to throw other things coated by the same transparent cover.


    "Shirna! Catch!"


    "Sophia! Catch!"


    "Claustrine! Catch!"


    Mateo throws something on the other three which they panicly catches.


    "W-what is this?" Sophia asked.


    Mateo opens his own packet and picks a circular hard bread.


    "Bread." Mateo non chalantly said.


    "ah ok bread..." Sophia said with no surprise.


    .


    .


    .


    "WHAT!? B-B-BREAD!?" The four is shocked after realizing what Mateo just said. Mateo just nods before taking a bite on his biscuit.


    Curious, Beltrand rips the plastic cover and the aromatic smell of bread instantly reach his nose. He slowly takes a piece of bread and give a huge bite.


    "!!!"


    Bertrand can''t deny that its indeed bread. But he can''t describe the taste. It''s completely different on the common hard bread they carry as surival food. It''s more like high end bread that sold in the cities. But Beltrand due to his hunger, just ignore thinking and just aggresively eat.


    Shirna, Sophia and Claustrine also do the same thing. Sophia and Clausteine gets a soft bread with sweet filling and Shirna gets a donut glazed with butter and sugar.


    After finishing the bread. The questions return on their mind.


    "Oi Mateo! How you have this breads on you!?" Beltrand asked. He was angry on Mateo for hiding some food.


    "Why you hide these food?" Sophia is sad and upset.


    Mateo didn''t answer and continues to pick something on his dimension storage.


    "Oi answer me Mateo!"


    "Yeah Mateo! Do you have more food on you!?" Shirna asked.


    Claustrine after looking on the plastic wrap finally connects the dot on what''s happening.


    "Wait a minute... Are you serious!?" Claustrine is shocked.


    Mateo brings out a blue mini gas tanks, a burner attachment, a stainless steel pot, and pockets of instant noodles and more bread.


    "I would explain later but right now. Let me prepare our food. Please give me some water." Mateo asked then gives and assuring smile.


    .


    .


    .


    Grand Ecstasy surrounds themselves on the gas stove which is currently cooking the seafood flavored noodles. The heat gives them warmth and the unfamiliar yet inticing smell of the noodles makes everyone hungry. Shirna is salivating while looking at the boiling noodle.


    "I see... It doesn''t make sense." Beltrand said, still confused on everything Mateo said.


    "Everything I said is true. Trust me."


    "How we can suppose to believe that you came from another world and we just don''t know that after years of us adventuring together? That''s absurd."


    "Yah yah! It''s totally nuts!" Sophia also questions.


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    "Are we going to eat?" Shirna asked.


    "Then explain these. These thing is not powered by magic." Mateo said while pointing to the Gas stove.


    "Claustrine is that true?" Beltrand asked.


    "Yes. Everything he said is true." Claustrine sides with Mateo.


    "W-what?" -Sophia.


    "And why you look so sure?" Bertrand asked, his eyebrow is raised.


    Mateo turns-off the stove and prepares to put some noodles on each bowl.


    "Because I already see his world?" Claustrine answers.


    .


    .


    .


    "Eh...?" Sophia and Beltrand is confused while Shirna is just excited to eat.


    Beltrand is dumbfounded. Mateo gives him a bowl of noodles which Bertrand carefully accept. The smell brings him back to his senses.


    "What in gods sake are you saying Claustrine?" Beltrand is even more confused.


    "I said I already visit his world."


    Beltrand just looked on Claustrine with confusion and just take a little sips on his bowl of noodle. The explosion of taste that likes combination of different sea food and spicyness gushes on Beltrand''s mouth. Surprised and amazed, Bertrand gulps the bowl and he even slurps the silky noodles even though its still hot.


    "WOOOOOO! DELICIOUS!!" Bertrand screams.


    Shirna is also ethusiastically eats the noodles while Claustrine and Sophia takes their time slowly enjoying the unfamiliar and tasteful food.


    "Give me more!" Shirna reach his bowl to Mateo who carefully filled it with steamy hot noodle.


    "Wait I forgot! Claustrine! Are you saying that you already know about Mateo''s secret? And why we don''t know it for years now!?" Beltrand asked


    "Calm your horse Beltrand. I also just recently learn about Mateo''s world."


    "But still, do you think it''s unfair that we don''t know anything about that?" Beltrand''s serious question.


    "True! It''s very unfair especially if Claustrine already enjoys Mateo''s world and eat some new food!" Shirna complains.


    "Claustrine. Do you also eat more delicious food on Mateo''s world?" Sophia asked.


    "Yes. I eat familiar and unfamiliar foods. All of them tastes amazing." Claustrine says with a smile as she was re-imagining all the food she eat in Earth.


    "Unfair..." Sophia sadly said. A single tear flows in her cheek.


    "Look. I have my reasons why I hide these to you guys. It''s just that our situation is so dire that I need to reveal my secret." -Mateo.


    "Then why Claustrine knows about it earlier than us?" Shirna asked. Mateo sighs.


    "She find it on her own. She stalks and follows me and then boom, I just realized that she already followed me in my world." Mateo explains.


    "Hehe..." Claustrine acts smugly.


    "Ok that''s a very Claustrine thing to do. No wonder she''s the first to learn about your secret. Then the reasons why you hide your secret to us?" Beltrand asked.


    Mateo fills Claustrine, Shirna and Sophia''s bowls with noodles first then he reach on his dimensional storage bag and picks from what for others is a small, flat, rectangular and black board.


    Then the rectangular thing''s side suddenly brighten up and they watch Mateo swipes it using his finger.


    "I''m still amazed on that thing." Claustrine commented.


    "What exactly is that?" Beltrand asked.


    Mateo place the phone on the ground and he taps the play button. Suddenly, a music so alien to everyone except Mateo fills the surrounding.


    .


    [Kathang Isip - Ben and Ben]


    Everyone stays silent as they listen to the mellow music. The four clearly resonates to the song but its just alien enough that they can''t comprehend how its even possible.


    Bertrand clearly understands the lyrics about a guy giving up on his love.


    Sophia recognize some of the instrument like what sounds like Piano and Violin but it sounds more refined. The style of singing is also different from what she commonly hear from church and bards.


    Shirna and Claustrine just really enjoys the music. The harmony of each instruments plus the vocals gives them a relaxed feeling.


    Mateo suddenly pause the music which makes everyone upset.


    "Awww." Shirna''s reaction.


    It takes few seconds before everyone returns to the topic.


    "O-ok... H-how you can put an entire music band on that tiny thing?" Sophia is slightly scared as her instincts tell her that it might be an heretical magic.


    "Is that magic?" Beltrand asked.


    "I told you. Magic doesn''t exist on Mateo''s world." Claustrine clarifies.


    Mateo picks the phone on the ground.


    "This is just one of the technology of our world. It''s called a Smartphone and playing music is not the only thing it can do."


    Mateo suddenly snaps a photo. The flash of the camera makes everyone startled a little. He shows the photo to everyone to their surprise as they see their surprise faces on the photo.


    "It can take images."


    Mateo goes to the gallery and shows so many pictures and he shows one where Claustrine happily picking clothes in a clothing store.


    "It can also stores information like images, music-"


    "Why you take a picture of me?" Claustrine asked but it was remained unanswered as Mateo continues the explanation. He plays a video he recorded years ago where him and his family takes a vacation on a carnival.


    "Recollection of events, and many more."


    Bertrand and Shirna are amazed to see what can only looks like magic to them. in their mind, they trying to convince themselves that everything Mateo said is not magic.


    "Claustrine."


    "Yes Sophia?"


    Sophia didn''t answer but instead look at her with a very envious and sad look. Claustrine just give a deep sigh.


    "Sorry..."


    Mateo close his phone and returns it to his Bag of Storage.


    "It also have a calculator, light, compass, map, and many more. Smartphone can also store hundreds of books in non physical form, send messeges, videos and images miles away from different smartphones around the world."


    Bertrand, Shirna and Sophia is speechless as they can''t fully process everything Mateo said. But a single thought runs on their mind.


    "Mateo''s world must be a very advance world and a powerful one."


    "And I repeat, it''s just one of thousands of technology in my world alongside this gas stove and the technology used to preserve this noodles. I hope you guys understand why I tried to hide my secret for so long."


    "Y-yes. I understand now and to think that you have that kind of device. You must be a very powerful person on your world." Beltrand said with awe.


    "Huh? The smartphone?"


    "Yes the smart thing."


    Mateo shake his head.


    "No no no. The smartphone is a very common thing to own in my world. In fact any citizen can buy it if they wanted to."


    "Eh...?" Beltrand''s mind just shut down after hearing what Mateo said. Sophia and Shirna eventually also stopped thinking.


    "I understand you guys. I feel the same dumbfoundedness." Claustrine''s reaction.


    Beltrand returns back to his senses.


    "You know what? Let''s stop. My head feels like ripping itself. Just promise me one thing Mateo."


    "What is it?"


    "If we manage to escape this cave alive. Promise us that you going to let us visit you world."


    Mateo is suprised at first on Beltrand''s proposal but he just accepted it as his secret is already revealed to them anyway.


    "Well then. Just promise me that we going to escape this cave and I personally tour you in my world. Is that clear?" Mateo said and smile.


    "Hahahaha! Of course! Thats a promise!" Beltrand is excited.


    "I-I do my best!" Sophia is determined.


    "Just be sure that you going to give us food there." Shirna agreed and smiled.


    "Mateo. There''s no turning back now." Claustrine shortly said.


    "Between us dying in this darkness or all of you knowing my secret. I would choose the latter." Mateo''s only answer to Claustrine''s warning.


    "Anyway Mateo. I just want to ask. Are you really sure that your secret is safe with us?" Shirna asked.


    "Shirna why you suddenly ask something like that?" Beltrand is concerned.


    "I just want to sure that Mateo is not regretting his decision to reveal his secret." Shirna explains.


    Silence...


    "I understand what you implying. But... It feels like you say that Mateo didn''t trust us." Bertrand said.


    "It''s ok. I understand what Shirna is implying. To be honest, maybe if its our early days adventuring together perhaps I will not trust you and not tell all of these secrets."


    The party stays silent.


    "But I believe its already 4 years of us adventuring together. Thats a very long time of us relying on each others'' back. I can truly say that you four are the most important people in this world for me and I glad that we become a party."


    Bertrand, Shirna, Sophia and Claustrine smiles as they hear the genuine words of Mateo.


    "So yes. I trust all of you on keeping my secret until the very end."


    "Thank you for trusting us." Claustrine said.


    "You secret is safe. Right guys?" -Beltrand


    "Of course! I rather die than reveal your secret to anyone!" Sophia''s conviction.


    "Oi I wish we didn''t reach that point. But yes, as a proud member of Elven race. Not even the wind can spread your secret." Shirna''s answer.


    Mateo smile.


    "Thank you."


    Grand Ecstasy finishes their lunch and Mateo asked the party to clean the surroundings and don''t leave any trace of his world. After the clean-up and shoving the plastic scraps to his Bag of Storage. The party continues their journey, but unlike earlier. Everyone is now ethusiastic and optimistic that they can escape the darkness of the cave.


    As Grand Ecstasy continues their adventure, another journey is just going to start.


    "You''re the first Platinum adventurer sent here and let me tell you. Don''t get comfortable because you''re an experienced adventurer. This is the first time that this happened in Reverse Tower. All guilds already issued a ban for Gold Adventurers to enter, if you found remaining Gold Adventurer inside please tell them to leave as soon as possible." The guard for entrance of Layer 6 explained.


    "Leave it to me. Anyway, do you have an estimate for the number of remaining Gold Adventurer inside?"


    "I believe its 10 because most of them already leave the deeper layers."


    "Is there a recent party entered the deeper layers?" Gilmore asked.


    "Hmmm... Oh I remember! The most recent is a party named Grand Ecstasy. They already visit this tower several times so I remember them except for the elf." The guard explained.


    "I see... Do you have any more information about the anomalies inside?" Gilmore explained.


    The guard gulped.


    "According to the gold adventurers. They spot numerous Apex lurking on Green Despair and Bloody Ice. That''s absurd right?"


    "Yeah. Absurd indeed." Gilmore''s only words. He''s also intrigued on the revelation.


    "At first I don''t believe them because that doesn''t even happen in the past, but when the reports of Apex beasts increase. I decide to take a stroll in Green Despair and not only that the minor beasts are acting erratic, I just saw two Apex beast fighting."


    Gilmore is surprised to hear the severity of the situation. If what the guard said is true, He don''t know if he can still save the party at time.


    "Do you think Grand Ecstasy can survive the anomaly?" Gilmore asked. He want to know what type of people Grand Ecstasy consist of.


    "To be honest with all of this happening, I''m not sure. But I know that party is strong and the cautious type. I wish they just escape those Apexes and rush to the exit.


    "Thanks for the information. I want you to remember all of the Apexes spotted by the Gold adventurers, write a list and send it to the higher ups."


    "Yes sir!"


    The guard gets a paper and pen then starts to remember all of the names given by the escaped adventurers. As the guard starts to write, Gilmore enters Layer 6 and prepares for anything that can happen.


    And his preparedness pays off as when he enters Green Despair, he instantly sensed danger and easily blocked all the red bristles flying on his direction using his sword. The bristles scattered in front of him and Gilmore already knows the culprit.


    "Tsk... Apex Bristle Ape. This is absurd."


    Gilmore sensed another barrage of poisonous bristles and he just side steps all of them efforlessly.


    The Apex ape becomes agitated even further when it sees that his attack doesn''t land at all so the ape jumps high up in the air and prepares a slam attack.


    With a blink of an eye, Gilmore slashed his sword upwards on his side where he came from and it was followed by an loud slam and clouds of smoke and dust.


    When the dust slowly dissapears, it was slowly revealed the Apex Bristle Ape. But its already a corpse, cutted in half.


    "I didn''t expect to instantly encounter an Apex. I hope everyone is ok." Gilmore is concerned as he wipes the blood on his sword and sheath it.


    Gilmore continues his mission with more awareness that he might be encounter more unexplainable situations.

 Ch. 9 - Positivity

    *Yawn*


    Mateo wakes up early and looks on the surroundings. As usual, his friends are still sleeping so he spends time by preparing their breakfast.


    Mateo opens his huge Bag of Storage and brings out a bag of rice. Also the gas stove and thick stainless pot. He prepares to cook the rice and after that, Mateo brings out 5 canned food.


    As he waits for the rice to cook. Mateo looks at his phone and unlike before where they''re just guessing, he finally sees the date and from what he saw in the screen, they''re already spent 21 days unlike his previous estimate.


    After 30 minutes, the rice is finally cooked and now he brings out a kettle, pours water from the plastic gallon he also brings with him and put it in the stove.


    ......


    "Hmmmfff." Beltrand wakes up after smelling a very unfamiliar smell.


    "Hmmmm... Morning already?" Shirna wakes up.


    "Uhm... What is this smell?" Sophia also wakes up followed by Claustrine who recognized the smell.


    After stretching, yawning and rubbing their eyes. Everyone looks on Mateo who just look at them while sipping on his mug.


    "What are you drinking?" Shirna asked.


    Instead of answering, Mateo offers his mug and everyone sees a very dark and hot liquid with a very strong fragrant aroma.


    "I''m surprised you also bring coffee with you." Claustrine said.


    "If you just know how I try to not drink coffee when we''re in a missions." Mateo''s small rant then he smiles.


    "Can I try it?" Sophia is curious.


    "Sure."


    Mateo offers his mug and Shirna holds it and take a sip, only for her to spit it out quickly.


    "B-b-bitter!!!" Sophia screams.


    After seeing Sophia''s reaction. Shirna and Bertrand also takes a sip on the coffee only to give a mixed reaction.


    "Why you drinking perfume?" Bertrand honestly asked.


    "That''s not perfume though." Mateo''s short answer.


    "Hmmm... Very interesting..." Shirna''s opinion as he looks on the dark coffee.


    "I guess black coffee is too strong for you guys. Then how about this?" Mateo says then gives 3-and-1 instant coffee to everyone.


    Shirna, Beltrand and Sophia are perplexed on the images in the coffee packs. They can''t comprehend the realism of images of the mug, the hand, the mysterious black beans, and unknown language that it can easily beat the realistic paintings of aristocrats.


    Mateo gives the instruction on how to prepare the packets. After some time. Shirna choose a Choco Coffee, Beltrand picks Brown Coffee, while Sophia and Claustrine picks the Blanca. The smell is really inticing for the four so they simultanously takes a sip.


    .


    .


    .


    "!!!!!!"


    Beltrand, Sophia and Shirna''s eyes widen when the unfamliar bitter-sweet flavor gushes into their mouth.


    "What in the goddess name is this!? Its amazing!" Sophia is amazed.


    "How this drink have a Smoky, nutty and earthy flavor to it?" Shirna asked.


    "I like this drink. For some reason it gives me energy!" Bertrand said like he''s slowly getting fired up.


    Claustrine just enjoy the taste the coffee. She already drink the same flavor when she visits Mateo''s world. But her curiousity really makes him want to try the other flavor the others drinking. So she looks on Shirna''s drink.


    "Shirna wanna swap drinks?"


    Shirna, also curious on the different coffee accepts Claustrine''s offer. After both takes a sip, the two are again surprised.


    "Wow. This one is creamy with unusual sweetness." Shirna commented.


    "Wait a minute. Is this... Chocolate? I thought you give us coffee?."


    "Chocolate? What is Chocolate?" Shirna asked.


    "It''s a very special kind of candy on Mateo''s world. It''s sweet, mellow and groundy." Claustrine explained.


    "I see. Now I want to try the real thing." Shirna said


    Sophia and Bertrand also drinks the chocolate coffee.


    "This taste nice... It''s bitter-sweet." Beltrand commented.


    Mateo just watch while drinking his coffee as the four exchanges their coffee until they finish their cups and visibly more awake.


    "I''m surprised that Bertrand''s drink is so simple." Sophia said.


    "Well. There''s also charm in simplicity." Beltrand answers.


    "Anyway. What are these things exactly?" Shirna asked while pointing on the packet of instant coffee he holding.


    "Those are called coffee. A very popular drink in my world."


    "But why there''s so many variations if its just the same? And it''s not like tea that not really that different to each other." Sophia asked. Claustrine flinch a little. As a avid tea drinker herself, she can''t accept how Sophia is so wrong.


    Mateo gathers all the instant coffee packets. Mateo places the packet of instant black coffee.


    "This is the base coffee, the one I drinking earlier. Pretty much the purest form. Well there''s also variations but in general, this is the common coffee."


    Mateo then places the other packets around the black coffee packet.


    "And these are pretty much coffee combined with other ingredients. This is Chocolate coffee, this one is Coffee heavy with milk and creamer thus the creamy taste, and this one is brown coffee with only little creamer added and with brown sugar." Mateo explained.


    "Is Coffee a plant?" Shirna asked as he see what looks like beans.


    "Yup."


    "These things must be expensive especially the chocolate one." Beltrand asked.


    "Ah. These are just consumer products."


    "Consumer products?"


    "Pretty much everyone can buy it. But fancy and expensive coffee are also sold in exclusive coffee shops."


    "Ah." Beltrand shuts down for a moment when the concept of what they drink earlier are just easily available for commoners.


    "Oy Mateo."


    Claustrine is looking on Mateo with curiousity on her eyes.


    "Let me guess. About the coffee shops rights?" Mateo asked as he already guessed what caught Claustrine''s ears.


    "Exactly. Why we didn''t visit a coffee shop when I visit your world?"


    "Well... I''m not really fan of those expensive coffees so I didn''t even bother." Mateo says his side.


    "But now you mentioned a fancier versions of these so called coffee. You need to bring us on a coffee shop." Sophia''s order. Her eyes sparkles with excitement. Followed by Claustrine and Shirna. The three look on Mateo with puppy eyes which just make him sigh.


    "Fine fine. We going to visit a coffee shop."


    "Nice!" The three high five each other.


    Beltrand returns to his senses and notices what looks like a thick metal pot. He opens it and steam with fagrant smell rushes on his face. Then he saw what looks like small white grains sticking to each other.


    "Mateo. What is this?" Beltrand asked.


    "Oh... That''s rice. A staple food."


    "Food? This is food?" Beltrand asked then she picks a spoon and scoops a mouthful then takes a bite.


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    "Thats not how you eat that." Claustrine said as she already know what rice is.


    "How is this food if it doesn''t even have a flavor?" Beltrand asked.


    "Because you supposed to partner it with a flavorful food. Like how bread is partnered with soup." Mateo''s answer.


    "Now I get it. But how we supposed to find food like meat or anything that we can partner with this so called rice?" Bertrand asked.


    "Don''t worry. I got you covered."


    Mateo brings out five cans of pre-made food. The flavors are Kaldereta, Adobo, Spicy tuna flakes, Menudo and Bicol express.


    "Pick anything you want."


    At first, the four can''t decide as the photos of the unknown food in the can are all appatizing but after some time, they finally picks their choices.


    Mateo then teaches them how to open the easy-open can. Everyone follows Mateo and pours the content of their cans on the bowls they already put rice on. Their reaction is anticipation.


    Then they scoop a mouthful with their spoons and they give the new food a taste test.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    "!!!!!"


    Just like the coffee. The four is also surprised on the explosive flavor.


    "Amazing..." Sophia''s only word then she proceeds to take another bite.


    "What is this hot sensation!? It''s stings a bit yet it only makes my appatite stronger!" Beltrand says as he was eating vigorously.


    "You also feel some hot and stingy feeling!? But mine is for some reason are also have creamy flavor to it." Shirna''s reaction.


    Claustrine meanwhile have an different reaction. For some reason, she feels like what the adobo she eat is different from what Ligaya cooks for them before she leave Earth. It taste inferior for her.


    "It''s different." Claustrine said.


    "What do you mean it''s different?" Shirna asked, curious on why Claustrine say such thing on the unique food.


    "Not gonna lie. It''s tasty but its just so different from the real deal." Claustrine said.


    "Wait a minute!? The real deal!? Are you saying that we eating right now is fake!? I don''t understand." Beltrand is confused.


    "Yeah... it doesn''t make sense." Sophia agrees.


    "Well. What Claustrine said is slightly true. I mean, those are not really fake and it surely copy the flavor of the original dish. But..."


    Shirna, Sophia and Bertrand just looked at Mateo with curiousity while continuing to eat their food.


    "Except from the one Beltrand pick. The real deal dishes uses meat especially pork instead of fish."


    "This is fish?" Shirna asked.


    "Yup?"


    "I see. When I take a closer look. It really looks like shredded fish. And also the texture." Sophia says.


    "Then if the meat is the only thing thats changed, then what''s the difference?" Bertrand asked.


    "Maybe because on the way how canned food works."


    "Canned? You mean this circular thing?" Sophia asked while pointing on the empty can in the ground.


    "Yes. Canned food is pretty much designed for preservation by adding aditional ingredients to make it stay good longer and putting it on a sealed and heat treated containers in exchange of changing its flavor a little bit."


    "Preservation? Wait a minute. How long these things last?" Beltrand asked.


    "Depending on the type of food and the location it was stored while not opened. The shortest would last for 18 months and longest can last for 2-5 years."


    "I-I see..." Beltrand''s short answer.


    But his mind are already flooded on how it can change so many aspects of life. Especially Exploration and War.


    Beltrand remembers that the only way for sailors, adventurers and soldiers to store food is to either salt and dry them or to create some sort of insulated room and bring a mage specialized in ice magic with them so it can summon ice that they can used to preserve the food inside the room. But not only that the job of preserving food by constantly casting magic really takes a toll on a mage body due to magic restrictions but also only relying in salted and dried food for days really makes everyone sick.


    If such food preservation exist in his world. So many things would happen drasticly that can change humanity forever.


    "H-how you even manage to get these so called Canned foods? From how you described it, it must be an exclusive army rations or very expensive expedition supply." Beltrand asked.


    "Oh. Canned foods is also available for common people. But expensive ones also exist."


    "You know what Mateo. I''m starting to get scared on your world." Beltrand''s honest opinion.


    "To be honest, we should really become scared on Mateo''s world. Even with my short time staying there, I''m already flooded with so many things like wagons running without horse and equipment powered by lightning and all of them are not magic." Claustrine''s explanation.


    "But we also have some similar things powered by magic." Sophia asked as she remembers the some equipment like lights powered by arcane stones and the magic lam they use everyday are similar to the battery powered lamp they used now.


    "I think what you thinking is not even comparable on the things about Mateo''s world that we didn''t even know yet. Like the smart phone for example." Claustrine''s answer.


    "And all of it are not even powered or created using magic." Shirna''s reaffirmation.


    "Guys we need to hurry and continue the journey. We can continue the talk later." Mateo''s order.


    "Sure. But promise us that we going to eat the real thing these canned food is based off." Beltrand said followed by a cheeky smile.


    "Oh he''s right! If the real deal is more delicious than this. Then we need to try them especially if its a food unique to your world!" Shirna''s excitement.


    "Just want to remind you Mateo. There''s no turning back now." Claustrine smugly said.


    Mateo just sigh and scratch his head.


    "Geez. Fine."


    Grand Ecstasy finishes their breakfast and after cleaning the surroundings. The party continues the journey.


    But as the party walks while talking to each other. A small shadowy figure is following them. Effortly hiding itself on the darkness of the cave.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    Gilmore is running away and behind him is what look likes a huge dark cloud. But in closer look, the dark cloud is turned out to be a swarm of Colony bees flying with murderous intent.


    Earlier, Gilmore kills numerous beasts and few Apex like Apex Octosnaka and Falcrax but unfortunately, Gilmore encounter a flying fortress resting on ground. Sensing a nearby danger, the Flying Fortress sends thousands of its soldiers to attack the intruder.


    Gilmore being a skirmisher specialized on swift and low density fights, doesn''t have any arsenals to deal with a swarm of enemies, especially Flying Fortress that requires numerous specialized people to defeat. So Gilmore just run and looks like no monster dares to intercepts his escape. Maybe the other beast also knows the dangers of the swarm as it shows when few unfortunate critters are caught on the swarm and for just seconds, the critters are dead with numerous stab wounds.


    Gilmore sees hope in form of the entrance to Layer 7. He put most of his strenght to his legs and made an agressive dash to the entrance. Gilmore enters the open entrance with no issue and while catching his breath, just watch the drone bees do a full stop. After few seconds of confusion, the Drone Bees leave and returns to their mothership.


    "That''s a close one." Gilmore said. He pulls a water canister from his Bag of Storage and drinks a lot before going down on the spiraling stairs.


    While traversing the staircase, he encountered an adventurers party of 3. From their looks, Gilmore quickly understood the trials the three endured. Escaping all of the rampaging beasts with low hope survival.


    "Hello." Gilmore greets the three who just wave their hand effortlessly due to exhaustion.


    But the dual wielder swordsman notices the Adventurers tag hanging on Gilmore''s coat. His demeanor changes and seems like hope starts to appear on his eyes.


    "Sir! Help us!" The swordsman begs.


    "Hey what''s wrong with you." The teenage lady cleric is confused on her leader''s demeanor.


    "Sir you''re a Platinum rank right?! You must be sent here along with others!" The swordsman asked.


    "Really?!" The lady Archer gets excited alongside the Cleric.


    Gilmore feels hurt after hearing the expectations of the adventurers but he wants to tell them the truth in non damaging way.


    "All of you must be exhausted so I am. Perhaps we should rest a little bit?"


    .


    .


    .


    "I don''t understand what just happened. Suddenly, we encountered numerous Apex beast, also the other beast starts to act agressively." The swordsman said with a grave seriousness on his face.


    The four sits on the steps of the spiral starcase.


    "We barely escaped all of the encounters and we already used our resources trying to survive Layer 7. We don''t even know if we even have a chance to survive and enscape Layer 6 on the way to Layer 5." The lady Archer explained. The fear still lingers on her.


    The Cleric starts to sob.


    "We''re supposedly escaped with the other party but they got brutally killed by an Apex White Stalker." Lady Archer said with a pain on her voice.


    "I-I don''t understand! Why there''s so many Apex suddenly appears?! It''s supposedly impossible to happen right?!"


    The swordsman clenches his fist.


    Gilmore stands up and prepares the bad news.


    "I wan''t to tell the truth to you guys. But, there''s no search party created yet."


    The three adventurer''s hope sunks rock bottom. They wan''t to believe that whatever Gilmore said is just a joke.


    "Y-y-you''re joking right?" The swordsman said.


    "I wish I was lying but thats the painful truth. I was sent here to investigate the recent irregularity in the tower."


    Gilmore is not really lying. Learning the truth of the tower is also part of his mission but his main mission is to search and rescue or retrive the Grand Ecstasy.


    The swordsman slams the nearby wall.


    "Shit! We can''t stay here any longer! Our supplies is non-existent and we''re not strong enough to deal with those Apex beasts!"


    Gilmore understands his wrath. He wish he can personally escort the party to safety but Gilmore can''t waste more time if he want to save Grand Ecstasy. So he just do the only way to help with others which he already planned in advance.


    Gilmore opens his Bag of Storage and picks a sizable package wrapped with paper and tied by strings. Then he give the package to the party.


    "W-w-what''s this?" The swordsman asked.


    The Archer and Cleric is also curious.


    "Everyone listen to me. That''s a sizable food supplies that can make you last for 4 days or longer, depending on how you manage it. A walkable distance starting from the right side of the upper exit of this Staircase, theres a source of water you can fetch using your containers. I want the three of you to stay on this staircase as long as possible."


    "F-for real!? But why we should stay here?"


    "I already asked the Guard to sent an urgent report to the higher ups. And they might probably gathered powerful adventurers that the guild would sent here for extermination and rescue missions. So I want you to wait for them and whatever you do, don''t go deeper to the jungles." Gilmore already explained.


    "I-I understand!" The swordsman comes back to his senses after hearing Gilmores advice. If it came from a Platinum adventurer, then they can surely trust his verdicts.


    "One more thing, there''s a Flying Fortress currenty existing in Layer 6 so be careful especially encountering a scout bee. Just escape once you see one."


    The three gulps after hearing the warning. Then nods in agreement on Gilmore''s warning.


    "Ok I need to go. I wish you good luck." Gilmore says his farewell then he walks down the stairs.


    "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" The three shouts their gratitude while waving their hands.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Gilmore reach Bloody Ice.


    Unfortunately for Gilmore. He was caught in a snow storm yet still, he continues to traverse the Bloody Landscape


    But he suddenly stops when he notices a huge silhoutte in front of him. Gilmore is waiting, anticipating what the shadowy figure is trying to do.


    It turns out the silhoutte is also waiting for Gilmore to move. The two just stares to each othet until the snow storm slowly gets weaker.


    An Apex White Stalker shows itself to Gilmore who is surprised but not because of its status as an Apex.


    The Apex looks very damaged. Few chunks of flesh are missing on its body and also numerous sheets and shards of ice are visible on the Apex which looks really takes a toll to its body. Half of its face are still frozen and one of its limb is missing with a clump of ice still intact to its place. Its tail is in complete mess with most of the sharp scales plucked out.


    Gilmore is amazed to see something like that survive. But he''s also scared a little bit on the the monster that manage to deal such injury.


    Gilmore and the Apex eyes meet but they still continue to just observe each other. After 30 seconds of intimidattion match, the Apex White Stalker surrenders and leaves. It sense that their''s no way for it to kill such formidable opponent. The beast is seen limping, the damage truly mess its body to not function properly.


    Gilmore thinks that it might be the same Apex White Stalker that attack the adventurers he met earlier. But seeing that the Beast doesn''t want to engage in any combat, Gilmore also ignore it and just hope that the extermination team deals with it.


    He proceeds to continue his journey but Gilmore is completely clueless and don''t have any way to find Grand Ecstasy. Still, Gilmore is not losing hope as he don''t want to waste the opportunity to investigate the Reverse Tower especially in such perfect circumstances.

 Ch. 10 - Undesired Teleportation

    "Forget all the problems, Just take a deep breath and we''re going on a trip now..."


    Claustrine, Sophia, Bertrand and Shirna just awkwardly listens on the song as Mateo is singing to his heart content while the music plays on his phone. Despite the passion, Mateo clearly doesn''t have any talents on singing.


    "The music sounds good but..." Beltrand can''t finish his sentence.


    "Pa-pa, Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa."


    The four is whispering with each other as they don''t want to hurt Mateo''s feelings.


    "I starting to regret that we learned about his secrets. Now, he''s very comfortble singing alongside the music on his gadget." Beltrand said.


    "Maybe we should tell him." Shirna suggested.


    "That''s a good idea. Maybe you should tell him first." Sophia agrees.


    "Me!? No no no no. Claustrine should tell him. You''re his first friend right?" Shirna said.


    "Sorry guys but I can''t just stomach stopping such passion on singing." Claustrine''s half assed attempt on avoiding the request.


    "How about you Beltrand?" Sophia asked.


    "Hey who knows, maybe he can''t just sing that specific song very well. Maybe the next song is better."


    "BUT THAT''S THE 5TH SONG HE WAS SINGING." Shirna said with such emphasis that he almost said it loudly.


    Seconds of silence except Mateo who still singing. Everyone sighs.


    "Maybe we just need to wait for him to get tired singing." Shirna admits defeat.


    "I can hear you guys."


    "EEKKK!"


    Everyone is shocked when they suddenly hear Mateo behind them.


    "S-s-s-sorry! W-w-we didn''t mean to insult you!" Sophia panicly said.


    "Hahaha I know. Don''t worry, I''m already used on people making fun of my singing." Mateo happily said.


    "Phew!" Shirna sighs with relief.


    "Is my singing really that bad?" Mateo asked.


    "To be honest. It sounds like a Goblin just recently discovered the concept of music." Claustrine''s brutal answer.


    "Ouch."


    "I think I slowly understand why everyone calls you Sharp-Tongue mage in the past." Beltrand said.


    "Still better title than "Womanizer."


    Beltrand just laugh, Claustrine also chuckle a little bit. If their banter happened in the past like the first time they met each other. It might result to a confrontation.


    Perhaps the years of adventuring together slowly makes all of them close friends.


    "If people makes fun of your singing? Why you still sing with such ethusiasm?" Shirna is genuinely curious. Mateo thinks for a moment before answering his question.


    "Maybe because I also join the fun. And if you and your friends just want to relieve stress by singing in a karaoke, who cares about your voice." Mateo''s answer.


    "I understand. Just like how sailors or tavern drunkards sings in unison." Beltrand said.


    "Exactly." Mateo agrees.


    "Anyway, what is a Kara-o-key?" Sophia asked.


    "I going to show you once we visit my world. Hayss... That''s another promise that I need to fulfill to you guys."


    Taking a glance on the clock on his phone. Mateo sees that its already Night time so he decides to take a break and rest for everyone.


    After a dinner of fried rice with friend canned meat loaf. Grand Ecstasy spends some time letting themselves fall asleep by talking to each other.


    "Mateo, I just realized."


    "What is it Trinne?"


    "I''m wondering. Since you already told your secret to us. Why you don''t just summon the door to your world here right now?" Claustrine asked which caught everyones attention.


    "Ohhhh thats a good idea!" Beltrand agrees.


    "Can we go sleep on a soft bed?" Sophia imagines the possibilities.


    "If that''s possible, I should already summoned the door since the reveal and we''re spending time on my world right now."


    "Hmmm... Fair point." Shirna agrees on Mateo. Sophia frown.


    "But why it''s impossible? It''s your magic right?" Shirna asked.


    Mateo pause for seconds.


    "To be honest, it''s complicated. Also, it''s not my magic. That system is a gift from a very close friend of mine."


    "Friend of yours? Is that friend of yours lives in your world? Earth doesn''t have magic right?" Claustrine asked.


    Mateo thinks for a moment then looks to everyone.


    "Guys. Do you know the name Fylestacia?" Mateo asked.


    The four tries to remember such name but nothing comes out on their mind.


    "Never heard of it." Beltrand said.


    "Nope." Shirna follows.


    Sophia shake her head sideways.


    "I don''t recall any name like that. Why you asked?" Claustrine''s answer and question.


    "That''s the name of the friend that give me this ability. I thought she came from this world but it seems that I''m mistaken." Mateo''s dissapointment after his theory is proven wrong.


    "Don''t just give up like that. If your idea holds water. We just need to visit the libraries and find a book that have that name written on it." Claustrine encouragement.


    "Does it also caught your curiosity?" Mateo asked.


    "Yes. I wonder. If magic doesn''t exist on your world and someone give you some magic that let you enter our world. She must be a very powerful mage that lives in Yhigressia. We might found a clue if we read the texts or ask the right people." Claustrine''s explanation.


    "Oh I like that idea. Promise, I also visit the church''s library and ask the the higher-ups about that Fylestacia." Sophia promised.


    "I''m going to asked my elders. With their age, they must have a knowledge about Fylestacia if Claustrines theory is correct." Shirna joins the hunt.


    "I''m not good with that thing so I just going to give moral support." Beltrand jokingly said.


    "Guys... It might be a very grueling search with no guarantee of success. It''s best that we just forget about it." Mateo is scared that their effort might go into waste.


    "No. As you said, she''s a very close friend of yours so we must learn the truth. Also, consider it as payment for all of the help and promise you made for us." Claustrine smile.


    At first, Mateo is shocked to see the determination to their eyes but he accepts their offer with a smile.


    "Thanks you guys."


    The four just smiles as they see their leader happy. Grand Ecstasy spends the night with ease.


    The next day, the party happily continues their journey. Belrand, Claustrine, Shirna and Sophia asked curious questions to Mateo who answers them honestly.


    "What''s the religion of your world?"


    "The truth is. There''s too many that I can''t count?"


    "If magic doesn''t exist in your world. Why Earth''s humans is so familiar with magic."


    "Humanity just really like imagining fantastic things like mythical creatures and magic."


    "Claustrine said that elf like me also exist in your world."


    "Sadly, only in fiction. But the fact the elves really exist in another world is surreal..."


    "Is hand-to-hand combat also exist in your world.?"


    "They''re called Martial Arts in my world and I think you going to like them once you see them."


    Despite the barrage of questions. Mateo still enjoys answering his friends'' questions. Maybe because its still better than the defeaning silence of the cave.


    From what Mateo estimates. Grand Ecstasy is already stranded in the Reverse Tower for 24 days now. With no idea how big the cave system is, Grand Ecstasy can''t really fathom how much area they already explored and with so many branching ways. If Claustrine didn''t mark their path, there might be a chance that they just going full circles without even realizing it.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The Partys'' moral is still high unlike before thanks for Mateo''s decision to reveal his secret. Now, the four always have anticipation and curiousity of what Mateo is going to show to them. And Mateo is willing to follow on their demands.


    Another night, another dinner. Mateo opens his Bag of Storage and pulls his laptop. He opens it. Everyone notices what Mateo is doing and surprised to see the thin folder like item on Mateo''s hand.


    "Another device on your world?" Claustrine asked.


    "Yeah. It''s called Laptop." Mateo answerd while browsing in his folders .


    "Looks similar to the phone. Are they related?" Shirna asked.


    "At some aspects, yes."


    "Cool. Excited on what you going to show to us." Sophia''s anticipation.


    "This time we going to watch a movie."


    "Watch a moovie?"


    "Imagine it like a theatre where you watch people perform but the entire show is already finished and stored in a small device that you can watch anytime."


    "Now thats sounds interesting." Beltrand is intrigued.


    "But I want to say that it''s completely different on how theatre works so just watch and indulge yourself while watching."


    After browsing, Mateo finally decides and picks a movie. He asked Claustrine to manipulate a ground to make a small elevated table where he can put his laptop. He face the monitor to the other four who already waiting for him to play a film. So he clicks the play button and sit along side others.


    The movie Mateo choose is a Hachiko film. About the real life loyalty of a dog who waits for his owner for years until his last breath.


    .


    .


    .


    After a hour and a half later....


    "NOOOOOO!!!" Sophia screams followed by crying.


    Mateo just watch with amusement. He''s surprised that the movie really affects the four despite most of the thing in the movie doesn''t make sense to them. Basically, Mateo also answers the questions they have through the runtime of the movie.


    Claustrine tears is already flowing on her cheeks while watching. Shirna tries to wipe his tears while sniffing.


    Beltrand meanwhile tries to man up but his eyes is visibly tearing up.


    "Atleast hachi is now with his owner." Shirna said.


    "Hachi..." Sophia is still sad.


    "I''m not crying..."


    "Dude. Your eyes is tearing up." Mateo teases Beltrand.


    "Shut up!" Bertrand said then he wipes his tears that might flow down if he didn''t remove it.


    "You really want us to feel pain don''t you? You sadistic monster." Claustrine complains. She also starts to sniffle and wipes her tears.


    Mateo just give a smile.


    "Yup. A monster." Claustrine only words.


    After the movie. Grand Ecstasy decides to sleep, except Mateo who preparing his earphones so he can listen to music.


    "Hachi... You''re in a better place now..." Sophia softly said as she sleep talk. Mateo smiles after hearing Sophia''s ramblings.


    After picking a song. Mateo quietly hums the song. He don''t want to disturb the sleep of his friends. But it turns out Claustrine is not fallen asleep yet and also notices that Mateo is still awake.


    Claustrine slowly stand up, walks to Mateo''s resting spot and sit beside him. Mateo just watch Claustrine walks closer since he notices that she''s waking up. Mateo then removes one of his buds.


    "Can''t sleep?" Claustrine asked.


    "Yeah."


    "Something bothering you?"


    Mateo gives a deep worried sigh.


    "Perhaps telling that problem might help you a little bit."


    "Thanks but I think its better if I didn''t tell this to anyone. I don''t want to lower down the team''s morale."


    "How about just tell it to me?" Claustrine suggested.


    Mateo looks on Claustrine. Despite the dim light of the Mateo''s battery lamp, he can clearly see the reassuring smile of Claustrine. Mateo decides to trust Claustrine.


    "I wonder if the guild already sent a rescue team for us." Mateo''s thought.


    "I see... What makes you think that they might don''t send any rescue for us?"


    Mateo shows the plastic bag of Gold Adventurer''s tags to Claustrine.


    "Some of the adventurers we saw here are already dead weeks or months ago. I''m concerned that we might get stucked here, waiting rescue for weeks, months or... for eternity."


    "I understand your concern. But maybe Graham already told the guild about our disappearance. He''s the one that warn us about the anomalies of this tower and he''s very concerned."


    "Thats true."


    "And I can''t see the guild ignoring this anomaly. Especially if it was happening in such important place as Reverse Tower."


    "But do you think they can activate the teleport mechanism? What if they didn''t see the the marks we leave in this cave system? The teleport spot seems randomize right? So they might teleported to a completely different area far away from our path."


    "Tsk tsk tsk... You''re still the cautious Mateo that I knew."


    Claustrine moves closer to Mateo.


    "I tell you the truth. The teleport mechanism is only known by us right now. Perhaps, we should rely on their luck on activating it and finding us in this maze of a cave. Is that a good answer?"


    Mateo almost laugh but manages to stop himself.


    "Thats a very terrible answer."


    "Yes Terrible, but that''s our only option right now. At this point, its not bad to rely on luck right? We already survived similar deadly situations in the past so this is just easy for us." Claustrine''s opinion.


    "I guess you''re right. There''s nothing we can do but to continue moving forward and hope for the best. Haha, It''s absurd that it''s reassuring to feel negative in this situation.


    "Well, its good to know our limits. Being hyper optimistic would surely shatter our expectation and hopes harder once everything goes wrong."


    "I guess you''re right. Thanks for hearing my concerns Trinne." Mateo smiles.


    "You''re welcome." Claustrine happily replies. She notices the dangling earphones and gets curious.


    "Ah this? Wanna try it?"


    Claustrine nods so Mateo adjust the earphone so they can have each buds with comfort. Then Mateo plays a mellow music full of soft instrumentals and vocals.


    "You can also hear music only by yourself. Amazing." Claustrine is amaze.


    "True. It also makes me immerse myself deeper to the music and forgot the outside world for a while."


    The two stay silent and just appreciate the music within few minutes.


    "Do you also listen to music to fall asleep?" Claustrine asked.


    "Yes."


    "Same. But I can only humm the song until I fall asleep. Ahhh... It brings memories." Claustrine softly said then she smiles.


    Mateo decides to not interrupt Claustrine''s reminiscence and continues to listen to the mellow music.


    5 musics later. Due to his sleepyness, Mateo didn''t notice that Claustrine is already asleep. Her head is placed on his shoulder and the earbud he give is fallen from her ear.


    Mateo then gently turns off his phone, place the phone and earphone on his storage.


    "Goodnight everyone." Mateo said then he also go to sleep.


    ~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    In one of the log cabins in Layer 7, Gilmore is also resting but he can''t afford to fall asleep.


    Due to strike of bad luck, the defense mechanism in the log cabin he found is already broken courtesy of wear and tear plus lack of maintenance. Partnered by the increasing hostility of the advance layers, Gilmore just can''t afford to sleep and he''s already awake for 2 days.


    Gilmore continues to drink tea while getting warmth on the fireplace. In front of her is a empty bowl.


    Gilmore doesn''t find anything interesting while he''s traversing Layer 6 and Layer 7. And after saving few more fleeing Gold Rank adventurers and asking them about Grand Ecstasy, he''s still failed to gather relevant information like where they last seen nor any status report.


    Despite the sound of the continious winter outside. Gilmore can still here the chaos of the rampaging beasts. Some are howls and roars of agression and few are what sounds like combat between powerful creatures. Thankfully, the sounds are far enough from Gilmore that he can relax a little bit.


    .


    .


    .


    *SWOSH*


    The walls of the log cabin suddenly burst open. Within milliseconds, Gilmore manages to destroy a fast icycle the size of human heading on his way.


    Using his rapier, Gilmore shatters the icycle and now chunks of ice is scattered on the floor. Looking on the hole created by the attack, Gilmore can clearly see a what looks like a big boar.


    "Frostbite Boar... "


    Frostbite Boar is one of the beast roaming the Layer 7. Known for its thick hide and an ability to snort transparent and sticky fluid that freezes when exposed to the cold. The ability to release a sticky substance is possible by their extra pair of nose hole and a sac containing the fluid which is now propelled by inhaling a huge amount on air, blocking the holes the boar used for breathing and expelling the air in his extra nasal hole containing the fluid in such force that it expels the disgusting concoction in considerable distance. An ability that primarily used as self defense and a way to escape from predators.


    But, Gilmore notices that the Frostbite Boar is a lot larger and more ferocious. He watches with surprise as the boar slowly release its fluids until forms two long icycles still contained on its nose. Ready to get used as projectiles.


    "A new Apex huh?" Gilmore just said as he prepares to defend himself for another long distance shot.


    And just like what Gilmore anticipated, the Apex Boar release one of its nasal icycle with such force that it travels so quick a normal person can''t easily see the incoming projectile.


    But Gilmore dodges the icycle which instead strike the log cabin, destroying half of it. The Apex Boar releases its another icycle when he notices that Gilmore is running on its location.


    Gilmore also dodge the second icycle and runs faster, not wanting to waste the opporunity of the Apex reloading its weapon. To Gilmore''s surprise, the Apex Boar runs away.


    "I will not give you a chance." Gilmore said then he dash even faster to even close the gap. In his mind, the Apex Boar just going to reload and return on attacking him again.


    The Boar is fast, but Gilmore is faster and its just a matter of second before he reach the beast. When he finally gets the distance, Gilmore unsheaths his sword and prepare to strike its leg.


    But the Apex boar makes a sudden maneuver, facing Gilmore. It release a  large amount of sticky fluid. In such close range, Gilmore use the slither of his timing to manipulate the air in front of him, creating a wall of wind the deflects the nasal fluids.


    Gilmore''s chase is temporarily interrupted. He sees the nasal fluids he deflected quickly solidify into ice. If he didn''t manage to evade the attack, it would take a considerable time for him to remove it from his body and makes Gilmore open to more attack.


    Watching the Apex Boar continues its escape. Gilmore takes a deep breath and by putting his mana and strenght to his leg, he makes a single strong leap. Easily making the gap closer between him and the Apex Boar.


    Then out of nowhere, another beast swoops down in silence and within an instant, the Apex Boar is gone. Already known the culprit, Gilmore looks at the location where the dashing beast ended, only to see a Apex Lowu eating the Apex Boar by ripping its flesh using its sharp claws. A giant raptor with a head of an owl and huge wings that Lowu used to propels itself with a large burst of speed.


    Lowu also have a very reflective feathers it used as camouflage. An agile and bulky predator with very diverse arsenal that stalks its target, all of these ability in exchange of the ability to fly that the normal Lowu possesed.


    The Apex Lowu finally reaches the core of the dead Apex Boar and gulps it whole. After the meal, the Apex Lowu notices the pressence of Gilmore and change its attention to him.


    "Ok bring it on." Gilmore goes into his combat stance.


    The Apex Lowu blend itself on the snow and Gilmore observes the surroundings. Watching for the sudden movement in the patterns of bloodied snow.


    And Gilmore sees that the snow on his side suddenly distorts and not wanting to waste the opportunity, he decides to wait for the Apex Lowu to attack first and the monster totally takes the bait.


    The Apex Lowu leaps when it closed the distance. Its claws are ready to rip Gilmore apart only for him to parry the attack and cut the Apex Lowu''s wing in the process.


    The beast screech in pain and its blood painted the already bloody smudged snow. Gilmore is ready to end the fight as he still have the view of the Lowu but...


    *RUSTLE*


    Gilmore hears a rustling sound that gets louder. And feeling the danger, he leaps backwards and at that moment, he sees a huge rolling snowball that moves really fast and it instantly swallowed the Apex Lowu.


    "What?" Gilmore is surprised as he didn''t remember encountering such thing.


    The giant snowball stops and thats where he finally see the culprit of the sudden attack.


    At the top of the snowball which is filled with numerous other beast squirming and trying to escape. Gilmore saw a what looks like a giant spider with 4 long legs on its back and 4 shorter legs on the front. The spider release some of its sticky string and coats the snowball, making it more sticky and prevents the snowball on collapsing.


    Gilmore finally remembers the beast. Its an Arachroller. But the ones he knows are a lot more smaller which is only 1 foot in lenght. But the ones rolling the 70 feet snowball full of beasts is a 12 feet long Arachroller which only leads to one conclusion.


    "Come one. How many new Apex I need to encounter." Gilmore said with annoyance.


    But Gilmore notices that the Apex Arachroller doesn''t care on his pressence and just continue on maitaining its snowball which makes Gilmore happy. Maybe he can just leave the beast at peace and prevent another unnecessary fight. A win-win for both of them.


    So, Gilmore sheath his rapier and prepares to leave.


    .


    .


    .


    To Gilmores surprise. Suddenly, the snow he stepping in starts to rumble, the Arachroller also seems on high alert and panicly tries to leave.


    But, its too late as a abnormaly gigantic Icyatsh leaps from the snow. Its already gaping mouth would surely just swallow him, the Apex Arachrilla, whatever beasts inside the snowball and the surroundings.


    "Really?" Gilmore is in disbelief as he can''t comprehend that a creature not endemic in the reverse tower with completely different biology to the beast can have an Apex version.


    The surprise and speed of the attack doesn''t give Gilmore enough time to escape.


    "Perhaps, I just going to carved my escape from the inside." Gilmore thought, believing that he would not get crushed inside of the gigantic fish which is probably the biggest creature he saw inside the reverse tower.*


    As Gilmore prepares to accept the challenge. Suddenly, a magic circle appears beneath his feet. The circle is so bright that Gilmore easily notices it especially beneath the Apex Icyatsh''s shadow.


    The Apex Icyatsh swallows a huge portion of snow and the impact of the fall of its body creates a big cloud of snow that hides the entirety of the Apex Icyatsh.

 Ch. 11 - The Guardian

    "Ugh..."


    Gilmore slowly wakes-up and his first thing he did is to quickly cast a illumination spell, only to find himself in completely different environment. The harsh and cold snowy field is suddenly replaced by same cold but now solid rock and soil.


    He quickly understand what happened.


    "I see... The circle earlier is some sort teleportation spell. But I didn''t knew any record of such spell in the kingdom."


    To recover some energy, Gilmore takes a quick break and eat some hard bread partnered by black tea. After that, he proceeds to start exploring the cave system that is new for him.


    Several hours of exploration later. Gilmore already understands the mechanics of the cave system. Knowing that there''s no dangerous monsters lurking anywhere, he decides on formulating more efficient ways on traversing the branching paths of the cave.


    But, Gilmore is concerned on the isolation of the cave system. From his theory, the same teleportation circles must not be capable for long distance travel like city-to-city teleportation and if his theory is correct, the Cave system should be close to the Reverse Tower.


    But the thing that makes Gilmore really thinking is theres not even a single cave entrance located or discovered anywhere in the town of Flistan where the Reverse Tower is located. And Flistan is already a well explored area best known as "Green Horns training ground".


    If the cave system is truly that isolated. There''s a chance that Gilmore is going to get stucked there forever.


    His body clock is telling him to sleep so Gilmore decides to rest for the day and continue his exploration tommorow.


    .


    .


    .


    The next day is still the same for Gilmore. Just blindly exploring the cave system, eating, drinking.


    And the next day, and the day after that. Just the cycle of waking up, eating, drinking, sleep.


    And several days later with only instances of the creepy walking blind bats appearing or dead ends that makes Gilmore annoyed.


    Then Gilmore realized that he underestimated the cave system. He thought that he might already explored huge portion of it but his perspective change when days of exploration shows him no significant progress.


    For Gilmore''s mind. The cave system might be bigger than all of the Reverse Tower layers combined.


    .


    .


    .


    Another day of exploration, Gilmore finally discovers a new thing in the cave, but it only gives him dread and sadness.


    In front of him is a skeletal remains of an Adventurer. Base on the attire and its hair, it must be a female cleric. With the bright light on his lamp, Gilmore notices something shining and after carefully getting it on the skeleton''s chest. He finds the Golden Adventurer tag of the fallen cleric.


    NAME: Lucilia Nihim


    AGE: 20


    BRANCH: Flistan


    Gilmore feels pain that such youngling''s adventure just ended in such cold, isolated place like the cave system. He cleans the tag and put it on his pocket. He pays respect to the fallen then proceeds to continue his journey.


    With new discovery. Gilmore learns how the Gold Adventurers went missing, but he needs to learns the mechanics on how the teleportation even happen... Or how to even escape the grueling place he currently in.


    There''s also his mission of finding Grand Ecstasy and his lifetime quest that passed down to him by his ancestor which the only things that makes Gilmore continue his journey. The cave system might lead him on answering the long time mystery of the tower and his family.


    Gilmore finish the day by writing all of his discovery in his journal then getting sleep.


    .


    .


    .


    2 days nothingness later, Gilmore discover a very groundbreaking discovery.


    "An arrow?"


    In the stone wall in front of him is an arrow molded in the stone using manipulation magic that points in a direction.


    Gilmore walks to the direction the arrow pointed at and he saw another arrow pointed at the same direction. To ensure that the arrows are not just a fluke, he step backwards bypassing the first arrow he saw and after few steps. He also find the arrow pointing on the direction he previously went.


    Gilmore easily realized how the arrow exist. He smiles and touch the arrow.


    "Thank you Grand Ecstasy."


    With a new clue found, Gilmore is now even more optimistic that he could see Grand Ecstasy still alive as long as he follows the guide they created and after following dozens of arrow. His body clock finally ticks and he decides to quickly have a dinner, then falls asleep early.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Meanwhile, Grand Ecstasy is currently watching on Mateo''s laptop. The team is currently watching a movie named All Quiet in the Western Front.


    "Are you telling me your world have these kind of war?" Claustrine asked with a grim expression as she watches the war machines and humans killing each other.


    "To think that a civilization with no magic can be this deadly. I''m amazed and terrified at the same time." Beltrand''s opinion.


    Shirna meanwhile is seriously watching the film. He was so fixated on whats for him are metal magic wands that shoots what looks like a solid chunk of metals. But he remembers that Mateo''s world doesn''t have magic.


    "Guys... Can we change the moobie?" Sophie suggest. She was feeling uneasy watching the movie that is a representation of a real war. As a cleric, he can''t stand watching people falling to such meaningless death.


    "Should I change it?" Mateo asked his friends who gives an nod. They thought that they should not watch such negative thing especially in the situation they have right now.


    Mateo close the movie and changes the movie into a modern martial arts film.


    Half an hour later, the four seems so entertained on the people fighting on what seems like perfect violent dance. Bertrand is more interested to see completely new fighting style.


    "Mateo..."


    "Yes?"


    "Is people of your world fight like these?" Beltrand asked as she watch the acrobatic maneuvers of the actors.


    "No no. Just like I said, its just a theatre and the people you see there practice for days to do such elaborate combat stunts. But in terms of real life. Most the martial arts they show doesn''t have practical use other than artistic presentations."


    "Most? Are you telling me that there''s more martial arts in your world?" Beltrand asked, even more interested.


    "Yes. Some are not combat oriented, others are truly made for combat just like this one." Mateo said as he points on the actor doing Muay Thai. Beltrand watches the actor do numerous devastating kicks to an unfortunated enemy. The one Mateo pointed seems specialized on using the hard parts of the body like the knee as weapon and targeting vulnerable parts of the opponent.


    "Ohhhh... Thats nasty." Beltrand reacts when the Muay Thai fighter gives a powerful high kick to a mob''s head, instantly knocking him out.


    Sophia, Claustrine and Shirna meanwhile winces as they feel the impact of the kick.


    "And your world have more martial arts right?" Beltrand asked.


    "Ohh... You seems very interested." Mateo smiles.


    Beltrand smirks.


    "Hahaha you got me. Yes."


    "I see. To answer your question earlier. Yes, there''s numerous martial arts to the point that there''s also a thing called Mixed Martial Arts tournaments."


    "Now thats interesting."


    The party finishes watching the movie then decides to sleep so they can continue their travel tommorow.


    .


    .


    .


    The next day...


    Only seperated by a thick curtain. Claustrine is currently waiting for the command from the other side.


    "Claustrine. Water please..." Beltrand calls.


    Claustrine summons a ball of water above Beltrand which slowly showers down, washing all the soap on Bertrands body.


    "Grrr.... So cold!"


    Claustrine suddenly stops the pouring and increase the temperature of the water. He manipulates a small portion to her and touch the water and ensures that the water is not so hot that it can cause harm. She continues to pour the water.


    "Hot hot hot hot hot! What the!"


    "Sorry." Claustrine apologize but she have a satisfied sly smile.


    After few minutes, Beltrand exits the makeshift washroom feeling fresh with a towel on his lower side.


    "Geez. If you can make hot water, you should did it at the start."


    "You know I can''t do multiple spells if you want me to continue summoning water right?"


    "I know... Still thanks for the water."


    "You''re welcome."


    "Ok next!?" Bertrand shouts then she goes to a secluded spot to dress himself.


    "Meeee!" Sophia goes to the curtain with ethusiasm.


    "Claustrine... Water please..."


    "Okayyy..."


    As Sophia washes. Mateo and Shirna are waiting on their turn and to not get bored, they just talking with each other.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "You know guys. I wonder. I didn''t even see an instance that we drink the water casted by Claustrine?"


    "Are you seriously asked that?" Claustrine hears Shirna''s question.


    "Of course I am. Even in the most direst situation, we didn''t even drink a single drop of water from Claustrine''s magic."


    "Don''t worry. As a human from another world, I also asked the same thing." Mateo said.


    Claustrine sighs...


    "Did you know the story of the 3rd Humilean Desert Expedition?" Claustrine asked.


    "Not heard of it." Both Mateo and Shirna says.


    "I gonna summarize the story that happened hundreds of years ago. 3rd expedition gets lost in the Great Humilean Desert and after years, their remains finally found in the new charted areas. Along the remains is a very detailed journal detailing what they dealt with."


    "How is that related to my question?"


    "Claustrine, water pleaseeeeee..."


    "Okayy"


    Claustrine cast another water.


    "The journal tells how their water supply is now gone and one suggested the idea of using magic to cast water that they can drink."


    Beltrand appears now fully clothed.


    "What Claustrine is talking about?" Beltrand asked.


    "She''s telling why we can''t drink the magic casted water." Mateo answered.


    "Ohhh..."


    "At first the party is saved but that''s also the few remaining journal entry just tell that they need a constant consumption of magic casted water to remain survive."


    "What? They got poisoned?"


    "No. Far worse."


    "What do you mean far worse?"


    "Remember how remains of my magic dissapears after few minutes?"


    "I remem- wait.... Oh no." Shirna is shocked as he have a gist on what happened.


    "An Academia magician in the past makes a risky experiment to himself by only drinking magic casted water just to better understand what the 3rd Expedition went. The moment he become thirsty, he drinks the casted water then after 2 minutes. He become thirsty again then he drinks casted water and he continues this routine. His thirst getting even worse for each time the water dissapears on his body. He only lasted a day before he call it quits when he almost died. Fortunately for him, he also included an assisstant on his experiment that observed him and act the moment the experiment go bad."


    "I-I think I understand now..."


    "Water pleaseeeeee...." Sophia sofly said. Claustrine cast another blob of water.


    "Good. Imagine getting in repeated extreme thirst and false relief but each time the thirst gets even worse. And imagine that happening to you for days. That''s pretty much what happened to the 3rd Humilean Desert expedition." Claustrine ends the story.


    "But I read that a human can last 3 days without water. How the dehydration happens faster when drinking magic casted water?" Mateo asked.


    "Dehaydreysyun?" Claustrine asked.


    "It''s the sitution of slowly losing water in your body."


    "Ah I see... Academics also consider the condition like the expedition surely gets water drained due to harsh and hot desert environment. But if the magician already almost dying within a single day when he''s in a very safe environment, the Academics assumed that due to the magic caster water mixing with real water in the body, the real water also dissapears thus further accelarating the d-dehy-drasyun." Claustrine explained.


    "Well. That''s a reasonable explanation."


    "How about things desolved in water?" Shirna asked.


    "Water pleaseeeeee...." Sophia shouts which Claustrine followed immediately before continuing her explanation.


    "They create safer experiments without involving consumption. And after disappearance. Sugar, salt, and tea are left behind as thin layers. Soups becomes dehydrated mix of everything except water, sauces solidified and breads that used magic casted water doesn''t even become bread and just turned into lump of coal or solid block of flour mixed with other ingredients due to the water disappearring before even the bread is done baking."


    "And the reason why we only use magic to wash things is because we use it to remove something in our body instead of drinking or mixing it?"


    "Exactly. Thats why, Magic casted water is only useful in cleaning."


    "How about manipulation magic?" Shirna asked.


    "Manipulation magic is a different thing as you just manipulating an already existing element in the surrounding like water in the river or soil from the ground. So they don''t disappear."


    "Makes sense." Shirna''s only answer.


    "So how do it feels like getting quick lessons from a mage?" Mateo asked.


    "Uhmmm I learned a lot on a topic that I don''t know.. Thanks for the explanation Claustrine."


    "You''re welcome." Claustrine happily said.


    "Done!" Sophia says after leaving the bath area. She''s already have some clothing and just gonna need to wear her robe.


    "You always really take your time Sophia." Claustrine said. Her eyes have full of disbelief as its always the case when the party is having a bath time.


    "Sorry Claustrine. Its just the soaps from Mateo''s world that you lend to me are just too good. Especially the one used in hair. Just look how silky my hair is!" Sophia smugly said while swing her hair by hand.


    "Fair enough." Claustrine only said. She remembers the moment when Sophia sees her smooth and silky hair.  Sophia is prying her so hard to tell the secret until the moment Mateo reveal when everything finally makes sense to her. Claustrine have no choice but to share the goods.


    "Shirna. It''s your turn now." Mateo said.


    "Okay..." Shirna said then he picks his things then proceeds to go to the bathplace.


    "Do you still have energy?" Mateo asked Claustrine as he already used considerable amount of mana.


    "I''m fine. As long as I only summon small blobs of water with long intervals. But to be honest, I just want you, Beltrand and Shirna to bath together so I don''t use so much time and mana." Claustrine states her opinion.


    The party finishes their bath and proceeds to continue their journey.


    .


    .


    .


    After some time, Shirna notices something in the distance.


    "Wait, what is that?" Shirna said then he poitns on the direction. There, they see what seems lime specks of blue light.


    With no answers to their question. Grand Ecstasy walks to the direction and when they get closer, the lights also starts to get dimmer.


    "They still emmit light but..." Claustrine said as he takes a closer look on the faint blue light near her.


    Understanding the situation. Mateo turns off the modern lamp he was holding and from the instant the lights go out, their surroundings is instantly surrounding by sea of tiny blue lights that looks like the night sky.


    From the party''s perspective, it looks like they''re walking to a tunnel of stars.


    "It''s beautiful..." Sophia''s awe.


    "A-amazing..." Beltrand agrees.


    "What are those?" Claustrine''s curiousity.


    "I think those are molds doing bioluminescence." Mateo answers.


    "Bayu what?" Sophia asked.


    "In my world. There''s some creatures, commonly the small ones that can produce light that looks like these called bioluminescence. But this is the first time I see it on this world." Mateo explained as he watch the lights who also fluctuates imitating the twinkling stars.


    "I see..." Claustrine only words as she saw Mateo fixated on the scenery. Claustrine smiles.


    Grand Ecstasy stays silent within seconds watching the beauty before Mateo breaks the silence.


    "Do you want to set up a camp here?"


    "Of course." -Beltrand.


    "Sounds good." -Shirna


    The party after having a dinner, just enjoy the scenery. It feels like they''re stargazing while getting nostalgic on their past adventures. Grand Ecstasy feels happy that such serene view exist in such dark and maddening environment.


    More days passed and Mateo''s phone and laptop already shuts down as the battery and the spare power banks he brings are emptied out. Their supplies are also starting to get low.


    They already walked vast distance at the moment. Comparable to traveling on different cities.


    But their hope still remains until the moment when they finally reach something that might lead them outside of the gigantic cave system.


    "A door?" Claustrine said as she observes the simple metal door.


    "FINALLY! THE EXIT!" Sophia screams.


    "I expected a more grandeur exit. Like you know, huge metal door with intricate details." Beltrand''s opinion.


    Shirna is already near the door and investigated it.


    "It doesn''t have any lock mechanism. And pretty much open. Should we enter?"


    Mateo gulps...


    "Yes."


    Beltrand gently open the door and they see what seems like a greatly lit room.


    "Claustrine. Check."


    Claustrine close her eyes and increase her arcane sense. It only takes a few seconds for her to cast Arcane detection.


    "There''s a sign of magic but its farther and deeper. I assume that it''s a teleportation circle that leads us back to the layers." Claustrine reported.


    "Shirna."


    "Ok." Shirna replies.


    Shirna enters the room with great caution as he was looking for any signs of death traps while the other members just wait outside. After few minutes. Shirna returns with a very concerned look on his face.


    "Base on your appearance. I guess the room is strapped to the bone." Beltrand said.


    "No. That''s not it." Shirna said which raise an eyebrow from Mateo.


    "What do you mean?" Mateo asked.


    "I think it''s better to see it yourselves."


    Grand Ecstasy enters the room and after gawking on numerous bookshelves and unknown apparatuses. They finally see the elephant in the room.


    "No way..." Beltrand said while looking on the thing in the floor. A slight fear is visible on his face.


    But unlike Beltrand, Sophia is shaking. Her eyes is full of dread while she looks on the the thing in the floor that her church fears the most.


    "W-Why that thing is e-even here in the first place?!" Claustrine is well versed on the remains laying in floor due to her education. She counts the horns and after counting, her fear increased even further.


    Mateo meanwhile. He didn''t personally see the being they observing right now but base on the history and all the fear that still lingers to people on this world. The appearance of such being in such location is a big deal.


    Surrounded by Grand ecstasy is the 8 feet skeletal remains of a Eight-horned Vielarata. The remains is badly damage but. Their estimate being just its already 2 years ago after its death


    And the fact that it was a Eight-horned, a rank that requires few Platinum-ranked adventurers with preparation just to kill one. But there''s one question that still lingers on their mind.


    WHAT IS THE THING INSIDE THAT SO POWERFUL IT CAN KILL A EIGHT-HORNED VIELARATA?


    Grand Ectasy sees the wide entrance to the deeper parts of the room... Yet, they can''t even take a single step due to fear. Fear on something that they can''t even comprehend yet. With droplets of cold sweat on their face, each one of them look on each other''s eyes.


    "Should we continue?" Beltrand ask the question.


    Grand Ectasy can feel that the exit is inside the mysterious chamber yet they don''t have the confidence to confront the whatever the thing is beneath them.


    Still, retreating and just staying in the cave complex would just lead them to a hopeless, insanity driven and slow death.


    "Should we search this place first? We might found something that can help us." Claustrine suggested but the only reason that she say such nonsense thing is to decrease the tension the party currently have.


    Without saying a word. Grand Ecstasy starts to search the area in hopes that they can find any sort of item that might be useful and fighting the unidentified monster. But because the only thing there are stacks of books and other experiment tool, Claustrine is the only one that sees some interesting materials. All of it are made by Julzhihar.


    Reverse Tower manuals 1-10


    Scroll containing Reverse Tower map with secret areas not known to everyone. But for some reason, Layer 9 and 10 is in the map but the existence of the Cave system is nowhere to be found.


    Magic Circle study which Claustrine assumes contain vital information about the Teleportation Circles that transfers them to the area.


    And the most intriguing book for Claustrine is the personal diary of Julzhihar himself.


    And after further searching. Claustrine finds a book that might help them a little bit. He puts all the other books to her dimensional storage except the new book and proceeds to tell it to everyone.


    "Guys. I found something."


    "What is it?" Mateo asked.


    "Reverse Tower Beast Almanac." Claustrine says the title of the book while showing the front cover to her friend.


    Grand Ecstasy proceeds to skim the book in search of anything that can give hints on how to deal with the monster who is capable of killing a poweful Vielarata.


    But their search turns out to be in vain...


    "No. Every beast listed here are already recorded by the guild except for some Apex variants that didn''t discovered yet. This is useless." Claustrine stated.


    "Do you think an unique Apex can do it?" Mateo asked while pointing to the remains of the Eight-horned Vielarata.


    "No. Not a single chance that it would happen. Even a Four-horned can stomp an Apex if they serious enough." Beltrand says as he remembers the stories of the Vielarata encounters from his time in the knight school.


    "I agree with Beltrand." Claustrines says.


    Mateo sighs. He proceeds to think for a moment before stating his decision as a leader.


    "We going down. That''s the only thing we can do."


    "Are you sure? How about we just wait for someone to come here? We already put the markers to this direction so it might take a shorter time for rescue to reach us." Sophia''s opinion.


    "We don''t have enough resources to wait for that long." Mateo''s response.


    Grand Ecstasy stay silent for a moment before giving a deep sigh. Then all of them stand up.


    "Ok let''s fucking do it!" Beltrand shouts. Trying his best to act tough as he was picking up his sword and shield.


    "I-I''m scared..." Sophia''s soft voice.


    "Everyone is scared, don''t worry." Mateo said.


    "May the Gods and Goddesses bless us." Sophia''s short prayer before preparing her gears.


    Claustrine looks on the remains of the Vielarata and decides to pick all the bones and put if on her own Bag of Storage. Then she rips a piece of blank paper on one of the books then writes something on it with his Earthly pen and put in inside of her robe pocket.


    "What are you doing?" Shirna saw what Claustrine did and look at her with confusion.


    "Don''t mind me. I just doing some safekeeping." Claustrine replies.


    "Ok." Shirna just ignored it and proceeds to follow the rest of his friends. Claustrine then follows them as they proceeds to walk down the wide staircase leading to darkness.


    After a short while, Grand Ecstasy reach the bottom. At first, they can''t see anything and walks aimlessly. But to their surprise, lights starts to appear, surrounding th¨¦m one by one and when every light is lit on, Grand Ecstasy sees that they''re in what looks like a huge circular arena. Then in the middle, everyone sees a humanoid lightly armored figure.


    "Who is that?" Shirna asked.


    "Is that... A woman?" Beltrand asked as he can clearly see some curviture and the long hair, but he can''t see the face due to the distance.


    The figure is standing still facing the party, his sword is planted in front of her and her hands placed at top of it. Like a knight waiting for the opponent.


    "Should we ask her?" Sophia''s suggestion.


    "No. In fact, prepare yourselves for combat." Mateo stated with a grim and serious expression on his face.


    "Why?"


    "That''s... the one who killed the Vielarata above. And from its intimidating aura, it seems like she want us dead." Mateo''s cold words that sends shivers to everyone''s spine.


    Grand Ecstasy quickly switch on their full combat mode. The knightly figure response to their combat stance by pulling his sword to the ground, revealing that it was twice her lenght. The room light gets brighter revealing that it was really woman with long silver hair, bluish skin and clear white eyes with no pupil nor iris. Just pure white. She don''t have any expression on her face and just move to her combat stance in a very human yet also clunky manner.

 Ch. 12 - Overwhelming Power

    The two opposing force are just staring with each other.


    One side is Grand Ecstasy, cold sweats dripping on their face as they feel the intimidation. The tension is really digging on their skin to the point that everyone is shaking with fear.


    On the other side is the uncanny female knight with a very refined combat posture. Mateo can''t really tell what the opponent feels as despite looking like human, its pokerface partnered by fully white eyes doesn''t show any kind of emotion.


    Everyone is just waiting for each others'' first move with silence. The only sound they can hear is the humming of the cave or whatever the thing that makes the peculiar sound inside.


    The stand-off continues for entire 20 seconds and then...


    .


    .


    .


    !!!


    The knight dash so fast that Mateo almost can''t see the sudden attack.


    "BELTRAND!" Mateo just screams. Wishing that Bertrand also sees the knight''s movement and her target.


    TING!


    "Huh?" Sophia is shocked to see Beltrand suddenly in front of her, holding his shield that blocks the absurdly long sword of the knight. She suddenly feel grim with the realization that she almost died at that moment, Sophia makes a terrified expression after imagining getting skewered by the sword.


    Mateo makes a counter attack by dashing on the knight and doing an empowered sword swing with an intent of decapitation. But the knight just cassually dodge it by jumping backwards thus increasing the gap like before.


    "Everyone! Don''t lose your focus if you don''t want to die!" Mateo commands his team.


    The knight just stand far away from them, looks like watching Grand Ecstasy with curiousity.


    "Sophia! Cast all the buffs, we going to defend you if she''s going to attack again!"


    "Ok!"


    Sophia quickly follow Mateo''s command and cast all the buffs she knows one-by-one.


    "Stamina Regeneration." Enhance the natural stamina regenaration of a person''s body.


    "Flexebility 2." Increase the body''s speed and reaction time.


    "Wait a minute. Why she''s not attacking?" Shirna asked.


    "I have no idea but who cares. It''s a good thing for us." Beltrand responded followed by a concerned smile.


    "Perhaps she wants us to fight with all of our best." Claustrine''s answer.


    "Is the power disparity really that huge?" Shirna continues to ask. But no one answers as the truth is painful.


    "Powered will 1." Increases resistances to magic based attack.


    "Blessed coating 1." Grants people a thin layer of yellow aura covering their body that can block attacks to some extent. More effective on certain type of enemies.


    "Strenght 1" Increases the body''s natural strenght.


    Mateo and Beltrand enhances their weapons with mana while Shirna puts all of his types of arrows she pulled on his bag of storgae and put them on his quiver.


    "Haste 1" Increase the body''s movement speed.


    "That''s all the buffs!" Sophia screams.


    "What''s our plan?" Beltrand asked.


    "Let''s go on the offensive." Mateo''s simple command.


    "Ok!"


    Mateo intiates the attack and his friends follows him. The knight also dash forward and when they''re close enough.


    "Duck!" Mateo shouts which everyone instantly follows. Dodging a full horizontal swing from the knight.


    Being the closest to the knight, Mateo makes an upward swing but the knight just casually dodge it by making one step backwards. The tip of Mateo''s sword just almost scratch the knight''s nose.


    "Shit." Mateo just said and then he see the knight preparing to give him a front kick.


    The knight kicks Mateo''s stomach that sends him flying until Beltrand catches him.


    "Are you ok?"


    "Just continue the attack."


    Claustrine casts numerous fireballs while Shirna use a three arrows coated with the poison of Galahar - A species of dragon known for their potent poison. Being a monster that can only be hunted by Hero ranked adventurers, Shirna spents big amount of money to gain a small vial that he can use to the very moment they have now.


    The fireball hits first creating a smokescreen then the arrows followed but if the arrows hit or miss is still unknown.


    "Retreat. Attacking with that smoke screen is risky." Mateo''s command


    Grand Ecstasy slowly walks backwards and just watch for the smoke to make a sudden movement which means the knight moves to attack them. But the smoke slowly dissappears.


    "I guess that was expected." Claustrine us not surprised that her attack doesn''t even make damage.


    "Look. One of the arrow hits her." Shirna points to the arrow that strikes the Knight''s leg.


    "What kind of arrow you used?" Mateo asked.


    "My strongest poison arrow. Coated with Galahar''s venom." Shirna answered with a very proud expression.


    "GALAHAR?! Where do you even get that kind of poison?!" Claustrine is surprised.


    "I buy it of course. But the price is something that makes me broke for months you know." Shirna said then he frowns a little bit reminiscing his broke days after the purchase.


    "Let''s wait if the poison would take effect."


    The knight looks on the arrow embeded on her leg. But with no hesistation, the knight just pulled it instantly and casually throw the arrow to the ground. There''s no blood leaking on the wound created by the arrow.


    Both side remains in stand-off for few seconds. Each passing moment makes Shirna looks more concerned.


    "No way..." Shirna said.


    "What''s the matter?" Sophia asked.


    "That poison should already in effect now and she must be laying in the floor, paralyzed..."


    "I see... This only means one thing... The one we facing right now is already a dead man." Mateo said.


    "Dead woman." Beltrand corrects Mateo who just look at him with disbelief.


    "To be honest, she''s not really look like a living person to begin with. There''s no single drop of blood leaked on her body. Also, her skin color and eyes." Claustrine said.


    "Regardless... It''s good that we learn something about her. Sophia, prepare your purification spells." Mateo said to Sophia.


    "Got it!"


    The undead knight breaks the truce by dashing in front of Grand Ecstasy and make a vertical smash. The slam is so powerful that it destroys the floor, sending chunks of rock everywhere.


    But it doesn''t hit Grand Ecstasy who already dodge the attack, each of them are now scattered.


    The knight notices that Shirna is the nearest enemy and proceeds to make a stabbing attack. Shirna manages to dodge but he can feel the pressure on it. He leaps backwards to create distance then fires 3 arrows, all aimed on the knight''s face.


    But the knight just catch all three arrows with a single hand.


    "No way!" Shirna screams in disbelief.


    "Not yet!"


    Mateo rushes to the knight and kicks the arrows that still on her hand. The plan is to push the arrow on her face but to Mateo''s surprise, the knight''s arm doesn''t even bulge and the only thing destroyed is the back of arrow he kicked.


    With no time to recover from his forceful attack, Mateo watch as the knight raise her arm holding the arrows and point the tips to him. Planning to use to arrow as some sort of dagger as her absurdly long sword is not suitable in such close range.


    But the knight stops when she feels something cold hits her back. Seeing the knight interrupted, Mateo quickly escapes.


    "Thank you Trinne!"


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    The knight looks to the source of the attack only to see Claustrine with a serious expression on her face. A dozen of icycle are floating around her, all aimed on the knight.


    The knight rushes towards Claustrine who respond by firing all the icicles and also adding more, creating a barrage of icicle spears. But the knight just easily dodge or block the icicles with ease.


    Claustrine stops her barrage of frozen spikes and the knight is getting closer. Yet Claustrine is unbothered and creates a fast and powerful diagonal rock pillar far behind her. For reason, It halts and doesn''t even tries to reach the rushing knight.


    Until 1 seconds later...


    THUD!


    the knight suddenly receive a powerful blunt force to her face, stopping her on track and the impact push her back for 1 meter.


    The knight recovers quickly and looks like doesn''t recieve damage at all except from a very small dent on her cheek that caused by the unknown attack.


    The Knight doesn''t even got the time to comprehend what just happened as she got assaulted by barrage of attacks from the unseen enemy.


    Until...


    THUD!


    The Knight kicks something that makes a sound. The invisible foe is sent flying and despite not being seen by the naked eye, the Knight jumps in the air, points her long blade to the ground and makes a plunging attack.


    TING!


    The plunge hits something that makes a metallic sound. The impact is so strong that it creates a crater on the ground.


    As the knight is focused on thrusting her blade, she suddenly sent flying away as it turns out a rock pillar hits her flank.


    Seeing the airborne knight. Shirna proceeds to shoot numerous types of arrows on her disposal, wishing that one of them works.


    Everything just happened in the air. Smokes, burst of flame, cloud of poison, explosions. The arrows sent by Shirna cause chaos in the air to the point that the Knight is obsucured.


    A trail of smoke falls down to the ground and when the smoke dissapears, the Knight reveals herself to be unaffected.


    Claustrine rushes to the crater and then sees Beltrand slowly appears. He was clinging on his shield that almost got destroyed by the plunging attack.


    "Can you move?" Claustrine asked.


    "Yeah. I managed to block two of her attack. But my back is damaged a little bit."


    Claustrine helps Beltrand to stand up.


    "I guess your stealth magic is not viable tactic anymore." Beltrand said.


    "I hate to admit but... Yes."


    "Atleast we managed to land several hits." Beltrand said then make a proud smile.


    Meanwhile, Shirna is constantly dodging all of the Knight''s attack. Thanks for his agility, he can still buy time. But Shirna knows that one hit from those devastating attack might make her unable to fight for the rest of the battle or worse... Dead.


    He already spent all of his arrows and now resorted on using his dagger. Unknown for the Knight, Shirna already did numerous counter attacks but she didn''t even notices all of it because it doesn''t do any damage.


    "Why your body is so tough!" Shirna screams.


    Shirna is starting to get tired and as time goes on, his movement also become slower.


    And the worst happen when he''s incapable of dodging anymore and choked out. He trying to move his legs to no avail. The Knight makes a horizontal swing, aiming on Shirna''s neck. Shirna just close his eyes, not even enough time to say something.


    CLANG!


    Hearing the lound sound of steel, Shirna instantly opened his eyes and see Mateo using all of his strenght trying to push the Knight''s sword using his own sword. The two swords are making a rattling sound.


    "Move." Mateo said which Shirna easily understand. Shirna uses adrenaline to leap and leave the area of combat. His leap is very rushed and forced that he didn''t even get a proper landing and instead land with his side first.


    "Ugh..." Shirna''s discomfort.


    Knowing that Shirna is no longer nearby, Mateo finally can''t hold the gargantuan strenght of the female Knight and deflect her sword upwards. Then Mateo use the open space created to release two cross slash before leaping backwards.


    "Tsk!" Mateo is still upset as his attacks still didn''t make any sort of damage. The knight goes on offensive and rushes to Mateo who do his best to lure the Knight. But Mateo notices that something is off.


    Despite wielding a sword twice her lenght, the Knight is now manages to do a very fast and organized barrage of slashes. Mateo is now getting overwhelmed.


    "Why you suddenly become powerful!?" Mateo screams out of annoyance as he tries to block all of the attacks.


    THUD!


    The Knight stops attacking as he blocks Beltrand''s plunge attack using his free hand. She now holds the mace that Beltran use. But instead of trying to get it back. Beltran just let it go and create distance.


    And Mateo realizes why as he saw Claustrine chanting and dark clouds starts appearing above. He also creates distance.


    "-Uil. Lend me your strenght and accept my deepest gratitude..."


    Claustrine points her staff to the Knight.


    "THUNDER CALL!!!"


    A lightning falls from the clouds down to the Knight, illuminating the whole room for few seconds. They see the knight seems uninjured but not moving.


    Mateo looks to the ground and sees that the line Sophia and him created while Shirna is distracting the Knight is not affected by the lightning strike. As if the Knight''s body absorbs the attack and not affect the ground below.


    Now. Everyone just wait for Sophia''s turn.


    "Light shall defeat darkness,


    Irregularity created by the God


    of Chaos,


    You don''t have place in the world of living..." Sophia chants while holding her wand in praying posture.


    The circle lights up and now show the entirerity of its complex stracture. But the knights doesn''t show any sort of reaction.


    "Oh my Goddess of Light Vivvily. As her devout believer, I shall banish you to this existence. With the power of the Goddess, I order you to return to your wicked world and never return!"


    Sophia stabs her wand to the ground and a line of light appears, connecting the wand and the magic circle. Sophia then raise her hands and concentrates her mana on it. Now her hands is covered in glowing bright yellow light.


    "Purifying Arts: Goddess'' Smite!"


    Sophia puts her hands above her wand and all of her channeled magic is now transfered to the wand and then to the magic circle. A very bright light arise from the magic circle, engulfing the the Knight. The whole room is now fully illuminated again partnered by high tone screeching sound.


    "M-more..." Sophia said as she continues to pump mana to her wand even though she starts to get exhausted.


    Other members of Grand Ecstasy run towards Sophia and prepares if the Knight dares to make any attack to Sophia. Grand Ecstasy watch as the pillar of light slowly becomes smaller.


    .


    .


    .


    Purifying Arts. One of the magic employed by Church of Vivvily and also considered as the most poweful and potent magic they have due to the nature of the said magic.


    Millenias ago. From what the church called "Deistic War" written on their holy scripture. When all of the Gods and Goddesses of the world fights a Powerful Being which existence is slowly erased by time.


    Only recently named "God of Darkness" due to its evil existence, the God of Darkness did the unthinkable and blessed his believers the magic to reanimate and control the dead. From a small dead body of a rat, to a human skeleton or corpse, up until to the body of dead but dangerous creatures capable of destruction of great magnitude. To counter this, Vivvily alongside other Gods specialized on life creation gifted her believers Purifying Arts, magic made to erase the Dark God''s essence infused to the dead. Purifying Arts is designed to only guaranteed destroy the Evil magic inside and not destroy the body in respect for the dead. Also the reason why it doesn''t affect the living nor did any sort of damage. That Potency is also the reason why Purifying Arts is deadly against undead despite being the one casted the spell is just a lower ranked priest of the Church.


    Due to the passage of time and lack of preservation. The church estimates that only 3 Purifying Arts exist to this day and what Sophia used is one of the powerful ones. But, because of its huge prep time, its either only use for ritualistic purification when the target is already incapacitated.


    .


    .


    .


    Which only make everyone reacts with shock and horror when the pillar of light finally dissapears and reveal the results of such powerful attack.


    "I-Impossible..." Claustrine said with grim look on her eyes.


    "B-b-but how!?" Shirna becomes scared.


    Mateo and Beltrand can only look with concerned expression. Sweat drops slowly drips on their faces.


    In front of them is the same Knight. Not even a single sign of damage is visible and it''s just standing still without worry to the world, looking at them with zero expression. But there''s one thing Grand Ecstansy can surely see.


    It''s still alive... And not an reanimated dead.


    "N-n-no... w-way...." Sophia said. Tears flows through her cheeks before finally collapsing due to mana exhaustion. The fact that the used all of her mana only for it to do absolutely nothing must hurt her emotionally.


    "Beltrand. Carry Sophia to a safe place and make her drink this. We watch for that thing." Mateo said then throws a vial to Beltrand who manage to catch it.


    Beltrand sees that the vial is a some sort of potion. Probably a way to recover stamina. He nods then proceeds to carry Sophia and walks away.


    "Well. That means whatever that thing is, surely not an undead." Mateo said, trying make light of their situation.


    "I guess so." Claustrine agrees.


    "Not only poison is not effective but also Purifying Arts. This is absurd." Shirna complains.


    "And I assume that the lightning strike doesn''t even paralyze her. She probably just stand there only to see what happens. What an interesting fella." Claustrine commented with spite.


    Beltrand returns and draws his sword and shield.


    "Why she still doesn''t attack us?" Beltran asked.


    "Who knows? Maybe all of our shits we did earlier finally takes effect." Mateo said.


    "Nice optimism you got there." Claustrine answer with sarcastic tone.


    "Please! Can everyone take this situation seriously? I''m getting scared here you know!" Shirna complains.


    Claustrine, Mateo, Beltran just look at Shirna with slight surprise then followed by soft laugh.


    "What''s funny!? Geez, I still can''t understand you guys." Shirna just become more annoyed.


    "Sorry Shirna. This is just how Grand Ecstasy do their life. I thought you already experience it yourself." Mateo said with a smile.


    Shirna remembers the happy moments in the past along with Grand Ecstasy.


    "I guess so."


    Realizing that there''s still a very powerful enemy they need to face. Shirna, Mateo, Beltran and Claustrine focus their attention to the knight. Only to get awestruck.


    "What?" The four simultanously said.


    What they saw is a Knight smiling. But not with malice nor wickedness. The Knight''s smile is serene and gentle, like she''s looking on something nostalgic.


    The four feels confused on the Knight''s sudden show of emotion. But they can''t seem to feel disturbed as that the gentle smile is somehow genuine.


    "W-what is that supposed to mean?" Beltrand asked.


    "I have no idea." Claustrine answers honestly.


    But Mateo seeing such peculiar interaction wants to try something.


    "Does that mean... We pass some sort of test?" Mateo asked the knight directly.


    Shirna, Claustrine and Beltran look at Mateo. Equally confused as earlier.


    "What does that supposed to mean?" Shirna copied what Belran said.


    "According to some stories I read in my world. This might be some sort of test. Maybe she''s some sort of examiner because she guard the exit? And that smile is a validation." Mateo''s hypothesis with total seriousness on his face.


    Beltrand and Claustrine just pats Mateo''s shoulder and gives a dissapointed sigh.


    "In your dreams." Shirna said with a concerned look.


    The four adventurers focus their attention to the Knight when they notice it move. The smile is now gone and she goes back to her poker face. She change combat stance, from a refined and elegant posture to now feral and vicious posture that looks like a predator. Crouching using her feet and arm while holding the very long sword that now over in her shoulder. The Knight is looking at the party like its ready to pounce her prey.


    "See?" Shirna added while pointing to the knight.


    The Knight finally do the offensive. Her leap is fast that Beltran barely even manages to block the brutal full downward wing the Knight did while mid air. The force is so strong, it even manage to create a small crater below Beltran''s feet.


    "Why her attack suddenly becomes so heavy!" Beltrand complains before screaming and throwing the blade he block upwards.


    But the Knight quickly shifts her position and now standing at Beltrand''s shield. Using the force provided by Beltran as additional power, the Knight jumps and its so great that she managed to reach the ceiling.


    Without wasting a moment, the Knight bounce to the ceiling into the Grand Ecstasy. The power of the Knight plus the gravity tells the four that its a attack that they can not block. So instead of trying to parry the upcoming plunging strike, the party just leave the area of impact.


    And the decision is proven to be a good choice as the Knight crash like a very huge builder fallen from a tall cliff. They can feel the tremor on their feet and the crash creates huge dust cloud that hides the Knight.


    Seeing such destruction. Cold sweat flows again in everyone''s face.


    "Everyone. I want to tell something." Mateo said.


    "Say it now before she attack us again." -Claustrine.


    "I believe. Our opponent becomes stronger as the time goes on. If we not manage to stop her, we going to the point where we can''t even able to dodge her offensives." Mateo said.


    Claustrine, Shirna and Beltrand gulps as they can clearly see what their Leader is implying. Now that they see a huge spike of power the Knight have.


    "I think we don''t need to wait that long to reach that point." Beltrand commented.


    "That''s why we need to unleash everything we have to just even have a chance." Mateo grimly said.

 Ch. 13 - Bloodline

    "Claustrine, wipe that dust cloud." - Mateo''s order.


    Claustrine didn''t say anything and just summon a ball of wind then throw it to the dust cloud. It hits the intended target to no effect but it manages to remove the cloud by exploding on impact and sending high pressure winds everywhere.


    And the proud stature of the female knight reveals itself.


    The Knight answers the hostility by dashing on Claustrine''s direction. Mateo and Beltran quickly position themselves to defend Claustrine.


    "I block her attack and use that time to do something." Beltrand said to Mateo. Mateo nods.


    The Knight thrust her sword, intending to stab Mateo but Beltrand successful blocks the attack using his shield. The shield caves in a little due to the Knight''s absurd power applied in a single focal point.


    Mateo waste no time and empowers her sword. Using the short moment, he creates momentum and swing his sword to the Knight''s neck.


    Mateo''s powerful decapitation strike doesn''t even make a dent to the Knight''s neck who seems unbothered.


    The Knight use more power to further penetrate Beltrand''s shield. The shield caves in even further and as it happens, Mateo just continued to unleash barrage of attacks to the Knight. Each strike didn''t leave a scratch.


    "Mateo! I can''t hold her any longer!"


    "I trying my best!" Mateo screams.


    Beltrand''s shield cave in deep enough the he can now feel the sword slowly getting closer to his arm. Beltran have no choice but to give up.


    "Trinne!"


    As Beltrand preparing to abandon the plan. An earth spike appears on the Knight''s side and tries to stab her. The Knight just slams it to pieces but more earth spikes appears in different directions.


    "Leave that area now!" Claustrine shouts. Beltrand and Mateo follows. The Knight is now stucked in the bindings of numerous earth spikes.


    Suddenly. Familiar bottles starts falling to the knight. The bottles breaks as they got hit by arrows, releasing light green fluid that starts to thicken.


    It turns out that the bottles contains a very sticky substance used to entrap large monsters. The Knight''s situation is now a mess as she tries to set free but the mix of the earth prison and the sticky binding makes het attempt difficult.


    Beltrand takes a look on her shield which is now unusable. He throws it to the Knight''s head out of frustration but the Knight is unfazed.


    Claustrine points her staff at the direction of the Knight and starts to chant...


    "God of fire of Volcano Balvafir. Lend me your strenght and power to vaporize enemies who wish to taste the power of  your boiling wrath..."


    Claustrine summons a small ball of fire. At first, it has normal coloration.


    "Me, Claustrine Evergreen will dedictate our victory in this battle in your name us our deepest form of gratitude and devotion."


    For a short period of time, the ball of flame change its color to deep crimson, and the viscocity turns thick like blood.


    "Deistic Magic: Flame God''s blood!"


    Claustrine throws the deep red ball of flame to the Knight with great speed. It creates explosion upon impact and scatters everywhere. It creates a very huge deep crimson flame that engulfs the Knight.


    Mateo notices that the flame is weird on its own. It still have the motion of a fire burning but he can clearly observe that the flame moves like a fluid and it scatters some sort of liquid everywhere. When the scattered liquid hits the ground, it also burns. And the fact the flame have some sort of viscosity makes Mateo believes that it was some sort of liquid fire.


    But the dark red flame only last for 20 seconds before disappearing. It reveals that everything is melted and it creates a shallow crater to the ground... Except the Knight and hear gear who visibly gets burnt a little due to her dark coloration. But there''s still no visible damage despite recieving such nasty attack. And the dark coloration seems to be just the burned substance Shirna thrown to her.


    At that point. Grand Ecstasy is not even surprised when they already seen many instances of the Knight''s tenacity.


    Suddenly, the Knight banishes from their sight making Grand Ecstasy in shock.


    "She''s attacking!" Mateo screams.


    Claustrine notices something moving fast to her location and with the brief moment she cast a sphere of mana barrier to herself, the Knight appears in front of her with her blade already smashed to Claustrine''s barrier. Claustrine is visibly shocked to the Knight''s sudden growth in speed.


    The mana barrier is a inferior compared to clerics blessed barrier like what Sophia is using. As it depends on the Mana potency of the user. But Claustrine is confident she can hold the Knight long enough for her friends to get free hits.


    Mateo, Beltrand and Shirna do their best to rush and defend Claustrine who casted more mana barriers inside of her barrier, creating a multi-layered defense.


    Because of the lenght of her sword, it would take time for her to attack using it to break another layer. Instead, the Knight raise her left fist and punch the barrier with intense speed and strenght that each punch breaks a layer of Claustrine''s shield.


    It only takes 2 seconds before the Knight reach Claustrine. She proceeds to raise her hand in attempt of punching Claustrine. Claustrine meanwhile cast the thickest barrier she can make in attempt of blocking the punch as she tries to leave the area. But...


    CRASH!


    The barrier is destroyed and Claustrine recieve a punch in the face that makes her fly several meters away. Everyone can see Claustrine knocked unconcious.


    "CLAUSTRINE!" Mateo screams!


    "You son of a-" Beltrand is really mad. Shirna also feels the same.


    "Mateo, check if Claustrine is ok." Shirna said.


    Mateo runs toward Claustrine and checks her condition. Claustrine is really unconcious and her right cheek swells with small bruise forming. But despite the devastating attack, Claustrine seems alive.


    The barrier she cast to protect herself cushion the force and prevents the Knight''s punch on becoming lethal. But still, the fact that it still manages to knock Claustrine unconcious makes Mateo angry.


    Meanwhile, Beltrand and Shirna are having a hard time facing the Knight head on. Not only they need to avoid getting hit by its sword but also the Knight is now also using amazing hand-to-hand combat as a compensation when the two manages to reach close distance that makes the Knight''s long sword unusable.


    And the fact the all of their attacks still doesn''t do any sort of damage.


    Shirna attempts to do a jumping attack only for him to get kicked in the stomach and sent flying and landed far from everyone.


    "Aughhh!!! Ahhh!" Shirna screams in pain while he hold his stomach and coughing.


    Beltrand sees what happened and smash the Knight''s head with his mace to no effect. The Knight counter attacks by punching Beltran who manage to dodge. Then he swing her mace upwards, hitting the Knight in the chin.


    Beltrand creates space by jumping backwards. But the Knight, still unfazed on the recent attack dash on still on-air Beltrand.


    The Knight swings her long sword, aiming to slash Bertrand but Mateo manages to block the attack and parry the sword upwards.


    "Thanks!" Beltrand said.


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    Mateo didn''t answer, instead decides to fight the Knight head on.


    Mateo is now aiming on the Knight''s eyes. Believing that his sword might penetrate her eyes. The only chance to make any damage.


    But the Knight just effortlessly dodges all of Mateo''s stab attempts while also giving mix of heavy slashes, punch and kicks. Mateo dodge or parry all of them but the increase on power is getting noticable. Mateo is now having a hard time trying to avoid all of the fast attacks.


    Seeing that Mateo is now getting overwhelemed. Beltrand enters the fight. Yet, despite the fight being a 2-vs-1. Mateo and Beltrand is clearly slowly beaten in contest of speed and power and the Knight is on offensive all that time as she just tanking every hit the duo landed on her.


    Shirna finally recovers from the kick he recieve and quickly helps his friends. He picks the remaining two bottles on her dimensional storage and run towards the three.


    "Get out!" Shirna screams as he throws the two bottle above the Knight.


    Mateo and Beltrand leaves the close combat and then Shirna picks two piece of hard debri came from the destroyed floor and throws it to the bottles. The bottle is broken releasing its content to the Knight below.


    The Knight is again Coated on some sort of sticky substance. But its different to the one he used to restraint the Knight as the substance then starts to smoke a little bit. Yet the Knight is still unfaze.


    "Even Corrossive Concoction doesn''t even affect her weaponry?!" Shirna is shocked that the Knight''s armor and weapon coated with the substance doesn''t dissolved.


    Mateo and Beltrand is given another grim reminder on how dangerous the Knight is. If her gears doesn''t melt, it means that her armor and sword is comparable to Hero level gear.


    Absurd growing power.


    Amazing fighting skills


    Steel hard skin


    And Hero level gear.


    For Grand Ecstasy. Fighting the Knight is comparable to a deathmatch with a top Hero ranked adventurer.


    In short, a suicide.


    But with no choice. Shirna, Mateo and Beltrand continues to attack the Knight. Despite using all of their best, nothing can stop the Knight on its rampage.


    And another power spike happen.


    "Shirnaaaa!!" Mateo and Beltrand screams.


    Shirna is fast, but with the prolonged battle, the Knight finally outmatch Shirna''s speed and manages to stab his abdomen. The Knight pulls out her sword and Shirna cough up blood then falls on his knees.


    "Beltrand! Bring Shirna into safety!"


    Beltrand quickly follow Mateo''s order and rushes to Shirna. Then gently carry Shirna away from the fight.


    But the Knight sees it and rushes towards Beltrand.


    "Shit!" Beltrand scream as the speed of the Knight can easily catch up to him.


    Suddenly. A thick wall of rock blocks the Knight''s path then numerous rock spikes sprouts on the wall, hitting the knight but none of it penetrates its hard skin and armor.


    Another wall of rock with spikes arise behind the Knight and it crash towards her. The Knight is now sandwitched between the pillars.


    While it happens. Beltrand sees that Sophia is now waking up.


    "Sophia! Emergency!"


    At first, Sophia is confused but she''s go back to her senses when she sees the bloodied Shirna being carried by Beltrand.


    "Oh my goddess!!! Please hurry!!" Sophia panics.


    Beltrand reach Sophia and gently put the now unconcious Shirna in front of her. Sophia waste no time and instantly do healing magic.


    "Leave this to me! Help the others!" Sophia said. Beltrand nods and prepares to go back to combat.


    The Knight is unharmed on Claustrine''s attack and using her immense strenght, she managed to destroy the rock walls that tries to trap her.


    Claustrines, still disoriented due to the punch she recieve earlier prepares for the worse as she sees the Knight rushing down on her again. The Knight jumps and slams her sword. Claustrine shifts the floor she standing, dodging the attack but the impact of the Knight''s sword is proven difficult itself as debris gets flunged all over.


    Claustrine counter attacks by summoning numerous icycles and throwing it all to the Knight. The Knight just side steps all of the Icycles while running towards Claustrine. Claustrine shifts the ground beneath her again to dodge the impending stab attack.


    "!!!"


    Claustrine is shocked as the moment she shift the ground and leave the area, the Knight is like instantly teleported and now in front of her, ready to swing her sword.


    CLANG!


    The moment the Knight swing her sword, Mateo is also rushes in-between and block the Knights attack.


    Despite using all of his mana to his body and big portion to his sword. Mateo is clearly getting overwhelmed with the sheer strenght the Knight possessed. Until...


    .


    .


    .


    CRACK!!!


    The Knight manages to penetrate Mateo''s mana coating and proceeds to cut the sword in half and reach Mateo''s shoulder where it manages to cut deep.


    "MATEO!!!" Claustrine screams as she watch Mateo falls down. The Knight for some reason seems didn''t completely cut Mateo in half.


    The Knight after seeing the injury she inflicted to Mateo knows the he''s in death''s door, kicked him away and proceeds to slowly walk towards Claustrine who still in shock.


    But her shock turned into wrath as Claustrine unleashes barrages of random spells. Fireball, Icycle, Earth blasts and other spells that doesn''t required casting time. All of it doesn''t work and the Knight just catch the attacks with no care. And then.


    .


    .


    .


    The Knight just casually swings her sword, Claustrine recieves a shallow cut in front. Not deep enough to damage any organs but fatal enough that she would die through blood lost.


    Claustrine falls on her back. Unresponsive and slowly getting unconcious.


    Beltrand watches how Mateo and Claustrine are defeated. Enraged, he rushes towards the Knight but suddenly.


    "Huh?" Beltran is genuinely confused as he suddenly feel that something just stabbed his stomach. Only to see the Knight already in front of him with her sword already penetrated him all the way on his back.


    "Heh... This is absurd." Beltrand just said and laugh when he sees that the Knight finally reach power surpassing their own limits. Out of annoyance, Beltrand spits on her face.


    The Knight slowly pulls her sword and fling all the blood away with a quick slash, splatting the accumilated blood to the ground. Beltrand falls to the ground, holding her stomach.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Watching from the distance, near the staircase is Sophia. Crying as she watch her friends get defeated one-by-one. Despite doing her best, she can''t properly heal Shirna due to her lack of mana as all of it is used during the Purification arts.


    Sophia already grieving as she knows that all of her friends are slowly dying on that point on. Even trying to bring Mateo, Claustrine and Beltrand to safety is futile as its sure the Knight would kill her instantly.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    "I-I-Im s-so s-sorry! S-sorry!!!" Sophia can only apologize and cry.


    Remarkebly, the Knight doesn''t make any move and just walk back to the middle of the room and stand still just like the first time Grand Ecstasy see her.


    The room is only filled by Sophia''s cry and the buzzing of many magical apparatuses. The damages in the room and the manipulation Claustrine did change the before flat and clean arena.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    *Sob*


    Seeing that everything is futile. Sophia loses hope and her eyes went blank. With silence, Sophia slowly stand up and intended to just walk towards the Knight to end it once and for all.


    "I''m sorry." Sophia softly said with zero emotions.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    "Stop it young miss."


    Sophia hears an unfamiliar voice and notices that someone is holding his shoulder. She looks back only to see a new face. The only alive person she see since the first day they become stranded in the cave structure.


    The man is finely clothed that he looks like a noble. Partnered by his pretty face and long tied gray hair. Sophia think that he''s someone that out-of-place on such barren environment.


    "Who... Are... You?" Sophia asked. Still no hope in her eyes.


    "My name is Gilmore. But right now, let''s save your friends ok?"


    After hearing such work from the man calling himself Gilmore. Sophia''s eyes lighten up but before she speak, Gilmore instantly dissapears in front of her.


    She look arounds only to see Gilmore quickly pick Claustrine, Mateo, and Beltrand and places them near Shirna carefully. After that, Graham opens his dimension storage bag and picks 4 small bottles the size of a thumb and opens them all.


    "THOSE ARE-" Sophia is in surprised as she recognized the said bottles.


    Gilmore pours the bright dust contained on each bottles into Mateo, Claustrine, Beltran and Shirna''s wounds.


    After the dusts makes contact with the wounds. It reacted quickly, releasing bright light that spreads througout the wounds of the four injured. After 5 minutes, the wounds are closed with only marks are the cuts inflicted to them.


    "Ok. We just need supporting healing magic to finally finish the healing process. Also, lots and lots of sleep." Gilmore said. Before walking towards Sophia.


    "Don''t worry miss, they''re still alive and the dust gives them energy to survive but.. Do you still have mana young miss?" Gilmore asked. Sophia shakes her head slowly.


    "That''s bad." Gilmore said with sad expression in his face?


    "Wait? What would happen if they''re not healed completely?" Sophia asked, anxiety engulfs her as she was scared on what Gilmore said.


    "The effects of Miracle dust is temporary and can only last for a single day. If not supported by healing magic, the wounds will reopen violently." Gilmore explained.


    Sophia falls on her knees. It would take 2 days for her to completely regain her mana and the fact that they''re stranded means there''s no way for Sophia to save her friends. Despair sets in again.


    Gilmore kneel and pats Sophia''s head. He looks at her with promising sincerity.


    "Trust me young miss. We going to leave this maze alive. I promised as all of you are the reason why I manage to reach this place easily."


    Getting promised by the genuine kindness of the man she just met. Sophia trust Gilmore and determination sets in as she stand proudly.


    "That''s the spirit. What is your name young miss?"


    "Sophia."


    "Sophia. Care to share any vital information about that girl?" Gilmore asked as she points his thumb to he Knight who seems not interested on them. Sophia nods."


    "She was immune to poison. Tough as we deal no damage to her. And also for some reason, she''s also not an undead."


    "But she looks like one."


    "Yes. But I tried purification arts on her. It doesn''t make damage at all. That''s also the reason why I used all of my mana." Sophia said with sad expression.


    "I understand. If such powerful magic doesn''t work."


    "She''s also strong. And the most dangerous thing is... Its like she becomes stronger the longer you fight her. At first, we manage to dodge all of her attacks until we reach the point of her strenght that cause all of these defeats." Sophia explained. She shivers as she remembers the speed of the Knight and how she defeats her friends one by one.


    "Now that''s interesting. Thats all?"


    Sophia nods.


    "Thanks. Leave this to me and stay on your friends'' side. They need your support the most."


    Gilmore walks towards the direction of the Knight and unsheath his decorated sword.


    "Mr. Gilmore. Th-"


    "Thank me later once we finally leave this cursed place." Gilmore said. Sophia agrees and proceed to walks towards her friends.


    Meanwhile, as Gilmore walks. His face turns scornful, giving a piercing look on the Knight that slowly notice his prescence.


    "Tsk. Now we finally found you but... To think that you going to end up on that state. What the hell happened?" Gilmore said.


    Gilmore unsheats his rapier.


    Now in distance, Gilmore and the Knight just look at each other. Already ln their combat stance, just waiting who''s going to make the first move.


    "It''s an honor to fight you and, let me give your eternal rest...


    My ancestor."


    Thus, Gilmore initiates the fight. A fight between two swordmaster connected by bloodline.

 Ch. 14 - The Strongest Swordsman in History

    Gilmore starts the fight by dashing towards the Knight and unleashing barrage of stabs using his modified rapier.


    The Knight reacted to Gilmore''s lightning speed piercing stab and yet she recieves a minor cut on her cheek. Finally, the Knight finally get damaged that Grand Ecstasy failed to do for a very long time.


    Gilmore is not done yet. He infused his rapier with potent mana and prepares to attack again.


    <Dual cross cuttler>


    Gilmore makes 8 consecutive slashes on a single point, all of it happened in just 1/8th of a second. Each slash leaves a trail of light, forming an asterisk symbol that disappears quickly.


    Yet, each slash is blocked by the Knight using her sword.


    Gilmore decides to continue his attack and steps even closer to the Knight. Abusing her absurdly long sword''s lack of defensive options in close quarter combat.


    Gilmore swing his sword upwards with intense speed. The Knight barely managed to dodge the attack by jumping backwards. Then she proceeds to go on offensive.


    When Gilmore dashes to catch up to the Knight. The Knight makes a barrage of quick stabs with great reach. Her aim is in point but Gilmore casually dodges all of them until he reach the safe distance again.


    Gilmore pays back the Knights stab attacks. Managing to stab the Knight 3 times in the abdomen before she leap backwards with great distance this time, making a huge gap between the two. Gilmore decides to not follow the Knight and just observe if the injury she recieve would affect her at some way.


    And Gilmore''s observation is proven wrong as there''s nothing leaking on the stab wounds nor the Knight acts like injured.


    The Knight do her feral posture again and leaps towards Gilmore. Making a slashing plunge attack. Gilmore just side steps, dodge the attack and prepares to counter.


    But the Knight already makes a follow up and quickly swing her sword horizontally, making a 360 slash. Fortunately, Gilmore dodge the circular slash by jumping high up in the air.


    Being airborne is not a good position. The Knight prepares to stab Gilmore who still in the air where theres nothing to push himself out of danger, then the Knight release her sword who could easily reach Gilmore.


    Despite that. Gilmore parries the stab attack. Deflecting the sword on his side. When he landed, Gilmore instantly use the opportunity to target the Knight''s two arms that holds the sword, which still pointed in the ceiling.


    To Gilmore''s surprise. When he already swing his rapier, the Knight release her hold on her sword. Avoiding the decapitation. Now that Gilmore is open, the Knight use her power and punch Gilmore on his side. Sending Gilmore few meters away. All of the Knight''s action happened before her sword even touch the ground. She catches her sword and returns back on her feral posture.


    Gilmore can feel the punch. Knowing how much strenght the Knight possessed and the fact that she gets stronger the longer the fight went makes him scared a little bit.


    The Knight dashes towards Gilmore and release numerous wide arc slashes. Gilmore dodges each attack but he notices the sudden increase of speed. He can''t proceed to get closer towards the Knight due to the ferocity and speed of her attacks partnered by the Knight maintaining a safe distance using elaborate steps. Despite the attacks looking brutal, the Knight manages to retain control. A deadly waltz.


    And getting stranded in defensive is not a good spot so Gilmore decides to do something to stop the Knight''s attack. Instead of trying to get closer, Gilmore decides to step back and when he''s out of reach. He make a stabbing pose where his rapier is above his shoulder and infused it with mana. After half a second, the rapier is now surrounded by swirling gust of wind.


    <Seven Piercing Vortex>


    Gilmore unleash the magic and throws a small yet very fast pointed wind vortex to the Knight who manages to react swiftly and dodge the first vortex. Yet Gilmore already released 6 more.


    The Knight dodges all the vortex while dashing towards Gilmore who remains calm.


    He release another set of Piercing Vortex and the Knight dodges them but two manages to land on her shoulder and leg, yet the Knight is still unfazed.


    And the Knight finally reach her striking distance again and swings her sword. Instead of running, Gilmore infuse her legs with mana while preparing to dash towards the Knight.


    <Cyclone rush>


    Gilmore uses wind magic to propell himself with a burst of speed. He manages to reach the Knight again in her attack. Gilmore didn''t waste time and unleash a barrage of stabs and slashes, each slash is pushing the Knight within few centimeters.


    The barrage is so fast and heavy that the Knight can''t even defend herself. Not until she reaches another power spike.


    Gilmore notices a punch aimed on his face so he ducks a little thus dodging the strike. Gilmore waits for a follow up and he easily spot that the Knight''s attempt of kicking him off.


    Before the Knight recovers and attacks him again. Gilmore uses the opportunity to strike again.


    Gilmore makes 5 powerful and precise cuts. Each slash aimed to decapitate the Knight''s two arms, two legs and her head. The Knight drops her sword due to the intensity of the attack.


    But Gilmore sees that all of his attacks only leaves shallow cuts on the Knight who barley reacted on his offensive.


    "She becomes stronger the longer you fight her."


    Remembering what Sophia said. Gilmore realized that the Knight reaches another power spike thus the sudden increase in durability.


    Gilmore have no choice but to try to end the battle before it reaches the point of impossibility.


    Gilmore infused huge amount of mana to the tip of his rapier while also aiming his rapier to the Knight''s head.


    <Monolithic Fina->


    Before even Gilmore finish his preparation. The Knight comes back to her senses and quickly unleash a kick. Gilmore have no choice but to cancel his attack and instead spread the mana on his rapier and block the impending swing kick.


    Gilmore is unprepared on the impact and increase in strenght that despite blocking the kick, it still manages to sent her flying several meters away.


    "Such power..." Gilmore said mid-air. He landed safely but the distance created is so great the he was unsure on what to do next?


    Should he do another barrage of vortex?


    Should he tries to regain the close distance by dashing towards the Knight?


    Or should he wait for the Knight to attack him?


    In the end, Gilmore decides to just wait for the Knight to attack. But Gilmore didn''t expect the thing he watching at the moment.


    The Knight didn''t pursue Gilmore, instead reach her long sword she dropped earlier just to kick Gilmore away, scale it using her hand until she reach the middle and...


    Casually snaps it in two.


    "What?" Gilmore is perplexed on the unusual action the Knight did.


    Then the Knight proceed to wield the broken sword. On one hand is the half of the sword with the handle and the other hand is the other half of the sword with no handle and she pretty much held it without worrying that it might cut her hand.


    Now, the Knight is a dual wielding swordsman which intimidates Gilmore.


    "To think that I also going to fight you in your true form. This is truly an honor."


    Gilmore is going to experience the fabled dual wielding that he only reads in the books and oral records passed down to his family.


    He was scared, but also excited. And who can blame him. Not only that he''s going to see with her own eyes the signature dual wielding swordsmanship that only known by people 1000 years ago, but also the fact that he going personally see it done by one of the greatest people that propagate different styles of swordsmanship, including the Vandril style.


    But questions remains on Gilmore''s head. Is it really the TRUE swordsmanship of the woman who literally puts the Vandril lineage on the higher echelon of the kingdom? Or just a replica done by the body of the said woman who should already be dead 1000 years ago but now is still alive as a moving corpse?


    Or is she''s really the Vandril ancestor to begin with.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Gilmore waits patiently while also having a sharp eye. And his wait is over when the Knight makes the offensive and dashes towards Gilmore who almost didn''t react to such speed.


    "Wha-" Gilmore is shocked that the Knight is already in front of him.


    The Knight unleashes barrages of alternating attacks on Gilmore. Each slash are not just random either, every slash is aimed on every vulnerable spot Gilmore have and the swordsmanship is so perfected that it doesn''t leave a room for the enemy to counter attack.


    Gilmore have no choice but to be in defensive again. He manages to parry each slash using his sword. Numerous strike can be heared each second, signifying the speed the two swordsman have that almost invisible for the untrained eye.


    As the two swordsman exchange their strikes, Sophia is in awe as the two move so fast that she can''t really track them at all. The only thing she can see are the sparks of metal and dust clouds forming with each quick steps. Sophia can''t stop the feeling of being weak in comparison with the fighters.


    "Who is that man?" Sophia asked as she''s really curious about the identity of Gilmore.


    And when his name pops on her mind, a memory finally starts to form in her mind.


    "Gilmore..." Sophia says his name.


    "Gilmore..." Sophia says the name again


    !!!!!!!!


    Sophia finally remembers the identity of the man. She remembers the legendary noble of their guild branch that choose to become an adventurer! And reached platinum ranked with his power and experience alone. A Platinum Ranked legend that only called by Hilgurd on high end missions.


    "He''s that Gilmore?!" Sophia screams.


    Sophia just looked with awe as she watch what a Platinum ranked adventurer is capable off despite struggling on focusing with the two''s absurd speed.


    .


    .


    .


    Gilmore is getting overwhelmed. Not only that he''s starting getting tired but also the Knight seems doesn''t feel fatigue at all.


    Gilmore tries to escape but the Knight quickly follows him and he''s back on blocking all the Knight''s attack.


    The fatigue becomes even stronger for Gilmore until...


    STAB


    Gilmore failed to block nor dodge a precise stab targeted on his shoulder.


    Sophia notices the silence and opens her eyes only to see a disheartening scene.


    "GILMORE!" Sophia screams.


    The Knight stops her attacks and just stay still until Gilmore release a slash. The Knight leaps backwards while Gilmore grabs the stab wound.


    The stab didn''t manage to reach deeper as he manages to concentrate his mana thus strenghtening his body.


    "Gilmore!" Sophia screams and almost wants to run towards him.


    "I''m fine! Don''t worry about me!"


    "But..."


    "If you come here! She just going to consider you a threat! Also, you don''t have any mana left!" Gilmore shouts.


    Sophia understands and walks back to her unconcious friends. She have a worried expression but what Gilmore said is true.


    For Sophia, she might just become a liability for Gilmore.


    Gilmore on the other hand is thinking on how he''s going to deal with the Knight who starts to outmatch him due to its ability to grow.


    In fact, she''s slightly stronger since the moment they face each other.


    The Knight just observes Gilmore looking a her with seriousness. Like they both calculating each other''s potential.


    After few seconds, Gilmore finalizes his battle plan. He suddenly opens his Bag of Storage and pulls two small vials with purple and blue color. He opens the vial with blue content and gulp down its content. Then he hesitantly open the vial with purple liquid, he smells it and instantly gag once the pungent smell reach his nose. Gilmore look at the vial with disgust for 2 seconds before pinching his nose and quickly drinks its content.


    Gilmore caughs and almost puke but he manages to not throw up whatever he just drinked. He quickly opens his Bag of Storage, throws the empty vials and pulls his water canister which he proceeds to empty out the water.


    "Fweh! Still a torture." Gilmore said to himself while putting the now empty water canister. It''s been a while since he drink the cursed concoction which the last time he remember is when he was involved to subjugate a Hero class monster alongside other Hero ranked adventurers despite being Platinum ranked.


    The concoction Gilmore just drink is a power boost only used by higher ranked adventurers due to its rarity, price and gruesome side effects.


    The vial with the blue fluid contains ingredients to greatly enhance a person''s mana potency. The ingredients includes several, of Hero and Platinum class monsters, ultra rare plants and expensive gemstones that contains mana. The mana potency increase last for 10 minutes.


    The purple fluid meanwhile contains the treated blood of a Hero+ class monster called Yuriha - A deep sea monster that only surface once every 10 years. Not only it''s a once in a blue moon appearance, it''s also so powerful that there''s a record in history as recent as 50 years ago where a Yuriha singlehandedly destroys a Grand fleet consisting of 150 warships from 6 different kingdoms.


    The Yuriha blood, when consumed increases the strenght of a person multiple times for 3 minutes. Sounds great until the side effects finally sets in which includes severe body pain, skin itchyness with ring-like blisters, skull-shattering head ache and intense vomiting that last for 2 weeks. High chance of fatality if the person is not powerful enough and even the strong individuals who tried the blood compared it on being tortured nonstop. Gilmore also have the same opinion.


    That''s why despite its rarity and expensive price. Only few people tries to consume a Yuriha blood and when they did, it''s either a do or die situation like what Gilmore is facing right now.


    And for him, suffering for weeks with chance of death is a acceptable toll for his plan to take fruition.


    "Ugh!" Gilmore feels a sudden shock. The potions are now taking effect. His heart is beating so fast, his temperature increase and he can feel the surge of power


    Gilmore''s plan sounds simple but close to imposibility and prone to mistake. Using the limited boost of strenght, Gilmore must deal the killing blow before the knight reach another powerspike which speaks defeat and death for everyone.


    "AHHHHHHHH!!!" Gilmore screams then he enhanced his whole body with mana.


    Without hesistation, Gilmore dashes forward with incredible speed. Within a blink of an eye, he already did a stab attack but the Knight manages to dodge it.


    Gilmore is not done yet as he easily shifts his body and unleash another attack.


    <Tri-speed barrage>


    He attacks the Knight with a enhanced speed by focusing half of his mana on offense, each strikes targets her slightly vulnerable areas. For each slashes, the attack becomes even faster and stronger. At first, the Knight manages to block attacks but each strike becomes heavier and heavier that she''s struggling to keep up with the tempo.


    Watching the Knight struggling on blocking his attacks, Gilmore increase his speed by now using 100% of his mana on offense.


    <Hexaspeed Barrage>


    The attacks are too fast that for Sophia, it looks like that Gilmore have hundreds of arms attacking the Knight. Each strike sending a strong gust of wind the makes viewing difficult for Sophia.


    The Knight also recieves several damages as he failed to keep up with the sudden speed and power increased Gilmlre have. Until...


    CLANG!!!


    The Knight flinched after failing to block a powerful blow. Her arms spreads out due to the force, making her completely exposed.


    Gilmore sees the opportunity and instantly transfer his mana on the tip of his sword.


    <Monolithic Finale>


    Gilmore unleashes a powerful stab attack with high concentration of mana that it can ignore any form of defenses the opponent have.


    Within a split seconds. The Knight barely managed to dodge the devastating blow. The stab pierced her left cheek, leaving a deep cut that exposes her teeth.


    Now that there''s a moment to strike back. The Knight assaults Gilmore and unleash numerous strikes using her broken sword.


    "She can keep up with the speed that quick?!" Gilmore said when now he''s in the recieving end of the barrage comparable on what she give.


    But instead of retreating, Gilmore choose to fight the Knight head on.


    The two swordsman moves and exchange blows with such speed that the only thing they leave is the clanking and the sparks of metals hitting each other. The gust of winds coming from the two becomes even more stronger that Sophia is struggling to stand straight. She lies down while holding tight to her unconcious friends.


    The Knight continious to increase her power while Gilmore tries her best to match the Knight''s even faster growth by forcing his body and infusing all of her Mana.


    Gilmore and the Knight is already damaged each other numerous times. Gilmore recieves a cut on his leg but he ignored it. The knight gets a horizontal slash, making a deep cut on her torso which she didn''t mind at all.


    Gilmore gets stabbed in the abdomen but he ignored the injury and proceeds to continue attacking the Knight. He''s using continuous Hexaspeed barrage, waiting for another moment to end the fight.


    But just having a chance is not enough. Gilmore needs to secure that chance first or else the Knight is going to dodge his finisher again.


    But the Knight is slowly getting stronger and he can feel it as her attacks becomes powerful. And the remaining time is getting shorter for Gilmore as he''s closer to his limits.


    So he devise another plan.


    Gilmore focused his mana on the tip of his sword again when he managed to parry both of the Knight''s sword.


    The Knight is not a fool and know that the attack is powerful and when Gilmore thrusts his sword, the Knight instinctively protects her head using her two swords.


    But...


    Gilmore instantly cancels the Monolithic Finale and instead gets lower and attack the Knight''s shin.


    The slash landed but due to the power spike, the Knight''s skin becomes tougher so Gilmore uses all of his strenght to penetrates the flesh.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    SLASH


    The Knight''s leg is completly decapitated and now she''s out of balance. The Knight slowly falls to the ground and Gilmore waste no time and proceeds to dash to the Knight to deliver the killing blow.


    And yet the Knight is not done yet as she manages to re-orient her fall using both of her sword and land by only using her now footless legs. She implants herself to the ground to stabalized her whole body. All of it only noticed late by Gilmore who now preparing his attack.


    But Gilmore decides to risk it all and proceeds to infused his rapier''s tip again for the last Monolithic Finale.


    The Knight stabs Gilmore in the abdomen again but he endured it even though the sword pierced him fully and the sword reach his back. Gilmore is now ready to stab his mana concentrated rapier.


    Now her left sword is stucked on Gilmore''s body which is harden by the Yuriha''s blood. The Knight use her right sword to slash Gilmore. It lands on Gilmore''s left shoulder...


    And completely decapitated his left arm.


    Yet Gilmore endures all of it and proceeds to unleash his most powerful attack.


    .


    .


    .


    <MONOLITHIC FINALE!!!>


    Gilmore thrust his rapier with all of his might. The Knight have no time to dodge the attack that already happened in close distance and she recieves the Monolithic Finale.


    With all of his strenght and mana used on the attack. The rapier meet no resistance at all and easily penetrates the middle of the Knight''s forehead. The rapier reaches all the way on the back of her head.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    At first, the Knight slowly tries to move and raise her sword to attack Gilmore but... She stops. Gilmore can clearly see the satisfied smile of the Knight before finally closing her eyes. The Knight lost grip on her sword and drops it on the ground.


    Now, the Knight is dead yet still standing with a faint smile on her face.


    Sophia, watching the entire finale happened. She''s speechless and not sure what to react. But when the realization hits in, tear flows into her cheeks.


    It''s over, it''s finally over.


    Gilmore carefully pulls his rapier and just stand still for a moment before completely collapsing to the floor.


    "GILMORE!" Sophia also realized the injury sustained by Gilmore and quickly run towards him.


    Gilmore sees Sophia crying.


    "Hehe... I won." Gilmore said.


    Now that the effect of Yuriha''s blood is finished. Gilmore now starting to feel the side effects.


    "!!!" Gilmore is in agony. The injury multiplies the pain caused by the Yuriha''s blood.


    "GILMORE! WHAT SHOULD I DO?!" Sophia quickly asked Gilmore.


    Gilmore slowly opens his Bag of Storage and pulls a vial of powder he used earlier.


    "D-d-don''t worry. I refuse to die on this place. Just spray this powder on me."


    "OK!!"


    "I l-l-leave the rest to you Sophia. Let''s finally leave this place. And don''t forget to pick every important things." Gilmore softly said.


    "I-I will do my best!" Sophia said with conviction.


    Gilmore said before falling asleep. Sophia quickly spreads the powder in Gilmore''s entire body which quickly takes effect. Sophia checks Gilmore''s vitals and feel reassured as she feels a weak pulse. Gilmore is still alive but in need of intensive care like her friends.


    Sophia looks at the surroundings and when she laid her eyes on the dead Knight. She contemplates for a moment before nodding on herself.

 Ch. 15 - The Vandril Family

    After some time. Sophia finally placed everyone in the huge magic circle located in the room which is protected by the Knight. The room is small that only really fits the magic circle and few apparatus inside.


    At first, Sophia plans to only place one of her friends at a time then activate the switch but a question pops on her mind.


    "What if the teleportation is randomized?"


    With that question. Sophia decides to instead put everyone in the circle for one single teleportation. But before doing that, she did some test first to see if the circle is really working by placing a chair then activating the switch. Sophia learns that the magic circle is working as the chair dissapears after a 30 seconds delay. She give a sigh of relief as she''s not going to be left behind nor put her injured friends and Gilmore in grave danger.


    Sophia activates the lever which is the switch for the magic circle. She quickly runs towards the magic circle the moment it starts to glow. Sophia patiently waits until the room is engulfed in light and after that, Grand Ecstasy is no more.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Sophia feels dizzy after the teleportation. The nauseating light she saw while teleporting is just too much so she rest a little bit. When her senses return, she look at surroundings and realized that they''re in Layer 7: Bloody Ice during night time of the Reverse Tower. She looked again in the surroundings, trying to find the chair she sent earlier and chill runs down on her spine. Not caused by the cold weather but the dread that if she teleports her friends one-by-one. Just like the missing chair, she might sent them in completely randomized locations.


    Sophia is faced with another problem - the environment. Freezing Cold would surely kill them slowly if they didn''t get in any type of warmth or shelter.


    But there''s no way he can carry everyone let alone traverse the tower without any kind of light source nor idea where to go and the fact the she''s manaless means she can''t defeat the wilderness if she attempt to find help, which is a risky move at its own. Because of all the piling difficulties, Sophia is slowly losing hope.


    "Its... Impossible..." Sophia said. Her voice sounds defeated.


    Sophia just sit in the snow and stare on empty darkness while the cold wind makes a chilling breeze, like death is whispering for all of them...


    Until.


    A glint of light catches Sophia''s attention. When she look at the light, her eyes widen when she saw 4 lights moving slowly. Sophia waste no more time a quickly stand up and screams for help.


    "HEEEELP!!!" Sophia screams with all of her might. Trying to get the attention of whatever the owner of the lights are.


    "SOMEONE HELP US PLEASEE!!!" Sophia screams again. She doesn''t care if the light is from a human or a monster. It''s a gamble worth the risk.


    "HEEEELPPP!!!"


    With another loud scream. The lights suddenly stops moving.


    "IS ANYONE THERE!"


    Sophia hears a manly scream. Her heart is overjoyed.


    "YES YES!! PLEASE HELP US!! I''M OVER HERE!!" Sophia screams while waving her arms high in the air despite knowing its not necessary as they would not see it anyway.


    In Sophia''s view. The lights are slowly getting larger and after few minutes. Sophia finally see the owner of the lights.


    It''s a group of 12 adventurers. 8 man and 4 women. Sophia feels a relief when she see that 4 of them are clerics.


    "Thank you so much." Sophia starts crying.


    "Are you ok miss?" The older battle harden adventurer asked. He seems to be the leader of the group.


    "Yes yes I''m fine but my friends need immediate help! Please save them!" Sophia begs while frantically pointing at her friends laying in the cold snow.


    The adventurers after seeing the state of Grand Ecstasy and Gilmore, instantly rushes towards them and checked their condition.


    "They''re still breathing! But faintly!" One of the adventurer screams.


    "To think they still managed to stay alive with such gruesome injury." The leader commented then he realized that the wounds seems closed despite not having stitches on them.


    .


    .


    .


    "Clerics! Apply healing magic at them immediately! Everyone not occupied, prepare everything needed to make them stay warm and to carry them!" The leader commands which everyone quickly follows


    "Wait a minute! This man is!" One of the Cleric is shocked while looking at Gilmore.


    "What?" The adventurer asked.


    "Its Gilmore Vandril! The Platinum ranked adventurer of Nattunnia!"


    "WHAT?!" Everyone is surprised to the revelation.


    "AHH! I remember him! He''s the one that saved us several days ago!" A lady archer shouted.


    "But... What happened to his arm?" One of the adventurer asked.


    "What are you doing! Start the procedure already!"


    The clerics cast mid tier healing magic to every injured members while the others prepares the emergency stretcher hidden in their Bag of Storage. After the first aid, the other adventurers puts thick blankets at them then carefully puts each one to their own stretcher.


    "You. You''re also a cleric right? Perhaps you should help them." The adventurer asked.


    "Yes but... My mana is already depleted." Sophia sadly said. The old adventurer nods.


    "I understand. Seeing that your party is still alive. You must already used your mana to them."


    "No...." Sophia''s only words while tears flows on her face. She feel ashamed.


    The old adventurer sees it and pats Sophia in the shoulder.


    "I don''t know what you dealt with but the fact that you managed to save them, you should feel happy about it."


    Sophia just nods.


    "To think that I''m going to see that powder being used. It must be expensive. Well, he''s Vandril." The old adventurer stated.


    After everything is done. The group finally leaves carrying the injured Mateo, Claustrine, Shirna, Beltrand and Gilmore with them. Heading to the exit.


    The old adventurer tells Sophia that all the Apex in Layers 7 and 8 are already exterminated by combined efforts of Adventurers guild with the help of selected Nattunnia and nearby kingdoms'' army a week ago, and his party is pretty much sent as rescue/retrieval operatives searching for survivors or the deceased.


    "How we can deal with the regular beasts?" Sophia asked.


    "Most of the aggresisve beast are killed when the extermination went through. There''s no need to worry except the temporary closure of Reverse Tower." The old Adventurer said.


    Sophia understands why the closure happened. The guild probably needs to find out what caused the anomaly and they don''t want to risk losing adventurers again.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "And with a mighy swing of her sword. She defeated the evil Vielarata that terrorized the kingdom for decades. The kingdom rejoice, many songs are sunged and the heroic swordswomen finally realized the evils of Vielarata and joins the hero party on a mission of defeating the Vielarata King, and restoring peace once and for all."


    The young Gilmore is mesmerized by the stories told by her mother about the amazing journey of the heroes party. Despite hearing the same story several times already, the young Gilmore is still love the stories of the past especially the swordswomen of the hero''s party - Glidel.


    "Mommy. Glidel is really an amazing person. She really help people in need."


    "Of course she is. She''s the heroic swordswomen afterall. Doing the right thing is just what a hero should do." Gilmore''s moms happily said. Gilmore agrees with excitement with a bright smile on his face.


    Doing the right thing is just what a hero should do, a sentence that truly stick on Young Gilmore''s mind.


    Young Gilmore really idolized Glidel. Not only she''s the first Vandril but also a hero that helps humanity in any way possible. Gildel onced tunneled a mountain using her swordsmanship just to make sure that a group of refugees can escape the march of Vielarata army, she sided with the people when the a kingdom starts oppressing its citizen and fight alongside common soldiers against evil. With her righteousness, the public adores Glidel even today where her story becomes an inspiration for younglings, including young Gilmore.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Gilmore is a far descendent of Glidel who lived 1000 years ago and in order to not tarnish the name of the hero. Gilmore at young age starts his training to become a swordsman, a disciple of the famous Vandril swordmanship that passed down through generations.


    Known for its sheer speed yet calculated style, Vandril swordmanship is considered as one of the powerful sword stance alongside other sword stance Glidel developed on her whole life. The mastery of multiple swordsmanship and her huge contribution on developing sword stance earns Glidel the title "Sword Saintess" a title alongside her Vandril swordsmanship being an treasure exclusive only for the one with her blood.


    And through rigorous training and intense mentoring of his father, Gilmore already master the Vandril sword stance. But as he grows up, a question slowly appears on his mind.


    Gilmore now a 20 years old asked his father a very important question.


    "Father. I have a very curious question." Gilmore suddenly asked while both of them are drinking wine on their cellar.


    "What it is my son?"


    "I''m curious. Why in the history of our family, the title "Sword Saint" is not passed down not even once?"


    Hearing the question, Gilmore''s dad stay silent for a second before showing a face of sadness with a hint of anger.


    "You know son. I also asked the same thing to your grandfather and I''m appaled on the answer." Gilmore''s dad said.


    "What do you mean father?"


    Gilmore''s dad takes a delicate sip of wine on his glass, mix it a little by shaking the glass on his palm and then take a sip again.


    "The only way to achieve the title Sword Saint is to defeat the current holder."


    The revelation shocked in confused Gilmore.


    "You mean defeating HER?" Gilmore referring to his hero Glidel.


    "Yeah. Absurd right? And it with 1000 years of our family history, no one manages to defeat her. Well, its possible when Glidel is still alive but after that. It''s impossible."


    Gilmore can understand a little bit why such condition is made but the fact that no one manages to take the title speaks on how powerful Glidel is that even her sons or daughters didn''t manage to defeat her.


    "Is Glidel the one imposed such rule?" Gilmore asked.


    "According to the historical text, Yes. And the kingdom even today highly respect her conditions especially the part that a Vandril family can only become a higher nobility if a descendant holds the Sword saint title."


    Now it makes sense on why higher nobles treated him poorly when he was studying in the Royal Academy. His life as a student is a mixbag and only saved by lower nobles he befriend, one even become his fiancee.


    "The kingdom must included some leniency for that right?" Gilmore asked.


    "The truth is there''s a leniency."


    Gilmore is surprised.


    "But don''t make your hopes high my son. It''s equally impossible as defeating our progenitor." His father added.


    "I just want to know it."


    Gilmore''s father makes a deep sigh before answering his question.


    "The other way to achieve the title Sword Saint is to find the remains or anything directly to the Sword Saintess like her sword."


    "Ah."


    "That''s why I said its impossible. According to our family and kingdom records. Glidel suddenly dissapears without any trace. And it''s not that Vandrils didn''t try. Now that there''s a loophole for becoming a sword saint. Some of our non-swordsman ancestors waste too much resources just to find any trace of Glidel. Some even lost their life in their self expeditions. Thank the goddess and our ancestor for not making this crucial information public because I don''t know if there''s a rule that a non Vandril can become a sword saint. Now, we pretty much lost interest and just accept what we are." Gilmore''s dad said and as he explains, he also slightly getting annoyed but not in violent way. Just like ranting.


    "Father."


    "Sorry for my ramblings. What it is my son?"


    "It is ok for me to continue the search?"


    His dad''s eyebrow rises.


    "Are you sure? In my honest opinion, it''s better to not disappoint yourself."


    "I understand but also in my opinion, its better if I try. Atleast I did my best finding her and if nothing comes on my search. Then, it is what it is." Gilmore said followed by a smug smile.


    Gilmore''s dad laugh but Gilmore doesn''t feel any mockery on it.


    "You''re truly persistent are you? You remind me of your mom. Fine, I support you on your mission. But with one condition."


    "What is it father?"


    "Just know when to give up and never fall to the insanity like what happened to some of our ancestors." Gilmore''s dad said.


    "I understand."


    Thus, Gilmore starts his search for his hero. To get resources without relying on his family''s treasury. Gilmore decides to become an adventurer.


    At first, the guild is reluctant on hiring Gilmore as they don''t want to be viewed as practicing nepotism, and to everyone''s point of view. A noble doesn''t need to become an lowly adventurer as they already have programs prepared for them thus skipping the rank climb and easily becoming a Hero-ranked adventurer. To commoner adventurers, it feels like an insult.


    But overtime, Gilmore slowly gets the guild''s approval as unlike the snobby nobles that the adventurers hated, he truly immerse himself to the guild. drinking with them, doing degrading missions like sewer explorations, socializing with them, training the lower ranked adventurers and not treating himself as someone with a higher standing. Perhaps, Gilmore really practices what his hero did.


    And with already accumilated skills, Gilmore easily climb the ranks up to becoming a Platinum ranked adventurer. The most prestigious ranked for common adventurers in terms of normal rank climbing.


    With all of his achievements. The guild now views him postively. There''s still few people that questions his status as a nobility but they''re dwarfed by others he inspired and befriended.


    And 15 years passed by like a whisper of the wind. Gilmore, now a 35 years old family man alongside Erika his  fiancee who becomes his wife. He become a household name for adventurers due to his skills which just become better over time. Yet, a decade and he still didn''t find any valuable information about Hero Glidel except for one.


    The Reverse Tower created by another hero named Julzihar. It''s just a very tiny footnote on a delicate and old history book but Gilmore is glad to read the short tidbit of history.


    According to the book. Glidel and Julzihar are collaborators on the creation of Reverse Tower. Being the only usable information about Glidel, Gilmore spends most of the last decade repeatedly searching for hints inside the Reverse Tower. He even try her best looking for the entrance for the mythical Layer 9 and 10.


    Still, Gilmore failed to make considerable progress.


    In his home office, Gilmore just stares on the piles of books and paperworks he used for his research. Dissapointment slowly manifest on his mind. For Gilmore, he spend too much time reading all of the paperworks for nothing which can be used to more productive work. He gives a deep sigh.


    His wife Erika enters the room, bringing some snacks and tea for her husband occupied in deep thoughts. She gently put everything in the table and stand beside Gilmore. Also staring at the 15 years of collective nonsense.


    "Honey? Any progress on your work?" Erika asked.


    "Nothing as usual." Gilmore said with low ethusiasm.


    "I see. Its 15 years already since your first search. It must been tiring for you."


    Gilmore didn''t say anything and stays silent for a while.


    "Honey?" Erika is curious on his husband''s silence.


    "Hon."


    "Yes?"


    "Do you think this search is useless in the beginning?" Gilmore asked out of the blue. Erika is surprised on the question for a moment.


    "I don''t think your search is useless as you have good reasons and resolve for doing it so I will not call it useless. But..."


    Erika gets closer to Gilmore and hold his hand.


    "It''s already 15 years with no visible progress so far. Perhaps its time for you to quit." Erika said with a sad expression in her face.


    Gilmore stays quiet as he wants to hear more of his wife''s opinion.


    "I appreciate that you managed to still have time for me and your son despite your busy life. But honey... can I become a little bit selfish this time?" Erika said.


    Gilmode is intrigued. He rarely see this side of his wife. But because Erika respects his decisions, Gilmore is ready to hear his wife''s wish.


    "Of course."


    Erika hugs Gilmore''s arm while leaning on his shoulder.


    "You see. Your son is growing fast. With his crucial moments of his life, I wish you spend more time for him and teach her valuable life lessons."


    Gilmore understands what Erika is trying to say. Now that his son is slowly becoming a teenager, its time to focus on his fatherly duties more than ever to ensure the future of his son.


    "I don''t need for us to become a higher nobility. As long as we live as a happy family, that''s enough for me. So I wish you stay with us more than ever." Erika said with sincerity.


    "Especially when there''s a new member of Vandril family coming."


    .


    .


    "Huh?"


    Gilmore is caught off-guard on Erika''s sudden reveal. He looks to Erika with confusion while his wife just give a sly smile.


    "REALLY?!" Gilmore''s calm demeanor is completely dissapeared once he heard the news.


    "Yup. Our love 2 months ago bear fruit to another child." Erika said. She blush a little as she remembers vividly the scene.


    "Why I just learning this now!?" Gilmore excitement is on the roof.


    "Who knows. Maybe because a certain someone is so occupied on his work." Erika''s said then followed by pouting.


    "All right fine. I''m sorry ok? Hehe." Gilmore''s sincere apology.


    "You know what. An apology is not enough." Erika is still pouting.


    "Why? What I need to do?"


    Erika suddenly becomes serious.


    "Remember everything I said earlier."


    And just like that. Everything that Erika said now about quiting becomes more heavy for Gilmore. He close his eyes and make a deep sigh.


    "I see. Ok I promise. I will stop this search." Gilmore said with sincerity. Erika smiles and hugs Gilmore.


    "Thank you..." the only words she say.


    Gilmore hugs Erika and his mission is slowly being replaced by his responsibility as now father of two.


    Within 10 days. He finally get rid of all of his research books and written journals about his search of Glidel. All of it donated to the Academia, hoping that maybe someone in the future would continue his search. He also spend more time with his wife and son.


    But one day. A news reach him. A news so huge that it light a spark on his desire to search Glidel. After learning the anomaly of the Reverse Tower, he quickly ask Erika for another chance.


    In the living room. Erika is looking disappointed on Gilmore who currently bowing to her.


    "Please. Let me continue my search in the Reverse Tower."


    "But... You promised to me... To us your own family." Erika said with harsh tone.


    "I''m sorry. This is just too big of a chance for me to ignore. But I promised for real this time that this is the last. So, please let Erika, give me one more chance." Gilmore said with conviction.


    "But how can I believe you if the first promise is already broken?! How can I know that it''s really your last if your search turns out nothing?!"


    "No. I promised as a Vandril that this is going to be the last. Please Erika, trust me. If I need to kneel for your approval, I will do it." Gilmore''s conviction becomes even stronger which makes Erika angry.


    "No! You liar!"


    Gilmore didn''t answer, instead he slowly kneel and prepares for a prostration.


    "STOP!!"


    Gilmore stops before he even put himself to the ground. He looks to Erika which is now crying.


    "You''re a Vandril! You don''t need to put yourself that low!" Erika is angry. Gilmore stands and he''s pained to see his wife suffering because of him.


    "Why?! Why you really need to do this?! I told you I don''t want higher nobility status! So, why you so desperate to the point of lowering yourself?!"


    Gilmore can''t answer. Within 15 years of his search. The reason of searching for Glidel is slowly becoming a blur.


    Is it for Vandril to become a higher noble family?


    Is it for the fame and glory?


    Is it for the title of Sword Saint?


    Is it to find the... Truth?


    Truth?


    What truth? To find the fate of a hero that died 1000 years ago?


    Does his mission is to finally put closure for him and his entire blood line?


    Gilmore is unsure.


    "Sorry but I also don''t know why. But something inside me really wants to find the answer. Like it was wishing for me to continue." Gilmore said. He didn''t really give a satisfactory answer to Erika so he avoid eye contact out of shame.


    Ouf of nowhere, something appears on his mind.


    "Doing right things is just what a hero should do."


    Gilmore suddenly remember the very sentence that really makes him idolize Glidel.


    Gilmore looks at Erika again.


    "But, I really want to help everyone in need and right now, the guild needs me to help people who is now missing inside the tower. Because that''s what a Vandril should do."


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Gilmore is surprised when Erika suddenly rushed to him and gives him a very tight hug.


    "You moron..."


    Erika plants her face on Gilmore''s chest as she tries to hide his tears.


    "I''m sorry..." Gilmore apologize.


    "I don''t care anymore! Go. Just be sure that it was truly the last."


    "I will."


    "Also, promise me to come back to us alive. Be careful..."


    "I promise..."


    The two just hugs each other for a moment to ease the pain. When Erika finally calms down, he properly says his farewell. He carefully wear his gears and pick apporiate supplies before heading to the Adventurer''s Guild.

 Ch. 16 - After the Anomaly

    "MOVE MOVE MOVE!!! GET OUT ON OUR WAY!!"


    The Rescue team carrying the Injured Grand Ecstasy to the Adventurer''s guild hospital. Everyone nearby is murmuring as its been a while since they see group of injured carried to the guild since the day they clean the Reverse Tower. Ranging from stranded adventurers to adventurers injured fighting the Apex monsters.


    Then the adventurers are in shocked when they realized the people the medics are carrying.


    "Wait a minute! It''s the Grand Ecstasy!"


    "What?! I thought they''re already dead!"


    Graham and Monica instantly stand up on and walks to the crowd when they hear the party''s name. Only to see them heavily injured and unconcious.


    "HEY! DON''T TELL ME THAT IS VANDRIL!"


    "That''s Gilmore! But how?!"


    The adventurers switch their focus to Gilmore who is missing an arm. For them, to see a Platinum ranked adventurer in such state sends them a grim implications on whatever happened to him inside the tower. They stay silent, full of dread.


    They all just watch as each of the injured is carried to the emergency room.


    Behind the rescue team is Sophia. Walking slowly with no emotion or whatsoever. Graham and Monica sees the familiar face and quickly walks to Sophia.


    "Sophia... What happened?" Monica softly asked.


    Sophia didn''t answer but instead walks slowly to Monica and hugs her. She started weeping. Graham just watched and didn''t probe any further.


    Guild Master Hilgurd hears that the Grand Ecstasy has returned and watch the whole commotion. When he sees Sophia, he also walks to her to ask questions. But when he reach them, Monica just slowly shake her head to Hilgurd who just sighed.


    Hours passed by until night. The guild is now empty except for Sophia, Monica, Graham and Hilgurd waiting for the healing process to finish while also drinking tea. Seeing that Sophia is now calm, Hilgurd starts to break the silence.


    "What really happened there Sophia?"


    Sophia looks to Hilgurd with a pained expression then looks down again.


    "We reached an unexplored area in the Reverse Tower."


    Graham, Monica and Hilgurd''s eyes widen after hearing Sophia''s words. Hilgurd thinks for a while.


    "Stop for now. Let''s wait for your friends to recover so all of you can report to me more precisely." Hilgurd stated. Sophia agree as she also have no energy to talk for long.


    The four is suddenly disturbed when the Guild''s door opened with force. Revealing Erika with her maid and bodyguards obviously concerned to their master''s safety.


    "Where is my husband?!" Erika asked panicly while walking in hurry towards the four.


    "Madam please calm down for a moment! It might affect your child!" Her maid said as she tries to reasoned to Erika while panicking. Her bodyguards meanwhile are on high alert as they''re afraid that Erika might trip thus putting her and her baby at risk.


    "Calm down Mrs. Vandril. They''re currently treated inside the emergency room so we must wait. But they''re alive so don''t worry. Hilgurd explained.


    Erika after hearing Hilgurd calms down a little bit.


    "Thank you Goddess..." Erika softly said. Her maid brings the nearby chair so Erika can sit.


    "Do you want some tea Mrs. Vandril?" Hilgurd offered. Erika nods so Hilgurd gets a new cup and put tea in it.


    Everyone just wait in silence until the clerics finally leaves the emergency room, all are exhausted.


    "Is everything fine?" Hilgurd asked.


    "Yes sir. We managed to heal their injuries easily thanks to the usage of Planesclime dust. It manage to prolong their survival further." One of the cleric said.


    "Planesclime dust you say?" Hilgurd is intrigued.


    "B-but that is suuuper expensive right? How they managed to get that thing?" Monica is in awe as he imagines the price of one vial.


    "It was used by Gilmore on everyone." Sophia said.


    "I guess that''s a given. He''s a Vandril afterall." Graham said, he''s much more relaxed when he heared that his friends are fine.


    "But their injury still take a toll to their body so they might fall asleep for 1 week at best or 2 weeks at worst." The cleric further explained.


    Erika gives a deep sigh of relief.


    "You''re one of the survivors right? It seems that there''s more on Gilmore''s injuries like his skin appears to deep red patches?" The cleric asked while looking at Sophia. She thinks for a moment trying to remember something and then...


    "I remember. He drinks two types of liquid during the duration of his fight. One is a blue liquid and another is a deep purple liquid."


    After hearing the last liquid from Sophia. Hilgurd and the clerics are in shock. Some of the clerics quickly scattered as like they already know the procedure.


    "Those who are already depleted go back to the quarters and get some rest! Those who still have mana and stamina left stay with me!" The cleric said. He seems to be the leader of the group.


    "THERE''S SUPPOSED TO BE A RING LIKE RASHES!" Hilgurd shouts.


    "The ring like purple rashes is the starting symptoms as the blood spreads on the body and disappears withing few minutes! The rescue clerics must didn''t see them because it''s already gone!." The cleric explained. Hilgurd looked at Sophia.


    "OI OI OI!! WHAT THE HELL YOU GUYS FIGHT IN ORDER FOR HIM TO DRIN- WAIT, I ALREADY KNOW..." Hilgurd''s voice as he clench his fist tight on the table. His face is in complete disbelief.


    "What''s wrong?" Graham asked, having no idea what just happened.


    "Now that a Yuriha blood is added to the equation. This is going to be a very troublesome recovery process." The cleric said while scratching his head. He then politely leave everyone.


    Everyone is concerned, especially Erika who starting to go back to her panic state.


    "W-w-what does he mean?! What in the Goddess name is the Y-y-yuriha blood?!" Erika panicly asked as the the thing sounds dangerous for her.


    "Yuriha? That god forsaken sea monster?" Graham followed. Both him and Monica is also concerned.


    Hilgurd having no choice explains the Yuriha blood to everyone. Its effects and side effects. And as he explains the brutality the Yuriha blood. Everyone is in grimace.


    "No way..." Erika feels weak.


    "Everyone else except for Gilmore can take their deep rest. While Gilmore needs intensive care right now in order to survive." Hilgurd added.


    Sophia feels guilty that not only Gilmore uses Planesclime dust for her friends but also drinks a very dangerous substance just to have a higher chance to save them. She might not able to look at his face again.


    "Let me bring him to the Royal Infirmary!" Erika suddenly said.


    "Pardon?"


    "I said let me bring him to the Royal Infirmary!"


    "Mrs. Vandril. It''s not like I want Mr. Gilmore to die but... It might affect the reputation of your family somehow." Hilgurd said with respect.


    "I don''t care! As long as my Husband stays alive, I would do anything!" Erika said. Hilgurd clearly see Erika''s conviction. He just sigh.


    "Ok then. Let me talk to the clerics about the transfer and let us handle everything else. Just ensure your presence in the Royal Infirmary to make things easier."


    "I will." Erika agrees.


    "As for you Sophia. You must be really tired so use the guess room to rest." Hilgurd said.


    "T-thank you Guildmaster." Sophia said with appreciation.


    "Let''s wait for them to wake up ok?" Monica cheers Sophia while holding her hands.


    Sophia smiles.


    "Yeah."


    .


    .


    .


    .


    The estimated 7 days of rest for the team becomes 10 days of sleep but Sophia stays on her friends side until the day that one of them wakes up.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "Ughhh... What?"


    The sleepy Sophia instantly wakes up when she heared the familiar voice. Sophia walks to now awake yet confused Beltrand, he slowly tries to sit but he find it difficult due to his lack of strenght.


    "Ohhh... Sophia where are we?" Beltrand asked. Sophia instead carefully hugs Beltran.


    "It seems a lot of thing happened?"


    "Yes. A lot of things."


    "But... We''re supposed to be dying in the caverns?"


    Sophia finally stops hugging Beltrand and wipes her tears. After that, she explained everything to Beltrand who in awe.


    "Geez. To think that of all people, Vandril is the one the saved us." Beltrand scratches his head.


    "I know right. To think that a descendant of a hero saves us from brink of death. We owe him a lot now especially when he sacrificed his arm."


    Beltrad looks on the beds in his side to see Mateo, Shirna and Claustrine still sleeping.


    "How long do I sleep again?" Beltrand asked.


    "10 days. As for them, I don''t know when they would wake up." Sophia answered with a saddened face.


    Beltrand puts her hand on Sophia''s shoulder.


    "Don''t worry. This time, you''re not alone on waiting." Beltrand comforts Sophia who give a faint smile.


    *groooowllll*


    Their wholesome moment is ruined by the sound of Beltrand''s stomach. Surprised, Sophia chuckle and Beltrand laughs weakly. Laughing at the absurdity before Sophia brings Beltrand a bowl of soup.


    Wanderer visits Grand Ecstasy and gives their support and encouragement to Beltrand and Sophia. It''s also a farewell as the party is embarking on another long journey but they want to ensure that their friends are ok.


    Another 2 days later. Every member of Grand Ecstasy are finally awake and energized. But before they leave the healing room. The five decides to discuss something.


    "12 days... Hmmm.... This is a problem." Mateo said as he thinks.


    "That equals to all of our hard earned money. Damn." Beltrand said.


    "You know. This is also our fault for peacefully sleeping for 12 days." Claustrine suggested.


    "Hey! I only sleep for 10 days!" Beltrand protest.


    "As if that would make any difference." Claustrine said followed by a Sneer.


    "What should we do? Do we even get any valuables in that... Cursed cave?" Beltrand asked.


    "Maybe Claustrine can help us. She surely loots a lot of things on the room." Shirna suggested while looking at Claustrine who also looking at him with a dissapointed expression.


    "Can we sell those?" Beltrand asked.


    "Good luck selling academic books. If the Academia finds out that we''re selling research books especially ones made by JULZIHAR." Claustrine shivers as she thinks of the consequences.


    The Academia. Despite being an independent institution, they still have collaborations with the nobility so death sentence is not really a farfetched reality for doing such blasphemy.


    "How about we sell it to the black market? It''s ok as long as no one knows about it right?" Shirna suggested.


    "Please shut up. Selling the books is out of option if all of you wants to stay alive."


    "As if working our arses to death to pay our medical fees is a viable option." Beltrand complained.


    "Ah! I have an idea! How about we escape to Mateo''s home?" Sophia proudly said, referring to Mateo''s world. After hearing such wild suggestion. Shirna, Claustrine, and Beltran goes into think mode.


    "No. Never. Not gonna happen." Mateo said while shaking his head.


    "But-"


    "No buts. We''re going to pay that fees. I''m going to talk with the Guildmaster if he can lower the cost for us." Mateo''s ultimatum.


    "Hey. What if the Academia pays us some sort of rewards for giving such important record to them?" Shirna''s well thought idea the everyone looked at him with interest.


    "Hmmmm... I wish that''s really the case." -Claustrine.


    "It''s a very important discovery. I expect that the payout is big. That way  we can pay the medical expenses." Mateo''s wishful thinking.


    "You don''t need to pay for that."


    The fives looks on the direction of the voice only to see Guildmaster Hilgurd on the door.


    "Guildmaster?"


    "You don''t need to pay for your medical expenses, the guild would handle that."


    "REALLY?!" The five is surprised yet there''s smile on their faces.


    "Yeah. But there''s only one thing you need to do. That is to tell us everything you discovered on the unexplored areas."


    "What do you mean sir?" Mateo asked.


    "The royal circle is calling for your prescence in the court. So move your asses out and prepare for our departure." Hilgurd said.


    Grand Ecstasy gulps after hearing thay they''re going to be involved in kingdom''s politics.


    But Sophia have another question in her mind.


    "Guildmaster."


    "What is it?"


    "Is Sir Gilmore... Ok?" Sophia asked with worry. Hilgurd faintly smiles.


    "He''s fine now. He''s already recovered thanks to Royal Infirmary''s help.


    "Thank you Goddess..." Sophia smiles.


    Then with Hilgurd''s command. The four prepares themselves, wearing their formal attires.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Grand Ecstasy reach the castle and the guards allowed them entry as Hilgurd is with them. They''re now in front of the giant door that leads to the Royal court.


    "Oh. So you finally came."


    Grand Ecstasy sees Gilmore walking towards them. Instead of happiness, they feel a sense of guilt and sadness after seeing the state of Gilmore.


    Gilmore, now missing a left arm is still struggling to walk properly while his skin is still visibly injured due to the effects of Yuriha''s blood. He was assisted by his maids. On his side is his wife Erika patiently walks slowly alongside Gilmore.


    Grand Ecstasy bows to Gilmore to show their gratitude and respect.


    "Sir. Thank y-"


    "Stop right there." Gilmore said.


    Thus, Mateo stops talking.


    "Look. We still have things that needs to do. After we deal with all of these stress, come to my house and there you can say whatever you want." Gilmore said while pointing her thumb to the big door.


    "Ok sir. We promise to pay you on everything."


    "Pay? Thats... Nevermind. Just continue that talk in my house. Right now, we should enter or we going to make those old timers angry." Gilmore said with ethusiasm. Grand Ecstasy agrees and the guards opened the door, waiting for them to enter.


    Grand Ecstasy and Gilmore enters and they''re greeted by a very large circular room. In the middle is a table and chairs which is surrounded by more complex chairs elevated to makes whoever in the center feels weak.


    Higher above the elevated seats is a more elaborated space where the king seats which is present at that moment.


    As they enter towards the center table, the group can hear lots of silent talks.


    "Who do you think did that to Gilmore?"


    "A Vandril swordsmaster is supposed to be strong. Pathetic."


    "Vandril family now truly loses their power."


    "What is an Elf doing here? Call the guards."


    "What a bunch of nobodies."


    "That mage looks familiar isn''t it?"


    Claustrine flinched a little then looks around the watchers. Looking for someone, she sigh after finding out that there''s nothing to worry about.


    Grand Ecstasy and Gilmore just ignore all of the harsh talks the watchers thrown to them as they feel intimidated by the most important person in the room.


    The King.


    Sitting in his personalzed throne. The king watches them with observing eyes. Waiting for them to relay any possible news they can provide.


    The King is young for his age at the age of 36. Just recently replaced the previois King who is now old and weak. He quickly shows to everyone that he''s not someone that can manipulated easily and have the capabilities of a great leader.


    The King''s ancestry dates back 1000 years in the past. He was a direct descendant of one of the heroes that saved the world, considered as the most powerful member and leader of the heroes party named Draken.


    The King calls for silence which everyone follows instantly.


    "Gilmore and Grand Ecstasy. You must already know why you called here so we don''t need to waste time. Just answer our inquiry with truth and only truth."


    Gilmore and Grand Ecstasy bows with respect.


    "Yes your majesty." The six answered simultaneously.


    "Anyone want to ask something for our guest?"


    Seconds of silence before someone raised his hand and asked a question.


    "According to your own reports. You discovered a new unexplored area in the Reverse Tower. Can you provide a more detailed description?" One of the female watchers asked as she looks on the few papers.


    "Wait. Before that. How all of you reached the new area?" One of the male watchers with glasses asked.


    Claustrine answers the question.


    "We got transported via some sort of magic circles that suddenly appears beneath us. And according to our cleric, a Magic circle is also the one that brings us back at Layer 8." Gilmore answered.


    The crowd starts to talk for moment until the King asked for silence.


    "Are you implying that you got transported by a new magic not known by everyone?" The King asked.


    "Your majesty, I believe this magic is not really new. This must be already developed in the past but for some reason, the creator of Reverse Tower decides to not share it to everyone." Claustrine added.


    The King thinks for a moment.


    "Julzihar..."


    The crowd reacts.


    "It make sense if that''s the case. Julzihar is a genius in magic development so such magic must be possible to him." One of the academics reasoned.


    "That must be a joke! Julzihar teaches us everything about magic,! He''s literally one of the founding founders of Academia with sole purpose of improving humanity so why he hide such magic!?" One of the academics said.


    "Unless the magic is so powerful that it might change the world forever." Claustrine answered one of the watchers.


    The watchers stay silent for a while as they imagined all the possibilities with such magic.


    "Well. Magic cirlces is not really new as we use the same spell in the Bag of Storage. But a magic that can teleport a group of people to a specified location, that''s going to be revolutionary." One of the watchers from Academia said. The others beside her nods in agreement.


    "You seems to be a knowledgable about this young miss. Do you have some theories on why the teleport circles suddenly appears?" One of the elders from Academia asked.


    "Sorry sir but I don''t really have a solid theory on how it happened. But in my opinion, the anomaly in Reverse Tower must be related to it." Claustrine answers.


    "Perhaps you can add more details that you can remember." The same elder politely asked.


    Claustribe tries to recall the events before the teleportation.


    "From what I remember. The magic circle appears when we encountered two Apex Beasts. When we almost get killed by an attack." Claustrine answered.


    "Gilmore. Can you verify her words?" The Elder asked.


    "Yes. I also transported in a same circumstances."


    "I see. It seems that it''s truly the Reverse Tower anomaly that caused the teleportation. I have no more questions."


    "Hold on sir. If that''s the requirments. Why there''s not a single recorded teleportation incident during the extermination campaign? We also get a fair share of fighting two Apex at once." One of the Knight captain asked.


    "Perhaps there''s more specifics or the teleportation is completely randomized. But to get more reliable answers, we need to study more of this. So we should continue to the next topic." The Elder answered while looking to Hilgurd.


    "Ahem! Now that the methods is answered. Can you tell us on what the unexplored layer looks like?" Hilgurd asked.


    Shirna prepares to talk as it was his specialty.


    "The unexplored area is a-"


    "Silence!"


    Shirna stops talking when one of the nobles suddenly screams.


    "You don''t have any rights to talk to this court! You''re an Elf Outsider!" The noble said with spite but he managed to say his hate without spouting deregatory remarks that might anger the King.


    Shirna almost give a murderous glare to the said noble but Mateo manages to interfere. Mateo sadly looked at Shirna then slowly shake his head. Shirna understands and walks out.


    "Look at that!? The disrespect to the council. Such lowl-"


    "SILENCE!"


    The nobile quickly shuts his mouth when the King screams. The council and the Guest are tensed and shooked.


    "Your insolence will never leave umpunished." The king looked at the racist noble with muderous eyes.


    "I-I''m s-sorry!!!" The aid noble bows at his best just to ease the anger of the King. The king just click his tongue the returns his gaze to Grand Ecstasy.


    As for our guest, you can continue now." The King politely said.


    Mateo decides that he''s the one that answers the question.


    "The unexplored area consist of two areas. The first one probably biggest among all the Reverse tower is a very large and complex cave system."


    "Cave system you say? Not another Layer?" One of the higher ranking Adventurer''s Guild official asked.


    "Yes."


    "Any interesting discovery?"


    "There''s nothing of interest in the cave system. No monsters nor useful minerals and plants in that pitch black cave." Mateo answered.


    "Gee. I thought the new layer is interesting." The official seems dissapointed.


    "Do you find other missing adventurers while exploring the cave?"


    After hearing Hilgurd''s next question. Grand Ecstasy and Gilmore becomes melancholic. Hilgurd understands their reaction.


    "It seems that there''s nothing we can do. May the peace be with them." Hilgurd also saddened on the revalation.


    There''s not even a moment of peace as another watcher asked a question.


    "You said that there''s two areas. What is the other one?" One of the Academics asked.


    Mateo paused for a moment, thinking for a proper words to call it. After thinking, Mateo answers.


    "Julzihar''s Secret Laboratory."


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    And with a simple answer, the council turns into a loud mess, each one shouts in surprise. Eager to learn more.

 Ch. 17 - Way Back Home

    "W-WHAT?!"


    Everyone in the council raises their voices especially the Academics who shocked and excited to the sudden revelation. Debate ensues.


    "Are you sure on what you said?!"


    "That''s a big news if thats true! Better not joke on us or you going to get punished severely!"


    "How can a laboratory is hidden beneath the reverse tower?!"


    The King calls for silence and it takes 2 seconds before the crowd finally settles down.


    "Miss. Do you have any evidences to back up your claim?" The King asked.


    "Yes your majesty. Please allow me to get the things we gathered."


    Claustrine opens her bigger Bag of Storage but she paused when the nearby soldiers points their spears on her.


    "Soldiers, lower down your weapons."


    As the King command. The soldiers returns to their neutral posture. But they still have observant eyes, ready to protect everyone if Grand Ecstasy did something.


    Claustrine have two Bag of Storage. First is a smaller one containing all of her personal belongings. And a second bigger one with larger opening used to store Grand Ecstasy''s supplies and loots.


    Claustrine continues and picks all the books he can gathered. For each book she puts in the table, the Academics are looking with anticipation. They''re look like one step away from drooling.


    "I did quick reading on each book and I can say that all of these are related to the Reverse Tower plus known and unknown knowledges."


    "Your Majesty, Can I take a look?" The Elder Academic asked. The King nods with approval.


    With support from soldiers. The Elder walks to the center table where Claustrine presents all the books. He opens one and take a quick read,


    Then another


    And another.


    It was the fifth book when he stopped and makes a satisfied grin.


    "As an Elder of the Academia. I guarantee that all of these books are authentic. And I asked for these book to be turned to Academia to be studied further, your majesty." The Elder''s request while bowing down.


    "I accept your proposal. Soldiers, pick the books and put it in safety for a while."


    "Thank you for your gratitude my King." The Elder said then he bowed to the king.


    While the soldiers carefully picks the old books. The Academics are talking with excitement. Can''t wait to spend days and nights studying the new knowledge they recieve.


    "Thank you for your service. I will ensure that all of you would recieve approriate rewards." The Elder said then he slowly returns to his seat, still assisted by few soldiers.


    "The books must have any information regarding the Teleportation circles. Once the books are fully studied, it can provide huge benefits for the Kingdom. With that said, I offer my deepest gratitude for your contribution." The Kings genuine appreciation followed by the claps of everyone in the council. When the celebration stops.


    "Now. I want to ask you, do you still have any reports that you can present to us?" The King asked.


    "Yes your Majesty. In fact, it must be equally groundbreaking as the books itself." Mateo speaks making everyone in the council curious again.


    "Ohoh?" The King is intrigued. Even the council is starting to get loud again when they heared what Mateo said.


    "Despite the unexplored layers not having monsters or dangers, we still get involved in conflict as you can see on our injuries." Claustrine added.


    "That''s truly confused me since your friend said that theres no monster in the cave system. What is the thing you fight that make you put in such life or death situation?" The King asked.


    "Yoir Majesty, before answering that question. We want to show something first. I promise it was related somehow." Mateo proposed.


    "I see... Fine, show us."


    Mateo signals Claustrine. Claustrine understands and uses the Big Bag of Storage again. She search throughly and puts the pieces of skeletal remains.


    At first, the council is confused as they don''t have any idea on what Claustrine is pulling. The only thing they can question is the bones seems a lot bigger compared to a humans.


    But the atmosphere inside the court instantly turns dark when Claustrine finally pulls a skull and put it on the table above the bones. Even the King is concerned on the remains of a very powerful being.


    "N-no way..." One of the Nobles said as he watch the skull of an Eight-horned Vielarata. She feels shivers as she remembers the stories of the past.


    "D-do you guys really fight... That thing?" One of the Knight captains asked.


    Hilgurd just have a very serious look at his face, waiting for the real deal.


    Claustrine finished showing all the bones and ragged clothes of the Vielarata. The council is still feeling overwhelemed by a eerie feeling even though the Vielarata is already dead.


    Considering their human history. It''s understandable why they feel such way on one of the enemy that almost destroyed mankind.


    "Now I understand why Gilmore recieve such injury. If the thing they face is that... thing..." One of the Nobles said.


    "To think that a powerful Vielarata is close to the Reverse Tower says something grim." One of the Academics said.


    "Is that Vielarata the one that almost kill all of you?" The King asked.


    "I admit, we equally in danger if we fight this Vielarata. But, this is not the one that almost killed us." Mateo''s words makes the council talk softly.


    "what?"


    "What does he mean that the Vielarata is not the thing they fought? I''m confused." One of the Knight captain said with a dumbstruck look on her face.


    "Pardon?" The King is surprised on the sudden twist of narrative.


    "Your Majesty. This Vielarata is already dead a long time ago the moment we entered the Laboratory. Mateo answered.


    The council is talks slightly louder.


    "Are you saying that someone killed that powerful monster?" The King asked.


    "Yes your Majesty. Whatever the one that killed this Vielarata is the same thing that almost destroy us." Mateo answered.


    "Then what it is?"


    "It was some sort of Knight located in the deeper parts of the Laboratory, guarding the exit Teleportation circle. She looks like an Undead but when tried purification arts, it doesn''t affect her at all." Mateo explained while clenching his fist as he remembers their struggles while fighting the female Knight.


    The council talks even harder, debating on how to approach such strange information. The King calls for silence.


    "Knight? How a Knight ends up in the deepest layers of Reverse Tower?" One of the Knights Captain asked.


    "Are you really sure that the Knight is the one that killed that Eight-horned Vielarata? A Eight-horned is the third strongest in Vielarat hierchy and just a single unknown Knight can''t handle such power to defeat that." One of the Academics said.


    "What if the that Knight is really just a creation of the Vielarata and the Vielarata is already dead for centuries due to natural causes?" One of the Academics theorized.


    "Are you saying that a Vielarata manages to enter and live inside the Reverse Tower which is created by a Legendary Hero? And create a creature somehow? That''s absurd and heretical!" Another Academic disagrees.


    "Its a Eight-horned Vielarata that we''re talking about here. They might have the power to enter the Reverse Tower." One of the academics agrees to the Knight is created theory.


    "Even powerful enough to bypass a powerful barrier created by one of the legendary heroes? Specifically designed to repel all Vielarata?" Another academic disagreed. The question makes the academics silent.


    The King breaks the silence.


    "It seems that you defeated the Knight you talking about. But, do you have any items that might be used to identify the identity of the Knight?" The King asked.


    Claustrine and Mateo makes a sad expression. Due to being rend unconcious for the entirety of the fight. They didn''t get any items the King asked.


    "Y-your majesty. Can I speak?"


    Claustrine, Mateo and Beltrand looks on the familiar voice behind them and sees the confident Sophia raising her hand.


    "Anyone can speak as long as whatever they say is useful or related and not distracting." The King said.


    "Your Majesty, I want to present what you''re asking for."


    "Oh-hoooo." The King smiles as he was interested.


    Gilmore just smiles as he understands what Sophia is saying.


    Sophia opened his Bag of Storage. It''s just slighty smaller to their largest storage. The reason why Sophia brings such medium sized Bag of Storage is due to her bringing several clothes, accessories and utilities that helps the party.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    But this time, it doesn''t contain any of Sophia''s belongings. Instead Sophia carefull pulls the "dead?" Knight everyone is talking about.


    "What in the world?! I thought you only pick her weapons!" Gilmore is shocked as she watch Sophia struggling to pull the Knight.


    "I-I also do... that... don''t worry." Sophia says with difficulty as she was struggling to carry the Knight still wearing its armor. Beltrand then helps her while also looking at the knight with fear and discomfort.


    Gilmore facepalms using his left arm until he realized that he doesn''t have a left arm anymore. So he facepalmed harder with his right arm. Embarassed to himself.


    "She''s really dead... Right?" Beltrand asked. Sophia nods.


    Claustrine and Mateo also helps to carry the Knight''s corpse.


    "This is absurd." Claustrine said.


    "Gravedigger..." Mateo said while looking at Sophia.


    "Please don''t judge meeeee!" Sophia cries.


    With no space in the table. Claustrine removes the bones so the others can carefully place the knight in the table. Sophia also pulls its broken sword and left arm and puts it above the Knight.


    .


    .


    .


    !!!!!!!


    The King suddenly stand up and rushes down to see the Knight closer. His serious face is replaced with sorrow as he holds the broken sword the Knight used.


    At first, the crowd is in murmur, wondering on the sudden expressiveness of the King. Until some older Academics, Nobles and Bishops starts to talk loudly.


    "No way... Is that really... Her?" One of the Elder Academics said. Some of the Bishops have tears flowing on their face while the older nobles just lower their head.


    "Yes everyone. One of our heroes finally returns to her home. The Legendary Hero Glidel can finally rest in peace." The King solemnly says.


    Grand Ecstasy and the others are equally shocked on the revelation. Grand Ecstasy wants to ask question on everything but after watching council goes in pained silence. They decide not to say a world and just join them.


    After few seconds. The King properly ended the interview with Grand Ecstasy and Gilmore as there''s more important things they need to prepare in the council now. Gilmore and Grand Ecstasy decides to go on the nearby royal garden not saying a word. They sit on the bench and then...


    "WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Everyone in the Grand Ecstasy suddenly screams except Shirna who just looked at them with confusion as he was outside of the council room that time.


    Gilmore just sigh as he watch the party''s shocked face.


    "W-w-what does the K-k-king mean by L-legendary H-Hero?" Claustrine''s stuttering words.


    "W-w-what the hell we suddenly got involved in such thing?!" Beltrand said.


    "Guys? What is happening?" Shirna''s genuine question.


    "T-t-the thing that a-almost killed us is the L-legendary Hero G-glidel." Mateo answered. Shirna just made a surprised face.


    "S-s-sir G-gilmore... Y-you already know this since the beggining. Right?" Sophia asked Gilmore.


    Gilmore just nods.


    "Then why you didn''t told us anything?!" Sophia is annoyed as she was making a pouting face. Gilmore chuckle.


    "If I reveal anything earlier. You would become a nervous wreck in front of everyone." Gilmore''s answer which just make everyone annoyed.


    "Finally find you!"


    Gilmore hears the familiar voice and it was his wife Erika alongside two of their maids. They all bringing baskets.


    "Hello honey."


    "Honey your ass! Why you didn''t tell us that your interrogation is over?" Erika''s annoyance.


    "I''m so sorry. It''s just things suddenly get hectic inside so we decides to take a breather." Gilmore said as he points his thumb behind him. Erika looks on the direction and sees Grand Ecstasy still a nervous wreck.


    "Calm down Claustrine, calm down Claustrine. It''s not like you did something criminal." Claustrine said to herself.


    "Hehehehehee." Beltrand just chuckling as he was thinking that he fight, strike and spit to the face of one of their legendary heroes.


    Sophia is just having a blank stare on something while Mateo and Shirna just sitting and looks defeated.


    "What happened to them?" Erika asked.


    "I tell you later. Right now, do you bring some food? I''m so hungry." Gilmore asked.


    "That''s the reason why I was looking for all of you. Well whatever."


    Erika shows the contents of her basket containing assortments of bread and cookies.


    "Let''s eat shall we?" Erika says then she smiles.


    Gilmore faces the devastated party.


    "Come on. It''s not really a big deal. You know what? All of you are just hungry so we shall eat ok?" Gilmore said while scratching the back of his head.


    "B-b-but.."


    "No buts and what''s. Let''s eat first."


    After few convincing. Grand Ecstasy finally goes back to their senses and eats food alongside Gilmore, Erika and the Maids. The assortment of high quality sandwhiches, cookies and wine are so delicious that Grand Ecstasy forgots what they where thinking earlier.


    While eating. Gilmore slowly tells the news to Erika who also surprised but in different way.


    "Does it means your mission is finally over?!"


    "Yes honey. Now I can stay with you forever." Gilmore says followed by a gentle smile.


    Erika jumps to Gilmore and hugs him very tight.


    "Thanks the Goddess... I''m so happy." Erika says and almost cry.


    The Grand Ecstasy just watch the husband and wife in their happy moments. Despite not having any idea, they smile and happy for the two who seems have a peaceful conclusion for themselves.


    After a meal full of stories and fun. Everyone decides to stay on the Royal Garden a little bit longer when.


    "Sir Gilmore..."


    Everyone is surprised to see the King walking towards them alongside two royal guards. Everyone stand up and gives their respectful bow.


    "What is it your majesty?" Gilmore asked.


    "Can I talk to you in private for a moment about the recent events?" The King asked.


    "Yes your majesty." Gilmore accepts.


    "I guess your going to go home late darling?" Erika asked.


    "Yes. But I promise, I go home as soon as posible."


    Erika kiss him quickly.


    "That''s a promise ok?" Erika asked and Gilmore Nod.


    Gilmore walks to the king.


    "I''m going to leave now. And thanks for helping my husband. Farewell." Erika happily says her departure which Grand Ecstasy appreciates. Erika and the maids walks away.


    "Ahh I almost forgot. Grand Ecstasy."


    "Yes your majesty?"


    The King gives them 5 highly decorated envelopes with Kings seal on it.


    "5 days from now. The kingdom is going to host a grand funeral and other important ceremonies. Your prescence in those event are crucial as fellow discoverer. So be prepared."


    "Yes your Majesty. Thank you for your appreciation." Mateo said and bows alonside his friends.


    Except Shirna.


    "Your Highness. Not to be rude but, I''m really allowed to join? Considering what happened inside the Royal Coart?" Shirna makes a pained expression as he remembers the disgusted stare of some nobles.


    The King bows to Shirna which shocked everyone.


    "Your Highness! You don''t need to do that!" Shirna panics.


    "No. This is I deserve for failing to honor my promise to the Elven Queen. I sincerely apologize on their behalf."


    "Your Highness! I understand! I don''t mind really besides they can''t disagree now that you officially invited me!" Shirna is still panicking.


    The King finally finish his bow.


    "Worry not. I promise that I will punish anyone that shows discrimination on you during the celebration." The King pledges.


    Grand Ecstasy stay silent and then they bow to show gratitude.


    "Thank you your Highness."


    .


    .


    .


    "I guess this is a farewell." Gilmore says.


    "Yeah. It was fun." Mateo said.


    "Let''s meet again on the ceremony. Farewell."


    "Farewell."


    Grand Ecstasy says their farewells before leaving. Then the King and Gilmore goes to the place they want to talk.


    The place is the royal practice chamber. The King commands his royal guards to leave which the two followed. Now the two is the only one in the chamber.


    "Remember this place?" The King asked.


    "Yes your Majesty."


    The King sigh.


    "Please stop talking too formal for a while. Just treat me as your bestfriend you rascal." The King is annoyed. His royal and elegant demeanor is gone and replaced by a energetic and jovial energy.


    Gilmore smiles.


    "If that''s what you want Klein. Then I would not hesistate to call you all of your past nicknames. Womanizer."


    Klein laughs.


    "Phew! Finally I can stop acting like a King for a while! If you just know how suffocating it was."


    "It seems that being A King is truly a stressful work."


    "Yeah. I wish I can also do adventuring like you."


    "As if your family would approve that. Good wishful thinking though."


    The two just laughs for a moment.


    "So Mory. How it feels fighting your ancestor and a legendary hero?" Klein asked.


    Gilmore face becomes serious.


    "So that''s the thing you want to talk about."


    "Of course! You fight a legendary hero so you need to talk about how it goes!" The King said with excitement. Gilmore just sigh.


    "Just looking on the state of my body really tells you on how difficult it is."


    Klein explore his gaze on Gilmore''s skin full of scar from the side effects of Yuriha''s blood and his now missing left arm.


    "So you understand now?" Gilmore asked.


    "Well, I can see that you sacrifice so many things to win. But is she really that powerful that you need to consume Yuriha blood and allow your arm to get cut off? In fact, It''s a miracle that you''re still alive if thats the case." The King''s curiosity is very strong.


    Gilmore touch his amputated arm which is still covered by white bandage. It still hurts as well as the pain on his skin caused by the Yuriha blood.


    "So what you want to know Klein?" Gilmore asked.


    "Everything about Hero Glidel and how you manage to defeat her."


    Gilmore sits to the floor, Klein also follows and now there''s no boundaries and class between them. Just two friends talking to each other.


    "Hero Glidel really lives up to her name as a Legendary Hero and as a Sword Saint. A modern swordsmanship is still having difficulty on her."


    "She''s the progenitor and ancestry of the powerful swordsmanships used by us and other nations. It should be a given that she can easily fight modern swordsmanship." Klein commented.


    "I know that. And watching her swordsmanship is such a sight to behold." Gilmore remembers the fight like it was fresh on his mind.


    "Now you just making me jealous."


    "Sorry for that. It''s just that Hero Glidel''s swordplay is so powerful and refined. But there''s one thing that bothering me while fighting her."


    "What is it?"


    "There''s no record of Glidel becoming stronger as the fight goes on right?" Gilmore asked.


    "Hmmmm... I can''t agree with that. Hero Glidel is someone that lives 1000 years ago during a war. Who knows, maybe that information is still on an undiscovered crusty paper somewhere else." Klein answered.


    "I guess you''re right. But still, the doubt still lingers on me."


    "What doubt?"


    "That me defeating Glidel really means nothing. Like its just a facade."


    Gilmore and Klein stays silent for a while...


    "Are you serious right now Mory? Its already proven that she''s the real deal. Why you suddenly suggested that she''s fake?" Klein asked with confusion and annoyance on her face.


    "Because if she''s truly the Hero Glidel. You''re not talking to me right now. Despite me looking a mess, I still manage to defeat her 1vs1. Isn''t that strange?"


    Klein thinks for a moment and remembers the old stories. The two is engulfed in silence.


    How Glidel decimate a whole army of Vielerata in one single swing of her sword.


    How Glidel almost destroy a whole mountain while fighting a Nine-horned Vielarata all by herself.


    And the finale when the fight between the Heroes party chosen by the Gods and the Vielarata King ends up rendering a whole island uninhabitable for hundreds of years.


    "You as a friend already know the limits of my powers so you must already understand what I mean." Gilmore stated.


    "But still.. She''s really the Hero Glidel from the old stories and by using my royal authority. Right?"


    "Let''s say that she''s really the Hero Glidel, but the thing I fight on that underground arena is just an empty dead husk, animated by whoever is wicked enough to desecrate the corpse of a hero."


    Klein just give a deep sigh as he finally agreed on Gilmore''s point.


    "Fine fine I understand. But it still doesn''t cancel the fact the you found the remains of the Hero. That''s one of the condition of your family mission." Klein clarifies.


    "I know that. That''s why, despite being a fraud. I''m going to accept the title as the next sword saint in accordance to the tradition."


    "And then what you''re going to do after that?"


    With Klein''s question. Gilmore thinks for a moment before smiling.


    "I guess, I need to become a teacher now for my children and teach them everything."


    "Well, that''s the normal progression for your family. Nothing new to be honest."


    "No. I''m going to change it. If myself is not even comparable to the real sword saint, then I going to ensure that my predecessors would grow and become an equal to our first ancestor." Gilmore stated with conviction. Klein smiles.


    "Thats the spirit."


    Klein stands up and streches his body.


    "Now that you''re seems on fire. How about we spar for a while? Its been so long since I warm my body for combat." Klein said while stretching his body and looking to Gilmore with smugness.


    "What in the actual fuck?! Did you even see the injuries on my body? I even lost my arm!"


    Klein points his wooden sword to Gilmore''s right arm.


    "But you still have your sword arm. So that''s fine. So let''s start!"


    "NO!"


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Meanwhile, Grand Ecstasy is walking in the side of wide road where few carriages and horses are running. All of them are still star strucked as they remember on what they witnessed.


    "Is this really happening to us?" Beltrand asked while looking at the sky.


    "There''s no denying it. We fought one of the legendary heroes and live to tell the tale... Or not tell it at all." Claustrine answered.


    "But there''s a thing that needs to talked and that is the fact the Gilmore is the one that save us." Mateo stated.


    "True. Also, Gilmore seems close to the King. Well he''s a noble so that must be a given." Claustrine''s opinion.


    "And don''t forget that we need to return our gratitude to him somehow." Sophia said


    "Guys. I think that''s not the real topic we should talk about right now."


    "What do you mean Shirna?" Beltrand asked with curiousity


    "You guys forgotten. We finally going to visit Mateo''s home."


    ...


    "OHH!!" Claustrine, Beltrand and Sophia exclaims as they remember.


    The four looks to Mateo, full of excitement on their eyes. Mateo just sigh and scratched his head.


    "Well... A promise is a promise. Tomorow morning, let''s meet to my house and remember this. Don''t bring any magical items with you."


    "Even Bag of Storage?" Claustrine asked.


    "You can leave that in my house."


    "Your house on Earth or House in Nattunnia?" Claustrine asked again.


    "Arghhh... Fine. You can leave the Bag of Storage on my House on Earth." Mateo''s annoyed answer.


    "Yey." Claustrine''s happy answer.


    "Finally. A vacation." Sophia says with bliss.


    "But what we should do once we finally visit your world?" Beltrand asked. Mateo gives a confident smile.


    "Just leave it to me."

 Ch. 18 - Welcome to Ternate, Grand Ecstasy

    The next day... In front of Mateo''s house in Nattunnia.


    "Uhmm..."


    Mateo is just looking on his friends with dissatisfied expression. Eyeing everyone from head to toe.


    "What''s the matter?" Beltrand''s confused question.


    "I should not expected something to be honest." Mateo''s cryptic worss.


    "Hey what do you mean by that?!" Beltrand is starting to get annoyed due to his confusion.


    "He''s probably talking about our clothes." Shirna''s said while looking on his red shoulder cape.


    "Ahmm... I think I wear approriately." Sophia''s opinion while also looking on her outfit of a decorated red dress.


    "Ha? If that''s true, what''s the problem then? You said that we should wear our formal attire." Beltrand''s reasoning. Mateo just shake his head in disapproval.


    "How should I say this... All of you looks like theatre actors straight out of fantasy books." Mateo''s opinion.


    "Huh?" Sophia said as she can''t comprehend what Mateo said.


    "That''s in the context of our world. Beltrand looks like the Prince''s bodyguard especially with your elaborate royal looking suit." Mateo said while pointing on her attire most importantly the frilly necktie with an embeded gem.


    "Thanks, I guess." Beltrand''s short and unsure answer.


    "Sophia. Just wearing the priestess'' dress would not cut it."


    "But this is the least elaborate of my wardrobe!" Sophia protest.


    "But you look like... Sorry for saying this, a member of some cult or medieval nobilitt if viewed on my world."


    "Tsk... Whatever." Sophia just said then pouts.


    "And Shirna, your the most fantasy looking of all of them especially your shoulder cape."


    "Sorry Mateo." Shirna just apologize.


    "The only one that suitable is Clautrine''s outfit."


    Hearing Mateo''s word. Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand looks to Claustrine who just give them a stare. In their mind, Claustrine''s attire is truely different with her brown khaki pants with fancy belt, long sleeve tucked-in white blouse and black heeled sandals. An outfit that they just see in the first time. They return their look to Mateo, now with a disgranted stare.


    "Wow... Now I wish we got an early access to your world right?" Beltrand''s words.


    "You meanie." Sophia said followed by pouting.


    "Bahala na. Just let deal with that later. Come in guys." Mateo just ignore their complaints and invites them inside.


    Mateo''s friends enters the home and then he proceeds to close all of the windows. The four just watch in awe as Mateo summons the door to his world.


    Mateo opens the door and invites his friends to go inside. Sophia, Beltrand and Shirna are equally mesmerized and curious as Claustrine when she first visits Mateo''s world.


    They see all the unfamiliar things in Mateo''s room like the computer, consoles, the different "Paintings" and many more.


    "So this is Mateo''s world huh?" Beltrand said.


    "You barely scratched the surface. There more things to come." Claustrine said.


    The party now exits Mateo''s room and go downstairs. When they ready to reach the ground floor, they stop walking as they got greeted by Ligaya who heared the foot steps.


    "For god sake Mateo! It''s already been a month and you don''t even-"


    Ligaya halts talking when she saw that Mateo is not alone and in fact brings all of his close friends.


    "Rey! Come here quick!"


    Hearing the call, Reymundo soon appears.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Reymundo is confused at the sudden call of his wife. But he soon see Grand Ecstasy looking at them with curious expression.


    "We need to go to the palengke right now."


    "I would get the Tricycle keys..." Reymundo short response than walks away.


    30 minutes later...


    "Woooo! So hot!" Beatrice screams as she enters the house. But she didn''t expected the scene in the living room.


    "Eh?" Beatrice is surprised to see unfamiliar faces casually sitting so close in front of the Smart TV.


    "It looks like Mateo''s pown and laptap..." Beltrand said while touching the screen. "Weird, it seems that it doesn''t respond on touch unlike the Pown."


    "We''re in another world right? Why we understand what the people inside the rectangle says?" Shirna asked.


    "Isn''t we also understand the people in mobees when we''re stranded in the cave?" Sophia commented.


    Everyone seems didn''t notice Beatrice prescence so she decides to speak to get their attention.


    "Hello? Who are you?"


    Sophia, Beltrand and Shirna response to the unfamiliar voice. But they seems don''t know what to say.


    The two side just put in a short staring contest until Claustrine enters the scene holding a pitcher of juice and some glasses.


    "Trinne long time no see!!!" Beatrice''s excitement when she finally see a familiar face. She walks quickly and greet Claustrine.


    "Hello Bea. Long time no see indeed..." Claustrine said then gives a sweet smile.


    "Why you take so long to visit again? Did something happen?"


    "It''s a long story but we''re fine now. Thanks for your worries."


    Claustrine puts the pitcher and glasses in the table.


    "Anyway... Who are these people?" Beatrice asked as she notices again that the three are curious on their surroundings.


    "They''re our party members and friends. Hey guys. This is Mateo''s sister. Please introduce yourselves."


    After learning that Beatrice is their friend''s sister. The three stand up and gives a proper introduction.


    "I''m Beltrand Fischer... It''s an honor to meet you." Beltrand said then gives a proper bow.


    "Hello! My name is Sophia Amstrend! Nice to meet you!" Sophia gives a more ethusiatically introduction.


    "Shirna Eaglesight, nice to meet you." Shirna gives it simple.


    "I''m Beatrice Agbayani. Don''t be shy and feel at home ok? It''s my pleasure to meet my brother''s friends."


    Beatrice then shakes the hand of each of them.


    "Anyway... Where''s ma and pa?"


    "They said they''re going to a palingkey?" Claustrine said while unsure if she said palengke right.


    "They must already see you then and rushing to buy a good lunch. Then how about my brother?"


    "Ahhhmmm... Mateo said that he''s going to visit an old friend."


    "I see... Anyway, if you have any question. Don''t feel shy to ask me ok?" Beatrice says then winks with a smile to the newcomers.


    "Yes ma''am." The three answers politely.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Mateo is currently in the Naic town plaza, in front of an elaborated store named "Glimmer & Co". The store is decorated to be high class as possible with some jewelry displayed in front, protected by bullet proof glass.


    Mateo parks his motorcycle in side and proceeds to go inside the store. He was greeted by an intimidating man acting as guard.


    The guards stone cold expression is changed into a slight smile once he recognized the one the enters the shop.


    "Oh... It''s been a while sir." The guard''s greetings.


    "Long time no see Jack. Is Ailan here?"


    "He is sir. You can proceed in his office. He also be glad to see you for sure."


    "Thanks."


    Mateo walks further inside while looking at the arrangement of jewelries made of gold, silver and expensive gems. He also see few people meticulously looking at the goods.


    Mateo now reach the door to the backrooms where another guard stand by. This time he''s smaller but Mateo knows he''s hidding something on his waist. The guard didn''t say anything, just smiles and opens the door.


    Mateo now walks the hallway with numerous room with different machinery and personels until he reached his destination. Mateo knocks three times.


    "Enter!"


    "Mateo follows the voice and enters the room, he was greeted by a man that seems anticipated his arrival. Behind the man are numerous CCTV screens showing different parts of the shop from outside to inside.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Long time no see Pre."


    "Yeah. It''s been a while Pre."


    Sitting on the swiveling chair is the owner of jewelry store. On his name tag: Ailan dela Paz.


    Ailan is one of Mateo''s old classmate during high school. He''s slightly smaller to Mateo with a slender build and dark skin. But Ailan always wears a confident aura around him.


    Mateo sits in the swivelling chair in front of Ailan''s desk and place a pouch on the table. Ailan picks the pouch and opens it, Ailan is amazed.


    "Pre... This is seems a lot more gold coins unlike the last time. Is there an emergency?" Ailan''s concerned question. It''s not the first time he recieves such amount of gold coins but when he do, it sometimes means either emergency or a huge buy on something.


    Inside the pouch are 8 gold coins. Each weight 5 grams.


    "It''s not really an Emergency. I just have some guess that needs great accomedations."


    "Guess you say?" At first, Ailan is confused and then he laughs when he realized what it means.


    "So you finally bring an otherworlder in Earth?! Nice!"


    "Yeah. To be honest, I messed up real bad."


    "What do you mean?"


    "One of my partymembers investigated me. Use a stealth spell, followed me and then we''re here."


    After hearing Mateo''s explanation. Ailan laughs harder.


    "You really fucked up good pre. So how many people you bring?"


    "4 people."


    "4? Isn''t that too many?"


    "At first, it supposed to be 1 but a series of unfortunate events happened."


    Then Mateo proceeds to tell what happened to them in the Reverse Tower and his gamble that leads for the others to learn about his world. Ailan seems more serious as usual.


    "I see... I''m glad you and your party managed to stay alive."


    "Thanks. Anyway, how much I get for that?" Mateo asked.


    "120,000 Pesos. Is that enough?"


    Mateo as usual is not surprised on the lower price of gold coins. It''s part of their agreement and in stricter terms, a contract.


    And recieving lower price is better if the person is a trustworthy individual who truly respect his secrets and also a reliable source of cash. And there''s an abundance of gold coins he can work his ass off in the Yhigressia anyway.


    "Yes... That''s enough."


    Ailan picks the gold coins then he walks to the safe hidden behind one of the monitor. Ailan places the gold coins inside and takes a bundle of cash before closing the safe for good.


    After seating down. Ailan counts and gives 120,000 Pesos to Mateo who gladly accepts the money.


    "Thank you pre."


    "Welcome pre. Anyway, how you planning to spend that money? Just curious."


    "The usual. Shopping, eating on different restaurants and other fun activities. Also, I''m buying some expensive alcohols."


    "Expensive alcohols? You''re not the kind that spend money for such leisure."


    "You know me very well. Yes. Those drinks are gifts."


    "Are you planning on bringing an alcohol from Earth to another world? Isn''t that too risky?" Ailan asked with a concerned look on his face. Mateo just smile.


    "Don''t worry. I have a plan. I also know the risk."


    "Ok, if you say so. Who is the lucky one that gonna taste those alcohols anyway?"


    "Ah. It''s a man from a noble family who also saves us from the recent adventure I told earlier."


    Hearing the word "Noble Family". Ailan is intrigued.


    "Wait a minute pre."


    Ailan walks to the door beside her and stays for a moment before leaving the room now bringing a paper bag.


    "What is that?" Mateo asked.


    "A gift."


    Ailan then reveal the content of the paper bag and Mateo''s eyes becomes wide open.


    "Jenessie OX Cognac, 700ml. This is the thing you should gift to a nobleman."


    "P-p-re... Isn''t that... E-expensive?" Mateo is shocked.


    "Yeah pre. 80,000 pesos."


    "80K!? Sorry pre but I don''t have the money to buy that."


    "Who said that you''re going to pay for this?" Ailan''s confused question.


    Ailan returns the Cognac inside the paper bag and push it towards Mateo.


    "Here. Take it."


    "B-but why? Isn''t this remove the purpose of selling my gold coins earlier?" Mateo is dumbstruck.


    "Naahh. I Don''t mind it. Just treat it as some sort of investment in my part."


    "Investment?"


    "Yeah. You, having a closer friendship with a nobleman. You should use the opportunaty to get his favor. Trust me, it''s going to be super beneficial for you later on."


    "How so?"


    "Because connections. It''s better to have a connection in the high society."


    Mateo thinks for a moment then smiles.


    "I understand. But still, It''s ok for you to send such expensive thing to me?"


    Ailan pats Mateo in the shoulder.


    "Of course. Compared to what you did in the past 2 years for me. Giving 80,000 pesos is nothing."


    "I see... I glad you feel that way." Mateo''s appreciation.


    "Pre it''s getting cheesy right now. Maybe you should go, your guests are waiting for your return."


    Mateo laughs.


    "Oh I almost forgot. Pre, do you know a shop that make tailored suits?"


    "Ohhhh? Yes pre, I know someone. But why you suddenly wants a suit."


    "As you said so. We''re getting involved on a noble. So its better to show ourselves in presentable way right?"


    Ailan nods, agreeing on Mateo''s explanation.


    "Very well. Just visit this shop and show them this card.


    Ailan gives 2 business cards. One shows a "Del Paz suits and tailoring" and its address. While the other card is a business card for Ailan''s jewelry business.


    "Thanks a lot."


    "No problem pre. Enjoy your vacation!"


    "Of course. See you next time pre."


    "See''ya."


    Mateo leaves the Glimmer & Co. on a happy note. Now having the cash and a bonus expensive booze. Mateo travels back home with the motorcycle.


    After some time, Mateo safely got home and sees that Claustrine is still teaching the other three about the basics but now Beatrice also helps. Claustrine notices Mateo.


    "Oh Mateo. Welcome back. Where have you been?"


    "I just get some funds. Anyway, how about mom?"


    "She''s in the kitchen, cooking." Claustrine says.


    Mateo plays the paper bag containing the Jenessie. His friends notice it instantly.


    "What is that?" Beltrand asked.


    "That''s a whiskey."


    "Ohhh... Are we going to drink that?" Beltrand asked.


    "No. That''s a gift for Sir Gilmore. Let''s save the drinking for the later days."


    "If you say so."


    Mateo notices again the outfit of his friends.


    "Guys. We really need to change your clothes."


    "Is our outfit really that eyecatching?" Sophia asked.


    "Eyecatching to the point that people would see you as weird."


    "To that extent!?" Sophia''s shocked expression.


    "Yup. Sis, can you lend your clothes to Sophia?"


    "Leave it to me! But how about her?" Beatrice excitely points her finger to Shirna. Mateo just scratch his head.


    "Sis. Shirna is a he."


    "Eh?" Beatrice is shocked on the revelation.


    "Hehehe~" Shirna just laugh out of embarassment.


    "It''s refreshing that I''m not the only one that have that expression." Beltrand said.


    "Ahmm ok... I''m surprised. I mean, she- I mean, he''s really look like a cute girl!"


    "Really sis? Of all things, you didn''t question Shirna''s ears."


    "Ah! That''s right! Why her- his ears looks so long and pointy?"


    "Because I''m an Elf. A Moon Elf to be exact." Shirna''s answer.


    Beatrice moves closer to Shirna and touch Shirna''s ears to his surprised.


    "Ohhhh... It''s amazing to see an Elf in real life. It feels real and not rubbery."


    "Sis. You making Shirna uncomfortable."


    Beatrice realized what she just done and quickly backs off.


    "I''m sorry. I just get excited."


    "I-It''s ok." Shirna shyly said.


    "Sis find a clothes for Sophia already."


    "Ok fine. Sophia, Claustrine. Follow me." Beatrice invites the two. Claustrine gladly follows while Sophia is hesistant at first but she soon follows when Claustrine ensures her.


    "Mateo? How about me? I''m too large for your clothes to fit. Even your father''s clothes seems not suitable."


    Mateo agrees on Beltrand. So he thinks for a while and then remembers something.


    "I believe I still have my larger clothes. Maybe we can try that for you."


    "Ohhhh... Now I''m intrigued." Beltran''s curious reaction with anticipation.


    "Mateo... Is there clothes that would fit in me?" Shirna asked.


    "Ahh don''t worry. I would ask my younger brother to lend you some clothes."


    Jade enters the house and instantly recognized his brother.


    "Oh big bro. It''s been a while."


    "Speaking of the devil. Jade."


    "Yes?"


    "Can you lend Shirna some of your clothes?" Mateo asked as he pats Shirna''s head.


    "Heyy stop patting my head pleaseee..." Shirna''s soft protest.


    Jade looks to Shirna with confusion.


    "Well, It''s fine for me to lend some clothes but are you sure? I mean, she''s a girl."


    "Ah don''t worry. Shirna is a boy."


    "For real?" Jade''s question.


    "Yes."


    "Wow... By the way. Nice to meet you Shirna. And you brother? Who are you?" Jade asked Beltrand. He is looking up due to Beltrand''s height.


    "I''m Beltrand kiddo. Nice to meet you."


    "But I''m not a kid though. Anyway, is Claustrine also here?"


    "She''s with Beatrice right now alongside Sophia." Mateo''s answer.


    "I see. It seems you really bring the whole party with you. Ok I have to go, gonna search for some clothes.


    "Ok thanks bro. Shirna, you should go with him." Mateo''s suggestion.


    "Is that really ok?"


    "Of course. It''s better so you can try the clothes yourself."


    "O-ok. Thanks a lot!"


    Shirna follows Jade to his room. Mateo can hear that the two are talking about Shirna''s ears.


    "Ok Beltrand. Let''s go to my room and find a clothes for you."


    After some time, Mateo and Beltrand is looking on the clothes laying on the floor and the bed. They have a dissatisfied look on their eyes.


    "Nothing really fit on you. Damn."


    "It should really not a surprise. We have completely different size." Beltrand says while holding a shirt which too small for her.


    Beltrand and Mateo slumps on the bed.


    "We have no choice but to use those older clothes."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I have even larger clothes that I used to wear years ago. But those are not really good looking. We might use those for a moment before we visit a clothing store." Mateo explained.


    "Ohhhh... You seems want to buy some clothes for us. Thanks a lot!" Beltrand gets excited.


    "No problem. It''s already a plan since I told you guys about my world. Also, I already bought clothes for Claustrine so all of you should also have the same."


    "I appreciate it brother."


    Mateo sits down and look under his bed. He throw some of the clothes laying in the floor to the bed to make space for a sizable box he pulled under his bed.


    "I just wondering Brother."


    "What is it?" Mateo asked while looking on the inside of the box.


    "Why is that your family doesn''t seem worried about you?"


    "Dude. What a sad question. But don''t worry, I understand and the truth is they really care for me."


    "My apologies. But still, you went missing for a month. They should already question you once they see you fine and alive right?" Beltrand''s honest question.


    Mateo answer Beltrand''s question while not looking at him as he was busy searching for clothes.


    "Maybe because they''re already expected it on my side. I guess?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Just remember the 4 years of adventures we have. How many times we go on a quest that we spent weeks or months in the wilderness? The longest is that 2 months quest right? Me constantly now showing myself for a long time probably make them desensetized."


    "That make sense." Beltrand remembers.


    "But I can still feel that they care for me. And I cherish them as family."


    "I guess you''re right. They also willing help us and shows us great hospitality. Having someone waiting for you, it must be feel nice."


    Mateo pause for a moment after hearing Beltrand''s words. Mateo nods and smile.


    "The first time they see me when I managed to return to Earth 2 years after I suddenly teleported to Grimael. Not gonna lie, their reaction is heartwrecking." Mateo''s sudden story.


    "How long do you live in our world?"


    "5 years."


    "But. Our party is founded 4 years ago. What happened to that 1 year?"


    "I''m sorry. I don''t want to recall it."


    Beltrand just close his eyes and nods.


    "Sorry for me asking."


    "It''s fine. It doesn''t bother me that much anymore."


    Mateo stands up and shows the clothes to Beltrand who shows a look of disbelief.


    "I don''t mind the fashion as I have no Idea on your world. But, is that really your clothes bro?" Beltrand asked.


    "Of course."


    "But... That clothes are too big for you."


    Mateo gives an annoyed look to Beltrand then he opens his phone, goes to his Facebook profile, click a photo and show it to Beltrand.


    "Who is that?" Beltrand asked.


    "Thats me."


    ...


    ..


    .


    "NO WAAAAAYYYY!!! REALLY!?" Beltrand is shocked.


    "MATEO! THE FOOD IS READY SO LET''S EAT!" Ligaya''s call.


    "COMING! Beltrand, wear those clothes and let''s go to the kitchen. Lunch is ready."


    "O-ok..." Beltrand short answer. Still surprised on what he see.


    Going back in the living room. Mateo sees that his friends are now clothed approrietly.


    Sophia wears an casual dress with little floral patterns and a comfortable flat sandals.


    Beltrand wears a black below-the-knee cargo shorts and navy blue polo shirt that barely even fit to Beltrand that it shows his toned muscles. He still wears his brown leather shoes as there''s no shoes that can fit on him.


    Shirna wears a fit blue jeans, white T-shirt covered by an open dark summer flannel and black sneakers.


    "You look so beautiful Sophia." Shirna''s compliment.


    "Thanks. You look stylish with your attire. I love it." Sophia compliments back.


    "I feel so constrained." Beltrand''s said while touching his chest.


    "C''mon. It''s not really that bad. Besides, you look cool unlike when I wear that." Mateo''s compliment.


    "Really?"


    "Yes, besides your leather shoes which seems out-of-place. We need to find you a good shoes first."


    "Nice. I want leather shoes the most."


    "Got it."


    "You guys look amazing." Claustrine commented.


    "Look at us Claustrine. You''re not the only one that wears unique outfit now." Shirna brags followed by a proud smug.


    "Yeah yeah. We look so fabulous." Sophia''s proud expression. Her shy demeanor earlier completely dissapeared.


    Claustrine just chuckled.


    "Fine fine I accept defeat. But I''m still the first though. Hehe."


    "Hmph!" Sophia pouts.


    "How about you Mateo?" Claustrine asked while looking at Mateo who wears a simple white T-Shirt with a small logo on its left chest, jean shorts and leather sandals.


    "Yes."


    "Are you going to eat or what?" Ligaya''s call as she suddenly shows up while still holding a laddle.


    Minutes later, everyone gathered on the large wooden table and Beltrand, Claustrine, Shirna and Sophia is excited to try the Kare-Kare which is a new food for them. The smell alone makes their appatite go haywire.


    "Let''s eat." Ligaya''s invitation.


    Everyone enjoys the wholesome lunch full of stories told by Grand Ecstasy. About their fantastic adventures in Yhigressia while Agbayani family listen with full ethusiasm.

 Ch. 19 - Indulgance on Earth

    After resting a little bit. Grand Ecstasy is now ready to venture outside but Beatrice stops them before they even make their first step outside.


    "What is it?" Mateo asked.


    "Are you sure you going to go outside with that thing exposed?" Beatrice asked while pointing on Shirna''s elf ears.


    Mateo facepalms himself.


    "I forgot."


    "What''s the matter with my ears?" Shirna asked with innocence.


    "Elves doesn''t exist in this world. Remember?" Claustrine answers the question quickly. Shirna''s eyes got wide before returning to normal.


    "Ahhh I forgot..." Shirna''s short response.


    "Maybe we should make him wear some hat to hide his ears?" Beltrand asked.


    "Theres no need for that."


    Everyone looks at Claustrine who just proceed to walk in front of Shirna. She touch Shirna''s both ears and her hands glows for a moment. When Claustrine removes her hand, Shirna now have human ears.


    "Wow..." Everyone is amazed on the magic. Shirna touches his ears when she notices that her fingers hit something near supposed his human ears.


    "Why I touch something in the air?" Shirna asked.


    "That''s your Elf ears currently invisible."


    "Claustrine. What exactly is that magic?" Sophia asked.


    "Illusion magic related to the Midnight Cloaking spell. It can create false image in a selected target to conceal it.


    "This is the first time I see you using that spell." Mateo asked.


    "Because I just recently learned it while we''re stucked on that cave system." Claustrine explained.


    "Ohhhh... So that''s the reason why you always reading your books at that time." Beltrand''s realization.


    "Shirna. Just be careful as someone can still touch your real ears. Also, that spell drains your mana."


    "Drain my mana?! Are you sure this is safe?" Shirna panics. Claustrine just give him a headpat.


    "Don''t worry. It only drains a miniscule amount. Also, such mana requirements is not detremental for an elf like you." Claustrine explained then she smiles.


    "Fine... Also, stop rubbing my head."


    Mateo just sigh with relief.


    "Did you study that spell for this day?" Mateo asked with admiration. Claustrine just give a confident smile.


    "Yes."


    Mateo also remembers to tell his strict rules to his friends then Grand Ecstasy gives their farewell to the Agbayani family.


    "Take care." Ligaya said.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Wow... This is truly another world..." Sophia said while sightseeing.


    "Those weird carriages. There''s so many variations. Also, this vehicle is HUGEEEE AND COLD. AND DOESN''T NEED A HORSE LIKE OTHERS!." Shirna''s amazement as he looks on the cars on the street.


    Sophia and Shirna asked so many questions which Claustrine or Mateo answers to the best of their abilities.


    Grand Ecstasy is currently riding a bus on their way to Stadium supermarket. Thankfully, there''s only few passengers on the moment who either sleeping or wearing earphones so they can''t hear the shenanigans they''re taking.


    "Those buildings looks so weird." -Sophia.


    "Who''s the one playing music in this carriage? I don''t see any musicians." -Shirna.


    Mateo just sigh. But he notices that Beltrand behind them is surprisingly quiet and when he takes a look. Mateo almost laugh.


    Beltrand just sitting cross-armed while looking at Mateo. Sitting on his side is a high school girl leaning her head on Beltrand''s shoulder. She might look like sleeping but her excited smile says a different feeling.


    Behind Beltrand and the girl are two high school girls trying to hide their excitement.


    "Good grief... Even here?" Mateo said with disbelief.


    Beltrand makes a quiet gesture.


    After some time. The bus stop and the high school girls exits the vehicle. Mateo can hear the excitement of the three.


    "You''re so lucky girl!"


    "He''s so handsome what the hell!"


    "You should asked for his name!"


    Then the bus continues its ride.


    "What a very weird moment." Beltrand says.


    "I agree..." -Mateo.


    After several minutes. Grand Ecstasy finally reach their location and Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand are amazed as they look on the sheer size of the supermarket.


    "This is far more bigger than everything we just saw earlier." Sophia commented.


    "It looks like a castle." Beltrand commented.


    "It''s very intimidating." Shirna said then he gulps.


    After the guards investigate them for a brief seconds. Grand Ecstasy finally enters the supermarket and instantly greeted by numerous stores and crowds of people minding their own businesses.


    "Woah. Is this even real?" Beltrand asked.


    "This is completely different on the city market in our world." Sophia commented.


    "This place is so lively." Shirna said.


    Mateo acts like their guide with a little help from Claustrine. Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand are pretty much engrossed on looking on everything as almost all of them are new to them.


    "Hmmmm... I can smell so many food." Shirna''s excited words as she gently sniff the air, smelling unfamiliar foods.


    "Still feels amazing." -Claustrine.


    "Where we should go first?" Beltrand asked.


    Mateo sees a coffee shop from a distance and decides for their first stop.


    "Guys, do you want some coffee?"


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand is patiently waiting in one of the tables of the coffee shop and observing the surroundings until Mateo and Claustrine brings them the coffee.


    "I decide to order what I think is your liking. I hope you enjoy it." Mateo said while placing the coffees.


    Sophia recieves a hot cup of cappucino with a little bunny art.


    "Awwww... So cute. Is this a... Rabbit?" Sophia asked.


    "Yup."


    "Awww... Now I don''t want to drink it." Sophia frown a little bit.


    Shirna recieves a hot cup of chocolate.


    "Hmmmm... I already loving the smell..."


    Beltrand got a mug of barako coffee.


    "Thanks bro. Anyway, what you guys ordered for yourselves?" Beltrand asked both Claustrine and Mateo.


    "We just both ordered the same." Mateo said while holding a cup of iced caramel machiatto with cream.


    "Drink your coffee before it becomes cold." Claustrine''s suggestion.


    The three follows Claustrine and each takes a sip."


    ...


    ..


    .


    "!!!"


    "!!!"


    "!!!"


    The three makes very shocked expression then gently placed their cups on the table.


    "Amazing!" -Sophia.


    "W-what is this?!" -Shirna.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "Wooo... Is this really the same coffee we drinked in the caves?"." Beltrand asked.


    The three takes a sip... And more...


    And more...


    Until their cups are now empty and Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand having a satisfied look on their face.


    "It seems that you really enjoy your drinks guys." Mateo commented.


    "Yes! It was soooo delicious!" Sophia commented.


    "Mateo. The thing I drink is not really coffee right? It taste similar to the one I drinked but much sweeter and ground-like." Shirna asked.


    "That''s 100% chocolate. Do you like the true chocolate taste?"


    "I... I LOVE IT!" Shirna smiles brightly.


    "Thats great. How about you Beltrand?"


    "This coffee is far more amazing than those on packs that you give to us. The taste feels more real."


    "I see..."


    Mateo just looks on the three and see them have sad expressions on their faces while looking on their now empty cups.


    "Guys... How abour another cup of coffee?"


    Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand''s faces brightens up. Each have smiles of excitement.


    "Yes!"


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Mateo and Claustrine are just waiting outside of the the public restroom.


    "This might take a little longer." Claustrine commented.


    "Our short explanation must be enough for them to use the toilet properly." Mateo answered.


    Claustrine sighs.


    "To think that coffee can have such effect. Wait, isn''t Shirna didn''t drink coffee?"


    "He said that he''s fine. He just need to piss."


    Sophia, Shirna and and Beltrand finally finish their business. Sophia and Beltrand is still slightly in distress while Shirna is fine but some guy exiting the restroom gives him a very confused look.


    "Are you guys... Fine?" Mateo asked.


    "Yeah... But this is just too sudden." Sophia said.


    "Because you guys drink too much coffee. That''s one of the effects."


    "Probably say that to us first." Beltrand''s complaint.


    "Sorry. It''s just that you guys are so happy while drinking coffee. I can''t stomach to stop your happiness." Mateo said while acting like guilty.


    "Haha. Cut it off brother." Beltrand sees that Mateo is just pretending.


    "Hehe. Ah also, you two might feel so awake for a while because of that amount of coffee." Mateo added.


    "The what?!" Sophia and Beltrand''s surprised reaction as they doesn''t have any idea what Mateo is talking about.


    .


    .


    .


    Several minutes later...


    "My heart beats so fast!" Sophia complains while putting her hand on her chest.


    "I feel too much energy in my body!"


    "I feel... Nothing." Shirna jokingly joins the two.


    "I glad I didn''t drinked that much coffee earlier." Claustrine said while just looking at her friend''s palpitation.


    Meanwhile, Mateo just observing the surroundings as he can feel that everyone is looking at them. But he can''t feel any sort of malice on those stares as he soon find out.


    Girls focused their gaze on Beltrand. With his handsome European-like looks and tall stature. With the fit polo shirt, Beltrand''s well endowed body clearly shows.


    The Guys meanwhile focused their gazed on Claustrine, Sophia and Shirna. Most of it are directed to Sophia.


    "Shirna? Hahaha." Mateo whispers to himself.


    "Mateo?" Claustrine notices that Mateo seems to chuckling.


    "Ah... What''s wrong?"


    "We''re we should go next?" Claustrine asked.


    Mateo sees Sophia and Beltrand still energized by the coffee so an idea comes up on his mind.


    "Let''s go shopping. We should burn those energy away until these two gets tired."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "WOAHHH..." Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand are in amazement as they see for them what looks like a maze of clothes and other attires.


    "Ok! Let''s go shopping!" Claustrine says with ethusiasm.


    Everyone except Mateo picks their desired clothes and tries them in the dressing room.


    "Guys is this look good to me?" Sophia asked while wearing a well designed red dress.


    Mateo, Shirna, Claustrine and Beltrand gives a thumbs up.


    "Then I pick this." Sophia decides with a smile.


    Sophia choose some dress, sandals, underwears, socks, a pair of white rubber shoes and some hats with different varieties.


    Shirna picks leggings, jogging pants, cargo shorts, hoodies, and a black shades which surprised Mateo. Seeing that Shirna didn''t add any formal attire, Mateo helps Shirna to find some formal clothes for occasions.


    Beltrand meanwhile are more diversed on picking clothes. T-shirts, jeans, pants, shorts, long sleeves, tank tops, hawaiian shirts for some reason, sandals, underwears and some hats he views are unqiue.


    Claustrine just picked some clothes that piqued her interest to add to her collection of clothes she buy a month ago.


    All of their picks are in accordance on Mateo''s rule except for some outliers which Mateo just hopelessly agreed upon when his friends pressure him.


    The cashiers are surprised to see the amount of clothes that Grand Ecstasy buy. After one of the managers recognizes Mateo and Claustrine and happingly gives a slight discount. Hoping for their patronage.


    .


    .


    .


    After some time... In a different shop.


    "Bro... All of these leather shoes looks amazing. I can''t decide." Beltrand said while meticulously looking at the arrangement of shoes.


    "How about you pick three of your favorites?" Mateo suggested.


    "Are you sure?!"


    "Yup."


    "Ok then! I choose these three!"


    Mateo also pick a leather shoes for himself before going in the counter and pay some cash. Grand Ecstasy leaves the store, Beltrand happily carrying the box of shoes in a plastic bag alongside other bags of clothing.


    "Phew. Carrying too many things is surely a hassle. I wish we can also bring our bag of storage." Sophia said as she was also carrying bags containing her clothes.


    "I feel you..." Shirna agrees.


    "Sorry for you. You need to follow my rules." Mateo said with conviction.


    Mateo''s phone suddenly rings and he answered it for a moment then drops the call after few seconds.


    "Guys. Let''s go outside for a while."


    Grand Ecstasy goes outside the mall and Mateo is looking everywhere until he find what he''s looking for.


    Mateo sees the familiar white Kei truck parked in front of the mall. His friends just follow Mateo, curious on what he''s doing.


    "Yo!" The familiar driver said.


    "Who is he?" Beltrand asked.


    "He''s my brother. Shiva."


    Shiva goes off and picks the bags Grand Ecstasy are holding, they just casually give the bags while Shiva arrange them beside the driver''s compartment as the back is full of items and bucket of grease, used for Shiva''s small Auto-repair shop.


    Shiva then gives an observing look on Mateo''s friend.


    "To think that you really bring the whole party here."


    Mateo just scratched his head.


    "I have no choice. They got me."


    Shiva laughs. Then he face Mateo''s friends with a smile.


    "I''m Shiva. It''s nice to finally see my brother''s friends from another world. I hope you enjoy your stay here on Earth."


    Shiva shake hands with Shirna, Sophia and Beltrand then gives her farewell before finally going home bringing every clothes Grand Ecstasy just bought.


    "I''m glad your family is very kind to us." Sophia said happily.


    Grand Ecstasy spends more time having fun inside the mall. Eating new foods from different countries, buying some perfumes, watching movies...


    "Woaaahhh!"


    Sophia, Shirna, Beltrand and Claustrines amazement as they watch an epic sci-fi movie in high definition.


    They also try playing in arcade. With no prior knowledge to video games, Grand Ecstasy just play some easy-to-grasp games like...


    Basketball


    "You almost got the highest score. But still, it''s impressive that you grasp it easily that you might also become good in the real thing." Mateo''s compliment.


    "Real thing?" Beltrand asked, curious on what Mateo meant.


    "That''s one of the most famous sports in Earth called Basketball. But this is just a surface level compared to the real sport."


    "Now I''m interested."


    In the other Basket beside Beltrand are Claustrine and Sophia trying their best to get some scores but.


    "Ah it always happened!" Sophia said as she sees that the ball her and Claustrine thrown just bump each other and nothing enters the hoop.


    "We should alternate our shots."


    On the other side is Shirna throwing barrage of basketballs. Despite the speed, most of the balls are miss.


    ...


    Claw Machine...


    "Steady..." Sophia softly said.


    The claw drops to Sophia''s target which is a cute and small cat plushie.


    "Steady..."


    The claw pulls the cat plushie.


    "Almost thereeeeee!"


    The claw slowly brings the plushie to the drop site... But tragedy happened when plushie slips on the claw''s grasp.


    "Nooooooo!!!" Sophia cries as she was desperately watch the plushie. Her friiends laughs on her misfortune then also tries the claw machine.


    And also screams in despair as they almost got what they want.


    ...


    That arcade game where you drop coins that is going to get pushed by the machine to drop more coins as a price.


    "This game is... Weird." Claustrine said.


    "Yeah." Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand agrees.


    ...


    And finally, a shooter arcade game which only Shirna plays. He surprisingly good on the game despite only trying it for the first time.


    But he finally meets his end on the third boss.


    "Damn. That''s absurd." Shirna complains.


    "Those attacks would not hit if its a real combat." Beltrand commented.


    "Why you need to just catch those attacks in the first place anyway?" Sophia''s rant.


    "To be honest. You did a very good job on that game despite playing it for the first time. Perhaps these type of weapons really suitable for you." Mateo''s compliment while holding the fake gun.


    "Y-yeah... It feels familiar and easier to use. Now I want to try the real thing. You know, the one we saw on your movies." Shirna''s opinion.


    "Yooo calm your horses." Mateo''s surprised reaction.


    After enjoying themselves especially Sophia and Claustrine who also get a 2 hours beauty spa treatment. Grand Ecstasy leaves the mall and go for a short walk until they reach their last destination for today.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    They''re now in front of a well decorated shop with numerous suits displayed on the windows. The shop name is called Del Paz Suits and Tailoring.


    "But we already buy clothes earlier right?" Beltrand asked.


    "Yes. But we need more formal attire for the royal ceremony." Mateo answered.


    "Is me and Sophia also need it?" Claustrine asked.


    "You two already picked some good formal dresses while we''re shopping in the mall. Those are great ."


    "Thanks. I can see it." Claustrine smiles.


    "But Me, Beltrand, and Shirna needs a more formal attire so we going to get a tailored suit."


    Everyone is shocked.


    "T-t-t-tailored?!" Isn''t that expensive?!" Beltrand asked.


    "I-I-I-I really appreciate that you treat us so many things but that might hurt my consciencee." Shirna''s opinion.


    "Oh come on. It''s not like that only you two needs it. I also need a good suit for that occasion especially if we going to enter the nobility''s world." Mateo''s reasoning


    "F-fare enough. But still, we would our best to pay you back." Beltrand''s conviction.


    "I-I also do the same!"


    "Me too!" -Sophia.


    "I also do my best." -Claustrine.


    Mateo sighs.


    "You don''t really need to do that guys. But if you insist, I appreciate it. Anyway, let''s enter shall we?"


    Grand Ecstasy enters the shop and they''re greeted by a beautiful lady wearing simple yet still striking attire that speaks confidence.


    "Hello ma''am and sir. How can I help you?" The lady asked.


    "Uhmmm... My friend Ailan recommend me this shop. We want to order some suits." Mateo said and he gives a business card to the Lady.


    The Lady''s eyes widen as she becomes interested after hearing Ailan''s name and looking at the business card.


    "I see... My name is Crisalyne and welcome to our shop. Please follow me so we can start the measurements."


    Grand Ecstasy follows Crisalyne on another larger room where they can see few workers busy on their works. Crisalyne guides them to a middle aged man approximately on his 50''s.


    "Who are they? Are they new clients?" The man asked.


    "Yes pops. And Ailan sends them here." Crisalyne answered.


    "Ohhh... If he''s the one recommended you here. Then let''s start the measurements. But before that, what is your name mister?" The man asked Mateo.


    "My name is Mateo Agbayani."


    The man''s eyes wided for a moment. Even Crisalyne is surprised after hearing Mateo''s name. The man offers his hand.


    "My name is Gilberto del Paz, and this is my daughter Crisalyne. It''s great to have business with you."


    Mateo accepts the handshake. Mateo''s friends also shortly introduce themselves after.


    .


    .


    .


    Gilberto is currently measuring Beltrand while the others just watch patiently on the procedure.


    "Let me ask. What is the occasion you going to attend with?" Gilberto''s question.


    "We''re going to attend a gathering of elite people so we wish for attire that would blend with them." Mateo''s prepared answer as he don''t want to say that the occasion is a royal ceremony and noble''s gathering.


    "Is the gathering a fancy one?"


    "Yes."


    "Is it going to be a reoccuring thing?"


    Mateo is caught off-guard on the question. He thinks for a while, imagining what Ailan said and the fact that they got involved on something huge.


    "Yes sir."


    "Is he''s the only one that needs a formal suit?"


    "No. Me and him also need one." Mateo''s answer while pointing his thumb to Shirna.


    "And when do you need those suits?"


    "4 days from now."


    "I see... Well thats all I need. Let''s continue the measurement.


    It takes 2 hours before Gilberto finishes measuring Beltrand, Shirna and Mateo and then Grand Ecstasy says their farewell.


    It''s already night time when they finished their little adventure. Grand Ecstasy is now on a slightly crowded bus on their way home. But they don''t mind the people as Claustrine, Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand are peacefully sleeping. Totally exhausted.


    Mateo just watch outside, watching the busy night life of the street full of people and lights. He smiles as he appreciates the companionship of his friends.


    As the bus stops numerous times, the people also become fewer and fewer until the Bus is slowly reaching their destination. Mateo wakes up his friends.


    "Uhmmm..." Claustrine is still sleepy but still managed to wake up followed by others.


    "We''re here. Let''s go home guys."

 Ch. 20 - Integrating on the Neighborhood

    Claustrine wakes up and after brushing her eyes for a bit, she see that Beatrice is still sleeping safe and sound. Claustrine do her best to move quietly as possible so she can''t wake up Mateo''s sister.


    She noticed that the foam bed on the floor is empty with the blanket and pillow disorganized. Claustrine sighed.


    "Sophia..."


    Claustrine voluntered to organized everything except the ones used by the still sleeping Beatrice. She folds the foam bed and put it in the corner of the room, neatly fold the blanket and put it above the nearby plastic drawer alongside the pillows both her and Sophia used.


    She combed her hair and then walks out of Beatrice''s room, goes down to stairs and gets greeted by Mateo, Beltrand, Sophia and Shirna drinking coffee in the living room.


    "Good morning Trinne." -Mateo.


    "Morning." -Shirna.


    "Got a very nice sleep?" - Beltrand.


    Claustrine walk towards her friends. Take a mug and 3-in-1 coffee and prepares her own drink with the thermos already in the table. After taking a sip, Claustrine smiles.


    "Yesterday was awesome." Shirna commented.


    "For real. Visiting a completely different world is breathtaking!" Sophia also says her excitement.


    "But we still have 3 days. What we should do next?" Beltrand asked.


    Mateo thinks for a moment before answering the question.


    "How about I give you a tour of the neighborhood?"


    Shirna, Sophia, and Beltrand seems unimpressed on Mateo''s proposal.


    "Hey why the dissapointed stare?" Mateo asked.


    "We''re in vacation yet you choose such mundane objective?" Sophia bluntly said.


    "It''s not like I suggeted it for no reason guys. Think... You guys already know my secret and can travel in my world if you want to, well if I opened the door. So it''s better if you all have an idea about my town." Mateo sincerly explained.


    "Mateo is right. If we want to visit this world more often, we need to familiarized our selves on this town first as a stepping stone." Claustrine''s agreement on Mateo''s words.


    "Thank you Trinne."


    "You''re welcome."


    "Well... It does make sense. There''s still have so many things I want to familiarize here." Beltrand''s opinion.


    "Fine fine. I understand now." -Sophia.


    "Should we start exploring now?" Shirna asked.


    "Yes but there''s something I want to tell first.


    "What is it?"


    "As you can see... You can understand what people of this world says for some reason."


    "Ah yeah about that..." Sophia ponders.


    "What do you think is the reason?" Beltrand asked.


    "I don''t have any idea. Back on the topic. You guys might understand what they''re saying due to auto translation but they don''t understand you based on what I observed. On their eyes, all of you are just foreign tourist."


    "For real? No wonder they didn''t mind if we talk like crazy when we''re in the mall." -Sophia.


    "So... As much as possible. If they talk about you, don''t react. And if they try to communicate with you guys, pretend that you don''t know how to communicate."


    "But why we need to have such strict rule to begin with?" Beltrand asked.


    "Because it would look peculiar when you understand Tagalog but can''t speak it. That''s why I''m using Nattunnian when talking to you guys so it look more sense on observers'' point of view." Mateo explained.


    "Got it." -Beltrand.


    Shirna and Sophia nods.


    "Your study of Yhigressia''s language surely pays off." Claustrine commented. Mateo sighed as he remember the past.


    "But I wish there''s an easier way though. It''s so hard to study with this Auto-translation thing. If it doesn''t exist, I might blend naturally by interacting to people of Yhigressia."


    After eating a simple breakfast of tapsilog. Grand Ecstasy embarks on another journey.


    The party decides to explore by foot for the better experience. They first explore the small neighborhood on the side of a road consisting of well built house.


    "I just realized. Your house is really huge. It''s comperable to a rich merchant''s residence." Beltrand commented.


    "Not really. It''s not comperable to really rich people''s house." Mateo said as he points on a house far from the residence. It''s a beautiful designed luxary house complete with garden and stone wall.


    "Uhh... You''re right." Beltrand says.


    "Is the owner of that house a nobility?" Sophia asked.


    "Not really. You see, my country is not ruled by nobility. Not even a king."


    The four looked at Mateo with confusion.


    "In a nutshell. The people votes for the people that they want to put in the positions of power."


    "Thats... Absurd." Claustrine said.


    "Absurd might it seen to you but thats pretty much the norm on this world. Used by majority of countries.


    "But that means any morally corrupt person can abuse their power once they reached that position." Beltrand commented.


    "Well... There''s laws and countermeasures for that as its already happened in the past several times. But not gonna lie. Some politicians chosen by people are really scums that get away on corruption and live a life comperable to nobility." Mateo explained.


    "How is that even possible? Isn''t people also allowed to punish them?" Shirna asked.


    "Thats the reason lying and money is a great tool. You can lie to people on why they should vote you, and you can use your accumilated wealth to escape public prosecution."


    "I guess corruption have many shapes and forms on both worlds." Shirna commented.


    "Anyway. I don''t really want to talk about this world''s politics as it''s already confusing to begin with."


    "Just one question, is the owner of that house also a what you called politician?" Beltrand asked.


    "No. He''s a renowned airplane pilot." Mateo answered?


    "Airplayn pilot? What is that?" Shirna asked. Mateo looked on the sky, hoping to spot what he''s looking and his wish is granted.


    "People that piloting that thing up there."


    The four looked at the sky, to the spot where Mateo us pointing. And everyone is amazed as they can see a cross shaped like object flying so high in the sky.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Grand Ecstasy is now in a different area. Where unlike the residence before, the houses in the slums are more compact and chaotic in design, each house being unique to each other. And the area are more bustling with life as they can see different types of people.


    Children running and playing everywhere.


    Men lifting buckets of water.


    Woman washing clothes near water pumps.


    Stores selling different types of items.


    Men playing basketball.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Music playing in some areas.


    And many more.


    "Guys. This is Riverside."


    "Riverside? Where is the River?" Shirna asked.


    Mateo just guide them and after walking in multiple alleyways. They finally found the river Shirna asked.


    The party is greeted by the stench of fish. But Grand Ecstasy are already used on such smell.


    There''s no denying that the river looks unpleasant yet its still full of boats.


    "This river looks... Sick." Shirna commented. A frown forms on his face.


    "It is. But its much worse years ago. In the past, people just dump their garbage and waste on there. If the local officials didn''t put fines and punishment, this would become worst."


    "So it''s not polluted anymore?" Beltrand asked.


    "No. It''s still polluted. But when I was a kid, we used to swim here as this river is a lot cleaner in the past." Mateo is filled with nostalgia for a moment.


    "But why there''s still boats here? Not only these boats are large for this river but also fishing here is not a good idea right?" Shirna asked, confused on the implications of people eating fish on the polluted water.


    "Because this river is connected to the sea and this acts like some sort of port."


    "Ohhh..."


    Grand Ecstasy leaves the river and continues their exploration. As they walk, they can hear the words of the people that giving them curious stares.


    "Isn''t that Mateo? But who are the people besides him?"


    "Are they mormons?"


    "Maybe they''re humanitarians."


    "Look! That tall foreigner looks handsome!"


    "You''re right! Maybe he''s a celebrity!"


    "Pre chicks ohh!"


    "Pare the blondie looks so beautiful."


    "Gago the red hair looks more hot. She''s ekalam osus."


    "Tang ina nyo. The brown skinned babe is far more better. She looks so cute."


    "Hey stop your carnal desires. Those are Mateo''s friends. Have some respect."


    Mateo just sighed.


    "Sorry guys."


    His friends just also gives a deep sigh.


    After some time. Grand Ecstasy is now looking to a house made of hollow blocks, wood and roof made in sheets of metal. Mateo talks to the lady living on the house for a moment before returning to his friends.


    "Guys. This is my family''s former home. This is where I lived before I got transported to Grimael, I spend most of my time here."


    After some stories. Grand Ecstasy leaves the Riverside. When an unknown man is surprised to see them.


    "Mateo? Is that you?" A random man suddenly asked.


    "Oy Ronnel long time no see!"


    Romel walks to the group. Happy to see a friend.


    "Indeed! You didn''t message us that you''re already here."


    "Sorry pre. Its just... I''m busy."


    Romel finally notices Claustrine, Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand. At first, he was surprised but he then gives a friendly wave at them who also waves back.


    "I understand. But if you have time. Come to Kevin''s house this friday."


    "What''s the occasion?"


    "It''s Derek''s birthday."


    "Ohhh I almost forgot! Ok then I would come there."


    "You promised pre ha?"


    "Trust me pre."


    The two then parted ways.


    "Who is that?" Beltrand asked.


    "One of my friends."


    "I see..."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Grand ecstasy continue their exploration. Visiting multiple key locations as Mateo gives a short explanation on each area.


    The local market place.


    The town hall.


    The schools.


    "This is where I spent most of my youth."


    "What is these building?"


    "This is a school. A high school to be exact."


    "School? So it must be a prestigious institution like the Academia." Claustrine asked.


    "So you''re really a nobility?" Beltrand asked.


    "C''mon guys. I''m just a normal citizen. Also, anyone of certain age can enter schools to learn regardless of their social status because it was free."


    "Free? That''s amazing?" Claustrine commented. Surprised and understands the benefits of such education program.


    "But all schools are not equal to each other. There''s still elite schools and colleges but you need to be rich to even maintain studying on such institutions." Mateo explained.


    "But the fact that all children can learn is still a good thing. No wonder this world is so advance." Claustrine''s opinion.


    Mateo''s friends wants to enter so he asked the guard who still the guard when he still studying. Giving them approval, Grand Ecstasy enters the school.


    Claustrine, Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand sees the rooms full of teenagers. Some are busy studying on what the teachers teach but some seems distracted and just having fun.


    But the student''s focus gets disturbed as they notice Grand Ecstasy. The students feels like they just see a celebrity visit their school especially when they''re foreigners so they go on windows, eager to see a glance of the the visitors to the teachers'' dismay.


    Grand Ecstasy decides to leave to not further distract the students. And takes a short break as they enjoy drinking milk tea on a local shop.


    .


    .


    .


    The party also visits a basketball court  and there Mateo explains to Beltrand the basics how basketball works despite him not even playing the sports once.


    As they explore, they can clearly feel the stares of the people near them. Some are curious, some are in awe, while some are swooning especially to Beltrand and Sophia.


    Grand Ecstasy decides to make the final spot to be the church. Now, the five are sitting in the long chairs, the church seems empty with only few people inside as the party indulge in the calm silence.


    "M-mateo..." Sophia whispers.


    "Yes Sophia?"


    "I don''t know if this ok for me to say this."


    "Go on. It''s fine."


    "I-it''s just that... I don''t feel any divine presence here."


    At first, Mateo is mildly surprised but then he smiles.


    "Perhaps the "God" in this world is completely different from your world''s Gods that''s why you can''t detect him."


    "But its still weird. When I pray to Vivvily. I can feel that she''s listening to my prayers."


    Mateo sighs which makes Sophia concerned. The other three are just carefully listening on the two''s conversation.


    "What''s wrong Mateo?"


    "To be honest. In this world, the existence of a God or gods is still a huge debate. Some people in the thousand years of human history believes that a God exist while the other side tries to prove that he doesn''t exist at all."


    "That''s... Sad." Sophia said with a pained expression.


    "Don''t be sad Sophia. Their debate still doesn''t have any conclusion to this day anyway. Who knows, maybe he or they really doesn''t exist in this world and the universe is powered by natural laws. Or maybe a God or gods really exist but decides to just leave us on our own and go somewhere far away because he or they believe that humanity is old enough to stand on their own feet."


    Sophia stays silent for a moment before looking at Mateo and gives a sweet smile.


    "I don''t really understand but if that''s the case. Maybe its better that just let the people of this world decides on their own." Sophia''s ultimatum to herself then she clasped her hands, bows her head then close her eyes.


    "Are you going to pray?"


    "Yes. Even though my Goddess doesn''t have any power on this domain. I wish my prayer reach the God of this world. I hope that he still guide humanity at some ways."


    Mateo smiles then also do the prayer pose of Sophia. Beltrand, Shirna and Claustrine also do the same and the five just stay in silent as Sophia whispers her prayers.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~


    Night time comes and the food stalls in the park finally opens. Grand Ecstasy find themselves enjoying different variaties of food.


    "This is a Takoyaki. A snack popular in Japan." Mateo explained as they watch the vendor skillfully flips the balls using two sticks with bells on each end. Making a sound that attracts customers. The smell alone makes the tourists hungry.


    Mateo orders 5 dozens of takoyaki and the five endulge in the explosion of flavor.


    As they enjoy the food, they can still feel that people around them are giving a glance.


    "What are you looking huh?" One of the girl said as she proceeds the pinch the ear of her lover who looked at Sophia.


    "Ouch ouch ouch... I''m sorry babeee!"


    The next food they target is pizza partnered by cola. The five shares a small box of pizza. The Cola makes Shirna, Sophia and Beltrand surprised  to the new flavor.


    The party also eat other food. Siomai, assortments of Ihaw-ihaw, burgers and fries. Even the infamous balut is not safe on Grand Ecstasy''s food adventure.


    "Really?" Sophia looked at Mateo with disbelief then looked at the partially opened egg. She can clearly see the underdeveloped duck embryo.


    Claustrine also have a look of uncertainty.


    "Maybe people of this world are savages." Shirna said as she gives a concerned look on the balut.


    "C''mon guys! Your food travels is not complete if you didn''t try balut even for once!" Mateo said. There''s a hint of smugness on his voice.


    Beltrand looks at the old man enjoying his balut. He saw that he sprinkled salt on the opened top of the egg then he slurped the "soup" bottoms up. Without hesistation, Beltrand do the same.


    "Guys... I think, it''s not really that bad?" Beltrand commented.


    "Are you nuts!?" Claustrine is shocked. Instead of answering, Beltrand instead peel the egg, sprays a sauce made of vinegar, chili, and garlic. Then he takes a bite. For each maw, Claustrine, Sophia and Shirna just looked with disbelief.


    "Hmmmm.... Crunchy but delicious."


    "Ohhh as you can see, Beltrand eat it. Now its your turn."


    "Thanks. But I think I''m already full." Claustrine tries to dodge the challenge.


    "Guys its not like that we didn''t eat something worse in Grimael right?"


    "If you call eating an orc meat worse, I prefer that more than this. Atleast, those meat are well cooked." Claustrine protest.


    "Guys... Please? Just eat it for your friend?" Mateo tries to act pityful but a hint of smug smile slightly shows on her face.


    "Aghhh! Whatever!" Claustrine angrily said then she followed what Beltrand did with hesistation and takes a bite. As she chew, Claustrine makes very miserable face.


    "How about you guys?" Mateo asked the other two.


    They can''t stomach refusing Mateo so they decide to eat their balut. They also make the pained facial expression like what Claustrine did as they chew the duck embryo.


    "You... Monster..." Claustrine said after finishing the balut. Mateo just laugh.


    But to show that he''s fair. Mateo also eat a balut. But he eat it with no problem at all which makes Claustrine, Shirna and Sophia annoyed.


    In the back, Beltrand is asking the vendor for another balut using his hands.


    .


    .


    .


    Grand Ecstasy finishes their food travels in a small ramen shop. Sophia, Shirna, Beltrand and Clautrine looked at their bowl with excite and anticipation. The smell is very inticing and the presentation is so beautiful.


    Mateo thanks the Japanese owner for giving their orders. Then he split the chopsticks and then proceeds to slurp some noodles.


    "Wait... What is that eating method?" Shirna asked, confused on the way on how Mateo eats. Mateo swallows the food to answer Shirna.


    "This is called a chopsticks. But for now, just used spoon and fork because it probably take a while before you can use it properly."


    "Not gonna lie. It looks difficult to eat like that. But is it ok? I mean, the prefered method in this shop seems to be using that tool." Shirna asked as she see the other costumers eating with chopsticks.


    "Ahh don''t worry. The chef would understand. Diba Kuya Daisuke?"


    The japanese chef just gives them a thumb-up, reassuring the four.


    Seeing that. The four proceeds to take a slurp of the ramen. And in just first taste, they instantly liked the new umami flavor and proceeds to continue to eat with ethusiasm. Slurping with loudness and vigor.


    After resting for a bit, Grand Ecstasy decides to go home by riding a Tricycle. When they reach the front of the house, Mateo gives the tricycle driver 1,000 pesos as conpensation for overcrowding his tricycle.


    "Keep the change boss."


    "Ay. Thank you so much boss! This is a big help!"


    The tricycle leaves with the driver having a smile on his face.


    "Phew! That was awesome! So many new and amazing food!" Shirna happily says.


    "Except the balut. Ughh..." Claustrine still remembers the texture she doesn''t like. Sophia nods in agreement with her.


    "In my opinion. Balut is not really that bad." -Beltrand.


    "Well sorry if we''re not like you." Sophia cries.


    The party continues their chat as they walk home.


    "Hey brother?"


    "Yes brother?"


    "Are we going to have another food adventures like this?" Beltrand asked which makes Shirna excited.


    "Of course but maybe next time. I assure you that we going to try another sets of foods different on what we eat earlier." Mateo happily said.


    "Niceeeeee!" -Beltrand.


    "Thank you Mateo!" Shirna smiles happily.


    "I can''t wait to try new foods." Sophia says as she hums happily.


    "I just wish that there''s no more food similar to balut." Claustrine commented.


    But Claustrine sees Mateo''s sly smile which make her nervous.


    "No more balut like foods, right?" Claustrine asked followed by a gulp.

 Ch. 21 - End of Heartfelt Vacation

    "Good morning everyone!" Sophia''s ethusiastic greetings as she walks down on the stairs. She was followed by Claustrine who brushing her eyes with her hand.


    Just like yesterday. Grand Ecstasy starts the day by drinking coffee. Sophia, Shirna and Beltrand are full of anticipation as they wait on what adventure they going to partake today.


    .


    .


    .


    But their excitement are completely shattered when Mateo finally tell today''s plans.


    "N-no way..." Sophia is in disbelief.


    "I expected that you going to say that Mateo." Clautrine''s unsurprised reaction.


    "But why we need to learn this world''s language to begin with?" Beltrand''s question with a hint of protest.


    Mateo didn''t answer and just shows a  tagalog text he written himself.


    "Read."


    The three raises their eyebrows.


    "Come on bro! We know that we can''t read languages here. But, is this really necessary?" Beltrand complains.


    "Yeah yeah! It''s not like we''re going to always chat to citizens of this town or country." Sophia agrees to Beltrand.


    "No complaints. You guys need to learn the language because I can tell that your stay here is not just a short vacation." Mateo insist on his proposal.


    "Mateo is right. We might seen as anomaly on this world if we looked like we understand the languages of the people around us yet we can''t communicate with them." Claustrine''s explanation.


    "All languages Trinne. You guys can understand any language in this world regardless on how rare it is." Mateo''s correction.


    Him and Claustrine already tested the accuracy of the auto-translator by using languages from around the world using google translate, and Claustrine understands all the sentences the Google bot spoken to them.


    "Fine fine. We going to study... for now." Beltrand just accepted defeat. Shirna and Sophia sighs.


    "I just remember my days as an apprentice." Sophia remembers her past, reading lots and lots of books as a form of training on becoming a cleric. She gives another unsatisfied sigh.


    And thus, Grand Ecstasy spends the day learning the language. Mateo and Claustrine alongside Ligaya and Beatrice acts like teacher for the other three.


    Thankfully for everyone. Due to coincidence, Yhigressia''s main alphabet Nattunian is almost identical to modern English with only slight variations like unque symbols that combines two vowels and using a long dash as replacement for space. So Claustrine creates a table showing Nattunua letters and symbols with its corresponding alphabet in English while Mateo writes English and Tagalog words into Nattunian with guide on how to pronounce them. If there''s words that the three can''t understand, they can ask Mateo who gives short explanation.


    But Beltrand, Sophia and Shirna are not geniuses like Claustrine who manage to adapt and learn the basic. And the fact that their teachers are just first time teaching just shows that it might takes a very long time before the three learns to speak and read Tagalog and English.


    "This is a lot difficult than I imagined." Mateo says which Claustrine agreed upon.


    "Well. It''s not like we''re rushing anyway. We still have a lot of time." Beltrand''s opinion.


    "Beltrand is right. So, should we explore outdoors to get some fresh air?" Shirna''s sneaky suggestion but Mateo and Claustrine didn''t buy it. The two just looked at Shirna with slight dissapointment.


    "Should we ask Joan for help?" Ligaya''s suggestion which caught the attention of Mateo''s friends.


    "Joan? You have another sister?" Claustrine asked.


    "Yeah. But she''s currently living with her boyfriend. Also, ma. I don''t want to take her time as a teacher. She''s busy enough for us to ask for her time."


    "How about you ask for Joan''s help during summer break?" Ligaya''s follow-up suggestion.


    "Thats... A good idea ma. But its still one month before the summer break starts. Right now, they should try to learn the basics so it becomes easier later." Mateo accepts Ligaya''s suggestion.


    Mateo stands up and picks her things before walking towards the door.


    "Mateo? Are you going somewhere?" Sophia asked.


    "Yeah. I need to do some things so just continue your studies. Anyways, do you want some food?"


    His friends'' eyes lights-up when they hear the magic word.


    "I want pizza also milktea!" -Sophia.


    "Burgers and fries for me." -Beltrand


    "Anything spicy for me!" -Shirna.


    "I didn''t expected that teaching is this tiring. Mateo, I want doughnuts and coffee. Thanks in advance."


    "Ok got it! Just wait for them to get delivered here."


    And thus Mateo says her farewell and leave.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Mateo? Isn''t this too much?" Ailan''s surprised reaction as he put his gaze on the small sack of gold coins.


    Mateo returns to Glimmer & Co. to exchange gold coins. But the amount that he wants to trade surprised Ailan.


    "When is the last time you exchanged this much money? Ah right, when you needed funds for the construction of your new house." Ailan says as he starts to count the gold coins.


    "Yeah. But I wonder if it''s ok to get huge amount of money right now?"


    "There''s no problem. But I''m just curious on the reason why you need it in the first place?" Ailan''s serious question.


    Mateo stands up and go to the water dispenser nearby.


    "I just thought that maybe its time to get a better transport vehicle." Mateo''s answer as he get a glass and pour water on it coming from the dispenser, then he drinks the cold water.


    "The tricycle and motorcycles are not enough? Your family is using them for yea- ohhhhhhhh..." Ailan finally realizes Mateo''s thinking.


    "You easily get what I''m thinking. So pre? Do you know any good place to buy brand new cars?"


    Ailan scratches the back of his head.


    "I known someone but they''re specialized on second hand cars. Also, I didn''t really trust them that much. But if it''s about cars, I think its better if you just ask your Brother Shiva for opinions."


    "Ah..." Mateo''s slightly shocked reaction.


    "Really? Pre, are you really close to your brother or any family member in particular?" Ailan says then gives a sly grin.


    "I just forgoten ok? And I spend most of my time adventuring in Yhigressia and rarely visit Earth these days so I forgot some details." Mateo''s defense of himself.


    "Yeah yeah that''s why you also missed some important events here. But you should speak about getting a car with your brother or your family so they have an idea and be prepared."


    "I understand. So, how much money I get for that?" Mateo asked as he points on the bag of gold coins.


    Ailan proceeds to wear his glasses and use the calculator on his side. After few seconds...


    "2 Million Pesos. I believe its more than enough for what you trying to buy."


    "Yeah. There''s more funds remaining to be used for the garage."


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "You truly think everything in advance. Perhaps caused by your life in Grimael."


    "If you live in a world of magic and monsters. You would also become prepared on anything."


    Ailan smiles then he stand up and walk on his room. After some time, Ailan returns and now holding a bag containing bundles of 1,000 peso bank notes.


    "Here''s your 2 Mil. But I want to remind you."


    "I know I know. I can''t exchange gold coins for a while. I going to stay in Yhigressia for a a long time anyway."


    "That''s one thing, but there''s one I want to add now."


    "What is it?"


    "Tell to Shiva that he should buy the car in installments instead of buying in full payment, more preferable if more than 1 year plan. So your family can avoid getting unwanted attention."


    "I understand. But I bet that whatever shop Shiva buys the car, they probably prefered Installments anyway." Mateo shrugs while Ailan laughs after hearing Mateo''s words.


    "They''re not like whatever motorcycle shops that you thinking right now."


    Mateo also laugh.


    "Phew. That was fun. Anyways, I got go now. See you next time."


    Before Mateo leaves the room, Ailan stops her.


    "I almost forgot. Mr. Del Paz wants you to visit his shop on Friday, don''t forget."


    "Thanks a lot pre."


    Mateo leaves and returns home. The moment he enters the house, he was greeted by his friends and family eating the foods he ordered before he visits Glimmer & Co.


    "Oh Mateo welcome back!" Beltrand''s greeting.


    "Yeah."


    Mateo sits alongside his friends.


    "You ordered too much food." Claustrine says as she munch the doughnuts she loves.


    "I know how large your appatites are so I ordered more just in case. And also my family can eat if they want." Mateo says then she picks a cheesy slice of pizza and eat with gusto.


    The door chimes rings...


    "Hmmmm... Something smells good."


    Shiva just got home and he instantly follows the smell.


    "Oh welcome home Bro Shiva. Want some?" Beltrands invitation.


    "Thanks!" Shiva goes closer and picks a burger.


    "Shiva... Can I talk to you later?" Mateo asked.


    "Hmmm sure." Shiva just say, curious on what Mateo wants to say as he takes a bite on his burger.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Mateo gives the bag to Shiva who is surprised to see the huge amount of money.


    "B-Brother? What''s on your mind?"


    "I want you to buy a car, a van with big capacity to be exact."


    "Ohhh I understand. Anything you want me to buy?"


    "To be honest, I don''t know thats why I leave it to you as a car mechanic."


    Shiva smiles as he appreciates that his brother trust him.


    "Ok Brother. Leave it to me."


    "Also, buy a car in Installments. Also, tell with ma and pa about it and find a crew that would construct the garage."


    "Noted."


    Grand Ecstasy continued their language studies while eating snacks. The Auto-translator is proven to also be a hindrance as they can''t naturally assimilate themselves on the new world.


    The road to mastery might be long and grueling but its just another challenge Grand Ecstasy face.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Hmmmm..."


    Gilberto is just looking on Mateo, Shirna and Beltrand seriously. After few seconds, he nods.


    "Ok. Everything looks perfect."


    Friday morning, last day of Grand Ecstasy''s vacation. Everyone is currently on Del Paz Tailoring as they excited to try the suits crafted to them.


    "All of you looks stylish and regal!" Crisalyne''s compliment. Eyes brimming with awe.


    "True. You guys are killing it with style." Sophia commented.


    Beltrand walks in front of the huge mirror. Posing with her new suit.


    "I think I just found my favorite suit. It looks so amazing to me."


    Shirna walks beside Beltrand and observe himself wearing the toxedo.


    "I like it..." Shirna says with a smile.


    "Claustrine, catch!"


    Mateo throws his phone to Claustrine who easily catch it.


    "So you want to take pictures?"


    "Of course! It''s not like we can do that during the ceremony."


    Claustrine stand up.


    "True. Ok lets start."


    Grand Ecstasy takes their moment taking pictures. Even Claustrine and Sophia tries the suit but it its not a fit for them.


    "You look like a hanger." Mateo said followed by a chuckle as she look on Claustrine who wearing Beltrand''s coat.


    "S-shut up." Claustrine blush out of embarassment.


    "Sir. Do you also make suit for women?" Sophia asked.


    "Of course. We''re a tailor shop afterall." Gilberto''s answer.


    "Now I also want a suit."


    "I can''t imagine how fabulous you girls are." -Crisalyne.


    After taking pictures. They finally give the suits for packaging. Mateo walks to Gilberto.


    "Sir, how much we need to pay?"


    Gilberto waves his hand.


    "No need. Ailan already payed for all of three suits you ordered."


    "Eh? He didn''t tell me!" Mateo is surprised.


    ""It''s a gift for a my partners he said." The truth is, I also don''t undertsand the mind of my daughter''s husband." Gilberto said while scratching the back of his head.


    "D-daughter''s h-husband? Wait?! I-it means..."


    Crisalyne walks besides her father.


    "I''m sorry if we didn''t fully introduced ourselves. My name is Crisalyne Riello, I''m Ailan''s wife."


    Crisalyne opens her phone and shows a picture of a cute baby girl.


    "And I don''t really know why he want me to show you this but, this is our daughter. Her name is Dorothy. She''s so cute right?" Crisalyne said with pride.


    "aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....." Mateo is mindblown.


    "He didn''t told you?" Gilberto asked as he was confused on Mateo''s reaction.


    "Y-yeah. That bastard, so thats what he meant by me missing some important events. He didn''t even invited me on his wedding or make me a godfather." Mateo''s disbelief followed by a laugh.


    While his friends are just looking a him with curiousity.


    The staff now fully package the suits and give it to Grand Ecstasy.


    "Thank you for your hard work Mr. Gilberto." Mateo''s gratitude.


    "I glad you all liked our works. Please visit our store again if you need suits."


    "We will."


    And thus, Grand Ecstasy leaves the house and now waiting for a bus.


    "Mateo?"


    "Yes Trinne?"


    "Who is Ailan?"


    Mateo paused for a moment, smiling.


    "He''s a close friend of mine. A very reliable one."


    "Did he also know your secret?"


    "Yeah... The only one I told my secret with outside of my family and you guys. But to think that he''s already married. Time moves so fast these days."


    Claustrine smiles as she looks on Mateo reminiscing his past.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Grand Ecstasy spends their Friday afternoon continuing their language studies while Mateo buys the stuffs they going to bring in the other world.


    Night time comes and Grand Ecstasy ended today''s study. As they preparing to rest early for tommorow. They noticed something missing.


    "Where''s Mateo?" Claustrine asked.


    "Who knows? Maybe he still doing something outside." Beltrand''s unsure answer.


    "But we should sleep early so we still enough time to prepare for the ceremony tommorow." Claustrine''s opinion.


    "Is something wrong?" Ligaya''s question.


    "Nothing Mrs. l. I just wondering where is Mate- wait." Claustrine stops as she remembered something.


    "Iha?"


    "A friend of him invited Mateo in someone''s birthday."


    Aftear hearing Claustrine, Ligaya touch her forehead.


    "Sus maryosep. He knew that there''s an important event. Jade!"


    Jade comes after hearing his mother''s call.


    "Why ma?"


    "Guide Claustrine and his friends into your Brother''s location? He must be drinking in Aling Criselda''s house."


    "Got it. Please follow me."


    Grand Ecstasy follows Jade on a lenghty walk until they reach a very secluded house hidden with trees and bamboos. Jade calls for someone inside and 3 dogs rushes towards them while barking.


    "Pochi! Brownie! Puti! Ease!"


    Hearing the command. The went silent and excitely goes to a slim man. His face is confused.


    "Who are you?" The man politely asked.


    "We''re Mateo''s friends. I wonder if he is here?" Claustrine asked, speaking in slightly unrefined tagalog.


    "Ohhh... Yeah he''s here. Please enter."


    The man opens the bamboo gate and Grand Ecstasy enters a small garden only illuminated by a light far from them. When they reach the light, they didn''t expected the scene.


    Numerous men are just slumped everywhere. Some are laying on the long chairs, one is slumped on the table and one is knocked out on the ground itself with only huge cardboard acting as makeshift bed. Beer and brandy bottles are neatly placed nearby but the table still have plates with foods, water pitcher and cornicks.


    Grand Ecstasy can clearly smell alcoholism in the air and easily assumed that the unconcious people are conpletely drunk, except for the one greeted them and another playing on his phone who finally noticed them and as surprised as them.


    "So, where is Mateo?" Claustrine asked.


    They also notice Romel, flat out just slumped on the table.


    "There he is. Completely drunk just like the others." The man pointed on a hut where they see Mateo sleeping on the long chair made with bamboo alongside another man sleeping peacefully..


    Grand Ecstasy went closer and they can''t stop having a huge smile and giggles on their face as they observe the drunk Mateo sleeping like a starfish and snoring.


    "This is the first time I see Mateo flat out drunk." Beltrand commented.


    "Yeah. What a sight to behold." Sophia says.


    "To think that our leader can also be this vulnerable. How cute." Shirna commented.


    Claustrine see Mateo''s phone beside him. She take it and shot some photos of Mateo with a sly grin on her face.


    "So. You''re going to bring him home?" The slim man asked.


    "Yeah."


    "I don''t know that Mateo have foreigner friends. But still, thank you."


    The man leaves and returns to the other man playing with his phone. Meanwhile, Beltrand tries to wake up Mateo.


    "Hey Mateo wake up. Let''s go home." Beltrand''s attempt as he shakes Mateo''s shoulder. But Mateo just sweep his hand with his arm.


    "Fayb...moar... Minuets..."


    Mateo rolls his body, almost falling to the cold ground but Beltrand and Sophia stops it.


    "Geez... What a hassle."


    Mateo slightly opens his eyes only to see his friends looking at him.


    "Ohhh... Guuuuuiss.... Hiiiiii....."


    Then falls to sleep again.


    "Yup, completely drunk." -Claustrine.


    "What we should do?" Shirna asked.


    "Well, we have no choice. I''m just gonna carry him."


    "I just hope he don''t suddenly puke on you." Claustrine''s concerned words.


    "I hope you didn''t jinxed it." Beltrand''s concerned answer.


    Beltrand, with the help of others proceeds to carry Mateo on a piggybank position. Mateo''s arms doesn''t have strenght and just limping in front of Beltrand.


    "Geez... He reeks of beer and stuffs." Beltrand complains.


    Grand Ecstasy then says their farewell on the two sober people and walks home, Jade meanwhile seperate ways as he''s going to visit a friend. They''re walking on the side of the road illuminated by lines of street lamps, enjoying the night time scenery as the moon and stars shines brightly above them. Giving vision to the rice fields, trees and far away moutains. There''s no vehicles passing by making the vibe blissful.


    "What a way to end the day huh?" Claustrine commented.


    "In Nattunia. Sophia is the one that always get drunk and carried home."


    Sophia blushes.


    "Pleaseee don''t remind me of that."


    They laugh while Sophia just pouts.


    "Hmmmmm..." -Mateo.


    "Looked how peaceful he sleeps."


    "But I wonder why he didn''t get drunk when drinking with us on Nattunia?" Shirna asked.


    "Perhaps he still doing her leader duty for us so he maintains a clear mind. But here, he can be drunk however he wants as there''s no responsibility for him." Claustrine explained.


    "Fair point."


    "Trinne... Beltrand... Sophia... Shirna."


    They get interested when Mateo suddenly calls their names.


    "I''m... so glad that... I meet all of you guys. Thank... you so much... I''m so happy..." Mateo said while still sleeping on Beltrand''s back.


    The four smiles as they hear the genuine words of Mateo.


    "Now I want her to get drunk more often. I''m also happy that I meet you and become my first friend as an Adventurer." Claustrine''s confession.


    "I''m glad that of you being like a brother to me." -Beltrand.


    "I''m also thankful that I meet you guys and help me grow." -Sophia.


    "I''m so happy that I finally found friends I can rely on despite my race." -Shirna.


    After sharing their confessions. Everyone except Mateo chuckle as they suddenly felt cheesy after spouting such heartfelt words.

 Ch. 22 - Gratitude

    CLANG... CLANG... CLANG....


    The church''s bell is ringing in a slow and solemn pattern. Signaling the start of a funeral for an individual that can be considered as one of the foundation of Natunnia''s creation.


    The street is silent, shops are closed and the atmosphere of the whole kingdom is a mixbag of different emotions from citizens. Some are in deep gratitude, few are confused while a small minority is still in disbelief. And their distrust is understandable as the idea that a remains of a hero that lived 1000 years ago gets discovered and in perfect conditions is against on the natural laws of the world.


    But the reality is, such funeral is only possible with the help of the unknown method used on Glidel''s corpse which prevents her body on decomposing.


    Glidel lies inside of the church in a well decorated open casket. She lies there, if not for the gray coloration of her skin. People might mistaken that she was just sleeping peacefully.


    The harpists plays a peaceful tune as the citizens of Natunnia pays their respects. A very long line of people that strecthed across the city is waiting for their turn to give a single flower of Nattun. A very beautiful and delicate flower which according to the historical records is Glidel''s favorite flower.


    A child walks closer to the casket. At first, she was scared as she''s going to see a corpse but the moment she see''s Glidal. Her fear is replaced by awe as she watch the sleeping beauty lying peacefully. The girl smiles and gently put a Nattun flower on Glidel''s hand.


    As the funeral continues. Gilmore, Grand Ecstasy and other important figures are watching from a far. Whispers can be heared on the said crowd, targeted on Grand Ecstasy.


    "Who are those adventurers? Why they''re standing beside us?" A lady asked as observe the members of Grand Ecstasy with their adventuring gear.


    "It''s a long story but... they''re the ones that discovered Glidel and leave a guide for Gilmore." One of the nobleman said.


    "Tsk! A knife eared."


    "Apparently, they also got the chance to fight the corpse of Glidel before Gilmore reach them."


    "Ohhh... The fact that they managed to survive such battle is miraculous."


    "Is that the adventurers that bring very important books about the Reverse Tower?" One of the elder academics asked.


    "Yes. The academy is going to reward them accordingly." One of the academics answered.


    "Wait... I remember that mage. Is that Claustrine?"


    "Ohhh now you mentioned it, yeah. She''s really looked like Claustrine."


    "I guess her academic life didn''t leave her at all."


    "Indeed."


    Grand Ecstasy can hear some of the murmurs including the nasty ones but decide to maintain their composure out of respect for the hero.


    The funeral went smoothly until it ends at night. The efforts of the guards and knights to maintain order makes things peaceful.


    The whole city now indulges in a night time feast in celebration for all Glidel and Heroes done to save the world.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    The next day, another event happens and its the upcoming ceremony for the Vandril lineage to become a higher nobility.


    The King says her salutations to everyone watching in the huge castle hall decorated to perfection for the event.


    "Today. History is made as the Vandril lineage finally fulfilled their millenia long quest that spans numerous generations of the Vandril family. And now, it''s finally completed, it almost cost him his life as no one expected that the hero is controlled by unknown magic. But still, he prevails and achieve victory. Everyone, I want you to show your support to the one that completed a what seems an impossibe mission- Sir Gilmore Vandril!"


    The huge door opens, revealing Gilmore wearing his ceremonial Vandril attire, especially a cape made from the fur of an already extinct and legendary monster.


    Everyone gives their claps as Gilmore walks towards the aisle until he reach the King. Gilmore kneels in respect of the King.


    "It''s a honor to be in your presence my King."


    The King nods and picks two well decorated swords in the nearby table. The two sword is made by the same steel used on Glidel''s sword, the absurdly long sword that almost killed Gilmore and Grand Ecstasy.


    The King walks towards Gilmore as she lift the two swords on his hands.


    "Stand up Gilmore."


    Gilmore follows the King''s order.


    "In accordance to Vandril''s historic tradition and with my authority as the current ruler of Kingdom of Nattunia where Glidel Vandril swears her allegiance, I herebly declare you as the new Sword Saint. Accept this swords as the symbol of your pride."


    The King gives the swords to Gilmore who accepts them with dignity.


    Gilmore puts the two swords on his sides and unsheaths one of them. He face the crowd of nobles and raise his new sword to the sky.


    "I, Gilmore Vandril! Herebly accepts the title of Sword Saint and I swear my devotion to Kingdom of Nattunia and protect it with my life!"


    The crowd claps, showing support to Vandril. Erika is also on the crowd, tears are flowing on her face as she watch her beloved finally achieve his dream.


    Gilmore sheaths his sword and stand on the side as the King continues his speech.


    "But Gilmore is not alone on this monumental ceremony. Without these 5 individuals, Gilmore might failed his mission. He would perish trying the undiscovered labyrinths of the uncharted layer in Reverse Tower if these individuals didn''t lay the path for Gilmore to follow. They also bravely fought the Hero Glidel despite the overwhelming odds and bring back important knowledges with their escape. Everyone, I want you to give your praises to the adventurers party named Grand Ecstasy!"


    There''s majority of nobles that shows disinterest as they view the commoners lowly. They just wait for the doors to open, expecting to see adventures with their ragged clothes.


    The door opens and the nobles are surprised to see the Grand Ecstasy defy their expectations.


    Grand Ecstasy show themselves wearing their best attires for the occassion. All of them looks regal and elegant as they walk on the aisle with confidence.


    Claustrine wears a red trumpet gown with intricate linings and beads as design. Partnered by a single shoulder cape made of red transparent silk and embroided with floral design. Claustrine''s dress, long blonde hair and shoulder cape waves as she walks towards the aisle.


    Mateo is finally wearing his bespoke suit designed by Mr. Del Paz. It''s a white three-piece suits with simple gold embroidery on the edge of the collar and a small chain brooch on his left side of his chest. Because the suit is designed for his body, it really shows her fit stature.


    Sophia wears a designer made Filipiana in different shades of pink. The nobles are confused as the designed of Sophia''s dress is so alien to them.


    Beltrand wears a gray 3-piece suit, black shoes and a beige overcoat over his shoulder. He walks with confidence and her overall appearance shows boldness. All are made by Mr. Del Paz.


    Shirna might be the simplier among the group as he''s wearing a forest green tuxedo with a gold leaf brooch. But it was designed by Mr. Del Paz for him so the suit truly fits and makes him appear elegant.


    As Grand Ecstasy walk, the voice of the nobles and other guests are audible enough that they can hear their talks.


    "Look at their dress. They''re so beautiful."


    "How I don''t even notice such fashion?!"


    "They''re surely bold to wear such magnificent clothing despite being commoners.",


    "Atleast, they''re dressed for the occassion."


    "I also want to have a clothing similar to the tall guy. It looks cool."


    "Tsk! An elf."


    "Do you think the elf''s clothes are a design from the Elven kingdom?"


    "Perhaps... But the clothes used by his friends are the anomalies."


    Grand Ecstasy finally reach the King and the five of them kneels to show respect.


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    "It''s a honor to be in your pressence, our King." Grand Ecstasy says their respect.


    "Stand up."


    Grand Ecstasy follows the King''s command.


    "With your courage and contribution to the Academia and Kingdom. Me, Klein Demuss. 20th King of Nattunia will reward you with your achievements accordingly. Accepts it as form of people''s appreciation for your hardwork."


    Gilmore walks towards the table and pick a bag of gold coins. Then he give one to the King who proceeds to give it to Claustrine. The King continues until everyone is holding a big bag of gold coins.


    Grand Ecstasy bows their heads.


    "We have our sincerest gratitude my King. Thank you so much!"


    Grand Ecstasy face the guests and bows their heads. Everyone claps in celebration for their achievements.


    And thus the ceremony ended and followed by a grand nobleman''s gathering. But Grand Ecstasy leaves as soon as posible so they can avoid the nobles. They can feel that everyone would interrogate them about their outfits based on how the nobles look at them earlier.


    But Grand Ecstasy knows that their day is just getting started so they go to Mateo''s Nattunia house to change clothes before going to the Adventurers'' Guild.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    With their normal clothes. Grand Ecstasy visits the Adventurers guild only to be greeted by Hilgurd and numerous adventurers.


    "Here comes our big shots!" Hilgurd screams.


    The adventurers rejoice. Shouting their cheers to Grand Ecstasy and their recent exploits.


    "Hooray for Beltrand the Hero Smasher!" A group of silver adventurers screams.


    "Tsk! Oh come on! I don''t want to remember that I smash a face of a hero!" Beltrand rejects the title with passion.


    A bulky and bald silver adventurer walks towards Beltrand and put his arms on Beltrand''s shoulders.


    "But that''s badass title! No one here can achieve the feat of smashing the face of a Legendary Hero!"


    "He''s right! That''s a badass title!" The other adventurers screams.


    "Cut it out!" Beltrand still rejects the title while the adventurers laugh.


    Monica run towards Claustrine and gives her a tight hug to Claustrine''s surprise.


    "Congratulations!"


    "Oh oh oh oh! You squeezing me Monica!"


    "Ah sorry hehe." Monica breaks her hug.


    Claustrine smile.


    "Thank you Monica."


    Other female mages gets closer to Claustrine as they asked her about the discoveries.


    Suddenly, the guild hall is drowned by a the voice coming from a group of adventurer.


    "CHEERS FOR SOPHIA! CONGRATULATIONS!" The adventurers screams after clunking their beer mugs.


    They''re the fans of Sophia. A group of young and old male lower ranked adventurers who have adorations for Sophia. Each of them have their own reason on becoming a fan but they all united on their admiration.


    "H-h-heys stop it! I-It''s so embarassing!" Sophia says as she was starting to get confused.


    Mateo and Shirna are just watching as the guild hall becomes lively.


    "These guys are surely energetic." Shirna said.


    "Well... It''s understandable considering everything that just happened."


    "Agree... We might become some sort of local legends in the guild. Anyways, are you not going to join them?" Shirna asked.


    "I''m good. How about you?"


    "I''m being honest, I rather just want to go home and rest. But after watching such celebration. Perhaps staying for a while is far more better than seeing those nobles." Shirna answers. Mateo nods in agreement.


    "So do you want to make this celebration more lively?" Mateo asked Shirna who gives a sly smile.


    "Go ahead."


    Mateo run towards the center of the crowd, climb on the table and takes a deep breath.


    "EVERYONE LISTEN!!!"


    The adventurers'' attention are caught by Mateo''s call. Even his fellow party members.


    "FEAST AND DRINK WHATEVER YOU WANT!!! THIS NIGHT WOULD BE IN OUR TAB SO LET''S CELEBRATE!!!"


    The adventurers screams and shouts in happiness after hearing Mateo.


    His friends meanwhile at first are confused then a big smile appears in their face.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHA! I knew it! I glad I prepared in advance!" Hilgurd ecstaticly says.


    "Geez... This night would be a busy one." One of the waitresses said.


    "Don''t worry. I pay all of you extra for this night so let''s do your best!"


    "Now that''s an offer I can''t deny."


    And thus the guild hall is filled with joy the entire night as the adventurers of all ranks and status drinks and eat to their hearts'' content. Life is good for everyone who just cherish the joys of life.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Woahhh..."


    Grand Ecstasy is in awe as they watch the huge mansion of Vandril family.


    "Guys... Do you think they would really allow us to enter?" Sophia''s doubt.


    "I don''t know unless we try." Claustrine answers.


    Grand Ecstays is in front of a huge metal gate guarded by two soldiers inside. Mateo walks to one of the guard while his friends follows.


    "Hello sir."


    "Hello adventurer. What do you need?"


    "I just want to ask if we''re allowed to enter?"


    The guard looks at them with skepticism but the other guard walks towards them and joins the conversation.


    "Are you guys the adventurer party called Grand Ecstasy?" The second guard asked.


    "Yes that''s us."


    The first guard is surprised.


    "Sir Gilmore told us that we should allow Grand Ecstasy to enter. But for safety measures, we need to see your Adventurer tags."


    Grand Ecstady shows their tags to the guards who nods on every tag shown.


    "Very well. Welcome to Vandril residence. We hope you enjoy your stay."


    Grand Ecstasy give thanks to the guards and then enters the gate. As they walk on pavement, marveling on the huge garden, they notice a familiar face.


    It''s Erika tending the flowers alongside her maids. Erika notices the group and walks towards them.


    "Hello. It''s been a while." Erika''s elegant greeting.


    "Hello Mrs. Vandril." Mateo says.


    "I was planning to invite you to the house party for our family''s promotion but you suddenly disappears. I really wish to see your unique clothes closer." Erika says, sadness is slightly visible in her face.


    "We''re sorry Mrs. Vandril. It''s just that we also celebrate on the adventurers guild because it''s also a big achievement for us." Claustrine explains with sincerety. Erika sighs.


    "I understand. Anyways, are you going to meet my husband?"


    "Yes Mrs. Vandril. Is Sir Gilmore present?" Mateo asked.


    "She''s on his office. The promotion to higher nobility also includes lots of paperworks." Erika touches her forehead.


    "I wish it ends sooner." Erika added.


    Claustrine and Mateo nods as they understand dealing with lots and lots of paper.


    "Anyway. Let our maid bring you to him."


    Erika calls the nearby young maid and instruct her to bring Grand Ecstasy to Gilmore. The party says their thanks and farewell then quietly follow the calm and refined maid.


    After some time. They finally reach the front of Gilmore''s workplace. The maid opens the door, revealing Gilmore busy writing on documents.


    Gilmore notice them and he gives a gentle smile.


    "Welcome Grand Ecstasy. Please take a seat."


    Grand Ecstasy picks their prefer chairs and comfortably sit on high-end wooden chairs probably sculpted by a renowned craftsman.


    "Jula. Please bring us tea and snacks."


    Jula bows in maid posture and then walks.


    "I''m sorry but please wait a moment as I need to finish these paperworks."


    "Don''t mind us sir."


    Then they stay silent and didn''t disturbed Gilmore who still struggling to write only using an arm. One of the papers falls on the table which Claustrine picked. She just take a peek on its content but she''s already in shock.


    "Sir Gilmore..."


    "Yes?" Gilmore replies while still writing.


    "You''re retiring as an adventurer?"


    What Claustrine said caught Mateo and others attention. All of them look at Gilmore.


    Gilmore stops and set aside the papers as he''s close on finishing them anyways.


    "It''s sad for me to say but, yes. I''m retiring as an adventurer."


    "But Sir Gilmore. Why?" Beltrand asked.


    Jula returns with another maid. She''s carrying a tray containing the teapot and cups while the other maid brings the cupcakes. They delicately put them on the the table and a set on Gilmore''s desk. Jula gestures their leave and walks away.


    "To answer your question. First, it''s because I''m not totally capable of being an Adventurer. My role as a higher nobility would surely take most of my time..."


    Gilmore takes a sip of his tea.


    "Second is, my wife is currently pregnant. I want to spend more time for my family once I realized that I used my early years finishing an almost impossible quest. And the third reason..."


    Gilmore touch his shoulder where his left arm is used to be.


    "I might not able to fight anymore. I strained my body too much during that fight."


    Grand Ecstasy just looked at Gilmore with sad expression on their face. All of them feels guilty.


    "Hey don''t feel bad about yourselves. It''s not your fault if these circumstances happened. Besides, you''re the one that lead me to end my lifetime mission."


    "Yes Sir Gilmore. But it feels sad that a well known adventurer of our guild is going to retire." Mateo says with melachonly. Gilmore chuckle softly.


    "It''s not like I''m leaving the guild entirely. I''m still going to visit the guild if my I have a chance. And if the guild needs my help, I will try my best to help." Gilmore says with conviction.


    Grand Ecstasy smiles as they can feel that the guild still have place in Gilmore''s heart.


    "Sir I wish you pay a visit in the guild yesterday. We have a huge celebration." Sophia says.


    "Ohh that must be fun... Sadly I''m also busy on that time. Our entire family tree have a huge celebration."


    Gilmore takes a sip of tea then bites a cupcake.


    "Maybe its time for us to talk about your reason on giving me a visit." Gilmore reminds Grand Ecstasy who reacts with surprise.


    "Oh we almost forgot! Sir Gilmore!"


    Mateo stands up followed by his friend. And the five shows sincere gratitude as they bow in front of Gilmore.


    "With the bottom of our hearts! Thank you so much for saving our lives!" Grand Ecstasy simultaniously says. Gilmore smiles.


    "Raise your head. Take pride on the fact that you written yourselves in history. And we both save each other so we''re even."


    Grand Ecstasy follows Gilmore.


    "Thank you Sir Gilmore. But still I hope you accept our gift. Not as a token of gratitude but as a gift for your achievements."


    Once Mateo finished talking, Beltrand opens their Bag of Storage and pulls a basket full of unlabeled bottles with ribbons tied to them. The bottles are arranged neatly on the basket for a better presentation.


    Beltrand puts the basket in the table. The bottles are the expensive alcoholic drinks Mateo buy on Earth and they remove all the labels so they doesn''t look alien.


    But because of the unique design of the bottles, all of them still look elegant and high-class which piqued Gilmore''s interest.


    "Ohhhh..." Gilmore picks one of the bottle with box shape. Gilmore can tell that it''s a whisky but he also see some alcohol with more unique coloring.


    In order to insure that their gift is surely worthy of being a gift for a nobleman. Mateo buys 1 bottle of whiskey, wine, vodka, tequila, soju, sake, sparkling champagne, 3 flavored gin plus 1 classic gin, and lambanog.


    "All of these looks so nice and everything looks fancy and expensive. These must be put a dent on your budget."


    "Not at all. We used the money we got from the king." Mateo''s lie.


    "Thank you for these gift. You have now my favor."


    Mateo and Beltrand looked at each other once they hear the word favor from Gilmore.


    "Well Sir Gilmore. Speaking of favor, we want to ask for your help. But this is such an absurd request that we can understand if you reject it."


    Gilmore is curious on what Mateo said.


    "Ok then. Tell me what''s your request. I like to hear it." Gilmore calm response.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Gilmore is putting all the drinks Grand Ecstasy gifted to him in his personal rack for alcoholic drinks. He took a look on each bottle as he put them in the cabinet.


    Gilmore tried each of the gifted drinks and he instantly love all of them. Each one of them have uniqueness to them that he can''t really understand.


    He was amused on the flavored gins. The whiskey taste superb, and the rest is new to him.


    But also, questions are running on Gilmore''s mind. He''s a connossieur in alcoholoc drinks and it shows on his vast collections.


    But nothing on his knowledge can tell that the gifted drinks are truly available on the city. He doubt that Grand Ecstasy really buys them on Nattunia nor the nearby towns and cities. And the taste is incomperable to the drinks he already known.


    Gilmore looks on the final bottle. The bottle of Jenessy. The bell-like shape alone is intriguing but the etched picture of grapes and leaves makes Gilmore awestruct as this is the first time he see such bottle.


    He put the Jenessy bottle and sit on the nearby elegant chair then takes a deep breath.


    Gilmore remembers Grand Ecstasy''s request. Thinking that if he help them, he might secure a supply of such unique drinks which on his opinion is only Grand Ecstasy knows where to get.


    And also, he can use the request as a practice for the future of his 15 years old son and the enact his promise to the King.


    "Ok. I accept their request." Gilmore says to himself.

 Ch. 23 - The Training Begins

    Mateo and Beltrand is just sitting on the secured pile of logs in the middle of an open field. Waiting for Gilmore who just finishing few paperworks.


    The two recieves a letter from Gilmore accepting their request and the starting date. Now is the day where they''re going to start improving themselves.


    "Sir Gilmore is surely taking his time." Beltrand said as he was getting bored waiting.


    "Stop complaining."


    "I''m not complaining though. Anyways, what do you think these logs are doing here?" Beltrand asked, just finding anything to spend time with.


    "Who knows. Maybe it''s going to be used for a Log Cabin." Mateo''s answer. He was uninterested on the topic.


    "Log Cabin for what? There''s already a mansion here." Beltrand says while pointing his thumb on the beautiful Vandril mansion from the distance behind him.


    "Maybe it''s for the workers."


    "But they already have a barracks inside the mansion." Beltrand''s confused words.


    "What if those those barracks are almost on max capacity. You know what, let''s just ignore this nonsense." Mateo''s answer.


    "Ok fine. Geez, what a boore.",


    The two stay silent for a while until Gilmore finally appears. He was walking towards Mateo and Beltrand.


    "Sorry for the wait." Gilmore apologizes.


    Mateo and Beltrand stand up.


    "It''s ok Sir Gilmore! We glad that we can finally start our training." Mateo''s words full of appreciation and excitement.


    "It''s great to see both of you in high spirits. Ok then, let''s start our training."


    "Yes sir!" Beltrand shouts.


    "Yes sir! What we should do Sir Gilmore?" Mateo asked.


    Gilmore walks towards the logs behind Mateo and Beltrand. He puts his hand on it then look at the two with seriouness.


    "You see these logs? I want both of you to carry all of these logs in the specified area marked there."


    Gilmore points on a the direction where a pole with a red flag is located. The distance between them and the drop point is almost 100 meters.


    Beltrand and Mateo''s mouth gapes after hearing their task. Then they look again on the logs. The logs are huge! With diameter of 20+ inches and lenght of 4 meters each with total of 100 logs. The two looks to Gilmore again.


    "S-sir... Are you s-serious?" Mateo repectfully asked as he was confused.


    Mateo expected something like Gilmore giving them a harsher training from the start.


    "Yes, I''m serious. One more thing. You can only lift these logs. If you try to take any shorcuts on this task... Forget about getting trained by me." Gilmore''s very serious command.


    "Gilmore..." Mateo wants to ask him but he refrains as his desire to get stronger makes him accept the confusing task.


    "Good luck on your training. I''m going to visit you later." Gilmore says as she walks away, waving her hand.


    Mateo and Beltrand just stare on the logs. Feeling overwhelmed by the oddity Gilmore assigned to them. Beltrand tries to lift one and to her surprise, the log is absurdly heavy that he quickly drops the log to the ground.


    "These logs are stupidly heavy for some reason. Obviously we can''t carry one each."


    "Thanks Captain Obvious." Mateo''s response.


    "Ok then, how we should carry all of them?"


    "Let''s start by two of us lifting a log.",


    Thus Beltrand and Mateo tries to life a single log. But despite their combined strenght, they still struggle to even put the log in their should.


    "T-This is not a normal wood at all!" Mateo exclaims as he can feel the irregular weight of the log caving on his shoulder.


    "T-t-this must be some e-e-xtreme species of h-hardwood." Beltrand replied.


    Because of their uneven height. Beltrand carries most of the weight of the log. Beltrand and Mateo are already strong individuals due to their years of adventuring and fighting assortments of monsters.


    But the task still manage to exhaust them. The duo only manages to bring 5 logs of woods on the transport area before they fall down. Feeling that their body is starting to give up, Mateo and Beltrand throws the log they carrying and lie down on the grass. Catching their breath.


    "This... Is... Torture..." Beltrand complains.


    "Y-yeah..." Mateo agrees.


    "Let''s take a short break and we just roll the logs one by one. It''s impossible to lift all of them."


    "You forgot that Gilmore would cancel this training if we did any sort of shortcuts." Mateo''s reminder.


    "It''s fine. Nobody is watch...ing." Gilmore slow down his words when he notices the maid Juli just watching them from a distance.


    "Do you still want to risk it all?" Mateo asked with a smug grin on his face.


    "Ahhhhh!! Forget about it! Let''s finish this!"


    The two stands up and lifted the log the two thrown earlier. Mateo and Beltrand did the task until sunset, managing to only bring 12 logs before their body finally surrenders.


    "I... Can''t stand... Ouch..." -Beltrand.


    "My... Whole... Body hurts..." -Mateo.


    Juli calls Mateo and Beltrand, inviting them to the staff''s dinner. The two stand up and wobbly walks towards the barracks where the maids, and other workers stay.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Claustrine is currently staying on Monica''s house. Due to Grand Ecstasy declaring that all of them needs to become stronger. Every member decides to spend months training themselves. Each member are temporarily seperated which leads to Claustrine becoming Monica''s student again and buying her service using the funds the Kingdom and Academia given to them as reward.


    "Ok Claustrine. Do you know the 3 generations of magic?" Monica asked. The two of them just sitting while drinking tea.


    "Yes. I already learned the Generation 1 and Generation 2 spellcasting but the Generation 3 is still baffles me as I have few knowledge about it." Claustrine answered.


    "I can''t blame you for not knowing Generation 3. The mages are very shady and learning about generation 3 is highly monitored.",


    Claustrine nods in agreement with Monica.


    "But as a refresher. Let''s make a deep dive on Generation 1 and Generation 2 magic."


    The two talks down about the history of Generation 1 and Generation 2 magic and it''s complexity.


    Generation 1 also known as "Deistic Spellcasting" or "Deistic Magic" is known as the longest and oldest among the three generations as according to the history of humanity, these form of magic is personally gifted by the Gods to the earlier civilizations who worships the god of their choice. Generation 1 is characterized by its long incantations and very dramatic wordings as the power of said spells relies on the caster''s devotion to the god who own the spells and the amount of Mana he can put to amplify it.


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    The more powerful the Deistic spell, the longer the incantations and the higher the mana requirments is to the point of imposibility for a basic mage. Due to this limitations, only few weaker Deistic magics survives as the powerful variants from the past doesn''t have overall versatility and got forgotten in the annals of time.


    "I really wish other Gods have faithful believers as Vivvily." Claustrine says as she remembers the amount of Deistic magic Church of Vivvily manages to preserve.


    "I feel you. Sadly, it seems that Vivvily is the more remarkble goddess in the past and it really shows." Monica agrees to Claustrine.


    "But the good thing about humanity forgetting most of Deistic magic is we didn''t really feel the castastrophe our ancestors experienced during the time where wars and gods are more active.


    "Claustrine. I disagree as Generation 2 and Generation 3 as far as I known is still evolving. Given more time, human magic would probably reach the power Deistic magic have in the past."


    .


    .


    .


    Generation 2 is the start of "Human magic". Generation 2 magic consist of spells and arcane theories crafted by famous mages in the past. The most well known among them is Julzihar of the Heroes party, who created the pillars of what''s known as the Academia today. These pioneers of Magic''s books and theories is still used and studied to this day.


    Generation 2 magic is characterized by chantless and practical spells as the magic requires memorization and manipulation of mana to conjure or control what the caster''s desire.


    But despite it''s pressumed power, Generation 2 also have its limits in form of a single rule.


    Materials created by magic will dissapear the moment the supply of mana is cut off. Generation 2 magic dissapears faster unlike Generation 1 magic forged by the God themselves.


    This partnered by the intense mana requirements based on how powerful the spell is makes Generation 2 magic weaker but more compact and easier for the mages'' body. Theres still some powerful Generation 2 magic but it''s only exclusive for the powerful and legendary mages as they''re the only one that can cast these kind spells anyway.


    Still, with Humanity''s ingenuity. They managed to create the other side of Generation 2 in the form of "Manipulation magic."


    Unlike it''s creative counterpart. Manipulation magic relies on controlling the elements in the surroundings. From the very ground the mages stepping in to the any object like knives or stones. Manipulation magic are more mana efficient as the caster bypass the manacost of creating the object from scratch and maitaining its form.


    "So that''s Generation 1 and 2. Now lets finaly talk about Generation 3."


    "Finally..."


    "So Claustrine, what do you think is Generation 3 magic?" Monica asked which make Claustrine thinks for a while.


    "I''m not sure but from what I can see, Generation 3 magic is more on freedom of magic expression as every Gen 3 magic I see is so different from each other."


    Monica smiles...


    "Exactly. That''s one of the two main idiology of Generation 3 magic."


    "What idiology?"


    "The freedom of expression, the other one being imagination."


    Monica points her finger upwards and in its tip, she conjures a small bubble made of Mana.


    "Do you know why I used bubbles in my magic?" Monica asked Claustrine who just shakes her head.


    "When I''m just a snotty kid. I really love to create bubbles using slime residue and watching them get blown by the wind."


    Monica conjures more bubbles of different sizes and makes them float inside the room.


    "It''s pretty much childish thought of mine but these bubbles makes me remember good memories."


    "So that''s the story of your bubbles. But it doesn''t explain why your bubbles explodes in variety of ways." Claustrine states her opinion while scratching her head. Monica chuckles.


    "I understand your confusion."


    Monica pops all of the bubbles except for one that still floating in the tip of Monica''s finger.


    Claustrine observes carefully and to her surprise, she see the bubble gets filled with a red smoke who suddenly appears inside the bubble.


    "As you see Claustrine, our family belongs to a generation of Miners specialized in explosives. Aside from bubbles, cool explosions also caught my childhood awe everytime I watch father and her group blow up the mountainsides. It''s a very exciting sight to behold." Monica winks.


    "I like how it makes sense but also doesn''t at the same time. Besides, what is the that red smoke?" Claustrine asked while also pointing on the the red bubble.


    "Sorry Claustrine. It''s a secret."


    "I understand." Claustrine respects Monica''s secrecy.


    "But I can tell you that I conjured those smoke and the more mana I put on each bubble, the bigger and powerful the explosion is."


    "And how you make the bubbles explode?"


    "Simple. I just create a tiny spark inside the bubbles. That''s enough to ignite the smoke and then... Boom..." Monica explained and ending it with her ethusiasticly make a hand motion mimicking an explosion. Claustrine chuckle on Monica''s silly play.


    "Beside the two main ideology of Generation 3. It''s also cultivation of all of your magical knowledge and understanding of the mechanics of magic."


    "Seems very complex." Claustrine shortly say before sipping in her tea.


    "It is. That''s why the mages are still divided about Generation 3 magic. They say only gifted individuals are capable on doint this, others says that learning Generation 3 magic is just for bragging rights."


    Monica looks on her reflection in the tea.


    "While majority believes that learning 3rd gen magic it is just a huge nonsense due to the commitment, time and resources needed just to learn the bare minimum while Generation 1 and 2 magic is still viable and powerful."


    "Maybe they''re just jealous as they can''t make a unique magic like yours."


    "Perhaps..."


    The two takes a sips on their tea.


    "Despite all of what I said. Why you still want to learn about Generation 3 magic?" Monica asked. Claustrine put her cup on the table and her expression becomes serious.


    "After our fight with Hero Glidel. We all promised to each other that we need to become stronger. And I believe learning Gen 3 magic is a way to achieve that."


    Monica smiles...


    "I understand... Then let''s start by learning the minor mechanics. Be prepared because its going to be a long journey."


    Claustrine smiles back with confidence.


    "I''m ready."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    3 days later...


    "Good work." Gilmore watches the pile of logs Mateo and Beltrand carried. Behind him is the two panthing heavily as they lie down on the grassy field.


    "M-my... b-body... Ugh..." Beltrand''s exhausted words.


    "I-i-it''s finally o-over..."


    Gilmore looked down on the two tired mess.


    "Just rest a little bit and now return these logs on the spot you picked them."


    Hearing what Gilmore says. Mateo and Beltrand''s eyes becomes wide open


    "B-but M-mr. Gilmore. Why?" Beltrand really wants to scream but his exhaustion prevents him for doing so.


    The two slowly stand up. Their legs are shaking as they still didn''t recover their strenght.


    "No questions allowed. Just continue what I want you to do and I decide if its enough. Also, I would be gone for few days so just gonna leave this order to you. Once you bring all of the logs again, repeat it again and again. Understood?"


    Watching Gilmore being serious makes the two gulps as they expect more brutal training, and it turns out they finally recieving it. When Gilmore finally excuse himself, the two slumped on the grass again.


    "Bro. I think we going to die here... It''s nice knowing you." Beltrand says with a blissful smile on his face.


    "Come on! Don''t be so overdramatic. Gilmore must have a reason for putting us on such task."


    "I really wish that was the case. "


    The two is interrupted by Juli bringing a basket full of snacks.


    "Here''s your snacks. Keep up the good work."


    Juli place the basket in front of Mateo and Beltrand who quicly sits on the grass then she removes the cloth revealing assortment of mouth-watering treats.


    "Wait a minute. Juli, why there''s more snacks than before?" Mateo asked which make Juli smile softly.


    "Consider it as a reward for completing your task." Juli smile and wink on the two. Unusual for her collected and reserve personality that she always show.


    "Wow! Thanks a lot Juli!" Beltrand''s genuined gratitude. Juli blushes a little bit and avoids her gaze on Beltrand.


    "Don''t mention it..."


    Mateo invites Juli for a snacktime which she happily accepts. The three enjoys eating different food, from sandwhiches to cakes.


    .


    .


    .


    Two weeks gone by.


    "Brother! There''s no way for you to defeat my huge lead!" Beltrand shouts as he was running holding a log on his shoulder.


    "Don''t be so confident Bro! I can bypass your lead! Just wait!" Mateo is also running behind Beltrand, holding a log of his own.


    "Good luck on that!"


    Several days ago, the two can''t barely even lift one log and each log makes them rest real quick.


    But now, the two easily lift log of their own, even running as they race each other on who can bring more logs.


    And the match ended. On the 100 logs, Beltrand carried 62 which declare him the winner.


    "Hehehe it''s time for your punishment Mateo..."


    Mateo gulps as he stand firm and brace himself. Beltrand is behind him, brushing both of her palms to each other.


    "Come on! Do it!" Mateo screams, trying his best to endure it as he act brave.


    But it takes longer than usual, Mateo is confused.


    "What taking you so long!?"


    "You know bro. I''m just wondering if I can make a move on Juli?" Beltrand ponders to himself.


    "Eh?" Mateo''s preparedness is replaced by confusion.


    And at that moment, Mateo already felt the hyper-velocity slap Beltrand gives to her asscheek. Mateo jumps out of pain and rolls on the grass, touching the recieving cheek.


    "Aw! Ouch! Wooo! Tang inaaa!"


    "Hahahahaha! Caught you off-guard don''t you?" Beltrand is laughing in Mateo''s pain.


    "You son of a-!!!" Mateo screams.


    At the far distance. Gilmore and Juli are just confused on the event that transpired.


    "And how long did they doing such challenge?" Gilmore asked Juli.


    "It started 3 days ago sir. On my count, Beltrand wins 13 times while Mateo wins 7 times."


    "Do you really need to write down such information?"


    "Sorry sir. I just think that you might find such information amusing."


    "Well..  you''re right. But I''m surprised on the pace of their development. To think that they can achieve such growth in such short amount of time."


    "What''s your estimate sir?" Juli asked.


    "I expected that it might take two months before they finish the task with ease like this."


    Gilmore walks inside the house while Juli follows him.


    "Sir Gilmore. What''s your next course of action?" Juli asked


    "I''m just going to observe them for a while and see if they''re now suitable for Phase 2 of the training."


    "Understood..." Juli nods.


    "Juli, I''m farmished. Bring me some good snacks."


    "Juli bows gracely then leaves. Gilmore just watched the two on the window as they have another run of carrying absurdly heavy logs."


    And the next day. When the two is in the middle of lifting logs. Gilmore approach them,


    "Mateo, Beltrand."


    The two stops and looked on Beltrand. Still holding their own log.


    "You can stop lifting those logs now. Just throw them aside."


    Mateo and Beltrand follow Gilmore''s order and just casually throw the logs which is so heavy that it implanted itself on the ground for 2 inches.


    "What''s the matter Sir Gilmore?" Mateo asked. Curious and excited on what Gilmore is going to say.


    "I believe it''s time for you to begin Phase 2 out of 3 of your training. I warning you, it''s going to be difficult." Gilmore''s grim warning. Instead of getting scared, the two have confident look on their eyes.


    "Bring it on Sir Gilmore!" Both of them speaks with ethusiasm.


    "But before that. I give you 3 days of rest. Use that to regain your strenght." Gilmore''s final words before he walks away. Leaving Mateo and Beltrand celebrating.


    As they finally get their well deserve rest.

 Ch. 24 - A Desire to Become Stronger

    *Yawn*


    Shirna wakes up and stretches his body. Ready to face his day of training.


    After doing his morning routine. Shirna exits his tree house and jumps down with finesse. He takes a deep breath, breaths out and smiles sweetly.


    "The smell of home."


    After Grand Ecstasy decides that they should train themselves in order to protect Mateo''s secret, Shirna hastely pack his things and returns home in the Kingdom of Elves - Frilehm.


    Frilehm is a small isolated Kingdom located in the middle of a Savagery Forest''s most secluded and dangerous spot. The elves in the past choose to isolate themselves. Unlike other kingdoms, Filhelm is integrated on the same forest, creating mutualistic relationship that benefits both elves and the forest ecosystem. Being the elves protecting the forest who gives them the resources they need.


    Shirna''s town is just one of the territories of Frilehm with big Moon elf majority. But there''s still Light elves walking around, some are merchants traveling in different towns while others are tourist that use his town as a hub before they venture the world outside.


    "Shirna!!!"


    A female Light Elf runs towards Shirna and gives him a tight hug.


    "You didn''t even visit me first."


    "I''m so sorry Yhio. It''s just I''m so tired in my journey that I fallen asleep. Long time no see."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Shirna aims his bow and fires 3 arrows in rapid succession. Each arrow hits all the small orb Yhio conjured and controled in very fast speed.


    "Still accurate as ever." Yhio claps.


    "But this is not enough. Yhio, Conjure 10 orbs and manipulate it as hectic and fast as you can."


    "Got it!"


    Yhio do what Shirna asked and makes the orbs fly like a disturbed bees in the air. Shirna observes the orbs as she picks ten arrows in his quiver. With quick yet focused meditation, Shirna fires the ten arrows in rapid succession. Each hits the orbs with precision and ease.


    "Amazing!" Yhio claps with ethusiasm. But she stops when she sees the serious look on Shirna''s face.


    Shirna meanwhile is very conflicted. He knows that he already achieves mastery on the bow and doing shooting excercise like what he did earlier is just to make sure that he still have the skills to draw the string.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Inside the lush forest....


    Yhio watches with awe as Shirna traverse the tall trees with prowess and acrobatic skills. Jumping from one trees to another and running with silence. Shirna elimanates the dummies Yhio placed earlier in different spots without his knowledge. Each execution is different from one another.


    After all the targets are eliminated. Shirna rush in front of Yhio.


    "Is that a new record?" Shirna asked as he drinks water.


    "Yes! 3 minutes and 20 seconds. 1 minute faster than your previous records!" Yhio happily says.


    But Shirna reacts with indifference. Yhio notices Shirna''s seriousness and it makes her concerned.


    "What''s wrong Shirna? Why you so tense and serious all of the sudden?"


    Seeing Yhio''s sad expression. Shirna tries to cheer her up as he pretends to be jolly.


    "A-ahaha. I-I just need to get serious so I can beat my record!" Shirna lies followed by an awkward thumbs up and smile. But Yhio didn''t buy it as she still have the sad expression.


    "S-sorry Yhio. Something just bothering me."


    "Is something happened between you and your friends?"


    Shirna just stay silent. He avoid staring in Yhio''s eyes.


    "I knew it."


    "Wait, It''s not like that. It''s just..."


    Shirna sigh.


    "Fine... I tell you what happened."


    Shirna then proceeds to tell the story of Grand Ecstasy''s near death experience except everything related to Earth. Yhio listens with a worried face.


    "Now I''m training in order to get stronger. My friends also doing the same right now. But unlike them, I feel like I already reached my limit.


    "That''s not true Shirna. The fact that you continue this intense training means that you still have a potential."


    Instead of getting motivated. Shirna just shake his head slowly.


    "Thanks for the encouragement. But these training are just a pathetic excuse of me. Like maybe there''s still potential for me to grow."


    Shirna seats on the log where Yhio sits.


    "But I can feel my body already reached it''s peak. Thanks for focusing 7 decades of my life honing my skills. But despite that, it''s still not strong enough for the world outside this forest of ours. The only reason that I can still stand toe-to-toe with my friends is because of the tools I gathered."


    "Then how about using those tools as a stepping stone to become stronger?" Yhio asked with innocence.


    "I wish that was easy. Those tools are expensive. In fact, I used majority of the gold rewarded to us just to restock all of the expensive tools I used fighting a legendary hero. And it''s impossible for me to buy the strongest ones as it cost a fortune and very rare to find."


    Shirna sighs again.


    "Damn... I wish I was born as a Light Elf like you. With that, I can have a better chance improving myself using magic."


    "If you become a Light Elf, then what? You just going to wither your lifespan using magic?" Yhio asked.


    Shirna didn''t answer but instead stand up and prepares to walk away.


    "Sorry for ruining the mood Yhio. I''m going home."


    Shirna walks several steps but he suddenly stop.


    "By the way. I heared your parents admitted you to become a priestess. Do your best Yhio."


    Then Shirna walks away as Yhio just watch. Still sad for his friend''s personal problem but she can''t even do anything.


    "Shirna... You know more than anyone that I don''t like being a priestess." Yhio softly said.


    .


    .


    .


    The elf society is seperated by two types of citizens. The Light Elf and Moon Elf.


    Light Elves have fair skin and long ears pointing downwards. Light Elves are gifted with ability to use magic unlike Humans which only gifted to lucky individuals. But despite that, Light Elves rarely use high caliber magic due to one condition. Using magic would cost them portions of their life span which equivalent of Mana to humans. But unlike Mana, there''s no regeneration for Elves'' lifespan.


    Moon Elf are dark skinned and have ears pointing upwards. Unlike their Light Elf brethen. Moon Elf can''t use magic at all. But on exchange, Moon elf have enhanced bodies in every front. Strenght, reflexes, senses and more. But this enhancement also have it''s caviat just like the Light Elves. A Moon Elf have a randomized potential peak where their body stops its growth completely once they reached the ceiling.


    In Elven society. Light Elves specialized in Politics and Magic while Moon Elves acts as proud soldiers and defenders of the kingdom. But both still do other works that makes their society functions properly.


    .


    .


    .


    "Guys... You can''t be serious!?"


    "Sorry Shirna. But we have no choice." Claustrine says with a solemn expression on her face.


    "This is also for your safety." Sophia added.


    "Safety?! I still can be with you guys! I still can be usefull!


    "Cut it out!"


    Shirna shuts his mouth when Mateo suddenly shouts.


    "Shirna. You''re already left behind. You can''t even fight in equal footing with us. You should understand that you just going to burden the party."


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The scene suddenly become a blurry mess then it returns to the same scene but Mateo, Claustrine, Sophia and Beltrand''s expression are now in utter disgust.


    "You''re now kicked in the party."


    "Tsk! Why we even let him stay in our party that long?" Claustrine''s complaint.


    "I just expected that he''s going to improve and match us ok!? But not only he still didn''t grow, he almost killed us numerous times! I''m sick on this!" Mateo''s explanation as he stares on Shirna. His eyes is full of anger.


    "You should already said that earlier! Our reputation degraded so match because of him!" Beltrand''s seething words.


    "I''m just happy that there''s no dead weight in our party anymore." Sophia''s casual words.


    "But he already knows your secret. What we should do?" Claustrine asked. Mateo sighs and looked at Shirna like he was looking to a trash.


    "I guess we just need to kill him. Problem solved." Mateo said with indifference.


    Mateo draws his sword and walks towards Shirna.


    "I guess this is my compensation for wasting my trust on you. Goodbye."


    And Mateo swings his sword downwards.


    .


    .


    .


    "AHHHHHH!!!!"


    Shirna wakes up in panic, drenched in sweat. He takes a deep breath for several times then he touch her neck.


    And understand that everything is just a nightmare. Still, Shirna is so dreaded that a tear flows in his face without him noticing.


    He feel ashamed that his mind even dare to create such nightmare . Shirna slaps himself out of frustration.


    "Damn you! They would never do such thing!"


    Then he hug herself as he start to sobs as the memory of the nightmare is still fresh on his mind.


    After some time. Shirna decides to just do stargazing and breath fresh air. In the balcony of his tree house, Shirna lies down and watch the stars. He was consumed by deep thoughts for a while.


    Shirna reminisced the adventures he have with Grand Ecstasy. All the joy they cherish, suffering they endured and memories they made as they explore different places in Yhigressia.


    Until he reach the time where they visit Mateo''s world. As he imagined all the amazing things he experienced on Earth, suddenly. Shirna''s eyes gets wide open when a certain scene lingers on his mind.


    The scene in question is from the movies he watched.


    A group of modern soldiers eliminating enemy soldiers with their rifles.


    An agent defending himself with style or an assassin casually killing a target using a pistol.


    A sniper killing an enemy in absurd distance that he can only imagine doing with his bow and arrow.


    A gangster''s drive-by where they spray their rivals using their SMGs.


    And a Robot from the future shredding police cars using a mini-gun.


    Shirna is mindblown when he imagined the destruction of the Earth''s weapon called Gun. And an idea appears on his mind.


    Without second thought, Shirna prepares his things for his departure tommorow.


    .


    .


    .


    "Are you leaving already?" Yhio asked. Shirna visits her house to say his farewell.


    "Yes. But I will return promise."


    "And how can you say that? It''s been 2 years since your last visit here." Yhio''s expression went sad. Shirna puts his hand on her shoulder to reassure his friend.


    "I promise Yhio. This would not take long. Afterall, I might need your help in the future from now on."


    "Me?"


    "Yes. So wait for me and I shall return after few weeks."


    Feeling how serious and sincere Shirna is. Yhio smiles.


    "Fine. Just come back home."


    Yhio just waves her hand as she watch Shirna slowly dissappears as he enters the forest.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Inside the Church of Vivvily in Nattunia.


    Sophia is in deep prayer, trying to strenghten her connection with Goddess Vivvily.


    The serene silence of the prayer hall gives her calmness and peace of mind. Things she really needs after the recent events.


    But Sophia''s peace of mind is interrupted when the scene of her friends almost getting killed and slowly dying as she can''t do anything floods her mind. Sophia''s prayer are now cut short.


    She looked on the statue of the Goddess with a sad expression on her face.


    "Dear Goddess... Help me..." Sophia quietly says.


    "Sophia..."


    Sophia recognize the old and caring voice and she look behind to be delighted as she see a familiar face.


    "Grandma Isther!"


    Sophia run towards Grandma Isther and hugs her tightly. Isther hugs her back while patting her head.


    "There there... It''s been a while my child." Isther gives a gentle smile, Sophia softens herself and smiles.


    "I really miss you Grandma."


    .


    .


    .


    The two are now walking, Sophia doing her best to walk slowler so she can match Isther''s slow pace due to her age.


    "Is your adventure doing well Sophia?"


    "Yup! It always fun." Sophia ethusiastically says.


    "I''m glad you enjoying your life to the fullest."


    Isther stops and looked at Sophia, her eyes is full of nostalgia.


    "You look so grown up now Sophia. I''m so proud of you." Isther pats Sophia''s head again, Sophia lowers her head to help, a sweet smile forms in her lips.


    The two continues their walk, reminiscing the past until they reach a certain topic.


    "Your recent huge donation to the orphanage was really a big help Sophia."


    "How so?"


    "The kids manages to focus on their studies without thinking about where to get food."


    "I''m glad to hear that Grandma."


    "But... That''s too much donation on your side Sophia. You should take care of yourself and the future instead of worrying about us."


    "Grandma. Why you suddenly saying such thing?" Sophia asked with a sad expression on her face.


    "Because we don''t want to become a burden to you. You already become an independent adventurer of your own and it''s very terrible for us to rely on your hardwork."


    "Grandma. Don''t worry about me. I will you continue to help the orphanage. Afterall, you''re the only family I known. Besides, I just want the kids to have a better future prepared for them just like what you did for me."


    Isther looked at Sophia with a proud smile on her face.


    "I''m happy to hear that. But you should also built a family of your own Sophia. Find a good husband and make many children as you like."


    "Ek! Grandma?! Why you suddenly say such thing?!" Sophia''s surprised reaction, Isther just chuckle softly as she find teasing Sophia fun.


    As the two continues their walk towards the orphanage. They encounter numerous clerics, priestess and priests. Most of them gives a respectful bow on Sophia, the younger ones personally gives short talks to Sophia and says their admiration. It makes Sophia confused.


    "Grandma. Why they act respectful to me?"


    "Tsk tsk tsk, my child... Why you even such question. You should already know why they''re acting like that."


    "What do you mean Grandma?"


    "What I mean is you''re one of the people that discovered and saved the Hero Glidel. Of course they going to admire you for achieving such feat."


    After hearing Isther''s answer. Sophia makes a pained expression. Remembering the vivid events in her mind again.


    "My child, what''s wrong?" Isther asked as she was concerned on Sophia''s sudden shift in mood. Sophia realized that Isther is worried for her and tries to be cheerful again.


    "Ah nothing! It''s just, being idolized like that feels so... weird. Haha... ha... ha."


    Despite seeing Sophia happy. Isther can feel that something is bothering Sophia''s mind.


    Suddenly, Sophia feels that something hugs her hips. When she looked down, Sophia is delighted to see a small little girl looking at her with happiness.


    "Sister Sophia! I miss you!"


    "Hello Pyrina." Sophia''s greetings.


    "Guys! It''s Sister Sophia!" One of the child screams.


    "Yey!"


    Suddenly, more kids run towards Sophia and Isther. The kids then proceeds to hug and pull Sophia towards the orphanage.


    "T-this is going to be a hectic day..." Sophia''s only words.


    "Indeed my child." Isther chuckle as  she watch Sophia pulled by the kids as they''re excited to play with her.


    Sophia spends the day playing with the children of the orphanage. Showing some harmless magic, playing tag with them, and more. After that, Sophia is finally set free when the sisters that handles the kids finally returns.


    After dinner with the kids. Sophia lays her exhausted body to the bed in a room provided to her.


    "Phew! Tending with those energetic kids is more exhausting than fighting monster. I wonder how Isther and others handle such thing." Sophia says to herself.


    Sophia hears knocks on the door.


    "Who''s there?"


    "It''s me my child. Can I enter?"


    After hearing Isther''s voice, Sophia opens the door and let her Grandma enters the room.


    "What''s wrong Grandma?"


    "I just want to continue our talk earlier."


    Isther gently sits in the edge of the bed beside Sophia.


    "My child... What''s bothering you?"


    "Bothering me? Ah nothing is bothe-"


    "My child. I know you more than anyone else. The moment I see your reaction when people idolized you, I know thay something is bothering you. So my child, tell me what''s wrong."


    Sophia''s expression changed to pained sadness.


    "Grandma. It''s just... I feel terrible when those people idolize me when in fact I''m a fraud."


    "And what makes you say that?"


    "Because on that cave. Without Sir Gilmore''s help, I probably just watched my friends die within my arms. I''m supposed to be a priestess, a healer for my friends yet I can''t even use my skills to heal them in verge of death." Sophia clenches her fist as she look down.


    "My child. You know that there''s some  instances that healing magic can''t do anything."


    "Of course Grandma I know that. It''s just..."


    Without her noticing. Sophia tells the story on how the fight with Hero Glidel went. How she can''t heal her friends due to her mana exhaustion.


    "I''m so scared... I can only watch them slowly bleed to death while I can''t do anything."


    Sophia''s tears starts to flow down.


    "If only I''m stronger. Grandma, I don''t want to experience that ever again. I want to become stronger so I can be useful to my friends. I don''t want to them die because of how weak I am."


    Isther''s heart aches as she watch her beloved child broke down in front of her. She hugged Sophia and gives her comfort.


    "Grandma... Thank you..." Sophia softly sobs on Isther''s embrace.


    "My child. Don''t worry, I''m going to help you with all of my abilities."


    "Grandma, you don''t need to do that. You already did too much for me since I was a child."


    "And you''re still my beloved child Sophia. As your foster parent. Let me help you achieve your dreams."


    Sophia can''t deny anymore as she was overwhelemed by Isther''s sincerity and caring nature.


    "Grandma. Really, thank you so much."


    She leans deeper to Isther''s embrace.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    The next morning. Isther invites Sophia to the church''s library, in a restricted area reserved for higher servants of the Goddess. Now facing a big wall of books, Isther is searching on a specific spot for minutes now.


    "Hmmmm... I remember that book is just placed here."


    "G-Grandma... W-what are we doing here? A-and why we even allowed to enter here?" Sophia is stuttering as she observe the surroundings. She can only see few people but they recognized them as Bishops and other higher ranking servants.


    "Shhh my child. I''m trying to remember where is that book." Isther continues her search until...


    "Ah..."


    "What''s wrong Grandma?"


    "We need to return to the Orphanage."


    "O-ok?"


    Thus the two walks back to the orphanage while Sophia is still full of question.


    "Grandma, why we even allowed to enter the restricted area of the library?"


    "Because I''m a former Bishop. A combat Bishop to be exact."


    "Eh?"


    "What is that reaction my child?"


    "It''s just that, this is the first time I heared about that?"


    "Wait? I didn''t told you?"


    Sophia shakes her head.


    "Well. It''s already a long time ago. I think 40 years in the past so it''s not really that important."


    Sophia and Isther now reach the orphanage and they enter Helena''s room/office. Isther thinking hard on where she even put what she was searching.


    "What exactly you''re searching exactly Grandma?" Sophia asked.


    "A book."


    Isther then remembers and she tries to lean down under the bed but...


    "My child..."


    "Yes grandma?"


    "Can you bend over and pull a case under my bed? My back is aching."


    Sophia follows Isther and quickly see an old leather briefcase covered with dust and spiderwebs. Isther can''t really open the case due to both old age of Isther and the case so Sophia did most of the work.


    Once Sophia opened the case. She was greeted by clothes and religious paraphernelia. Isther takes a closer look and picks the clothes until she reach an old book still in pristine condition.


    "Ah I remember now. I didn''t even put  this book on the library to begin with."


    "What in that book Grandma?"


    "It''s a book containing unique spells I created decades ago."


    Hearing the contents of the book. Sophia becomes intrigued and wants to see more of her grandma''s unique spells.


    "Granda. Are you really planning to send that to the Library? I mean, it''s your personal spells."


    "Yes my child. I want to share my knowledge to the church so I can be in use after I retire. But I forgot. Maybe the orphanage really takes my time and attention that much." Isther chuckle


    "Granda... Are you planning to teach me your Unique Spells?" Sophia''s question. She''s slowly filled with excitement as she wants to see the magic of the one that she considered as parent since young age.


    "Yes. It''s one of the things I going to teach to you so be prepared."


    Sophia smiles with confidence.


    "Yes!"

 Ch. 25 - Savagery Forest

    The Savagery Forest...


    An area located far west of Natunnia also known as "Golds'' graveyard."


    Despite the title. Gold ranked adventurers or higher still ventures on Forest of Savagery which is an unforgiving area where hundreds of powerful monsters roams, all of them fighting to the most brutal survival of the fittest ever known in the land.


    And deep in this forest are two men trying their best to survive, each carrying a log as their only weapon. Both of them assisting each other''s back on the constant barrage of monsters trying to turn them into source of food.


    "AAAAAAAHHHH!!!"


    Mateo screams at the top of his lungs as he slams the log he carrying on the group of 1 meter Hunter Ants, splattering guts and fluids on the ground.


    Meteo is breathing heavily. Recovering his strenght that got drained by the heavy log he just used as a weapon.


    "Bro! Are you done there?" Mateo screams, waiting for Beltrand''s response.


    Beltrand kicks a Hunter Ant that almost got here abdomen with it''s huge pincer. The kick manages to snap the Ant''s neck.


    "Yeah! I''m done here!"


    "We need to leave immediately! If these fuckers are here! Their nest must be nearby!"


    Hearing the implications, Beltrand agree and the two runs away. They just barely escaped the now horde of Hunter Ants that smells the pheromone of their dead comrades.


    After some time, Mateo and Beltrand are now walking after leaving the Hunter Ant''s range. They don''t know how much distance they just traversed since day 1 of getting thrown in the depths of Savagery Forest.


    With Point Compass on their hand as a navigation tool. There''s only one objective on their mind: To walk west and reach the location pointed by the tool they using.


    .


    .


    .


    Night time comes and the two are now camping after hunting a Shrwine as their dinner. Beltrand takes a bite of the roasted Shrine and chew for few minutes. After swallowing the food, Beltrand just sigh with discontent.


    "This is the best if only there''s seasonings available." Beltrand''s sad words as he takes another bite of the meat with little fanfare.


    "Well. If only our herbalist knowledge is not limited to medicinal herbs." Mateo''s response. He also eating the unseasoned meat with no happy reaction.


    It''s not their first time on Savagery Forest and they already did numerous quest deep in the trees. But the supposed easy stroll is now a battle for survival with few rules set-up by Gilmore.


    Bringing with them is their own big logs of wood which is a requirement for the challenge. If they abanddon the log, it means failure of the challenge thus Gilmore cancelling their training.


    They can''t bring their own Bag of Storage but it''s not like they didn''t have tools given to them. Gilmore gives them the Point Compass that guides them to the target location, a butcher''s machete and a water bag for both of them.


    They need to survive with only the Heavy logs, Point Compass, Butcher''s machete, water bags and thick clothes they wearing. Pretty much a suicide for inexperienced people.


    But Mateo and Beltrand are not inexperienced instsad are Gold ranked adventurers. Their knowledge and combat experience makes them survive despite the restrictions set to them by their trainer.


    "Bro. Remember what Shirna said before we go here?" Mateo asked why looking at the heavy log they always carried for 1 week now.


    "Yeah... No wonder this roll of wood is so heavy. To think that we carrying an Elven Ironwood since the beggining of our training."


    "But I''m curious on why Gilmore puts us on these strenght training? To be honest I expecting that he teach us a sword skills or two."


    Beltrand laughs after hearing Mateo''s wishful thinking.


    "Why are you laughing?" Mateo asked with a confused and annoyed look on his face.


    "Bro! Do you really believe that the current Vandril Family head would teach us Vandril Swordsmanship?"


    "Well, there''s nothing wrong to believe that''s the case right?"


    "I agree that learning Vandril Swordsmanship is amazing but it''s also a suicide. Once we show a sword skill exclusive to a Noble family bloodline, the said family are now wants us dead." Beltrand''s explanations as he waits for the meat to get cooked.


    "Because Nobility and stuffs?"


    "Yeah, Nobility and shits."


    "But why he put us in this training to begin with?"


    "That''s for Gilmore to answer once we finished this training. But in my opinion as a former Knight, Gilmore is probably just put us in this intense strenght training as the next one might be worse."


    "I can see that''s the case." Mateo agrees.


    The two continues their feast while telling stories until they decide to finally sleep.


    The next morning. The duo wakes up because of the sounds of two monsters fighting to death near them


    A Giant Devourer and Forest Cockatrice fighting to decide on who''s going to become the food.


    "Should we also join their fight?" Beltrand asked.


    "We don''t have the tools to to fight one left alone 2 infamous gold rank monsters."


    "Got it."


    Mateo and Beltrand picks up their stuffs quickly and then leaves. The two monsters didn''t noticed their small pressence as they see each other as the biggest threat at that time.


    Once in the distance. The two watches the monster fight until the Devourer finally manages to entangle its serpentine body to the Cockatrice. The Cockatrice screeches until it become more muted as it proceeds to get choked to death.


    "Yup. The chicken is dead." Beltrand''s comment.


    The two walks away, leaving the Devourer to enjoy its feast on solace as the Devourer rips his price piece by piece before swallowing each part.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Hmmmmm....?"


    Claustrine is in deep focus as she sits in front of her desk. Struggling to think of an idea that would change her in the future.


    Using the knowledge she learned from Monica about Unique Magic. Claustrine seems can''t decide on what kind of Unique Magic she should create.


    "Should I focus on fire? No no no no... There''s already too many Unique Magic base on fire." Claustrine is talking to herself.


    "How about Earth magic? Hmmm?"


    Claustrine slumped her back on the chair for a moment before taking a sip of her 3-in-1 coffee. After taking a few sips, Claustrine stand up and stretches her body.


    Claustrine is engulfed by a single thought - She wants a REALLY Unique Magic. Claustrine finds the name "Unique Magic" ironic due to the fact that these types of magic can still be teach and learned by multiple people at the same time as she sees inherited magic before.


    And because of Unique Magic being a recent trend among wizardry. All of them are pretty much just different spins of basic elements: Fire, Water, Ground, and Air. Only powerful mages truly created a magic that only unique to them as they have the power and capacity to maintain such complex magic.


    Claustrine can cast any basic magic but she''s specialized on Fire and Ground. At first, Lava would be cool but she remembers that there''s already a Platinum-ranked adventurer in Natunnia that uses Lava as Unique Magic.


    "This is a lot harder than I expected." Claustrine returns to her desk and look on the stack of books containing magic knowledge. But something caught her attention.


    In the bookshelve in front of the desk, lies most of the books she got from Earth. Claustrine stares on the books. Until something caught her attention.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Three books labeled Chemistry. Each book have its own color and numbered.


    Because of being stranded in the Reverse Tower and her dbusy schedule, Claustrine don''t really have time to read the books she left on her home. Claustrine picks the 1st book and starts to read the pages. After some time, Claustrine makes a huge smile on her face.


    "This is it!" Claustrine shouts in excitement as she look on the periodic table.


    .


    .


    .


    3 days later...


    "AHHHHHH!!!!" Claustrine screams out of frustration, brushing her hair aggressively until it becomes messy.


    "How the fuck they even manage to see such processes?! I don''t understand!"


    Claustrine slumped on her bed, cooling her head off after intense thought session.


    At first, Claustrine is excited as she reads the book and discovers a thousand years worth of knowledge from another world many times more complex than what her world''s library have.


    The fact that there''s 118 elements on the world and completely different to the known 4 main elements makes Claustrine ecstatic especially when reading the history and descriptions of each elements.


    Some are already common to her like Gold, Silver and Iron.


    While most of them are completely alien to Claustrine. From metals that probably undiscovered to her world, to different forms of colorless and oderless gas.


    But the mood change when Claustrine learn the complex building blocks that creates the elements - The Atom.


    "How I supposed to visualize a thing that''s literally invisible to the naked eye?!"


    Despite the book providing visual representation of how the molecules and atoms might look like. Claustrine even tried to recreate the simpliest element in the Periodic table but she can''t conjure it whatever how much she tried. The only thing she can produce are just bright blolbs of light caused by the mana she wasting.


    Claustrine stand up and walks towards her little kitchen and pours drinking water to a clear glass.


    Claustrine stares at the glass of water and remembers what water is, pondering the thing she read on the chemistry book.


    "Still surprised that water consist ot two elements instead of being a single one." Claustrine said to herself before drinking the water.


    Then she conjures a blob of water in the air.


    "Then if water is consist of two elements, how we can conjure water?"


    In her short time living in Earth. Claustrine can only say that magic is the only thing that''s truly unique in her world.


    In fact, the magic that her world would break the established natural laws of Earth in hundred ways.


    .


    .


    .


    "!!!"


    Claustrine eyes widen. The water she conjured falls to the ground then it disappears as she watch the event unfold.


    "The same natural laws still applies to us! It''s just that unlike Earth, we have a tool to bypass the laws even though temporarily!"


    That''s why the mages in Grimael can just conjure and manipulate things. They just need further knowledge on the things they want to use as the foundation of their personal magic.


    Magic is an anomaly.


    Claustrine takes another glass of water but instead of drinking it, she take the water to her desk.


    "Instead of trying to conjure the Periodic table using magic without prior knowledge. I should learn the fundamentals of elements first using magic. But how?" Claustrine thinks to herself.


    She pause for a moment until an idea comes on her mind.


    Arcane Detection, a simple spell used to detect nearby mana sources either from items or other people by sending a mana shockwave around the user. Claustrine used it when she''s spying on Mateo.


    "What if I use Arcane Detection? But it can only detect mana and magic."


    And then she remembers another spell.


    Pressence Seeker, a spell related to Arcane Detection but instead of searching for mana, it instead extends the user''s mana to be used as an extended awareness to feel anything the mana touched on its path.


    But using Pressence Seeker requires the user to be in absolute state of tranquility and focus in order to manipulate the extended mana with ease, which leaves the user vulnerable. It also drains huge amount of mana depending how far the user streches her mana is, waste mana on each second the spell is used outside the user''s body and opponets with mana awareness can use the mana as a trail to find its source just like Arcane Detection is. That''s why despite knowing the spell, Claustrine rarely even considered using it.


    "If I modify Pressence Seeker and use it just to study the atoms, it should not have a huge toll on my body right?"


    Claustrines slowly goes into state of tranquil. Closing her senses and focusing her mind on her mana. At first, her mana spreads on the entire room so she tried to manipulate it. Making the mana closer and closer and more compressed. Until it''s just spreads one meter on her body.


    But the process takes a toll on her body as it takes a long time. She was surprised that it takes a lot of energy to make the mana pressence more compact and potent in an area outside her body.


    And her plan is to make the concentration of the mana for Pressence Seeker to be more compact and potent that she can use it as a makeshift microscope to study molecules.


    After compressing her mana in just a small area between her hands, she can really visualized what naked eye can''t.


    She can clearly see the dust particles vividly. Some very small insects that she only see for the first time. Weird looking organisms in different shapes and sizes.


    "T-this must be the bacterias that M-Mateo is so paranoid about hehe..."


    Claustrine cancels the Pressence Seeker. She was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. Physically and Magically exhausted, Claustrine goes to her bed and lies down defeated, but determined.


    "If I want to see the molecules or if I''m bold enough, the atoms. I need to compress and increase the potency of my mana. Even by exhausting myself."


    Despite being tired. Claustrine chuckle as she imagines the prospect of learning a completely different field.


    "How exciting."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Back in Savagery Forest. It''s been a week since the first day Mateo and Beltrand entered the woods. Since then, they already defeated hundreds of monsters with varying strenght.


    But they still have their limits especially without their gears.


    Staying in the branches of a very huge trees, Beltrand looks down and watch the sea of one meter Flood crabs rushing inside the the forest for their yearly reproduction cycle.


    When in their reproduction cycle. Thousands of Flood crabs goes deep in the woods to feast on whatever unfortunate creature got caught on the swarm, even the larger monsters are no match against it as there''s no way for them to fight such horde.


    After they eat and reach a suitable spot, the Flood Crabs then returns to the sea.


    "I want to snatch one of those crabs." Beltrand says as he drools, he''s already hungry just imagining the taste of the crab meat.


    "I have an idea."


    Mateo cuts a very long vine in the tree they staying with. She cuts the excess leaves and then give it to Beltrand. Beltrand laughs really loud.


    "I really hope that really works."


    Beltrand lowers down the vine until it reach the Flood Crabs. He shakes the vine to provoke the crabs. After some time.


    "Ok they took the bait!" Beltrand screams as he watch one of the crabs snips the vine with its pincer.


    "Quick! Pull it up!"


    Beltrand follows Mateo and pulls the vine with a Flood Crab still hanging on it.


    But when it''s already in the middle, the Flood Crab purposely detached its pincer and falls back to the horde. Beltrand continues to pull and then looks down the pincer that still clamped on the vine.


    "Is this enough?" Beltrand asked.


    "We need more than that. Fish for more, i''m going to prepare the fire."


    After some time, Beltrand manages to fish two dozens of pincers and 3 whole crab that stupid enough to not detached themselves to the vine. They''re now cooking the crabs in the fire pit specially created by Mateo.


    The fire pit consist of fresh moist logs placed between two forking branches on the tree. And then above the fresh logs, Mateo makes the fire using the dead branches. All of it he cutted on the same tree they staying with.


    "OOOOOOOHHHHH!!!" Beltrand screams with delight after he takes a bite of the crab meat.


    "Amazing. The meat is even tasty without seasoning. No wonder these crabs are very valued." Mateo commented.


    As the two eat. They watch as the thousand of crabs below them fights something.


    "Another monster got caught?" Beltrand asked.


    "No. I see Savage Ants fighting the crabs. The crabs probably trampled a nearby colony so the ants fights back." Mateo answered as he observe the battle unfold.


    "A war then. Which side do you think is going to win?"


    "The crabs of course, unless all the Savage Ants in this god forsaken forest gets united." Mateo answered then he cracks one of the whole crab and eat its content.


    "Just victory by sheer numbers then. Speaking of forest, something is bugging me since the beggining."


    "What is it?"


    "I know we already did numerous mission on this forest but why even with this huge handicap set to us by Gilmore, you still can remain calm and use the vast knowledge you have to survive here?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "I observed Mateo. You know which monsters to avoid, what plants and fruits to forage, how to fight monsters some of them I just fought for the first time and you even know most of dangerous hazards like this Flood Crabs. Hell, you even easily fit yourself in this survivalist lifestyle without problems." Beltrand explained.


    "Wait? I didn''t told you?"


    "The fact I asking you this question says otherwise."


    "Oh..."


    Mateo smiles, his eyes full of bitter nostalgia.


    "Well, there''s no way I would tell you that. But now that you know that I''m from another world, I guess its fine to tell you how."


    Beltrand just continue to feast on the crab as he wait for Mateo to continue talking.


    "The door is not really the way on how I got transfered to this world. In fact that door only appears 4 years ago after my first time being here."


    "How is that related to my question?"


    "You see. I just suddenly transfered by an unknown force. That day, I''m walking to the moutain mine where my father works and also get bamboo shoots and papaya. Then boom. I just find myself in the middle of this forest with only my clothes and a machete."


    Beltrand eyes gets wide, his face full of grim realization.


    "What... the... fuck?"


    "Yeah. Absurd right?"


    "And what happened after that?"


    "I tried to survive in this place with my own abilities. The observations you see on me are the skills I learnt for doing my best to stay alive for what I remember is 6 months."


    Beltrand sigh and smiles.


    "You''re a monster for surviving this forest for that long, and in your weakest form."


    "I don''t know if that''s a compliment or not but thanks anyway." Mateo smiles.


    "But how you manage to leave this forest?"


    "Hmmm... I believe after 6 months, I met Claustrine here and I finally decide to leave this forest for good and enter civilization."


    "I see..." Beltrand said then takes a bite on the crab meat. But he almost choke when he realize something.


    "WAIT A FUCKING MINUTE?! Claustrine?!"


    "Yeah... What''s the matter?"


    "Isn''t Claustrine just a Copper ranked adventurer at that time?! What the fuck she''s doing in this forest?!"


    "I don''t really know to be honest. I think she''s here to gather some stuffs like herbs." Mateo answers as he shrugs.


    "You know what, both of you are nuts."


    "Why?" Mateo raise her eyebrow.


    "Claustrine just casually visiting this dangerous forest just to gather some herbs and you! You said that you finally decide to leave this forest. What does that even mean?!"


    "Yeah. Exactly like that."


    "But why?!" Beltrand is in disbelief, Mateo just chuckle as he watch his friend''s confused reaction.


    "Well, I don''t also know. Maybe I just more feel at home here at that time." Mateo''s unserious answer.


    Mateo notices that the stampede sound of the crabs slowly fading away. He looks down and see the end of the Flood Crabs slowly fading away in the distance.


    "Looks like the flood is over. Let''s go and continue this challenge."


    Mateo clean himself from the fragments of crab shells. He extinguish the flame on the bonfire using the water in his bag before scattering the charred wood below.


    Beltrand just watch Mateo do his job before making a deep sigh. Just accepting everything that Mateo said.


    The two then finally jumps down on the tree and picks the logs that they buried on the ground so the Flood Crabs could not push them away.


    Mateo looks on the compass and walk on the pointed direction to continue their rigorous training

 Ch. 26 - Big Irons

    SHIRNA''S POV


    .


    .


    .


    BANG! BANG!


    BANG! CLANG! CLINK!


    BANG!


    "Woahhh..." I can''t stop my complete amazement as I watch the people shoot the guns that I only see in mobees shown to us by Mateo.


    And watching them work up close makes my heart beat with excitement.


    "You like what you see?" Shiva asked as he pat me on the shoulder.


    "Y-yes."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    It''s all started when I asked Mateo to bring me on Earth. It takes a lot of convincing on my part just to make Mateo agree on my sudden request. And with my gratitude on the forest, Mateo accepts with little suspicion.


    And I''m on Mateo''s home on Earth for one day now. I suddenly get hit by a roadblock - Where I should start.


    If only I learn a little bit about the "enternet" like Claustrine as according to her, It contains a lot of knowledge on Earth. But the first time we stay in here, we just spent our time enjoying the new world.


    But now I regret my decision. And I don''t want to bother Mateo''s family. The hospitality they give to me makes me a little bit ashamed on asking a little bit of their time to teach me.


    I just stay on the kitchen, thinking a way on gaining any valuable information that would help me to achieve my agenda.


    .


    .


    .


    CLANK... CLINK


    The slightly familiar sound caught my attention. The clacking sound makes me remember something. And it only takes few seconds for me to realize where the sound came from.


    "A gun!" I scream to myself as I now clearly remember a scene in one of the mobees. Where the main guy is disassembling a gun to clean it.


    I quickly followed the sound. At first I expected that it must be coming from the "teebee" where mobees are also played but to my surprise. I see Shiva sitting in front of the table where a dismantled gun lies above it. He gently cleans the parts with unknown fluid.


    .


    .


    .


    "Shirna? Are you interested on this?"


    I''m snap back on reality once I heared Shiva''s voice. And then I just found myself sitting in front of him, watching Shiva cleans the gun.


    "A-ahmmm.... Y-yes.... Sir"


    Shiva stops for a while as he chuckle.


    "You''re the Archer of Grand Ecstasy right?"


    "Uhmmm... Y-yes."


    Shiva looks on my elven ears.


    "Hehe... Just like the common trope. No wonder you got fascinated on guns."


    I didn''t answer Shiva as I don''t have any idea on what to say. We just in complete silence as I continue to watch Shiva to continue to clean the gun while humming a song. It takes 25 minutes for Shiva to complete the cleaning.


    And with that time. I try my best to remember everything.


    Shiva now puts the gun in his bag and then she stand up.


    "Shirna."


    "Y-yes sir?"


    "Just call me Shiva. You''re my brother''s friend so stop the formalities. Also, you''re probably older than me anyway."


    "Ah I''m s-sorry Si- I mean Shiva."


    "Good. So, do you want to go with me?"


    "Where?"


    "Let''s go to the shooting range."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    And now back to the present. Without Claustrine''s magic, the way I and Shiva used to hide my ears is by taping a string in the both ends of my ears then tying it tighly above my nape so my ears bent backwards. After that, I wear a bonnet gave by Shiva as a more layer to hide my identity.


    I admit, it feels very irritating but this is just a minor sacrifice I willing to do.


    Shiva brings me in front of a desk where a man is just casually reading a colorful book full of pictures.


    "Hey Skomplong."


    "Skomp-what?" I''m confused.


    Shiva got the attention of the man and he look at us with a wide smile.


    "Hey Shiv! And...." The man looks at me with intrigue.


    "Should I call the police?" The man asked.


    "Gago! don''t view it on whatever sick thoughts you having now."


    "Then who is she?"


    Shiva sighs.


    "First, He''s a man. Second, He''s a close friend of my brother and I just want to bring him on things that interest him. Third, he''s a foreigner so he have difficult communicating and fourth. He''s already an adult." Shiva explained quickly.


    "K-Kamusta?" I try a tagalog greeting.


    The man just looked at me with disbelief for a moment. Then he sighs and just believe Shiva.


    "Fine Shiv I believe you. So, what brings you two here?"


    "We want to do skydiving."


    The man looks at us annoyed.


    "C''mon! Of course you know we going to shoot some things. This is a shooting range afterall."


    "Geez you got me. So, does she- I mean he needs an instructor?"


    "Nah. I''m the one that''s going to teach him. We just need a single pistol and 5 box of bullets."


    The man nods and goes inside on the room behind him. After some time, she come back now holding a pistol and a box. He puts it in the table.


    "Here, Glock 19. An excellent begginer pistol. Handle it with care. Also, heres your 5 box of 9mm. Each box have 20 rounds."


    I looked on Shiva as he pulls out his wallet and picks 3 blue piece of decorated paper of what I assumed is the currency on this country.


    "Thank you for your patronage. As for the safety gear, you can get them on the lockers. Enjoy."


    "Thanks Skomplong."


    Shiva gives me the gun and to my surprised, it''s slightly heavy for its size. Shiva brings the boxes as we walk towards the locker room.


    "What do you think?" Shiva asked.


    "I''m very excited to try this." My hands is shaking with anticipation.


    After wearing the safety gear which is pretty much just a cover for my eyes and ears. We now go to the shooting range.


    Shiva prepares everything for me. Putting the ammo on the rectangular shape tool which is turn out the ammo container that inserted to the gun called a maga-sin.


    Before Shiva gives me the now loaded gun. He tolds me the important basics like the locking mechanism and trigger discipline. He also give me a rundown of do and don''ts.


    All of them make sense. Gun is a deadly and efficient weapon which is accessable for everyone that wants it. If people wish to own one, is now up to them to have a courtesy of learning the disciplines Shiva told me.


    Not learning or ignoring these simplistic gun etiquettes is not far from me being either stupid or a murderer.


    "Do you need me assist you Shirna?"


    "I-I think I''m fine. Still, thanks Shiva." I declined his offer as I really wish to try the pistol on my own.


    "Ok then. Just remember what I teach to you."


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Once I feel that Shiva moves few steps away from me to give me space, I watch the target stand moves away on me until it reached a far distance.


    Then, I slowly aim the handgun on the target using both of my hands. Holding the gun tighlty, I aim the gun using the Iron sight Shiva explained to me.


    "Calm down Shirna."


    I caught off guard by Shiva''s words and realize that my arms is slightly shaking. I take a deep breath and calm myself down.


    "Sorry. I''m just too excited to try this since I saw it in moobees."


    "Haha. I feel you."


    I smile at Shiva and returns to what I should do. I proceed to aim the tiny piece of metal on the pistol to the head of the target and then...


    BANG!


    "!!!" The kickback of the pistol surprises me. For a compact weapon, it really packs a punch.


    Such power put on a small piece of metal. I know that the bullet surely penetrates the plate armor worn by elite knights.


    And unlike a bow, it''s compact and base on what I see is capable of firing continuously.


    I shakely put down the gun on table and watch my hand shakes with exhiliration.


    "Ohhhh... Sorry but you miss."


    I view the target only to see that the bullet didn''t hit the target at all. I can tell that I''m blushing out of embarassment because after those precision trainings using bow a4I did for decades, I still failed. Shiva laughs as he hold the gun I used.


    "Don''t be upset Shirna. Everyone also start from that."


    "B-but... I''m supposed to be a... sharpshooter."


    "Still. This is your first time using a gun. You can''t just have mastery on something you just recently experienced right?"


    I just shyly nods as I agree on Shiva''s words. Shiva then proceeds to aim the gun and fire two shots. I see tiny holes opened on the paper target''s shoulder.


    "Why you didn''t shoot it''s head?" I asked as I''m confused on his target choice.


    "Because I didn''t need to."


    I raised my eyebrow because of Shiva''s reasoning.


    "I don''t understand."


    Shiva chuckles joyfully as he reloads the gun, taking his time.


    "I understand why you see it as confusing. There''s a huge difference between our worlds and it makes sense why you find it unusual."


    I watch Shiva as he aims the pistol again on the target. Shooting the target on non lethal way again.


    "In your world, threats always exist in multiple forms. Monsters, bandits, criminals and wars so wielding weapon is a must and be prepared to kill for survival. But here on Earth. I can''t really say that it''s truly peaceful, few crimes still happen and few of them ends on death."


    "I still don''t understand."


    "What I meant to say is we wield weapons like this gun to defend ourselves from those few threats. But we use it not to kill but as a warning that we can fight back and they should leave us alone. And if they still want to risk their life."


    Shiva fires the pistol again and shot the dummy''s heart and head. I was shocked on the sudden change of targets.


    "Then I have no choice but to end their life before they end mine."


    "B-but it must be difficult to always wield such deadly weapon just for self defense right?"


    I asked as I thought of the implications of wielding such reliable weapon on a world with no magic or powers.


    "Yes. Sadly, there''s also cases of people wielding this weapon first as self defense but turns out used to kill someone because their emotions got the hold of them. That''s why restraint should be a mandatory thing to practice if you want to wield any form of legal guns."


    "I understand now. You must wield such weapon to protect the dearest to you."


    Shiva nods on my answer.


    "Yes Shirna. I know that my brother is now absurdly strong for this world but we can''t really expect him to be always on our side so, I must fit his role as he continue his adventure on the other side."


    "I understand now Shiva. But I believe the concept of wielding weapon to protect your love ones is not really different on my world afterall."


    "You think so?" Shiva asked me the  he laughs with hint of awkwardless.


    "I guess all of these talking is really irrelevant." Shiva sigh.


    "No. It me give good insights. Thank you." I said with reassurance.


    "Thanks."


    Shiva reloads the pistol and give it to me with a smile on his face.


    "Ok. Let''s continue our target practice."


    I nod with excitement.


    Me and Shiva spent the whole day just target shooting then we go home.


    .


    .


    .


    Unlike our first visit. Mateo''s family prepares a room for us. According to Mrs. Ligaya, it used to be a storage room for unused stuffs then they clean them and buy beds and cabinets for all of us.


    I lock the door and placed the papers and pencils Mrs. Ligaya bought for me on the store. She questions why I need them and I reasoned that I''m going to sketch some dungeon maps that I can sell.


    Now finally free. I remove the tie that bent my ears backwards.


    "Ouch! ouch!"


    My ear hurts as it was strained from being bended for a long time.


    After the pain fades away, I grab the pencils, sharpens it using the sharpener and then starts to sketch all the things I learned and observed for today.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    BOOM


    The shot I made leaves multiple holes on the paper target. I reload and see the empty shotgun cartridge falls to the ground.


    BOOM


    I shoot again and evicirate the paper target with ease.


    After some time, I tried another gun. An automatic rifle which is capable of firing continuous bullets depending on the firing mode I set. But I only allowed to use Single fire and Burst mode.


    1 week and 5 days ago, I still remember how Shiva insist on me to not set the mode to Automatic. I asked why and Shiva just point on the ceiling.


    I''m looking on the same ceiling now and see the what seems to be bullet holes. Still, I don''t understand them and just decide to follow Shiva out of respect at that time. But my curiousity and mission is killing me so I decide to try asking Shiva again.


    "What?! Absolutely not!" Shiva instantly denies me.


    "But I really really REALLY want to try it. Pleaseeeee?" I try my best to plea on Shiva.


    "No!"


    "Just once I promise! Pleaseee?" I do my best to appeal to Shiva.


    I see Shiva hesistate and then sighs. On that, I knew that I won.


    He looked at the surroundings and see that we are the only one in the shooting range at the time. Then he walks to the counter to talk to Skomplong which real name is Bienvenido.


    "Skomplong."


    "What is it?"


    "Shirna wants to fire Automatic on the M16."


    "What? You know that I have strict policy about that right?"


    "I know I know but I feel bad if Shirna didn''t experienced it. Besides, you see that he''s not really a beginner anymore."


    I watched the two reasoned to each other until Shiva finally wins. Skomplong look and see that we''re the only clients at the moment. He leaves the counter and joins us.


    "Just once. I repeat, ONCE."


    "Yes! Thank you very much!" I accept with ethusiasm.


    "Ok Shirna. Remember this. If you can''t control the gun, release the trigger immediately ok?"


    I see Shiva is serious about this so I nod.


    Then I set the M16 to Automatic and aim it on the target. After breathing heavily to release some tension, I start to pull the trigger.


    "!!!"


    I already see how Automatic works on the movies but to experience it is completely different. I struggle to control the gun so I have no choice but to use my strenght to properly hold it in place.


    "He''s truly something else." I hear Skomplong said despite all the loud noises.


    I managed to fire all the bullets. Some of the miss earlier due to my surprise but the rest sprayed the target.


    I looked on the ceiling and finally realize why those bullet holes are there.


    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh...."


    "So what do you think?" Shiva asked me.


    "It''s.... Exhilirating!"


    It''s true. I feel so thrilled after emptying the magazine. My hand still shaking due to excitement.


    "Good for you. So don''t forget that feeling because you''re not allowed to do that again."


    "But he handles it far more better than what I expected considering it''s his first time firing automatic." Skomplong''s opinion.


    "So he''s allowed to shot Automatic now?"


    "No. But maybe next time."


    "You confuse me." -Shiva


    "Anyway. Shirna, you seems so used on shooting ranged weaponry. Do you have prior experience of shooting guns." Skomplong asked me with curiousity.


    "No. I''m an archer so I''m used on target shooting."


    "Hmmm... Archer you say?"


    I see the expression of curiosity on Skomplong then he returns to his desk and enters the locked room behind it. After some time. He comes back now holding a bow and some arrows. My curiousity and excitement rises again.


    Yet the appearance of the bow is new to me. I can''t hold myself but to be curious.


    "T-that''s a bow and arrow right?" I asked.


    "Yes, this is a compound bow that I also rent but people prefers guns anyway. Why you look so confused though?"


    "S-sorry. It''s just that... it is my first time to see such kind of bow."


    And they can''t blame me for looking confused. Not only the bow looks so bulky and metallic, it also have multiple strings and two wheels on each end of the bow where the strings are reeled in. Unlike the simplicity of regular bows that I used with, looking on the complex bow Skomplong hold makes my head hurt.


    "Why you look so perplexed? You should be familiar on this if you practice archery right?"


    "Skomplong. I believe he only practices traditional archery. You know, the classic curve wood and string type of archery."


    "Ohh... I understand. Anyway, want to try this Shirna?"


    "Y-yes..." I just agree as the weird bow piques my interest.


    Skomplong gives me a short rundown on how to operate the bow and then she prepares the target. This time, it''s a thick wooden plank with painted circles. I position myself, aim and pull the peculiar bow.


    "!!!"


    If I didn''t control my pulling strenght immediately, I might damaged the bow as I didn''t expect how easy it is to pull. My expection is lowered as I start to believe that it might have low power compared to the bow that I used.


    But I was so wrong as the moment that I released the string. It makes audible swoosh sound and followed by a loud thud. The arrow flies fast and when I looked on the target, i can clearly see the arrow hitting the bullseye, lodged on the wood inch deep.


    Learning that the bow have power on them.


    "Ohhhh! Nice accuracy." Shiva speaks as he claps alongside Skomplong.


    "Can you shoot more?"


    I grant Skomplong''s wish and draw another shot, allowing myself to get ingulfed in


    And another,


    And another one. All of the arrow I shot hits not only the bullseye, but also every arrow I recently shot. I destroyed the arrow lodged on the the bullseye as I precisely aimed on them.  The damage is so intense that the arrows breaks and scattered on the floor within my final shot.


    "You''re... A monster." Skomplong said in awe as he look on the disintigrated arrows on the floor.


    "Shirna. I think you overdid it." I hear Shirva scolds me for overperfoming.


    "Ah... Sorry. I destroyed the arrows. Hehe."


    "Sorry is acceptable. But you need to pay for those arrows." Skomplong explains. I heared Shiva makes a deep sigh.


    From what I can feel. The compound bow is really powerful and the most amazing thing is, the bow have a lower draw weight requirements yet the arrow still retains its full strenght. I guess the complex mechanism of the bow helps to lower its draw weight.


    But I also noticed some flaws for me.


    "Skomplong. Does this bow have some sort of adjuster?"


    "Ohh yes. You can adjust it''s draw strenght on your liking.",


    "Does it have a limit?"


    "Hmmm... I thinks it''s about 120 kilos. But that''s probably the reasonable limit. Even in 100 kilos, most people would find it difficult do pull on that weight.


    "I see."


    I knew it. The bow have some sort of limit on its power. Unlike the bows that I used who capable to penetrating thick skin and and scales of monsters.


    "Thank you very much for letting me use this bow." I give the bow to Skomplong carefully.


    "No. Thank you for showing me such archery skills." Skomplong says with awe.


    "Hehe welcome."


    "Shirna. It''s time for us to go home."


    "Awww..." My dissapointed reaction as I want to do more target practice.


    After we say our farewell to Skomplong. We go outside and see the sun is already setting.


    "You seems so engrossed on shooting guns Shirna."


    "Because it is so fun!"


    "Don''t worry, we still have 2 days left and it''s weekend so you can shoot as much as you can. And you can also try the final gun."


    "Final gun?"


    So far, I tried the Pistol, Shotgun, Sub-Matsingun, and Assault Riple. But when Shiva says that there''s one more gun that I can try, my curiousity and excitement rises again.


    "Yes. And it''s a Sniper Rifle. I already feel that you would like that one." Shiva smiles proudly.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    In the room I''m staying with. I am looking downwards on the floor where I lay out all of the sketches and written descriptions I made. The details and process of each gun and bullets are so meticulous that I used 100 pages of bond paper. Spending all night sketching and writing all of the finer details I can gather by just observing and shooting the guns while also watching people dismantle their guns if the opportunity calls.


    Then I remember what Shiva said earlier.


    "Sniper Rifle."


    The final gun available that I''m going to test tommorow. If Shiva says it''s going to be my favorite of all guns, then I really really excited to test it at all cost.


    "Shirna. Dinner is ready."


    Ligaya calling me gently for the dinner behind the door.


    "I would follow later ma''am. Give me a moment."


    "Ok. Be sure to eat first before going to sleep."


    "Yes ma''am."


    I quickly pick all the papers and put it on my normal bag I bring with me and hide it on one of the drawers. I go outside, smelling the delicious dinner already.


    But my mind is more focused on anticipating for tommorow.

 Ch. 27 - The Devourer

    Deep inside of Savagery Forest. Mateo and Beltrand froze in fear. Sweat dripping on their face as the two stare eye to eye on creature in front of them. Barely even blinking just to ensure that they would see any movement.


    In front of Mateo and Beltrand is a Devourer. The same apex monster they watch devour a cockratrice days ago. The Devourer observe the two human who stiff like a statue, waiting for them to make any movememt.


    For Mateo and Beltrand, if they have their gear and the others. They can fight the devourer in equal footing. But with only their ragged clothes, Elven Ironwood logs and a single butcher''s machete. They want to escape, but as the monster''s gaze locked on them, Mateo and Beltrand knows there''s no way for them to escape and the only option is to fight back.


    For the Devourer which is a female according to its gargantuan size compared to males, she only see the two humans as snacks before she proceeds to hunt bigger prey scattered away by the recent deluge of Flood Crabs.


    "Can we win this Mateo?" Beltrand whispers. Avoiding to provoke the Devourer.


    "We can only try. Besides, we already have experience fighting that thing."


    "But we don''t have our weapons and gear."


    "We still have these." Mateo''s answer as he point his eyes to the Elven Ironwood he carried on his shoulder.


    Beltrand gives a deep sigh.


    "I hope this would work. So what''s the plan."


    "Provoke and absorb its attack. Use your log to block. I''m going to make a counter-attack."


    "Ok."


    Beltrand moves and grips the Ironwood tightly.


    "Come one you bitch! Eat me!"


    Mateo slowly moves away to give space after seeing the Devourer focusing its attention on Beltrand.


    And just like what Beltrand wanted, the Devourer strikes and eager to devour Beltrand. Beltrand on the otherhand use the Ironwood as he quickly planted it to the ground vertically and use his body as support his makeshift shield. The Ironwood doesn''t even bend as the Devourer''s face strike the wood itself. But she continues to push her head, moving Beltrand and the wood."


    "Mateo! I can''t hold this forever!"


    Seeing that the Devourer is deadset of eating Beltrand, Mateo leaps as he still carrying his ironwood. He hold and used the momentum and gravity to strike the Devourer''s head downwards using the hard and solid Elven Ironwood.


    BLAG!


    Mateo successfully hit the head of the snake, slaming her head hard to the ground.


    The Devourer was clearly feel that attack but she recovers and looked at the source of the pain.


    Mateo still in mid-air. The devourer use her tail to slam Mateo and send him flying, hitting and breaking few trees in the process.


    "MATEO!" Beltrand screams. But his concern quickly switch to his survival as the Devourer rushes and surround Beltrand with her body. Preparing to constrict him to death


    Within the rubble, Mateo slowly stand while holding his head. Still dizzy due to the violent attack.


    But he recovers quickly. Mateo watch the Devourer contricts her body swiftly to kill Beltrand. But before Beltrand even touch the snake''s body, Beltrand lifted the log and place it horizantilly thus preventing the snake of completely engulfing and squashing him to death.


    Beltrand leaves the pit before the Devourer makes a follow-up attack, that''s where he see something flying towards him. Beltrand recognize the object and catch it.


    Without wasting time, Beltrand spins and amplifies the force of the log thrown by Mateo and after few more spins, he throws the log to the Devourer. The log pierces the Devourer''s eye, lodging itself deep on the eye socket.


    The Devourer gives a screeching scream followed by a franctic movement, clearly showing the pain she dealing with.


    Mateo and Beltrand group up and hides as they watch the Devourer wrecks the place. But whatever she do, the log is still stucked in her eye. Clearly distress, the Devourer runs away in panic.


    "Let''s follow it!" Mateo scream.


    The two run and follows the Devourer''s trail. Beltrand notices his Ironwood log and picks it before catching up with Mateo.


    "Why you seems not concerned that your log is stucked on that thing''s eye?" Beltrand asked.


    "I''m worried of course. But it''s also a good opporunity."


    "And why is that?"


    Instead of talking. Mateo just make a hand gesture of hammer hitting a nail.


    "Oooooohhhhhhhhh...." Beltrand understands the objective.


    "Damn. That snake is surely fast. We already lost sight on it."


    "Not really, with this huge mess she make. There''s no way that we can''t follow her." Beltrand refers to the path of fallen trees and flattened vegetation left behind by the escaping Devourer.


    After few minutes. Mateo and Beltrand hears some sort of fighting from a distant.


    "It''s seems coming from the direction of Devourer''s escape path." Beltrand commentex.


    The closer they got, the louder the battle is to the point that they see the voices coming from a group of girls. Behind them is a tall wall of a cliff as the Devourer cornered them.


    "Shit shit shit! After surviving those Flood Crabs, of all things we can encounter. Why it''s a Devourer!?" A muscled buff lady holding an axe screams


    "But why it looks injured? There''s something stucked on its left eye." The Priestess says.


    "No wonder its very agitated!" The swordslady shouts as they continue to dodge the thrashing of the Devourer.


    "Whoever fight this Devourer is surely don''t know how to finish a job." A young Spearwoman says as she leap backwards because her consecutive stabs doesn''t even leave a scratch.


    "And so we are! There''s no way for us to defeat this monster!" The Axe lady screams.


    The axe lady tries to smash the Devourer''s body but her axe only bounce back as the scales of the Devourer are absurdly tough.


    "!!!"


    The Axe lady got hit by a tail swipe, sending her flying and crashing to a nearby rock, destroying it.


    "AUGH!"


    Her friends distract and lure the Devourer far away from the Axe lady. The priestess runs towards her and starts to tend her injuries.


    With power, toughness, speed and ferocity all packed on a sheer size. Devourer is feared by newer Gold Ranked adventurers and veteran Golds considered it as a test if someone really have the guts to further climb the Ranks.


    The group of ladies, with their priestess and swordswoman just recently reach gold rank have no way to defeat the Devourer.


    "Do you think we can escape?" The swordswoman asked her comrades. The spearwoman gulps after hearing the question.


    "No. The moment the devourer focus its gaze on us, we''re already dead. The best we can do is to wish for a miracle." The spearwoman says as in her 2 years of being a gold rank, she heared numerous stories about the Devourer.


    The swordswoman eyes dilated after hearing her friend''s words. But she retains composure and smirks.


    In the tall grass. Mateo and Beltrand watch carefully as the Spearwoman and Swordswoman dodges the attacks of the Devourer. But it slowly wears them down as their movement becomes slower.


    "Should we interfere?" Beltrand asked as he can''t stomach to watch the ladies to get murdeted one-by-one.


    "Of course. But we need to wait for the opportunity. How about you slowly creep on the Axe lady and Priestess then borrow her axe?"


    "And you?"


    "I''m going to hammer down the log."


    Beltrand nods. He leaves his log and carefully crawls away. Mateo grabs Beltrand''s Ironwold log.


    The two ladies are already reaching their limit. The Devourer strikes again by prepering to devour the Swordswoman entirely.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "!!!" The Swordswoman is shocked as her legs are now given up and she can''t even walk a single step.


    The Spearwoman screams as she run towards to the Swordswoman who just looked at her, accepting her incoming death.


    SWOOSH!


    The Spearwoman almost got hit by a fast moving projectile.


    "Huh?"


    She watch as the projectile hits the log lodged to the Devourer''s eye. Pushing it deeper inside its skull. That moment she realized that the projectile is another log of wood as if falls to the ground.


    The Devourer gives a defeaning screech as the pain of getting stab to the eye returns. It thrashes the surroundings out of blind rage.


    The Spearwoman grabs the Swordsman away from the range of rampaging monster.


    "I don''t know what just happened but thanks for that!"


    Mateo reveals himself. Slowly walking to the log he recently thrown.


    "Oy... You''re supposed to be the strongest on this forest yet you dare to escape from us?"


    Mateo grabs the log and he leaps high in the air. The Devourer just recovered but it''s already too late for her as Mateo already prepared to strike her head.


    SLAM!


    With a circular downward strike of ironwood to the head. Mateo slams the Devourer to the ground. Creating a crater.


    Mateo toes touch the ground but he waste no time as Mateo prepared to hammer the lodged Ironwood again. He strike it down using his ironwood, planting it deeper to the Devourer''s skull.


    The Devourer rampages again. Mateo leap backwards.


    "Tsk!"


    From the distant. The Priestess and Axe Lady just watch in awe as the unknown man suddenly appears and fights the Devourer on his own.


    "Who the hell is that guy?! Aughh!" The Axe Lady is still not recovering from her injury.


    "He doesn''t have any weapon except for those logs. He must be the one that injured the Devourer before we encountered it." The Priestess explains.


    The two are too fixated on the fight that they didn''t noticed Beltrand is already on their side as he picked the axe to the ground. Then walks to the direction of the Devourer.


    "Ha?! My axe! Give it back!" The Axe Lady screams as Beltrand shows on her line of vision, watching as he holds the two-handed axe by just one hand.


    "Miss! Let me borrow this for a moment!" Beltrand screams as he lift the axe on the air while still walking.


    "You bastard!"


    "Calm down. He must be related to the guy fighting the Devourer." The Priestess assures her friend. Still regaining her composure.


    The Devourer recovers but she clearly injured and delirious. She can see the man that causes her pain.


    "Hello Swordlady."


    "Y-Yes?"


    "Can I borrow your sword?"


    Without hesistation, the Swordswoman throws her sword to Mateo.


    "Thanks."


    Mateo is not used to the sword which is a rapier but still he tries to adapt. He infused his mana on his new weapon.


    "Ok bring it on." Mateo says as he taunts the Devourer with a confident smile.


    The Devourer is engulfed by wrath as she watch the man taunt her. She rushes in reckless abanddon.


    The moment the Devourer strikes a bite, Mateo just sidesteps. The devourer follow-up her attack with a tail slam but Mateo just brace and wait...


    And wait... with focus.


    .


    .


    .


    SLASH!


    Mateo cleanly slash the tail of the Devourer who roars in pain.


    Mateo then rush to the still panicking Devourer, jumps to its body and runs on the entire lenght while also leaving consecutive slashes.


    The Devourer rampages in attempt to shake out the human that slashing her entire body. When Mateo reach the top of her head, the Devourer shakes more aggressively until she finally get rid of Mateo who jumps away.


    "A-Amazing..." The Swordwoman watch with amazement.


    Mateo leaps forward and prepares to thrust the sword to what he thinks is where the Devourer''s heart is located. The monster didn''t notice the fast approaching Mateo who already on the striking distance.


    Mateo put all of his power and mana on the rapier and thrust it.


    SNAP


    To Mateo''s horror. The rapier snaps in two as it fails to handle Mateo''s mana. The tip of the sword flies in front of the Swordswoman.


    "MY PRECIOUS SWORD!!! NOOOO!!!" The Swordswoman screams.


    Meanwhole, Mateo stops on his track as he watch the the Devourer look at him with murderous intent.


    "Well well welll... What a turn tables."


    The Devourer tries to bite him but Mateo leaps away and run. The Devourer quickly goes for a chase.


    As Mateo run, he see Beltrand running towards him holding the axe she borrowed.


    "Damn! You destroyed the fair lady''s sword! So ruthless!"


    "Shut up! Just help me!"


    "Yes sir!"


    Beltrand leaps to the air. Because the Devourer is too fixated on chasing Mateo, she didn''t see Beltrand already on the air, holding the axe.


    "Up here!" Beltrand screams.


    The Devourer finally noticed Beltrand but it''s already too late for her. She tries to locate Beltrand yet the glare of the daylight behind him blinds the remaining eye of the Devourer.


    .


    .


    .


    SLAM!


    Beltrand slams the axe to the ground with tremendous force. Creating an impact crater. The Devourer just stands motionless, still staring on the sky.


    But it only takes a moment before everyone notices that the head of the Devourer slowly opens vertically. The result of Beltrand grand slam that effortlessly cut the head of the monster.


    When the Devourer''s head grotesquely opens up, showing its brains and flesh. The devourer finally falls to the ground with a lound thud.


    The female party takes a moment before they managed to process what just happaned.


    "W-we''re safe?" The Axe Lady''s question as she still can''t believe that all of them are still alive. She slowly stand up, the Priestess still on alert for further injury.


    .


    .


    .


    "YEAHHHHHHHH!!!"


    The Axe Lady gives a proud scream. Glad to see another day.


    "It''s truly a miracle that someone saves us. Thank you so much Goddess Vivvily." Priestess'' gratitude as she prays.


    Everyone regroups near the carcass of the Devourer.


    "Is everyone ok?" Mateo asked.


    "Besides some injuries, all of us are fine. We can''t thank you enough for saving our lives." The Spearwoman bows followed by others except for the Swordswoman who just holding the other half of the sword Mateo broke. She looks at it with sad expression on her face.


    "Hey." The Axe lady''s barely audible call. The Swordwoman comes back on her senses and bows quickly.


    "I''m so sorry! Please forgive my rudeness!"


    "It''s fine. In fact I should be the one that apologize for breaking your sword. It seems that your sword is precious to you."


    The Swordswoman looks at Mateo and she gives a bitter and nostalgic smile.


    "Yes... This sword is a gift from my father."


    "I understand the sentimentality but to be honest, that''s just a hunk of iron." The Spearwoman''s honest opinion.


    "How dare you to say that?!" The Swordwoman pouts.


    "Is your father an adventurer?" Beltrand asked.


    "Yes. But he''s retired now."


    "Hmmm... I think your father is more happy to know that his sword manages to save the life of his precious daughter." Beltrand''s honest thought.


    The Swordswoman looks again on her sword. The same sword that always on her side since she starts adventuring and climb the ranks. Inspired by the adventures of her father, she followed his path with the same sword he used in the past.


    The Swordswoman is sad to see the state of the sword but in her mind, she can''t deny that the Sword is truely save her and her friends'' lives. She give a pained smile to Beltrand.


    "Yes."


    "Good. Anyway, here''s your axe." Beltrand gives the axe to the Axe Lady.


    Mateo meanwhile is pulling the Ironwood stucked inside the Devourer''s corpse. Everyone walks closer to the corpse and gawked at it with curiousity. Except the Priestess who still stare to Mateo and Beltrand.


    "Sir. What you gonna do with this corpse?" The Spearwoman asked as she poked it with her spear.


    Beltrand and Mateo looked at each other. Well it makes sense that the party asked that as they''re the one that kills the Devourer.


    But killing the Devourer is not their focus right now. It''s just that the circumstances requires them to kill the monster.


    "What do you think Brother?" Beltrand asked.


    Mateo makes up his mind.


    "We just gonna leave that to you."


    .


    .


    .


    "EHHHHHH!" The girls are shocked.


    "Why?" Mateo asked as he was curious on the girls'' reaction.


    "B-b-but we can''s absolutely do that!" The Swordswoman says in shock.


    "Yes that''s right! Not only you saved our lives but also you''re the one that defeated it. We have no rights to claim the Devourer!"


    "Besides. There''s no way for us to sell the materials on the guild. No one would believe us that a single gold ranked party like us would defeat a Devourer." The Axe Lady added.


    Mateo agrees on the the Axe Lady. Not only that they can''t sell the loot of a very powerful monster that requires 2 experienced party to defeat, it might also put suspicion on their party.


    "How about sell the materials to a merchant? They might buy it lower than the Guild''s price but it''s a Devourer''s material''s so it still fetch a fortune."


    Everyone looked a Beltrand with dissapointment.


    "Beltrand, you know that''s illegal right?"


    "If you got caught." Beltrand smirks. Mateo sighs.


    "I guess that''s the only way. You hear him." Mateo gives up and accepts Beltrand


    "W-w-we appreaciate the gesture but why you give us this just like that?" The Swordswoman asked as she was confused on why the two just casually give such prized drop.


    "Just consider it as my apology for breaking your sword. Also, I want for you to have a proper weapon suitable for your rank." Mateo gives a gentle smile which makes the Swordswoman blush.


    "T-thanks for consideration."


    "But still, it just feel bad for us if you don''t get anything on this." The Axe Lady said.


    "If that''s the only problem now. Well, I have an idea." Beltrand have an idea.


    .


    .


    .


    The girls wave their hands and shouts their gratitudes and farewells as they watch the two man walks away also waving their hand. Each holding their logs and a huge cut of meat from the Devourer which is now a skinned carcassed, with it''s fangs and other valuable parts both outside and inside removed. They finally lost vision of Mateo and Beltrand so they prepare themselves for their departure.


    "Phew! This day is surely a huge one." The Spearwoman says with ethusiasm.


    "Agree. Well, all is right and we going to have a feast once we sold this materials... Hehe..." The Axe Lady is drooling as she imagine the delicious foods she can eat.


    "If you that hungry. We can also eat some of the Devourer meat you know? Anyways. Missus, you seems dreamy huh?" The Spearwoman referring to the Swordswoman who just staring on the sky with a huge smile on her face.


    "Ah... Are you talking to me?"


    "Of course! Why you look so happy?"


    "Because I''m excited for my new sword."


    "Good grief." The Spearwoman gives a gentle smile. "Be sure to pick a sword that fits to you.


    Meanwhile, the Priestess is still on deep thoughts as she try to remember where she seen the two guys. As she feels that she see them before. Until...


    "AHHHHHHH!"


    "HUH! WAIT!?" The Spearwoman is surprised to hear their Priestess'' sudden scream.


    "AN ENEMY?! WHERE?!" The Swordswoman is alert as she unsheath a non-existent sword.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you!?" The Axe Lady visibly annoyed as she watch the Priestess sudden surprised reaction.


    "S-s-sorry guys! It''s just that, I finally remember who are those two guys are!"


    "Ara? Then tell us what you remember." The Spearwoman asked.


    "I finally remember after repeating their names! Those two are members of Grand Ecstasy!"


    Everyone is shocked on the revelation.


    "G-g-grand Ecstasy? That party that fight and survives a fight with a Legendary Hero!?" Axe Lady''s surprised reaction.


    "W-wait are you sure?"


    "Yes! I''m so focused on us surviving that I didn''t noticed their appearance but I''m sure it''s them that I see when I visit Nattunia!" The Priestess tells with excitement.


    "Damn. Well that explains on how they manage to defeat this thing." The Axe Lady sigh deeply.


    "But now I''m sad because Ms. Sophia is not with them." The Priestess'' slight dissapointment as she has great admiration for Sophia after knowing her story during the Reverse Tower incident.


    "Yeah. Isn''t Grand Ecstasy have 5 members? Why we only see two? Not only that, they look so ragged and didn''t bring their gears with them." The Swordsman''s pondering as she re-imagined the appearance of Mateo and Beltrand.


    "From what I can tell. It seems the two is doing a rigorous training." The Axe Lady ponders as she piece the observations told by her friends.


    .


    .


    .


    Meanwhile, Mateo and Beltrand are walking away and they return on their training. There''s an unusual silence between them for a while.


    "Bro."


    "Yes Brother?"


    "Can you punch me in the face?" Mateo asked, there''s seriousness on his face.


    "Weird because I also want to ask you the same. But we don''t need to do that." Beltrand show the bundle of Devourer meat he''s lifting.


    "So... WE REALLY DEFEAT A DEVOURER WITH ONLY TWO OF US?"


    "There''s no denying it Bro Mateo. We managed to kill an powerful gold monster that in the past required us to team up with Wanderer just to defeat."


    Mateo remembers what Gilmore said before they start the survival training.


    "Phase 2 out 3 of your training."


    If the Phase 1 manages to make them this powerful, Mateo have a mix of fear and curiousity on what Phase 2 entails.


    "Mateo?" Beltrand asked as he noticed the silence of his friend.


    "Beltrand. We need to finish this challenge quickly. I feel that we surpassed this forest already."

 Ch. 28 - Mana Potency

    Deep in the Savagery Forest, two well toned man each lifting a huge log of wood are walking. Their clothes are ragged and dirty but despite their sorry appearance, the two have a look of determination on their face.


    It''s been a week since they enter the forest and experienced all things the forest can thrown at them. From deadly swarms, devastating events and murderous predators. The Savagery Forest is still the dangerous biome they know and hate but something is far different from their previous runs in the past - Both of them becomes stronger during the 3 weeks of their simple yet effective training that they easily defeat any monsters that dares to block their path, despite not having any equipment.


    And right now. Mateo and Beltrand are looking up on a tall hill where the compass Gilmore give is pointing.


    "This is it. Once we reach the top, it''s finally over." Beltrand says with anticipitation and preparedness.


    "Yeah." Mateo''s short answer.


    The two waste no time and proceed to climb the hill with ease. Both of them feel energized despite lifting heavy logs of wood.


    As they climb. Corpse of few powerful monsters are just laying on the ground, being feasted by small predators and scavengers.


    "Is this a bad sign?" Beltrand asked as she observe the dead monsters with.


    "Please don''t jinx it."


    Few minutes later. They finally reached the top and got greeted by Gilmore casually sitting on a wooden chair and drinking tea. Behind Gilmore is Juli gracefully standing still, waiting for her master''s command.


    Beltrand and Mateo are so transfixed on the appearance of Gilmore that they didn''t noticed the large log cabin behind.


    .


    .


    .


    Croak...


    A giant spiked toad leaps from the lush trees. Its gaping mouth ready to swallow Gilmore and Juli whole.


    "Juli."


    "Yes sir."


    Juli gracefully face the toad, points her hand and with just a simple flick of a finger with a green gem ring. A violent gust of wind is released on her finger. Mateo and Beltrand watch with awe as the wind feels very solid once it hits the toad which is now sent flying. The toad landed hundreds of meters away from them.


    "W-what you said to me about Juli when we''re training on the mansion?" Mateo asked while staring on Juli who now shaking her long skirt as it was now dusty due to her attack.


    "Ummmm."


    Gilmore stands up and give the tea cup to Juli.


    "Congratulations. You two passed the Phase 2 of the training."


    "Even if the ironwoods is now a mess?" Mateo asked.


    Mateo and Beltrand drops the Elven Ironwoods which is chipped, stained and dented because of the constant usage from the two. The logs are so heavy it makes a very loud thud.


    "As long as you not lost or purposely cut them then It''s fine. Especially when you two resourcefully use these logs on your advantage." Gilmore smiles as he looked on the Ironwood who truly used for survival.


    Mateo and Beltrand smiles and bows their head to Gilmore.


    "Thank you sir." The two simultaneously says.


    "Leave that after you finished the training. We should return to the mansion now and give yourselves a deserve rest. Phase 3 would start after that."


    And thus. Everyone rides the carriage used by Gilmore and Juli back home, back to civilization. Beltrand and Mateo almost cried when they finally enjoy proper bath and good food.


    "YESSSSS!!" Beltrand screams in happiness as he devour the soups and seasoned meat.


    Juli is just smiling as she watched the two enjoys the food she prepared with Gusto.


    "What''s our plan tommorow?" Beltrand asked, almost mumbling as there''s still food on his mouth.


    "I probably visit Shirna first and do important stuffs there. How about you?"


    Beltrand swallows his food.


    "I just going to sleep for the whole day. You should probably do the same Bro."


    "I would also do that of course. I can tell that Phase 3 might be more difficult."


    "Hmmmm.... Ms. Juli."


    "Yes?"


    "Can you give us hint on what Phase 3 might be?" Beltrand asked. Juli bows in apology.


    "I''m so sorry but I also don''t have any idea as your training is only for Vandril fighters and swordsman. A mere mage and maid like me don''t have any reason to enter the training grounds."


    "We understand."


    "But we''re not Vandrils?" Beltrand is amused.


    "It seems that even Master Gilmore is willing to use the training grounds for your traning. It must be a great honor.


    "Indeed. Thanks Ms. Juli." Mateo''s courteous gratitude.


    "I''m just fulfilling my maid duties. Anyways, Master Gilmore wants me to relay his message to you."


    "What is it Ms. Juli?"


    "Master Gilmore is asking if you can give him another set of liquours you gifted to him, if possible."


    "Well, consider it done." Mateo says with a smile.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    2 days goes by like a blink of an eye. Gilmore guides Mateo and Beltrand down to a downward staircase which the entrance is hidden inside the mansion. Their destination is revealed once they 150 meters below Vandril''s residence.


    Using his remaining arm, Gilmore push the metal door, creating a loud metallic creaking sound. The three enters the room and both Mateo and Beltrand are greeted by a empty chamber the size of a noble''s room with a very tall ceiling. The walls are all made of metal inscribed with magic runes and mana stones of different variaties.


    "A room underground? Reminds me of bad memories." Mateo reimagines the chamber where they almost die to Hero Glidel.


    "I understand your sentiments." Gilmore chuckle a little bit as he share the same nostalgia Mateo have.


    "Sir Gilmore. This room feels ominous. Wait, don''t tell me we going to fight you here?!" Beltrands panics.


    "And what benefits it would make if I just beat both of you to a pulp? Besides, this room is not suited for that."


    Beltrand gives a reassured sigh.


    "But If you''re not careful. It might be worse than fighting me.


    Beltrand''s worry strikes again.


    Q?"What we exactly need to do here?" Mateo asked while observing the room.


    Gilmore close the door which the two finally realize is a very thick metal door 10 inch thick.


    "The fuck is that door?" Beltrand asked.


    "Forget about that. Let''s start by studying the nature of Mana. I assume you already know the basics right?"


    Beltrand and Mateo nods.


    "Good. You must already know the difference between us and mages right?"


    The two nods again.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "The fact that we fighters have a assigned fixed mana pool instantly makes us weak on using high caliber magic. It''s sad but that''s how just the world works. Some people are just gifted to become a mage."


    Gilmore touch his sword sheated on his side.


    "But it doesn''t mean we fighters can''t fight toe-to-toe with the mages right? As proven by history and the heroes that defeats foes using their physical feats. If mages have magic potential, we fighters have potential in our flesh which just needed to be honed through rigorous training."


    Mateo and Beltrands listen seriously on Gilmore''s words which both inspirational and powerful.


    "I ask you. Do you think our Mana is completely seperated from our physical body?"


    "Uhmmm... Technically no? Because a mage with sickly body is equally useless as a dead one. I believe that''s the also true for us." Mateo''s honest answer.


    "Well that''s correct but not really the answer I am looking for. Hmm... Can you stand on that spot for a moment?"


    Gilmore points on a specific spot where a line of runes are etched on the floor, creating an sizable square area people can stand on.


    Mateo and Beltrand follows the instructions and stand inside the square.


    "If mages have their ever increasing Mana Capacity. We fighters also have a trick on our sleeves."


    Gilmore makes a peace sign.


    "Two words: Mana Potency."


    "Mana Potency?"


    "Yes Mateo. With our body slowly becoming stronger, so our Mana Potency.


    "I don''t really understand." Beltrand is confused as it is the first time he heared the concept.


    "What it is exactly Gilmore?" Mateo asked.


    "Because of our fixed miniscule Mana. We can instead increase the quality of it. Yes you can''t still cast powerful spells but Mana Potency shines when used in our body instead. The capabilities of your body can be enhanced tenfold by just using tiny amount of high grade Mana improved by our rigorous training."


    "Isn''t that is just what we naturally do? We already using our Mana to strenghten our body."


    Gilmore nods on Mateo''s opinion.


    "Yes that''s true. But what we aiming to do here is to boost your Mana potency further by using a non-natural way."


    "I understand. Does it mean we going to do body strenghtening on this chamber?"


    "No. You already finished that on Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 3 is all about directy enhancing the Potency of your Mana. And let me show you how it would be done."


    Gilmore walks to the center of the chamber where another circle with different design is etched on the floor and there, he stands still while Mateo and Beltrand watch with anticipation.


    Gilmore close his eyes and starts to meditate. For just few seconds, Mateo and Beltrand watch as a huge amount of shiny light blue smoke got released on Gilmore''s body.


    Mateo clenches his fist as he await for Gilmore''s potent Mana to hit them, but an invisible barrier blocks it coming from the runes etched on the floor. Mateo gets reassured as he doubt that his body can resist the pressure of Gilmore''s powerful Mana release.


    The chamber is now filled by the Gilmore''s Mana which only mana sensitives can see. It is so thick that it feels like an intense fog. Mateo can''t even see Gilmore anymore.


    The scene just stay still for 20 minutes, Mateo and Beltrand are starting to get worried as there''s still no response from Gilmore.


    "Should we help Sir Gilmore?" Beltrand asked as she looked on the Mana fog seriously.


    But before Mateo even answers Beltrand. He notices that deep in the fog, a bright light slowly appears. Then the light takes form of a human shape who just standing still.


    Instead of their worry fading away, the two just feel eerie as the event becomes bizzare.


    "Sir Gilmore?" Mateo calls but there''s no response from the other side.


    Instead, the fog of Mana moves rapidly towards the light. Like it was being sucked by the human-shaped light where Gilmore is standing. The vacuum is so agressive that the fog is moving violently like a storm.


    Until all of the smoke is gone. Mateo and Beltran observes as the light also slowly fades revealing Gilmore with no visible damage.


    Gilmore walks to the two who still strucked by awe.


    "Did you observed everything?" Gilmore asked.


    "Ok Sir Gilmore, what... Is... That?" Beltrand''s confused question


    "That''s what you going to do from now on."


    "But I don''t understand at all."


    "I see. Well then let me explain further. Beltrand, can you stand on the circle where I came from?"


    Without asking question, Beltrand follows Gilmore''s command. Now standing, he waits for further instructions.


    "Now just relax yourself and meditate. When you feel that your in state of calmness, release all of your mana at once."


    "W-what?" Mateo is surprised.


    "Yes thats right."


    Beltrand follows and starts to meditate. And like Gilmore''s command, he release all of his Mana which he instantly feels exhaustion.


    Beltrand''s Mana is incomperable to Gilmore''s. Not only it was white but the opacity is so clear that Mateo still see Beltrand in the center of the room, he might think that Beltrand''s Mana is not even in the surroundings.


    "This is Beltrand''s Mana quality?" Mateo asked.


    "Yes. But this is already a good amount. Weaker fighters might have an invisible mana that we can only feel if spread in this whole room."


    "Now I want to see my Mana quality."


    "Sir Gilmore, what should I do next?"


    "Just meditate and focus. The magic circle beneath you would increase your Mana regeneration."


    Beltrand continues to meditate and Mateo watch as his friend''s body starts to glow. The magic circle starts its wonders, slowly filling Beltrand''s body with Mana.


    Until it finally reach his Max.


    "Sir Gilmore. I think my mana is full again."


    "Good, now absorbs all of your Mana that you spread on this room."


    "W-what? Is that really possible?"


    "That''s what I did so just follow it."


    Beltrand trust Gilmore and follows his command. Using the basics of Mana manipulation. He retracts all of the Mana he released back to himself like how he retracts the Mana he coats on his weapons.


    "Augh." Beltrand feels uncomfortable as he forcing his Mana to his body which already full of Mana to begin with. But he do his best and after some time, Beltrand finally manages to drain all of the mana in the room.


    "So. What you feel?" Gilmore asked.


    "I feel like... My power just increased." Beltrand explained as she watch her Mana he spreads on his hand.


    "That''s good. It means you easily forced your Mana to merge and get enhanced."


    "Wait... That''s what we need to do in order to become stronger?" Mateo asked with a hint of confusion on his voice.


    "You seems unethusiastic."


    "Sorry but Isn''t the method is too simple for a supposed great enhancement training?"


    Gilmore sighs.


    "Let''s return to that question once we reached.. Hmmmm.... I believe Level 5 of your Mana potency training."


    Unusure on what Gilmore said. Mateo just nods.


    "Ok Sir Gilmore."


    "Good. Now Mateo, it is your turn now. Go on the circle and do just like what me and Beltrand did.


    Mateo proceeds to do the whole cycle with no problems. After resting for hours, the two make another cycle again. Now, Beltrand and Mateo are now on Level 2 of their Mana potency training.


    Resting inside the chamber, eating the meals provided by Juli. The three just talking about their Mana training, especially Mateo who just thought of so many concepts after learning about the training.


    "Sir Gilmore, what is your level on this Mana training?" Mateo asked.


    "Level 21."


    "Level 21?! And you just add another level earlier?" Beltrand is surprised to hear the answer and he compares his 2 Level.


    "No... What I did earlier is not my entire Mana. I just released a little amount as a demonstration. Because I admit, I can''t absorb all of my Mana at the moment."


    "Is Leveling at that range really difficult?"


    "You would understand once you reached higher levels Mateo."


    "Sorry for doubting Sir Gilmore. It''s just... So many questions are forming on my mind while thinking on this training."


    "Like?"


    "Like the magic circle in the middle. That''s really a useful and powerful tool yet this is the first time I see one."


    "Ohhh... I understand. Afterall, I also have the same question in the past."


    "Then why that Magic circle is not mainstream?"


    Gilmore scratches his chin.


    "According to my ancestors. The Academia tries to replicate that magic circle. From every minor detail like the paint used to draw the circle to the stone where the circle is created. Yet despite everything, they never managed to activate their replicas and only this one is the working circle of its type."


    "And why is that the case?"


    Gilmore shrugged.


    "Who knows. Julzhihar brings the secret of that circle to his grave while he created this chamber."


    "Why its always that powerful archmage that got involved on the mysterious shits?" Mateo''s surprised reaction after hearing the archmage''s name again.


    "Just ignore it really."


    "If Claustrine is here, she can''t ignore such info. She''s probably babbling about magic once she heard about this."


    "The mage girl?"


    "Yes."


    "Hahaha... Your mage is surely a curious ones. I can feel she destined for greatness."


    "You think so?"


    "Yup. She have the thirst for knowledge that well-known mages have. Anyways, do you have more questions?"


    "Yes... What if for example, I release my Mana here and Beltrand also release his-"


    "Death... Straight up Death." Gilmore''s non-chalant answer.


    "But I didn''t finished my question yet."


    "Hahaha I already know what you planning. But in serious note, don''t even try to absorb someone else''s Mana on this training if you cherish your life."


    "Someone tried it?"


    "Yes. A foolish ancestor of mine."


    Gilmore stands up and walks on a plaque on the wall that Beltrand is looking at. Curious, Mateo stands up and follows Gilmore.


    "So many names here." Beltrand mumbles to himself.


    Mateo sees the plaque seperated by three sections: Passed, Failed and Fools. The passed and failed section are almost in equal lenght while the Fools section only have few names.


    Most of them have a Vandril last name and Mateo is surprise to see female names.


    "Well. Their progenitor is a powerful woman. They must truly respect that women on their family can have potential that needs to be honed."


    Mateo thoughts to himself as he read the names.


    "Well. See this name here?" Gilmore points a name on the Fools section.


    "Tyranise Vandril III." Mateo reads.


    "That''s the fool I''m talking about. So Foolish that his death becomes a warning for the entire lineage."


    Mateo just wait for Gilmore to continue his story.


    "It happened hundreds of years ago but the fact that there''s only few Fools after his death says a lot on how much impact he have. According to family history, Tyranise find the finest fighters of his calibre and bring them inside this chamber to do the training with payment. Wanting to become stronger faster, he used the Mana of three Gold ranked adventurers of your level and absorb them alongside his Mana. You know what happened?"


    Mateo is focused and anxious to hear the outcome. Even Beltrand''s attention is caught by Gilmore''s story.


    "It turns out that not every Mana is the same and it''s especially true for Mana of living creatures. The four types of Mana inside Tyranise''s body is fighting inside as all of them are not compatible to each other. The end result is his entire body exploding after a minute of agonizing pain."


    Mateo and Beltrand makes a dreaded expression as they imagine what the scenery looks like.


    "That''s... Fucked up." Beltrand''s only words.


    "Does that Mean that one''s mana is somehow designed to be only compatible to that person?" Mateo asked.


    "That''s the Academia''s primary discovery after the incident."


    "I guess his death is not really in vain."


    Gilmore laughs on Mateo''s words.


    "I guess you''re right. But I hope the story answer your question."


    "Yes." Mateo smile.


    "Sir Gilmore. Does our name is also going to be included on this plaque?" Beltrand asked as he looks on Gilmore''s name on the bottom of Passed section.


    "Sadly. That''s only reserved for Vandril lineage."


    "Awwwww..." Beltrand''s dissapointed grunt.


    "Ok let''s do your final cycle for today. Who wants to go first?"


    "Me!"


    "Ok Beltrand just go in the middle and do the routine."


    Mateo and Beltrand finished the cycle and now they''re Level 3 of Mana potency training. They return to the mansion exhausted yet eager to train more and more tomorrow.


    But the ethusiasm is slowly fading away as the traning goes on day by day.

 Ch. 29 - Painful Determination

    In the underground chamber where three fighters spent most of the days improving their Mana. Mateo is standing in the middle of the room where the magic circle is etched on the floor. There''s a hint of fear and uncertainty on his face as he breath heavily, preparing himself for another cycle.


    Far from him are Beltrand who watching Mateo with worry and Gilmore who is tense and focused. He''s near on a single lever located besides the barrier magic runes.


    "Mateo, are you ready?" Gilmore asked.


    "Yes."


    "Ok. Start releasing all of your Mana."


    And just like what Gilmore asked, Mateo release all of his Mana. Unlike his first try of doing the cycle, his Mana is a lot thicker now but still far from Gilmore''s Mana that looks like a thick cloud filling the room. Mateo''s Mana is more a like a haze.


    After releasing his Mana, Mateo stands still as he feel the magic circle beneath him boosting his Mana regeneration. The feeling is pleasant just like before, the feeling of being energized as his body glows white.


    After some time. Mateo''s Mana is now full.


    "I''m going to... the 2nd step now."


    "Ok do it."


    Mateo breaths heavily and he proceeds to absorb the Mana he released earlier, and he instantly feel the pain.


    "Augh!"


    Mateo flinch as he experience the dreaded feeling again. Mateo feels like his entire body is slowly and forcedly expanding in atomic level. His skin is like burning, his inside feels like hell, and his mind is like going to explode.


    For each second of him absorbing the excess Mana, the more the pain becomes even more unbearable. Mateo is struggling on standing still as his body hurts like it''s being tortured. More Mana he got absorbed and Mateo finally reached his pre-matured limits.


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    Mateo''s agonizing scream as his body suffers even further. There''s no visible injury yet Mateo feels experiencing burning and expanding, the excess Mana wildly dancing inside her body.


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"


    "Mateo you can stop now!" Beltrand''s worried scream.


    Gilmore had enough and flips the lever. The blue crystals on the walls and floors starts to glow and begins to absorbs all of Mateo''s excess Mana lingering on the air quickly. It only takes few seconds for the crystals to suck all the Mana and disperse it on the ground surrounding the chamber.


    With no Mana to absorb, Mateo''s body stops draining Mana. Mateo falls go the ground knee first before completely slumps on the floor.


    Gilmore and Beltrand rushes towards Mateo to check his condition.


    "Thankfully. It seems he didn''t get any serious injuries." Gilmore''s assessment as he checks the unconcious Mateo.


    The two helps Mateo and carried him outside the chamber where Juli is waiting.


    "Another failed cycle Master?" Juli asked. Gilmore nods.


    Juli picks up Mateo using his wind magic. Engulfing Mateo with an orb of wind when Mateo is carefully floating inside.


    "I will return and carry Beltrand later."


    "You don''t need to remind me of that." Beltrand frowns.


    Juli climbs the stairs with Mateo and the other two enters the chamber again.


    "Are you ready?" Gilmore asked.


    "Y-yes."


    Just like Mateo. Beltrand also suffers all of the pain and agony for a moment until Gilmore flips the switch. Juli''s promise makes fruition, she returns and now carrying the unconcious Beltrand back to the surface.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Aughhhh... Ouch! ouch! ouch!"


    Mateo just wake up and he instantly felt the sharp pain on his entire body. He stops moving and breaths heavily, trying to get used on the pain.


    He look on his side and Mateo''s not surprised to see Beltrand casually eating an apple.


    "We failed again huh?"


    "Painfully yes. Physically, mentally and spiritually." Beltrand sigh then continues to eat the apple until he reached the core.


    In the recent days, the two continues the training and from each cycle, the pain becomes stronger and unbearable.


    It was started on Level 5 where the once unpleasant feeling becomes a sharp pain that feels like a thousand needles are being stabbed on their skin.


    Level 8, the needles is now feels like knives repeatedly stabbed on their flesh.


    Level 10, their body feels so hot that it''s comparable to diving into a lake of boiling water.


    And Level 14. Where both of them stucked for a while despite trying for several times now. Mateo is unsure yet amazed how they even managed to survive the past training without dying before they reached their wall.


    And Mateo is now looking on the familiar wall of what seems the infirmary where Juli brought them repeatedly.


    "What do you think the problem is on why we keep failing?" Beltrand asked.


    "After failing numerous times. I believe our body surrenders before we even absorb all of our Mana back."


    "So we just need hold back longer in order to succeed?"


    "Sounds very easy yet our body would collapse literally before we even absorb our excess Mana. Perhaps, we just reached the limit from now."


    Mateo sighs after answering Beltrand''s question.


    "If our body is the problem. Maybe we just need to continue the Ironwood training?" Beltrand''s suggestion while he peels a triangle shaped fruit called Dacrus.


    Mateo got hooked on Beltrand''s theory. The Ironwood training was the one that prepares their body to do numerous cycles before their they reached the current limit. If they continue the training, they can condition their body further in order to finally complete Level 14 or if possible, Level 15 and more.


    "That... Might... Just... Wo-"


    "That would not work. Just saying it now to avoid dissapointing yourselves and wasting your time."


    Mateo and Beltrand looks on the now opened door and surprise to see Gilmore walking inside.


    "Sir Gilmore." -Mateo.


    "Are you two fine?"


    "We just feeling a little bit of pain but we can try again later once this pain dissappears." Beltrand''s report.


    "Good."


    "Sir Gilmore, what do you mean by "That would not work?"" Mateo asked.


    "Your plan of doing the Ironwood training. Trust me, it''s a waste of time because that would not improve your body anymore."


    "Because we already so strong that we don''t feel the struggle of the ironwood training anymore? Thus not forcing our body to improve?"


    "Exactly Beltrand."


    "If that''s the case, what we should do now?" Mateo asked.


    "It''s up to you. You can stop for a while and train or force yourself to bypass Level 14 and then continue training."


    "Sir Gilmore. Any tips on where we should train now?" Beltrand asked.


    Gilmore ponders.


    "It''s simple really. In order to improve your body, you need go fight stronger opponents now. And with your current level, you need to fight monsters or opponents of Platinum rank or higher."


    "Ah yes... Very simple indeed." Beltrand''s unamused words as he can''t imagine fighting Platinum rank monsters as simple as what Gilmore thinks they are.


    Gilmore now prepares to leave.


    "After you recover, just tell me your decision."


    Gilmore walks away, leaving the two thinking.


    "So what''s your choice?" Beltrand asked as he picks a clump of grapes, picks one and throws it on her mouth.


    "I''m going to continue and force to complete Level 14. How about you?"


    "I think I gonna stop for now." Beltrand non-chalantly says.


    "Why? I though we are together on this?"


    Beltrand sighs.


    "I already asked Gilmore days ago. He said that I only last 10-15 seconds for trying to bypass Level 14."


    "And how is that related to our training?"


    "Your longest record is 1 minute and 2 seconds. You know what that means right?"


    Mateo becomes serious.


    "You have a better chance to finish Level 14 than me. So just don''t mind me and overcome that bitch for me. I follow you once we''re strong enough to continue." Beltrand smugly says.


    Mateo smiles.


    "Fine fine. You bet."


    The two spends the whole day just resting their exhausted body until the next day that their body is in good condition. But now...


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Only you Mateo is going to train?" Gilmore asked as he looks on the two.


    "Yes."


    Gilmore nods.


    "It''s good that you understand your limitations."


    "This is just a hiatus. Once I become strong enough, I''m going to continue this cursed training." Beltrand proudly says with conviction.


    The three now walks inside and Mateo do the usual starting routine.


    1. Go in the middle of the room.


    2. Release all of his mana and fill the room.


    3. Wait and recover Mana with the help of magic circle.


    Beltrand and Gilmore are on edge as they prepare themselves for the final step.


    4. Absorb all of the Mana trapped in the chamber.


    At first 2 seconds, the sensation is just a mild pain and then it instantlly switch into a brutal feeling of his body feels like being expanded on atomic level.


    "AHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Mateo screams.


    But he tries to retain control and continue to absorb all of his stray mana.


    10 seconds passed and Mateo''s howling scream echoes on the chamber. Gilmore and Beltrand watch, feeling dread as they understand the feeling Mateo is subjected now.


    25 seconds. Mateo''s screams becomes even louder as the pain intensifies. But he continue to resist and not to give up. Her golden glowing silhoutte is still standing still.


    45 seconds.


    "Why you still not stopping him?!" Beltrand screams to Gilmore, fully concerned for the safety of his friend.


    "Not yet..." Gilmore''s two words as he holds the switch.


    55 seconds.


    "GILMORE HE''S ALREADY DYING!"


    Mateo''s screams are now cackling and muffled but he still have determination to continue the training. Yet her body is starting to move erratic as the pain and suffering is becoming even more unbearable.


    "Mateo! You can stop now! Please!"


    Gilmore had enough and prepares to flip the switch but....


    "d-d-don''t... s-stop....."


    Beltrand is shocked but disgusted on Mateo''s grotesque tenacity.


    "What do you mean don''t stop?! You''re literally dying right now!" Beltrand scream as he watch his friend suffer. Mateo''s screams echoed on the chamber.


    "Sir Gilmore!?" Beltran looks on Gilmore as he''s the one that holds the switch. His looks begs for Gilmore to stop the suffering.


    But to his horror. Gilmore release his grip on the switch.


    "Gilmore?!" Beltrand questions his decision.


    "I believe he can do it now." Gilmore says with a serious expression on his face.


    Beltrand''s jaw just drop as he was now uncertain and confused. Should he stop the training? Should he just watch Mateo? His answer is to just stand still and wish that Mateo and Gilmore''s confidence are correct.


    Mateo meanwhile masters his strenght to absorb the remaining mana. Every part of his body hurts like hell, burning and his mana feels like bursting out of his body yet Mateo just grit his teeth.


    His Mana cloud meanwhile are becoming smaller and smaller. But it also becomes slower until he reach the point where its like Mateo can''t absorb anymore. He kneels as his body is slowly betraying him.


    "Mateo-" Beltrand hesistate to continue his words, he regains courage and screams to Mateo.


    "DO IT YOU FUCKING IDIOT! DO IT!"


    Mateo masters one burst of strenght. He stand up and...


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    With one courageous scream and all of his remaining strenght, Mateo absorbs all of his Mana. It moves quickly again towards him. Mateo resist all the intense pain for few seconds until finally, Mateo absorbs all the potent Mana completely.


    .


    .


    .


    And finally bypass Level 14.


    The moment Mateo stops, he starts to fall automatically as his body is totally exhausted. Mateo, in front of everyone is losing conciousness as he continues to drop.


    But before he even hit the hard cold floor. Gilmore dashes towards Mateo and catch him on his stomach.


    Gilmore quickly checks Mateo and makes a sigh of relief as he doesn''t see any severe injury.


    "Good job Mateo." Gilmore''s compliments the unconcious Mateo with a smile.


    Beltrand running towards the two.


    "Is he ok?!" Beltrand asked.


    "He''s fine. Besides visible minor injuries, I think it''s not life threatening nor crippling."


    "Phew! I''m glad."


    "But still, he needs to be examined for any abnormalities. Let''s go and bring this reckless bastard to the infirmary."


    Belfrand nods. Juli enters the chamber after knowing that that training is complete. Using her magic, she lifted Mateo carefully and they now walks up on the spiraling stairs.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Aughhhhh.... My head...."


    Mateo slowly wakes up while holding his head due to the sudden sharp pain on his temple.


    After calibrating himself, he observes the surroundings. He expected that he would see Beltrand on the bed on his side but he didn''t see Beltrand at all, and then he remembers.


    "Ah, he didn''t take the training."


    He prepares to leave the bed but when he tried to stand straight, Mateo''s legs feels very fragile. His legs shakes for a while before he sits on the edge of the bed.


    "What?" Mateo is confused. Not only that her body feels so beaten and weak, he also suddenly feel hungry. Mateo see the fruits on the desk in the side of his bed.


    Without hesistation, he gobbled all the fruits until he feels energized again. Mateo tries to stand again, he managed to stand but his steps and posture is wobbly making him lean on the wall.


    Mateo leaves the infirmary in search for Gilmore and Beltrand. His objectives leads him outside of the Vandril Mansion where he finally see the two.


    Beltrand quickly notices him due to his faded white shirt and pants. A smile of relief appears on his face.


    "You''re finally awake."


    "Yo Beltrand."


    Mateo walks closer to the two. Gilmore now pay attention to Mateo. Meanwhile, Beltrand''s expression changed to annoyance.


    "If you''re not on a sorry state. I probably punched you in the face right now."


    "Hey hey what the fuck I did to you to deserve such hate?" Mateo''s annoyed question.


    "Because you almost die you dipshit!" After sometime shouting his frustratioms to Mateo, Beltrand sigh.


    "You know what, just forget about it. So, are you feeling fine?"


    "Still feel a little weak. The moment I wake up, I feel so hungry that I eat all the fruits in the infirmary."


    "Perhaps because you slept for 2 days." Gilmore finally joins after watching the two banters to each other.


    "I see... I''m not even surprised." Mateo chuckle as he remember his 1 week sleep after the Reverse Tower incident.


    But his laughter abruptly stop when he remember something.


    "Wait how about my training? Did I manage to finish Level 14?"


    Gilmore smile. "Yes."


    "Phew! All of those torture, I''m glad it paid off."


    "Still... We should never do that again."


    "I agree with Beltrand. I only allowed you to force yourself because I feel that you truly believe you can do it. But we can''t do that stunt in the higher levels now." Gilmore''s opinion.


    Mateo nods because not only he agrees to Gilmore''s words but also he scared on how painful the higher levels are if 14 almost kill him from what he think is numerous times already.


    Gilmore slowly walks towards the mansion.


    "Let''s go inside and eat. Mateo, eat a lot so you can recover your energy and join Beltrand to test your strenght later."


    Gilmore''s invitation makes Mateo salivate a little bit as he imagines all the food. He wipes his droll and both him and Beltrand follows Gilmore for a hearty lunch.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    After eating a enormous amount of food. The two finally have the time to test their new strenght with Gilmore''s command.


    "Lift an Ironwood log for me."


    Without question, Mateo and Beltrand quickly follows and they walk to the pile of huge Ironwood logs. They prepare themselves for a heavy lifting but...


    "Huh?"


    The two almost falls to the ground due to out-of-balance, shocked on how easy they lifted the logs that weeks ago makes them struggle hard to even attempt on lifting.


    "W-what?!" Mateo is surprised on revelation. He didn''t even carried the log on his shoulder but instead just casually placed on both of her hands.


    "This is... Absurd..." Beltrand as swing the log like a bat.


    "You don''t have any problems lifting them?" Gilmore asked to confirm something.


    "No problems at all. It''s more like I''m lifting a twig compared to what we experienced weeks ago." Mateo''s answer. He drops the log to the ground which makes a loud thud, shakes the ground and creates a deep dent on the soil. Mateo''s eyes widen when he see that the log is not fake at all.


    "The Mana Potency training really work wonders to your body."


    "But we didn''t use any mana at all?" Beltrand''s confusion.


    "Once your mana reach higher quality. It can also passively enhance your body in small amount. From passive strenght boost, increased recovery of wounds and fatigue and more. Ok both of you, now jump with all your force but don''t use Mana."


    Mateo and Beltrand follow Gilmore''s order and pose themselves for the jump.


    "Let''s see who can jump higher." Mateo''s challenge.


    "Sure!" Beltrand''s confidently agrees.


    "Ready....... JUMP!" Gilmore starts the challenge.


    The two jumps using their full physical strenght. They look down and see Gilmore becomes smaller.


    Mateo reach a maximum of 8 Meters while Beltrand reach 10.


    "Ha you lose!" Beltrand''s smugly teasing.


    But in Mateo''s mind. It''s undeniably a huge boost on their capabilities. He didn''t manage to achieve such height while jumping in the past, even using Mana.


    The two lands gracefully. Like a superhero.


    "That''s... Amazing." Beltrand''s thrilled reaction.


    "Now that we see how tall you can reach without Mana. Lets now look on your next jump but this time use Mana."


    "Ok this time I''m going to win." Mateo''s proud words.


    "In your dreams." Beltrand''s smug rebuttal.


    The two pose themeselves again but this time, they infused their legs with Mana. And with Gilmore''s command. The two jumps again, their power creates small crater beneath their feet.


    "WHA-?!" Beltrand and Mateo are surprised on the unfamiliar strenght.


    And the two reach the maximum height of their jump. Mateo reach 25 Meters while Beltrand reach 23 Meters.


    "See?" Mateo''s smug reaction as he look down on Beltrand who just sigh and admits defeat.


    "Because you''re 1 level above me."


    "Reasons."


    The two laugh as they now falling to the ground.


    The two landed again gracefully but their landing creates minor shockwaves.


    "So what do you think?" Gilmore asked.


    "This is... Absurd. To think we can reach this level of power in just short amount of time." Beltrand''s opinion.


    "But its truely not a easy way to train. If we start from the scratch like from just a Bronze rank, we might give up anyway. Thankfully we''re both already experienced adventurers." Mateo''s review as he look on his palms. He can still feel the surge of power.


    Gilmore nods in agreement on Mateo''s words.


    "Sir Gilmore. I have a request?"


    "What is it Mateo?"


    "Can show us your Mana jump?"


    Beltrand''s also got excited on Mateo''s request. Gilmore smirks.


    "Please step aside."


    The two moves on a distance Gilmore suggested. Gilmore prepares himself for the jump and...


    .


    .


    .


    SWOOSH!


    The two are confused when they see that Gilmore suddenly dissapears in a blink of an eye. But their confusion was replaced by panic when a sudden shockwave almost sent them flying.


    When the wind settles. There''s now a sizable crater on the ground.


    They quickly look above and see what seems a dot on the clear blue sky.


    "What the hell?" Mateo''s shocked reaction.


    "Whooooaaaa!" Beltrand''s amazement.


    And then the dot slowly becomes bigger and then quickly fall until it lands to the same crater making another shockwave and gust of dust and wind.


    When everything settles down. They look on the crater and see Gilmore standing proudly on the same crater.


    "So what do you think?" Gilmore''s smug question.


    "How high even is that?!" Mateo''s still amazed question.


    "I think 300 Rams."


    "300 Rams?!" Both Mateo and Beltrand''s shock.


    1 Rams which equivalent to 5 Bricks in lenght is like equal to 1 meter. Mateo realized that Gilmore''s jump is like equivalent to a Skyscraper.


    The two just stop thinking and sigh.


    "You''re truely a Hero''s descendant Sir Gilmore." The only words that came out from Mateo''s mouth.


    "I''m still far from Hero Glydel." Gilmore humbles himself.


    The two do more test of strenght for another day until it''s time for them to leave the Vandril residence. Mateo and Beltrand already packed their things and now outside of the Mansion, saying their farewell to Gilmore and Erika.


    "We going to return once we are confident that we can continue the training." Mateo proudly said.


    "Same here." Beltrand agrees with confidence.


    "That''s exactly what I want to hear. My home is always open to you... As long as you fulfill your promise." Gilmore''s words as he gives a soft laugh. Mateo chuckle.


    "With such demand. Maybe we should also request to be trained with Vandril swordsmanship."


    Gilmore laughs on Mateo''s joke.


    "You know that it''s a family secret."


    The two bows and says their farewell but...


    They catch something fast coming behind them. When they look at it, it was a gold Vandril badge.


    "Present those to the guards so they can allow you to enter easily."


    The two smiles and nod before walking away. Erika waving her hand.


    When the two reach the middle of the lush garden. Juli appears from behind the flowery bush.


    "Juli? Oh hello." Mateo''s surprised reaction.


    Juli smiles to Mateo and then look at Beltrand. Where she runs towards him and gives Beltrand a kiss.


    "What the fuck?" Mateo''s surprised reaction.


    Juli then hugs Beltrand tight.


    "You going to return right?" Juli asked.


    "Of course. That''s a promise."


    After some time. Juli breaks the hug and says her farewell to the two. Then Mateo and Beltrand continues their walk.


    "When did your relationship start?" Mateo asked.


    "Since we repeatedly lifted those heavy logs."


    "Fuckin hell dude. I thought you only a brothel womanizer. So your words about making moves on Juli is not a joke at all."


    Mateo sigh.


    "I just hope this is not a big deal for Sir Gilmore. I''m just amused that something like this already happening behind my back."


    "Because you''re too focused on the training. Maybe next time try to make move to other maids." Beltrand''s smug suggestion.


    Mateo chuckle.


    "My appearance is too irregular for this world for some girls to fall over. And now that you know I''m from another world, it must be obvious right?"


    As Mateo looks on the gate. Beltrand look at him with a sad expression on his face.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    That day is also the planned time for Grand Ecstasy to meet up on Mateo''s Nattunnia home. And now Mateo, Beltrand and Sophia is waiting for Claustrine in front of the home before they pick up Shirna from Earth.


    "Claustrine is surely late." Sophia''s bored opinion.


    "Should we visit her?" Beltrand''s suggestion.


    "What do you think Sophia?" Mateo asked for her opinion.


    "It''s already 2 hours since the scheduled time. I''m also starting to get concerned for her."


    "Well let''s-"


    "E-everyone... I''m here."


    The three simultaneously look on their left and all of them are in shock and horror.


    "Oh my Goddess!" -Sophia.


    "What the fuck happened to you?!" -Beltrand.


    "Claustrine?!" -Mateo.


    "G-guys what''s w-wrong?"


    But Claustrine is not aware that her friends'' shock is due to her thinly, pale and sleep depraved appearance like she''s just days away from death.


    "W-why the shocked face? Come on, l-lets goooo..."


    The three calms themselves then looked on each other.


    "Should we have a short vacation on Earth?" Mateo''s suggestion.


    "Of course thats necessary at this point!" Sophia''s quick approval.


    "Yeah. We need to return this dumbass on her healthy form."


    "???" Claustrine is confused as she watch her friends talk to each other but her sleep depravation makes it difficult for her to focus on things.


    The supposedly regroup and quest to test their new strenght turns into an instant vacation due to Claustrine''s ghastly appearance.

 Ch. 30 - Modern City

    "This thing, not only it''s so comfortable but... Fast! Far more better than any wagon I ever ride!" Sophia''s excited remarks.


    "To be honest, this is far from maximum comfort." Beatrice''s opinion.


    "If you refering to Limousines or RVs. There''s no way we going to get such vehicles." Mateo''s counter to Beatrice.


    "Hmpf! Do you think I don''t know that? Thanks for providing examples anyway and now also explain what are those things to your friends." Beatrice gives a sly smile.


    Mateo looks on her sides and see Sophia and Beltrand on his left and and Claustrine in his right, looking at him with curiousity. Mateo just sigh.


    As Mateo explains what Limos and RVs. Shirna is just looking on the outside, admiring the concrete infrastructure they surrounded themselves as as they ride the new 15-seater van bought by Shiva with Mateo''s funds.


    The moment Grand Ecstasy see the white Van. They''re amazed as they only see such vehicle on the road with their first visit on Earth.


    "It looks bigger when viewed closer." Claustrine commented as she inspected the vehicle.


    "What do you think?" Shiva asked Mateo.


    Mateo opens the Van and alongside his friends, they inspects the spacious inside and they greeted by smell of a brand new happiness.


    Mateo than inspects the car outside and notices something.


    "Is the roof rack an add-on?"


    "Yes brother. That model of Van is not really equipped by that but I asked the seller and said that its safe to add such things, so I decide to just put that rack anyway." Shiva explains.


    "It''s now looks like suited for really long distance travel, a road trip."


    "You don''t like it?"


    "Of course I like it! In fact, its perfect."


    Shiva proudly smiles.


    Claustrine spent two days to regain her healthy body by eating and sleeping a lot. It turns out that she''s so focused on her magic studies that she rarely eat or sleep at all, because of this. Claustrine recieves a heavy stressing down from both her friends, Ligaya and Beatrice about maitaining own''s health.


    Their short vacation would only last for 10 days. And to truly enjoy it, they decide to spend the remaining days by having a field trip on Metro Manila, especially Bonifacio Global City.


    Thus the on-going travel. Reymundo is the Driver with Ligaya on his side. Everyone is in the back. Mateo and his friends on the middle seats while Shiva, Beatrice and Jade in the back seats.


    Reymundo just following the GPS as he traverse the road while talking to Ligaya.


    Jade is so focused on his phone while Shiva is sleeping. Beatrice spends his time talking with the others gleefully as it''s been a while since she sees Mateo''s otherwordly friends.


    The trip went smoothly for a while until they got interrupted by a sudden traffic jam.


    "Why a sudden traffic?" Beatrice asked.


    "Hmm... Let me check."


    Reymundo went outside and asked some people who viewing something from afar. After some time, he returns. His face is filled with mild annoyance.


    "Just a minor car accident but..."


    "But?" Mateo asked. Reymundo sigh.


    "The two drivers involve are currently arguing. No one wants to accept blame."


    "Should we intervene?" Beltrand asked.


    "Nah. That''s not our problem. I just hope the Police or Tanods deal with it quickly." Mateo just sigh.


    They just wait for the incident to settle, thankfully they can occupy themselves for a while with various things.


    .


    .


    .


    BANG


    !!!


    "Gunshots?!" Shirna clearly recognize the familiar sound.


    They faintly hear the scream of people outside.


    "He has a gun!"


    "Run!"


    "Find cover!"


    They see the people outside their Van panics and runs away on whatever direction they deem safe.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    "What the hell js happening?!" Shiva asked as he abruptly wakes-up on the sound of gunshot and people screaming.


    A man is running towards their Van. Fear and panic is visible on his face as he tries to ran away from another man full of rage, pointing a handgun on him.


    The events happen quickly that they don''t even have time to assess what''s happening. The target slams in front of their Van as he fails to stop his momentum.


    .


    .


    .


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    Ligaya just notice a clenched fist in front of him. It is from Beltrand who quickly moves in order to catch the one stray bullet that almost hit Ligaya''s head.


    The running man continues to escape somewhere followed by the gunman. Thats when everything registers to everyone.


    "Ma! Pa!" Beatrice screams with worry.


    Shiva, Jade and Beatrice quickly rushes towards Ligaya and Reymundo despite them having difficulty. They check their parents with panic.


    "I''m fine! Don''t worry!" Reymundo shouts then he checks his wife.


    Beltrand opens his fist and a bullet falls down on the car''s floor.


    "I-I''m fine. Thanks to Beltrand." Ligaya''s reassuring smile as she was pained to see her children gets worried.


    But her eyes gets wide open when she realized she forgot someone.


    "Mateo?!" Ligaya asked as she abruptly stand up to see Mateo.


    Beltrand, Clautrine, Shirna and Beatrice feel a potent Mana getting released near them and they look to its source, only to see Mateo as he prepares to open the door. There''s an uncanny calmness on his face but his fists clenched so hard that veins are popping on his arm as the Mana becomes even more sinister.


    "I''ll be back." Mateo''s soft words as he opens the door.


    "Mateo stop! I''m fine so don''t worry about it!" Ligaya screams as she''s scared on what might happen.


    "Hold him!" Reymundo screams.


    Mateo''s friends, already understand the implications starts to stop him. Beltrand grabs Mateo on his shoulder while Claustrine and Sophia holds his arms. Shirna close the door shut and block it using his body.


    "Mateo please calm down!" Sophia screams as she struggle to hold Mateo.


    "Sophia. How I am supposed to calm down?" Mateo said with a deadpan serious tone.


    "But I manage to prevent it so there''s no need for this brother. Ok?" Beltrand pleads.


    "Besides! If you kill that man! You just going to put everyone to jeopardy because it might reveal your secret! Think Mateo for gods'' sake!" Claustrine shouts, anger is audible on her voice.


    Claustrine words finally make Mateo snaps and realized that what he almost going to do is a terrible idea. He takes a deep, breath several times then he finally calm himself. The Mana also slowly dissipates.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Thanks everyone. I don''t know what I might do if you didn''t stop me." Mateo says calmly.


    Mateo sits on his chair again. Followed by others. All of them give a deep relieved sigh.


    "HE EMPTIED HIS GUN!"


    A scream of a man faintly enters their Van, all the people that recently runs away returns running back. Now some of them holding anything they can carry. From small stick to large branch of trees and trashcan lids.


    Curious on what''s happening. They go outside and see a mob of people attacking the gunman who''s in the ground and protecting himself from barrage of kick and strikes of sticks and other objects.


    "Enough enough! Don''t kill him!" One of the man screams.


    The mob follows the man and stops beating the gunman who is now beaten to pulp.


    They secure the gunman until the police come and assess everything. They move the cars that obstruct the road so the traffic continues to flow again. Thankfully no one got hurt except for the gunman who recieve a brutal beatdown from everyone.


    Grand Ecstasy and Agbayani family are just astounded on the sudden change of mood. Everyone just stay silent for a while before it manages to returns to its usual happy vibes again.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Whoaaaa... What is this place?" Grand Ecstasy''s amazed reaction as they watch from the window the tall skyscrapers that dwarfs them.


    "These weird shaped buildings are so intimidating." Sophia says as she looked upwards, trying to view the top of the skyscrapers.


    "But why they build so many watchtowers and in close proximity with each other?" Beltrand asked with innocence. Mateo chuckle.


    "Those are not watchtowers Beltrand."


    "They''re not?" Claustrine asked, curious on why Earthlings built such archetecture.


    "Yeah. Each of them have their own purpose. In fact you going to experience one."


    They finally reached their destination - Drescott Hotel.


    Grand Ecstasy feels so dwarfed as they look up on the tall rectangular building made with stone and glass.


    "This is a... Hotel?" Claustrine asked.


    "Yeah. This is where we going to stay.


    Reymundo parked the Van on the side then everyone exits to go to the lobby. They now just sitting on the waiting area as Beatrice talks to the lobby personel for their reservations. After some time, Beatrice walks to everyone and she dangles two set of keys.


    "Let''s go to our rooms!"


    Grand Ecstasy feels awestruck when they ride the elevator. Two bellhops carried their luggage as they go to their 2 large rooms they going to stay for 8 days. Beatrice gives tips to the bellhops.


    They reserved 2 Three-Bedroom executive apartment. One for Grand Ecstasy and another one for Agbayani family.


    The moment Sophia sees the huge bed, she quickly jumps and plants herself on the soft mattress...


    "This is bliss...." Sophia''s satisfied words.


    Claustrine also dives on the bed followed by Shirna as they join Sophia on her indulgence.


    Meanwhile, Beltrand feels unease as he observes the spacious and luxurious room they going to stay with.


    "Beltrand, is the room not on your liking?" Mateo asked as he was curious on Beltrand''s reaction.


    "Of course I love it, in fact this room is magnificent. But I just can''t stop myself for being nervous."


    "Nervous for what?" Mateo asked, Beltrand gives a deep sigh.


    "Because it feels like we''re nobles here! In fact, this room is worthy for a king! Is this really a hotel?!"


    Mateo laughs joyfully.


    "Of course this is a hotel. You know what, just calm down and enjoy the moment. It''s not like we always experience such luxury right?"


    "Mateo is correct so don''t kill the mood." Sophia agrees a she snuggles a pillow.


    Beltrand just scratches his head.


    "Fine fine." Beltrand smiles.


    Beatrice enters their room.


    "Guys let''s go down and have a dinner."


    "Okayyy." Everyone agrees.


    After they eat high class meal on the restaurants below. Grand Ecstasy returns to their room and take turns on the showers.


    Grand Ecstasy is just hanging out on their room''s balcony. Watching the city''s night scenery full of lights from the buildings, roads and cars.


    "Even the night is very alive in this city." Sophia says.


    "Nattunnia pales in comparison right?" Sophia compares and Claustrine nods as she agrees.


    "It''s amazing indeed but somehow I feel melancholic watching this busy place." Shirna''s sudden opinion.


    "Perhaps because you''re more accustomed to the forest right?" Mateo asked. Shirna only answers with a nod.


    "It''s not like I don''t like this place. Maybe, I just need to get used to sudden change of environment." Shirna''s opinion.


    "Don''t worry, I would ensure that all of you guys can adapt and have fun." Mateo promised everyone who smiles gently.


    Then he look at Claustrine.


    "Your fear of heights acting again?" He asked as he see Claustrine far away from the Balcony.


    "Y-Yeah."


    "Hey atleast it''s not worse compared to our early days. Ahh... I remember how she begs us to not pick a mission on the Rockfall Mountain."


    "Do you really need to remind us that?" Claustrine looks at Beltrand with disbelief.


    "Yeah. It''s fun to reminiscenes sometimes." Sophia agrees.


    "Fine. Then, we should talk on how we find Beltrand naked on the gutter after being seduced by a thieving courtesan." Claustrine smirks.


    "It''s worth it." Beltrand smirks back.


    "You surely believe yourself you got laid with her huh? How sad." Claustrine gives a smug smile.


    "Because my body still remembers it." Beltrand proudly says.


    Mateo, Sophia and Shirna laughs to the absurdity of two''s banter.


    Grand Ecstasy spends more of the night by watching movies on the huge HD TV while eating snacks and drinking wines they ordered.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Mateo alongside Reymundo walks to the parking lot to pick up their Van. They see Shiva talking to one of the guards.


    "This damage is nasty indeed. Poor car, brand new yet already suffered damage." The middle-aged guard says as he looks on the Van.


    Shiva looks on the front of the Van with 3 bullet holes making a circular crack on the glass.


    "Screw that Gunman. I wish he thoroughly punished." Shiva says.


    "Oh boy he''s going to be punished alright. Attempted murder with an unlicensed firearm. And there''s also the damage to property and the car accident if he''s the one that caused it. That''s going to be a huge pain to deal with." The guard commented.


    "Shiva. Are you planning to bring the car to an auto-repair?" Mateo asked as he inspects the damage caused by bullets.


    "Yeah. After I bring everyone to the amusement park, I''m going to send the Van to the nearest auto-repair shop for a quick wind shield replacement." Shiva answers with less ethusiasm as he pinch the area between his eyebrow. "And I thought this vacation is going to be a chill one."


    "I recommend that you give this van A sacrifice." The guard suggested.


    "We already sacrifice a pig for this one." Reymundo answers quickly.


    "Then that incident is just a unfortunate coincidence." Mateo and Shiva sighs because of the guard''s words.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    After spending hours on the amusement park, everyone decides to instead wait for Shiva on the supermarket nearby. Grand Ecstasy temporarily seperate ways to others and explore the mall themselves while eating their chosen foods.


    "It''s funny that we''re too strong to enjoy the amusement park. When I was a child, those rides gives me excitement and want me to ride more." Mateo states his opinion.


    "I understand the concept that the rides are exhilarating for normal people."


    "But in this world, we''re not normal." Claustrine added on Sophia''s statement with a bite of crepe still inside on her mouth.


    "Besides, we literally live fighting deadly monsters that those rides don''t give us the rush anymore." Beltrand non-chalantly say then he takes a bite of his shawarma, he smiles as he savour the taste.


    Shirna just listens to his friends as he breaks a piece on his chocolate bar and eat. Of all the food from Earth that he tried so far, Shirna find himself falling in-love on the sweet and earthy food.


    "Guys, you still hungry?" Mateo asked.


    "Are you really asking that question to us? Of course we''re hungry!" Sophia said with excitement. Claustrine and Shirna nods.


    "Geez. Beatrice message me, inviting us for a Samgy-."


    Mateo stops talking when he noticed that Beltrand is gone on his side. He look back and see Beltrand staring on one of the shop''s glass window.


    "Beltrand? Something got your interest?" Mateo asked as they walk towards Beltrand with curious look on their face.


    Mateo now see what caught Beltrand''s eyes once he comes closer.


    "Is this a lute?" Beltrand points on one of the instruments displayed in the shop.


    "That''s a guitar."


    "Guwitar? Is this also a guwitar?" Beltrand now points on the electric guitar next to the acoustic one.


    "Yes."


    "But why this one looks so flat, solid and no hole? How it supposed to create sound?"


    Mateo scratches the back of his head.


    "You see. That''s an electric guitar and it needs several devices before it creates a sound."


    "Sounds like a hassle. Why you need an instrument that didn''t create a sound on its own?"


    "Because it creates a completely unique tune."


    "I see..."


    Beltrand now then focus his gaze on the acoustic guitar. His expression is full of fascination. Mateo smiles as he observe his friend.


    "Beltrand, you want that guitar right?"


    Beltrand''s body twitch due to Mateo''s sudden question.


    "Ah...  uhmm not really. I''m just curious on how beautiful it is." Beltrand tries to lie, he avoids eye contact to his friends.


    Mateo, Claustrine, Sophia and Shirna smiles smugly on Beltrand''s failed attempt.


    "Why you looking at me like that?"


    "Because you only really fascinated and focus on things or girls you see as beautiful." Sophia says still with his smug smile.


    "You''re so easy to read." Claustrine smugly says.


    "Oh crap." Beltrand sigh as he was completely caught by his friends.


    "Fine. Yes I want the guwitar but I''m feel guilty to tell you so I just want to look at it longer."


    "Ok. If that''s the case."


    Beltrand is surprised to see Mateo on the way to enter the shop.


    "Wait wait Mateo. What are you doing?" Beltrand walks fast to catch up to Mateo, the other follows.


    Mateo smiles.


    "Lets buy that guitar."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Everyome is now on the Samgyup restaurant which is their last stop before they visit the National Museum with Ligaya''s suggestion. In a seperate table next to Agbayani, Grand Ecstasy are perplexed as they watch their meat getting grilled in front of them.


    "This world is weird sometimes. Like why we''re the one cooking our food?" Claustrine''s honest opinion.


    "But there''s fun on preparing your own food right? Besides, all of these are so delicious." Sophia replies as she dips the now cooked meat on her chosen sauce partnered by some vegies. Sophia uses a fork to eat the food and she make a blissful ''hmmmm'' sound as she enjoys the unique new taste with her eyes closed.


    "I agree on Sophia." Shirna then eats her portions.


    "Miss! Give us more meat for two tables please." The waitress smiles as she jolts down Beatrice''s order.


    Beltrand is just enjoying the food and enjoys the new concept. He might complain if a tavern in his world is like this but this is Mateo''s worlds full of multiple cultures and they now enjoying one of them, and Beltrand can''t really complain as the foods are genuinely delicious. Next to Beltrand is the guitar gifted to him by Mateo.


    Mateo meanwhile is scrolling seriously on his phone when he got interrupted by Claustrine which sitting beside him. Claustrine puts the Mateo''s now cooked beef slice on his plate.


    "Your food is going to get burned if you don''t pay attention."


    "Thanks Claustrine." Mateo smiles then picks the beef using chopsticks, dips it on a sauce then eats it.


    "Why you so focused on your phone now?"


    "Sorry. Just a habbit of mine."


    "Geez Mateo, you should just enjoy the food with us. You look so lonely when you''re so focused on that phone." Claustrine then frowns.


    "My bad. Well then, let''s continue to eat and eat a lot. Especially you Claustrine, you need to recover the energy you lost from whatever training you did." Mateo happily says.


    "Ok." Claustrine smiles as she blushes slightly.


    Mateo place the phone on his side. He forgot to lock it so the phone still playing a news video of a recent school shooting in Texas. The voice of the reporter is muffled by the restaurants numerous voices.


    "Classmates of the gunman are confused alongside detectives as the shooter was the last one they would expect to do such horrendous acts. No motives nor reason at all on why the suspect enacts the what now called the worse school shooting incident in American history. People are now preparing a vigil for all the students that lost their life on such unnecessary act of violence."

 Ch. 31 - Monster

    North of Nattunia lies the Kingdom of Bolaire. A powerful Kingdom with a stricter nobility rule compared to its neighboring countries.


    A prosperous country on its own right but deep inside brews a growing conflict between the Noble class and the commoners. The commoners'' dissatisfaction keeps rising as the nobility continues to abuse their power with a pretense of they''re "Heroe''s descendants."


    The more sensible nobles knows that if the conflict between the two class continues, it might lead to the destruction of Bolaire which enough reason for them to try improving people''s trust on the monarchy.


    Using Nattunia as inspiritation. The nobles of Bolaire starts by integrating a group of selected commoners with talents on the Bolaire''s academy which only nobles are allowed to enter.


    But...


    .


    .


    .


    "That''s right! Drown on that disgusting water you filth!"


    A female student of nobility stomps and push the head of another female student in a wooden bucket full of dirty mop water. Behind the blonde student with drill hair are another 3 female students of nobility. They all chuckle as they watch the student squirms.


    The blonde student removes her foot which makes the bullied student finally have a deep breath.


    The bullied student looks miserable. Her uniform is ragged and faded, she''s now look messy due to the dirty water splattered all over her as she continues to breath heavily.


    "Ahhhh... This is so much fun." The blonde student savors the feeling of superiority as she look down on her victim.


    The bullied just look down on the floor and avoid making any eye contact. Wishing that her bullies finally got what they want and just leave her alone.


    "What we should do next?" The blonde''s friend asked.


    "Pour that disgusting liquid to her."


    "Yes ma''am!"


    Without remorse. Two of the blonde''s friend lifted the bucket and pour its content on top of the bullied student still slumped on the floor. The dark colored water completely engulfs her body and staining her uniform further.


    "Ewwww! Some splashed on my uniform!"


    "I told you we should pour it slower to make it more dramatic and avoid something like these."


    "Awwww... Now I need to throw out these uniform. Disgusting." One of the bully says as she look down on the victim with absolute disgust.


    The two just throw the bucket on the side and return to the blonde bully.


    "Now you look what someone like you should be, a filthy commoner rat."


    The bully laughs.


    "That''s all for today. See you tommorow and don''t you dare to leave the school ok?." The blonde''s farewell then she give a twisted smile. They exit the bathroom leaving the victim behind.


    "How long are you going to let this happen Dereia?"


    The voice on Dereia''s head talks again. But she ignore it as she starts to stand up and fix herself despite how futile the gesture is.


    "Are you really wishing that one day they just stop tormenting you? What an ignorant optimist you are."


    "Shut up."


    The voice inside her head just suddenly appear a week ago and start talking about giving the control of her body to her. But Dereia ignores it to the best of her abilities. Compare to her bullies, the voice is not pushing her to the limits like suddenly talking on important moments or not letting her sleep. What the voice only did is to talk to her after she get bullied


    Dereia picks her stuffs she tossed earlier to the side to prevent it for getting destroyed and walks outside the bathroom then see the noble students walking on the hallway. She just look down trying not to intimidate anyone but Dereia can feel the look of disgust coming from her supposed fellow students.


    Dereia then proceeds to go to the training grounds where the magic class would take place. Her classmates are full of excitement to cast spells but Dereia is just standing far away from them. In her mind, there''s no point joining them as they just gonna push her away. All she can do is to observe everyone and somehow learn a thing or two.


    THUD!


    Dereia feels something hard hits her arm. She watch as a clumped soil the size of her fist breaks and falls to the ground. She quickly feel the sharp pain.


    A group of her male classmates walks towards her.


    "Ahhh I thought you''re a training dummy. Sooooo-reeeeyyyyyyyy." The boy apologize in a mocking way followed by a devilish grin.


    Dereia just give a fake smile.


    "It''s ok."


    "So it''s ok to hit you again right?" One of the boys ask. His tone is full of malice and sadistic pleasure.


    Dereia''s eyes widen as she just make a mistake that she trying her best to avoid. She looks down, biting her lips out of frustration.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Ughhh... Aw! AHHHHH!!!"


    The moment Dereia wakes up, the barrage of pain simultenously registers.


    Despite the pain. Dereia do her best and stand up, only to notice that she still in the training grounds and it''s now night time. Dereia looks at her uniform and see the truth.


    "Ah."


    She finally remembers why she end up sleeping. The group of noble boys alongside others continues to cast training level spells on her like mud, clump of soil, and water. They overwhelemed her to the point that she lost conciousness.


    And the fact that she still in the training grounds means the on-site medical team just ignored her again.


    "If you asking. You sleep for 6 hours."


    The voice talks again.


    "I didn''t ask you. And shut up."


    "How am I suppose to shut up when my vessel is just willingly let herself to get abused? You''re so fucking stupid."


    "What you supposed to know?!"


    "I know that the best option is just leave, yet you still stay here. It''s either you''re really that stupid or just a closeted masochist."


    "Shut up!"


    Dereia completely ignores the voice again and she starts limp...


    And limp...


    Until she reached a decrepit building. Dereia enters the what she call home and open the magic lamps.


    Dereia notice the bowl with plate at top of it and a covered basket on table. She opens them and see a cold soup and few stale bread. Her stomach rumbles.


    "Hehe." Dereia makes a pained smile.


    She sits down, heats the stew using her magic and eats some of the bread and stew while leaving the rest for tomorrow.


    "Thanks." Dereia thanked the unknown yet kind individual that continues to bring her food in the building.


    Dereia continues to do her routine. Clean her uniform and remove its stains using magic, wash herself using magic and finally study using whatever she observed for today.


    Then Dereia enters the sleeping quarters only to greeted by the familiar darkness and silence.


    A memory flashes on her mind and see the sleeping quarters during their first day 3 months ago. Dereia sees her fellow commoners. 20 gifted individuals chosen to attend the prestegious academy. They''re full of excitement, happiness and hope on their face as they prepare their personal beds.


    But with just a snap. The scene returns back to present. The beds are now empty and a mess. Dereia goes to her bed, sits and starts to heal her wounds using a cleric magic she learned by reading a book from the library before they become hostile and doesn''t let her enter anymore.


    She remember the faces of her friends. How they slowly lose hope and the sparks on their eyes disappears as they recieve inhumane bullying from the noble students. And one-by-one, they leave the academy until Dereia is the only one remains.


    She already contemplated multiple times on leaving the academy for good and returning to the backwater village she came from. But everytime the thought appears, Dereia always pull out a necklace like what she''s doing right now.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The necklace which a farewell gift for her from her parents. After she leave, Dereia promise her parents and siblings that she would absolutely do her best and become a successful mage to make them proud.


    "I promise that once I become a successful mage! J''m going to treat you with all the fancies the world can offer!"


    "That''s a promise sis!"


    "We will wait for that moment my dear daughter. Do your best ok? Me and your dad will pray for you everyday."


    "Will you return sis?"


    "Of course. Your sister just going to leave for a while but I promise that I occassionally return with lots and lots of gifts."


    "Yey!"


    The necklace is only thing that makes her endure the constant suffering and discrimination she needs to face everyday. It makes her remember the promises she left and the hopes of the villages as they give her a fun farewell celebration after knowing that she got selected.


    Dereia clenched the necklace on her hand and tears drops down on her knuckle. The weigh of the sufferring and promises overwhelmes Dereia and turned her into a pile of misery as she lies down on the bed and cry her hearts out. Her cries echoed through the almost abandoned building.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    The next day. Dereia eats the almost spoiled stew and even more stale bread, wears her old and damaged uniform and goes to academy. She strenghten her mind as she always expects the worse.


    The classes continues as expected. She''s sitting far away from her classmates as she listens to the professors. She still make and give written works and now Dereia pass one to the proffesor. The professor just give her a spiteful look and ignore  her entirely.


    Dereia is the last to exit the room and behind the close door, she sigh and feel pained as she hear the sound of paper getting teared apart. Despite already experiencing such treatement in almost daily basis, Dereia still feel pained knowing that her effort is wasted... again.


    For the professors who also came from nobility, she doesn''t exist and treated her like a ghost as they turn a blind eye to the rampant bullying the students did to Dereia. Due to the fact that they can''t verbally protest on the Kingdom''s decree, they protest by either treating the commoner students with a cold shoulder, purposely giving them low grades, or deliberately insulting and degrading them in front of other noble students.


    For the professors, teaching a commoner is an grave insult to their noble blood.


    .


    .


    .


    Dereia is preparing to enter another class when the blonde student and her friemds stops in front of her.


    "W-w-what''s wrong Miss Hilda?" Dereia looks down as she tries to not provoke the one that bullies her the most.


    Hilda smiles with malice.


    "You should already know everytime I approach you."


    "P-p-please Miss Nesticia. Can we do this later? I-i-i promise I would not escape." Dereia tries her luck.


    "Huh?" Hilda raise an eyebrow then she grab Dereia on her collar.


    "Do you really think you can bargain with me? Who do you think you are? You''re just a disgusting commoner."


    "N-n-no that''s not what I mean Miss Nes-."


    Dereia didn''t even finish her sentence when one of Hilda''s friend slap her.


    "Just shut up you lowlife!" The friend shouts.


    Dereia not wanting to instigate them further just accept her predicament and just wish that the torment is a tame one.


    Nesticia smiles and drags Dereia away. There''s students and few professors nearby but as usual, all of them turn a blind eye. There''s no way they want to have a beef with the daughter of a Duke.


    After reaching a nearby storage room. Nesticia throws Dereia to the floor.


    "What you planning to do now Miss Nesticia?" One of her friend asked with glee.


    "Don''t worry I prepared something special for today."


    Nesticia opens her Bag of Storage and pulls out a whip and uncoils it, letting the tip hit the floor. Dereia''s eyes widen.


    "You see commoner. I''m planning to intigrate whips for my fighting style so I want to practice. But... It''s just don''t feel right trying it on training dummies." Nesticia makes a faux frown as she she rub the handle of the whip with her other hand.


    "Ohhh! I like it already!" One of Nesticia''s friend celebrates.


    Nesticia then grabs the handle tightly.


    "So be kind and endure this as long as you ca. Ok?" Nesticia says with a sadistic smile on her face.


    Without waiting for Dereia''s response, Nesticia winds up and slams the whip towards Dereia that still lying on the floor. Dereia uses her arms to protect her face.


    CRACK!


    The whip hits Dereia and she screams in agony as the pain is too unbearable.


    "Nice nice. I like that reaction." Nesticia''s sadistic cheer as she winds up for another hit.


    The cracking of the whip and Dereia''s screams can be heared outside of the storage room. Some student leaves not that they feel bad for Dereia but because they can''t handle the brutality. Others stays and watch with morbid curiousity.


    The whipping last for 10 minutes. Dereia lying motionless on the floor, her clothes are in total mess and her body is full of bruises and small cuts as Nesticia''s inexperience on the whip didn''t create grievous wounds.


    "Phew! I still need more practice." Nesticia''s sad opinion, not giving a single care about her victim''s condition.


    Nesticia then grabs her handkerchief and wipes the blood on her whip. After that, she thows the now dirty handkerchief to Dereia as she feel disgusted to it now that its stained with a commoner''s blood.


    The moment Nesticia watch the handkerchief land on Dereia, she notices something.


    "Ohhh? What''s this?"


    Nesticia moves closer to Dereia and suddenly pulls her necklace to Dereia''s shock.


    "What is this ugly necklace you wearing? Commoners like you really don''t have fashion taste." Hilda and her friends then laughs.


    "It''s not even gold or silver!"


    "A pathetic attempt of a lowlife pretending to be us."


    Dereia despite her injuries, crawls and holds Nesticia''s leg.


    "No please... Give it back to me...."


    Hilda feel disgusted and kicks Dereia who just continues to grab her leg.


    "Give it back!"


    Nesticia now seething kicks Dereia harder.


    "What you two looking?! Get this disgusting filth out of me!"


    Her two friends hesistate for a moment before agreeing and pulling Dereia away to Nesticia''s leg and throwing her away.


    "Give it back to me!"


    "Why this trash is so important to you?!" Nesticia is angry and confused as she can''t understand the sudden change of Dereia.


    "Give it back!"


    Then Hilda finally realize why Dereia suddenly got a courage to oppose her  just for a single necklace.


    "Is this... A family gift for you?"


    "Give... It... Back." Dereia''s voice is now exhausted.


    "Ahh I see it now! So the reason you still not leaving is because of them huh?"


    Nesticia laughs.


    "Do you really think that by enduring and staying here guarantees you and your family better future? As if scums like you deserves it!"


    Nesticia drops the necklace and Dereia tries to grab it. But Hilda stomps the necklace quickly.


    "Scums like you are scums forever! You, your family and everyone like you in the bottom are destined to stay below us so stop that pathetic dream of yours!"


    Dereia watch in horror as Nesticia continues to stomp the necklace and then she look at Nesticia who also directly looks on Dereia''s eyes. Her stare is full of disgust.


    "You know what. I have an idea now that I know what motivates you to continue, and insult me."


    Dereia feels a cold air as she continue to look at Nesticia.


    "If I can''t break you with the best of my abilities. What would happen if... I snuff out the thing that gives you motivation?" Nesticia gives an evil smile which sends a shiver on Dereia.


    "N-n-n-n-no please!" Dereia starts to panic.


    "Yes please scum! Ahhhh... I can''t stop imagining the despair you would make once you find out that your love ones are already dead." Nesticia blushes as she lustfully daydream the look of absolute mess Dereia make.


    "NO NO NO LEAVE THEM ALONE PLEASE! JUST ME NOT THEM!" Dereia begs louder, tears starts to flow on her cheeks.


    Nesticia''s friends don''t know how to react as they can''t relate to Nesticia''s sudden spike of sadism. They just nervously watch their leader.


    "You know, to be honest. I''m starting to get bored of our daily routine. So now that there''s a more exciting way to torment you, there''s no turning back now."


    Dereia falls in despair the moment she look deeper on the apathetic eyes of Nesticia. For the 3 months of her being tormented by her, she knows that Nesticia is true to her words if it means she can get sadistic pleasure.


    "Want to switch place with me?"


    The voice echoed inside her mind again. If in the recent days she can manage to ignore the voice. Now that Dereia''s mind is flooded by images of her family. The voice''s offer slowly becoming more and more reasonable.


    "Look. If you accept my offer, I guarantee that your family would be safe."


    Dereia don''t really trust the voice. The moment the voice appears on her thought, she can feel the sinister aura of it. Dereia is thinking on any solution except accepting the voice''s offer.


    Yet the fear of her family dying engulfes her already wrecked mind.


    Her heart is beating agressively.


    She''s now covered in sweat. Her breathing is heavy and deep as her vision and hearing becomes distorted.


    Nesticia, her friends and other students are confused as they watch Dereia grab her chest, her body is shaking. Obviously in pain but they don''t show any concern. Either they don''t know what to do or they just don''t care.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you?" Nesticia asked.


    But Dereia didn''t answer.


    "There''s no time for you to contemplate Dereia. Prolong this further and you just going to see the heads of your love ones sent to you."


    "You don''t have any more options Dereia."


    "No one will help you Dereia."


    "I''m your only choice Dereia."


    The voice flooded Dereia''s mind with his words. If the voice is pushy before, the voice is now downright assaulting her thoughts.


    "If you don''t switch with me. You singlehandedly cause the death of your family Dereia."


    "You don''t want that right?"


    "So switch with me and you not going to suffer again."


    Nesticia after watching Dereia, feels sadistic euphoria as she makes Dereia become an absolutr mess with just a singe threat.


    "Nice nice... I''m so excited. But I want to savour this new bliss slowly so let''s meet again tommorow Dereia."


    Hilda and her friends slowly walks away.


    "Just wait for the surprise. I''m sure that you can have your beloved reunion and I''m will be there to watch that." Nesticia gives a sadistic grin that she want Dereia to see before she turn and walks away.


    And from that moment, Dereia psyche snaps.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    BANG! BANG!


    Every nearby students flinched because of the sudden loud noise. Except Nesticia who just found herself kneeling on the floor.


    "Huh?"


    She seems unable to move her leg and realization only hits Nesticia when she look down and see her knees bleeding, each with a small puncture wounds.


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Neticia screams in agony as the pain finally kicks in.


    Her friends screams after seeing the pool of blood on the floor and tries to run away.


    BANG! BANG!


    The two girls falls face first on the floor. A puncture wound on back of their heads. After watching the two''s sudden death, the nearby students panics and run away.


    Dereia stand up like the recent whipping she recieved is nothing at all. She walk towards Hilda, kicks her on the back where she falls then kick and push her on the side to make her face the ceiling. The entire ordeal intensifies the pain Nesticia is feeling.


    "WHAT THE HELL YOU JUST DID?!" Nesticia''s face contorts as she screams her wrath to Dereia.


    Yer her wrath quickly replaced by agape confusion when she finally see the face of Dereia.


    Looking down at her is Dereia yet Nesticia is confused and scared as she don''t see wrath, remorse or any emotion at all.


    Dereia is just looking her with absolute apathy. Her cold eyes piercing on Nesticia''s soul.


    "W-w-who are you?" Hilda''s scared question as she can''t see any semblance of Dereia on whatever she''s looking right now.


    "Just a person with few screws loose."


    Hilda don''t understand what Dereia is saying but she doesn''t have any time to think as Dereia makes a gesture on both of her hands.


    BLAM!


    And Nesticia''s left leg was decapitated.


    "GAHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Nesticia''s pained screams.


    Yet Dereia is not done as she makes a pumping motion with her hands like she''s reloading a shotgun and proceeds to blow Hilda''s right leg.


    Nesticia''s scream gurgle as her vocal chords are getting strained due to her screaming. Nesticia is breathing heavily as the pain and blood loss is slowly draining her stamina.


    Nesticia still watch Dereia looking at her with apathy. She don''t know what to say. The pain and confusion only makes Nesticia cry and hypeventilate.


    Dereia change her hand gesture and with only one hand, she aims her index and middle finger to Nesticia with her thumb poining upward.


    BANG!


    Dereia precisely shot Nesticia''s heart.


    "GAGH!" Nesticia spits blood.


    Dereia? gives one sorry look on Hilda before she leaves her to her slow agonizing death, alone.


    Dereia? stretch a little bit. She can feel the tremendous surge of energy deep within her.


    "Ok. It''s showtime."


    Dereia? makes a running posture, and then she dash towards the hallway. With two pistol hand gesture, Dereia? prepares to create another mayhem.

 Ch. 32 - Escort Mission

    In front of large Nattunia city gate. Grand Ecstasy is waiting patiently alongside other few gold rank adventurers the client selected for an escort mission.


    "Our client is surely taking his time." Claustrine commented as boredom starts to settle in.


    "Bored?" Mateo asked.


    "Of course."


    "Good. Spend all of that boredom now as you going to become even more bored later as we travel.


    Claustrine smugly smiles.


    "Not with my books in my disposal."


    As Grand Ecstasy casually chatting. A girl approaches them. Her motions are shy and timid.


    "H-h-hello."


    Mateo and Beltrand looks on the girl and slightly surprised.


    "Oh you''re that one on the Savagery Forest." Beltrand says with amusement.


    "Yes!" The girl is happy that the two still remembers her.


    "Nice to meet you again and also I''m so sorry for breaking your sword." Mateo apologize while scratching the back of his head.


    "Hehe it''s fine. Besides, I already bought a new and more powerful sword." The girl proudly says as she taps the sword hilted on her side.


    "Who is she?" Sophia asked.


    "Oh we meet her while we''re training on Savagery Forest." Beltrand answered.


    "My name is Helyna. Nice to meet you!" Helyna bows with grace.


    Grand Ecstasy introduce themselves friendly.


    "By the way Helyna. Where''s your friends?"


    "Oh. They take another quest, I decide to seperate temporarily to join this mission. So I can get coins before I visit my dad in Zelestre." Helyna happily answers.


    "Zelestre huh? It''s been a while since we visit there." Mateo smiles as he reminiscence good memories in the city.


    Their chatter is interrupted when a group of 7 carriage arrives and stops in front of them. In the more luxurious carriage, a stumpy middle aged man descends while his male servant assist him.


    "Salutations everyone. Some of you might already know me but for the sake of professionalism I''ll introduce my self. My name is Uruoga, a famous businessman and I entrust the safety of me and my goods to you in exchange of handsome payment according to contract. Good luck and stay safe."


    The assistant then give them paper contracts.


    The adventurers after investigating the contracts, signs the papers and pick their preferred carriage. In one of them is Grand Ecstasy alongside Helyna and a male and female adventurers similar to their age range.


    The preperations went smoothly and the caraven proceeds to leave the city and now several meters away.


    "You seem nervous Helyna. Is something wrong?" Sophia asked as she was concerned on Helyna''s nervousness.


    "Ah N-nothing. It''s just that this is my first time doing an escort mission. Sorry for my unsighly appearance." Helyna awkwardly laughs.


    "Hahaha don''t worry that much. All of us here experience the same." The male adventurer says. Grand Ecstasy alongside the female adventurer nods in agreement.


    "But let me ask you this Helyna. What do you expect on this quest?" Mateo asked.


    "Hmmm... I believe we just gonna defend the carriage from monsters." After hearing Helyna''s answer, Mateo frowns.


    "Oh you sweet summer child. I also want to believe that''s the case."


    "What do you mean Mr. Mateo?"


    Everyone becomes serious as they listen. Waiting for Mateo to break Helyna''s innocence.


    "Helyna, did you kill a human before?"


    Helyna''s eyes widen due Mateo''s sudden and serious question.


    "No. I didn''t."


    "You should prepare yourself because you might have your first human kill during this quest."


    Then Helyna realizes what Mateo is implying.


    "Bandits..." She softly said.


    "Yes. And with us escorting a well known businessman. We should expect some organized ambush."


    Helyna frowns.


    "Did all of you already killed a human before?" Helyna asked.


    "I killed 14." Mateo answers.


    "Three." -Claustrine.


    "Five." -Shirna.


    "Seven." -Beltrand.


    "Zero." -Sophia.


    "Six." -Male adventurer.


    "Four." -Female adventurer.


    Helyna''s expression becomes somber.


    "Is it difficult?"


    Mateo painly smiles.


    "Killing a fellow human is always difficult for a moral person."


    Helyna''s mood lowered as she understand Mateo''s words.


    "Don''t be sad Helyna. After some time, you would understand what being an adventurer truly entails. There might be bad times but there''s also good times." Claustrine reassures her and pats her shoulder.


    "Thanks Ms. Claustrine."


    Beltrand meanwhile, watching the mood gets darker. He opens his Bag of Storage and pulls out the brand new guitar gifted to him by Mateo.


    "Is that a lute? It looks larger and different." The female adventurer asked.


    "In fact, the shapes looks very... erotic." The male adventurer commented which make him recieve a light smack to head from his female companion.p


    "Your thoughts are running wild again."


    "You can''t really blame me. I mean, look at it!" The male adventurer angrily points on the guitar.


    "Stop reaso-... Ohh. On closer inspection, yeah."


    "See?!"


    Everyone laughs because of the two adventurer''s ruckus and then Beltrand proceeds to play some music he learned when playing the lute years ago. The carriage becomes quiet as they vibe on the music. Even the driver listens as he enjoys the tune.


    .


    .


    .


    After some time...


    "Kalimutan na munaaaa!


    Ang lahat ng problemaaaa!


    Huminga ka ng malalim!


    At tayo''y lalarga naaaaaa!


    Handa na baaaaa! Gumala.


    Beltrand, Shirna and Mateo are passionately singing as Helyna, Sophia and the two adventurers bops their head slowly as they join the fun.


    Because of the mysterious Auto-Translate. The lyrics are translated on everyone''s mind thus making them understand the song.


    Paparapapapa papapa papa papapa~


    Claustrine just sigh and smiles as she can''t really stop them having fun. And despite not admitting it, their performance removes her boredom.


    A day of travel gone by without any problem and the adventurers take turns on guarding the caravan at night.


    The next day is also peaceful. The adventurers comes more familiar to each other and in friendly terms. Especially Grand Ecstasy''s group.


    The group is assigned to guard the caravan. They surround a campfire which their source of heat for the cold and starry night.


    Mateo prepares a cream coffee on a cup and give it Norm, the mage adventurer they befriend.


    "I don''t know what is this but thanks." Norm smile.


    Mateo then prepares a choco coffee for Fleur, a swordswoman.


    "Hmmm... Smells weird yet amazing."


    Mateo then finally gives another cup of choco coffee to Helyna who happily accepts.


    The three takes a sip and a weird sensation rushes on their body. The taste is so great and unique that they drink more.


    "Woah! I suddenly feel so awake." Norm commented.


    "I love it." Fleur then elegantly take another sip alongside Helyna.


    Grand Ecstasy meanwhile happily observes the three enjoy their first coffee while enjoying the coffee of their own.


    "I still can''t believe that we got grouped alongside Grand Ecstasy and we just realized it." Norm said with awe.


    "Hehe. We''re just Gold ranked adventurers like you." Sophia awkwardly chuckle.


    "But you guys facing a Legendary Hero is such a big feat!" Helyna replies.


    "But we lose though, terribly." Mateo smiles.


    "Doesn''t matter!" Helyna insist as she shows her admiration.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Besides fighting one of the Legendary Heroes, Grand Ecstasy''s good reputation is talked by most adventurers." Fleur commented.


    "Thanks." Beltrand proudly said.


    Clauatrine and Shirna just silently listens on them while drinking their coffee.


    "But with your achivements and exploits. Do you guys think that it''s good to try a Platinum Rank promotion quest?"


    Hearing Norm''s question, Mateo remembers Gilmore and his capabilities. One thing is sure in his mind.


    "Oh no. We''re still too far for becoming a Platinum rank. Those guys on that rank are genuine monster and it might take more years for us to reach such feat." Mateo''s honest reply.


    "Afterall. It''s Gilmore a Platinum ranked the one that defeated the Legendary Hero unlike us who got our ass kicked." Beltrand laughs joyfully.


    "Wow. Grand Ecstasy is surely humble."


    "We''re just being honest Helyna." Sophia smile.


    "By the way Helyna. How you exactly meet Mateo and Beltrand?" Claustrine suddenly ask Helyna.


    Helyna happily tells the story on how Mateo and Beltrand saves her party for being killed.


    The group spends the night telling their stories of adventures until the double sun rises where they finally can sleep inside the carriage while the other adventurers takes guard.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Few days later. The caravan is smoothly traversing the beaten path in the plains. The adventurers seems relaxed as the open field is so visible that any ambush happening is low...


    But not zero.


    As walls of soil quickly arise in four corners, surrounding the Caravan with ease.


    "AMBUSH!" One of the battle harden adventurer screams.


    "But how they manage to hide?! My detection is literally spread wide around us!" One of the mages reponsible for spreading her mana to detect magic screams in disbelief.


    After the walls, numerous boxes of soil rise from the ground and then opens revealing the bandits. Each one holding a tube made of wood.


    "Cleaver bastards. No wonder they didn''t get detected." Claustrine commended the ingenuity of the bandits.


    "What do you mean?!" The mage asked.


    "They make spaces underground with the help of mages for them to hide and uses those wooden tubes to breath air. While they wait, the mages ensures that their mana would not spill out further." Claustrine''s explanation makes the mage flabbergasted.


    Once the bandits reveal themselves, one of them observes each adventurers.


    "Boss! We''re lucky today! So many beautiful girls!" The same bandit screams.


    "You hear him boys! Kill all the males and don''t kill the females as much as possible. After this, we going to party!"


    The bandits howls in frenzy.


    "Group C! Protect the main carriage containing our client!" The battle hardened adventurer screams.


    Group C consisting mostly of swordsman, spearman and Sword-and-Shield goes closer to the main carriage.


    The fighters then engages the bandits in close combat. The adventurers being gold ranked are skilled fighters, but the bandits are not lowly fodders either. The two side are equal in terms of abilities as they dodge, parry and attack each other.


    "Shit! These guys are not your normal bandits!" One of the adventurers commented as she holds a bandits sword with her own blade.


    Shirna notices that bandits are on the top walls aiming their bows. He shoots one on the head.


    "Archers on the walls! Beware!"


    Shirna''s warning makes the adventurers even more alert.


    "Mages!"


    "Got it!"


    Norm casted an air cutter and throw it to one of the archer bandits too focus on aiming to shot one of the adventurers, striking it to his stomach and pushing it to fall.


    Other mages successfully hit most archers but some manages to throw their arrows hitting one female mage in her shoulder.


    "Cleric!" The mage screams. The available adventurers pull the injured mage in the backside where a cleric and a doctor quickly tend her wound.


    Sophia observes that the adventurers are getting pushed by the bandits with their great numbers. Concerned, she quickly run towards the middle of the fray and opens her bag of storage.


    She grab one red pole with a carved head of a wolf and planted it to the ground, she grab another and planted a green pole with a head of a Cafira - A creature known for its stamina and tenacity. Then she conjure mana in each of her hand holding the totem as she start to pray abd chant.


    "Dear Garunta, the god of war that rules the batllefield. Help my companions to win this battle with your overwhelming support."


    Sophia successfully activates the poles and each emits shockwaves with their respective colors. Once the shockwace hits the adventurers, they suddenly feel a rush of power.


    "ORAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Beltrand screams as he feel the increase of energy and casually throw the group of strong bandits that he holds with his shield.


    "I don''t know what you did Sophia but thanks a lot!" Beltrand''s gratitude.


    Mateo meanwhile opens his Bag of Storage and picks a spear. He throws it on the earth wall the bandits created, the spear planted itself deep. Mateo then run and leaps, bypassing the bandits below until he landed on the spear he thrown earlier. And from there, he jumps to now reach the top.


    Mateo landed on the top of the earth wall then starts to run towards the archers, decimating each one that he reach. Some tries to shot arrows on him but Mateo just casually parried them. He notice a barrage and instead of parrying, he picks the bandit that he just slashed and use him as human shield. After blocking the arrow barage, Mateo throws the bandit out to fall on his more guaranteed death.


    "Fuck! I thought all of them are just low Gold rank! How the fuck that one is so strong!?" One of the bandit mage behind the battle complains.


    "Our informer says that the adventurers are nothing to worry about! Was our calculations wrong?!" Another mage screams.


    "Informer huh? Interesting."


    The two mage bandits quickly looks behind the moment they hear a voice of a woman but before they even cast any spell, an earth spike penetrating their stomach halts their movements.


    "So who''s the informer you talking about?" Claustrine asked the now slowly dying bandits.


    "Augh! A-as if we t-tell you b-bitch."


    Claustrine just sigh and just leave the two bandit mages die. By manipulating the ground below her feet, she quickly moves the huge enclosed battlefield. She reach the earth wall and makes an opening, exits and close it again."


    After ensuring that the adventurers are now in advantage, Sophia rush towards to the group of adventurers with injuries. She starts to heal an adventurer that calls for a cleric.


    "Sorry, I need to help our friends."


    "No worries, I can see that you truly give them a huge advantage." The adventurer smile but flinch when she suddenly feel a sudden rush of pain from the wound where an arrow is stuck earlier. It was removed by a clerics before doing a healing process.


    Sophia quickly starts to heal the injured adventurers. Meanwhile, the adventurers are still fighting the horde of bandits.


    "Shit! It''s like we''re fighting an entire army!" One of the adventurer screams.


    "But we can still fight! Don''t falter!" The battle hardened adventurer screams.


    The boosted adventurers are pushing towards the horde of bandits. The menacing bandit leader just watch intently.


    "It becomes more difficult than I thought. Mages! Prepare to cast a huge deistic magic!"


    But no one responds on his call. Because he''s too pre-occupied on observing the battle and chaos in front. He didn''t notice that his mages are now all dead.


    "But who?!" He franticlly looks on the surroundings. He looked on top of the walls and see Mateo still killing the archers one-by-one so he''s out of question. But when he looks down of the walls, he see Claustrine quickly gliding on the ground as she move towards the wall. Claustrine notices the bandit leader looking at her and she gives a mocking wave of hand before leaving the wall and closing the exit.


    A vein appears on his forehead as she starting to lose his temper.


    Meanwhile, near the main carriage. Helyna alongside four adventurers are struggling on fighting the skilled bandits who manages to sneak behind the wall of adventurers on the front.


    The enemies understand that the four would protect the client at all cost so they devise a strategy of using their numbers to their advantage.


    And the bandits focus their numbers on the side where Helyna is guarding after noticing her refusal to kill them.


    "To your left!" Helyna''s fellow adventurer mage at the top of carriage screams.


    Helyna quickly follows and see a bandit rushing towards the carriage''s door. She kick the bandit he currently fighting to the stomach and sent him several meters away, then Helyna rush to the invader whos still running to the carriage. Helena manages to reach him.


    Yet the bandit make a quick halt and look at Helyna with a twisted grin.


    "Got ya." The bandit said as he change his target to Helyna.


    Helyna notice a shadow on the ground, sending a message that an enemy is also behind her ready to strike. With her sides threatened by another group of Bandits rushing towards her and not risking luring the bandits near the carriage, Helyna have no choice but to choose between the bandit in front and behind her.


    Helyna decides to deal with the bandit from behind as it''s the one closer. When she make another step, Helyna twist her body with a sword on her hand moving on a centrifugal motion. Helyna just making a wild guess if she can hit the bandit and to her luck, her sword reach the bandit''s neck. Cutting it clean and sending the head to the ground.


    Watching his teammate getting decapitated, the other bandit still charge forward but now with a doubt if he can stay alive as he got surprised on Helyna''s sudden killing.


    The bandit lunges his sword aiming on her side, yet Helyna already anticipated the follow up attack and prevent the stab by parrying the flat side of the bandit sword with her leather armguard, moving the attack by inches while she''s still refreshing her posture. And the moment she regains footing, Helyna counter attacks. Piercing the bandit''s heart with a sword.


    She pulled her sword and watch the bandit fall to the ground. Helyna breaths heavy as she watch the two bandit she killed.


    Not feeling any guilt nor remorse, Helyna just look on the bodies for a mere second before focusing her attention to the living bandits. The danger surrounding them just not giving her enough time to contemplate and think. Her mind being flooded with adrenaline and the instincts to survive.


    Beltrand continues to fend off the bandits alongside other adventurers. They already killed a huge amount of bandit and now doubt lingers on them as they''re now unsure if they can win the battle.


    Claustrine returns to the group while Mateo leaps back from the wall.


    "Where have you been Claustrine?" Beltrand asked.


    "I just killed their mages hiding on their backlines. How about you Mateo?"


    "I''m klling the archers at top of their wall."


    "I see."


    "They''re now losing their morale! Charge!"


    The adventurer in front scream with confidence followed by her fellow warriors.


    But he suddenly halt followed by other adventurers'' grim surprise as there''s now a hole on his chest where his heart would be. He falls dead to the horror of the people behind him.


    Claustrine looks up and see a barrage of red fluid. Her pupils dilate to her horror as she recognize them but most of the adventurers are clueless on what''s happening.


    "RETREAT! THOSE ARE A DEISTIC MAGIC!"


    Hearing Claustrine''s scream. The adventurer panics especially when they see one of them die easily after getting hit by the sinister attack.


    "Fuck it''s too late!" Mateo screams as he watch that most adventurers will not escape the area.


    Claustrine swipe her staff with force from the ground upwards and from the tip of it spawns an earth wall. It started small and then it becomes larger as the wall moves between the barrage and the fleeing adventurers.


    The massive wall created by Claustrine blocks the red fluids, each of them quickly melts the soil they touch, turning the area into magma, thus creating numerous holes on the wall.


    But one red blob manages to bypass the height of the wall and now falling down.


    "Norm!" Fleur screams as he tries to run, trying to race the blob on who can reach Norm who have no time to dodge to stray attack that capable on melting the ground.


    But the distance between them is just too much despite Fleurs physical prowess, She can''t reach Norm at time.


    Suddenly, Fleur feels a sudden gust of wind on his side and in an instant, he see Beltrand now in front of Norm as he blocks the blob using his metal shield and his casted Knight''s barrier.


    The blob easily break the magic barrier casted by Beltrand.


    Knowing the nature of the attack after watching the similar deistic spell made by Claustrine in the past. The moment Beltrand stops the momentum of the blob, he quickly removes his shield and drop it on the ground.


    Beltrand watch as the red fluid melts the steel of his shield. Making a huge hole then the blob digs on the soil beneath the shield until it runs out of power.


    "Thank the gods!" Fleur''s gratitude, a tear flow on her cheeks.


    "Are you ok?" Beltrand asked Norm.


    "Y-yes I''m fine. Thanks a lot Beltrand." Norm''s genuinely gives her sincere gratitude to Beltrand for saving his life.


    "Good."


    Beltrand looks on his shield again.


    "Aww... That''s my newly bought shield."


    Every adventurers then looks on the remaining Bandits with the Bandit Leader on the center. Claustrine primaly focus her gaze on the Leader, his hands are coated with the red fluid. Some tiny amount drips to the ground melting it on touch.


    "A personalized Deistic Magic: Flame God''s Blood. And I assume that its must be chantless. I admire his guts for even using that dangerous spell on such way." Claustrine commented.


    "What a heretical way of using Deistic magic." Sophia says with spite as not chanting any Deistic magic is equal to disrespecting that gods that gifted the spell to humanity.


    "I respect your tenacity for fighting us longer than what I expected! But your resistance is futile!" The Bandit Leader says loudly.


    "And what you gonna do? Make a deal with us?" Mateo replies in a mocking manner.


    The Bandit Leader laughs maniacally.


    "No. That''s not how our group handle things. Besides, everything is in our advantage." The Bandit spreads his arms to the surroundings, emphasizing that the adventurers are cornered with the tall walls and the still sizable number of bandits.


    "So it doesn''t matter if you guys surrender or not, we still going to kill all of you and loot whatever we want." The Bandit Leader continues, his words are full of malice.


    Mateo sighs then go into his combat posture.


    "As expected."


    "Sir, leave the Bandit Leader to us. Focus on killing his henchman." Mateo''s request to the battle hardened adventurer that acts as a leader for everyone.


    The adventurer looks at Mateo and see his determination.


    "Fine. Just be careful." The adventurer says before going to the rest to give his command.


    "Beltrand and Claustrine. Come with me."


    "Okay brothrr." Beltrand gives a wide confident grin. Claustrine nods with a slight smile.


    "Shirna, don''t engage on close combat and shoot him everytime you got a chance."


    "Understood."


    "Do you guys need buffs?" Sophia''s suggestion.


    "No need. Focus on healing the injured adventurers. You alongside 3 others are the only cleric so your healing would be highly needed by them."


    "Yes!" Sophia ethusiasticly says then she run towards the protected carriage where the injured adventurers stays.


    "Your overconfidence will be your downfall." The Bandit Leader says.


    "Let''s see if thats the case." Mateo''s only reply.


    The Bandit Leader then commands his henchman to attack.


    "Here they comes! Stay focus on defense and be aware on the Leader''s deadly attack!" The battle hardened adventurer screams, the adventurers screams back.


    Mateo and Beltrand then rushes towards the Bandit Leader. Some bandits tries to block their way only to get eliminated with the sheer power the two have.


    "I knew it! You two are completely different from the rest!" The Bandit Leader screams in ecstasy as he prepares for the incoming fight.

 Ch. 33 - Fiery Battle

    The Bandit Leader, Mateo and Beltrand are just facing off, anticipating on who''s going to make the first move.


    And it turns out Mateo is the one that make the first strike by dashing and swinging his sword upwards. The Bandit Leader casually leap upwards, dodging the strike just mere centimeters away on his face.


    The Bandit Leader is shocked but he don''t even got the privilage of analyzing what just happened as Beltrand came frome the side and ready to plunge his sword on his abdomen.


    The Leader repels Beltrand by swinging her slime covered arm splashing droplets of Flame God''s blood to Beltrand. Beltrand have no choice but shift her step and dodge the attack, Beltrand distance himself and wait for a chance to strike again.


    "Tsk!" Beltrand''s annoyance.


    "Mateo uses the chance and prepare for another mana infused strike aimed on the Leaders neck. The leader blocks the the sword with his slime covered arm and melts the his blade. Mateo have no choice but abanddon his weapon and pulls another one from his Bag of Storage.


    The Bandit Leader notice a glint on the side of his eyes and without even looking, he catches three arrows and melt the arrows on his hands.


    And quickly follows a counter attack by tossing a barrage of Flame God''s Blood on Shirna.


    Shirna diveroll and dodges the slimes that quickly melts the ground, making numerous holes. Shirna stops but he didn''t notice a blob coming on his way, yet Shirna seems not concerned.


    And it''s because Claustrine rise an earth wall in front of Shirna. The blob hits the wall and quickly creates a molten hole.


    The moment the hole is slowly revealed, two arrows flies from it to the Bandit Leader''s surprise. He manage to block one using his arm but another fly past on her head, grazing his cheek.


    Mateo and Beltrand rushes in both of his flanks and ready to make a pincer attack while Claustrine throws spikes of ice to him.


    The Bandit Leader had enough and amplifies the amount of slime on his hand and skillfully swings his arms. Scattering the slimes everywhere including the Ice spikes.


    "Shit!" Beltrand screams as he got caught by surprise by the sudden move but both of them don''t have time nor momentum to dodge.


    Claustrine panicly cast an earth wall in front of Beltrand and Mateo which they hit face-on.


    "Ouch." Mateo says. And he realize its purpose and watch the earth wall melts.


    Beltrand and Mateo creates distance and just stare on the Bandit Leader who also just observe the four.


    "This is problematic." Beltrand commented.


    "I know right. We two can''t really engage in close combat or else he''s going to melt our weapon or us, to death with those erratic Deistic magic." Mateo answers.


    "Claustrine! Shirna! Can we rely on you guys on becoming the main offensive?"


    "I know what you implying but it''s difficult. Our enemy is skilled and tactical." Claustrine answers Beltrand''s question.


    "We need a more successful distraction." Shirna added.


    As Grand Ecstasy thinks and creates plans. The Bandit Leader contemplates as he realized how organized the group he''s fighting with.


    "This group is too experienced. I didn''t expected that there''s lower gold ranked with these abilities."


    He can''t prolong the fight as the coordination of the group would surely lead them landing a killing blow who he didn''t notice.


    And if he tries to allocate goons to assist him, the group just decimate them as he sees how each of them systematicly kill majority of his crew.


    "Shit shit shit! This is not part of my calculations!" The Bandit Leader screams to his mind.


    Knowing that the stalement would end soon on Grand Ecstasy''s favor, the Bandit Leader observes his surroundings in attempt of finding a way to break their coordination. Then he see''s the main carriage where their clients is protected.


    Grand Ecstasy''s attention got caught when the Bandit Leader raises his right arm. Above him is a blob of red slime that quickly becomes larger and larger which makes them concerned.


    "Another blood rain?!" Claustrine commented.


    "Shirna, shot him!"


    Shirna follow what Mateo says and shot the Bandit Leader. The Bandit Leader just catch the most of the arrows while let the other hit its non-lethal targets.


    "Do you have any poisoned arrows?" Mateo asked.


    "None! I still didn''t restocked my supply." Shirna sadly replies.


    "Damn it."


    When the blob is large enough on his liking. The Bandit Leader looks on the main carriage which seen by Mateo. He now panics and run towards the adventurers too focused on the fight.


    "EVERYONE GET OUT ON THE MAIN CARRIAGE!!!" Mateo''s echoing scream, Claustrine moves as she also notices the Bandit Leader''s plan.


    Both adventurers and bandits notice the scream and to their horror sees the Bandit Leader now ready to throw the huge blob. Both side panics as they realized what''s going to happen and run away on the blob''s possible path.


    The Bandit Leader throws the blob with intense force. Mateo and Beltrand quickly leaves its path.


    Even Helyna and the others guarding the carriage leaves, but to their shock. They forgot someone.


    "THE CLIENT!" The acting captain of adventurers screams as he watch the blob creates a shallow trench on the ground as it travels. A blood red destruction that guarantees death to any unfortunate or dumb enough to block its path.


    The adventurers have no choice but to just watch the impending catastrophe.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    The adventurers are shocked to see the main carriage got encased by thick iron walls. The blob of Flame God''s blood is going make a direct contact on the walls made of Iron.


    "B-But that Deistic Magic can melt metals" Norm commented as despite being impressed that someone can creat such wall, he''s not confident that it can stop a magic gifted by the gods. Especially with that amount.


    Yet, the wall manages to resist the melting ability of the deistic magic. The blob explodes on contact, sending smaller blobs everywhere.


    "Mages! Prepare to defend everyone!" The battle hardened adventurer commanded.


    Norm alongside other mages cast Earth walls for larger blobs and other strays that might hit the other carriages. While the remaining strays are dodged by the other adventurers.


    The ground are now full of holes of varioius sizes while below the iron wall is a deep trench created by the huge amount of Deistic bloob splashed down.


    On the distance is Claustrine planting her staff on the ground and using it as a support, clearly exhausted from intense Mana usage. The adventurers look at her especially Norm and Fleur who run towards her.


    "Claustrine is that your doing?" Fluer asked.


    "Y-yes. Please can you call Mateo and Beltrand for me?" Claustrine softly request to both who nods and then screams the name of Claustrine''s friends.


    The Bandit Leader meanwhile. After watching his magic fail, is now full of anger and disbelief


    "What the fuck you just did?!" The bandit is in shock as from all his raids, with exceptions of blessed barriers which only Clerics are capable of. He didn''t see someone that manages to block such potent magic that came from the god of fire itself.


    The adventurers and bandits finally snaps back to reality after hearing the Bandit Leader''s scream and they start to fight each other again.


    The Leader then slowly walks towards Claustrine, Mateo and Beltrand who now talking to each other, slimes dripping form his hands and making even more holes on the ground. But his walk was interrupted by Shirna who continues to shot arrows at him.


    Meanwhile, Mateo and Beltrand are questioning Claustrine which is now leaning on both Fleur and Norm.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "What is that thing? That''s not steel right?" Beltrand asked as he point on the wall.


    "Yeah. T-Those are pure Tungsten. To be honest, I''m just gambling on if those really works on resisting the Flame God''s blood, hehe." Claustrine seems proud to herself.


    "Tongstin?" Fleur''s confusion.


    "I never hear such magic before." Norm commented with awe.


    Meanwhile, Mateo understoods the feat.


    "Good job Claustrine."


    "Hehe thanks."


    "Anyway, why you call us here?" Mateo asked. Claustrine tries to stand on her own feet and she tap his staff on the ground. From there, the ground lights up and two crudely made sword made of Tungsten rises in front of them. After casting the spell, Claustrine slumped again but she was catched by Norm and Fleur.


    "Are you ok?" Fleur asked.


    "Y-yes. My Mana is just depleted."


    Beltrand and Mateo picks the swords.


    "Why this thing is so heavy?!" Beltrand commented as he was surprised on the unsual weight of the sword compared to its size.


    Mateo meanwhile is not surprise as he knows how dense Tungsten is.


    "T-That swords are made by the same material that blocks his magic. D-don''t complain if they look so ugly and blunt but I''m sure they can do the job, j-just fuse them with Mana."


    Mateo and Beltrand nods to Claustrine.


    "G-good. Be sure that you... return... them... to.... me..."


    Claustrine''s exhaustion finally catches and she falls asleep on Norm and Fleur''s embrace.


    "Sweet dreams." Mateo''s genuine words.


    "Please bring her to safety." Beltrand''s request.


    "Leave it to us."


    As Norm and Fleur carry Claustrine to the carriage where the wounded are getting healed. Mateo and Beltrand walks back to face the Bandit Leader again.


    "Ok! Let''s go!" Beltrand screams.


    They see that Shirna is still holding the Bandit Leader who little by litte manages to walk near Mateo and Beltrand.


    "I''m out of arrows." Shirna says.


    "Thanks on holding him. Leave it to us and help the other adventurers." Mateo''s order. Shirna nods, unsheaths his daggers and dash towards the Adventurers and Bandits.


    The Bandit Leader is now losing his patience and cool as he see the dwindling number of his goons and the impending failure of the ambush, with no other choice but to face the two adventurers with completely different power compared to the rest. He amplifies his magic, ready to fight to the best of his abilities.


    Mateo waste no time and go for the offensive as he dash and make a full swing downwards. The Bandit Leader notice the attack and prepare to block Mateo''s sword and melt it using his magic.


    "!!!"


    Yet the Bandit Leader instead quickly cancels his plan and makes distance with Mateo, dodging the swing who instead hit the ground and make a sizable crater. Mateo''s intent visibly shown.


    "Tsk!" Mateo dissapointment.


    The Bandit Leader meanwhile have a flashing image of what''s going to happen if he block the full swing. If he didn''t notice how crude the sword Mateo''s using...


    His arm will completely decapitated as he quickly realize, that the sword is made with the same material that blocked his devastating iron melting magic earlier.


    Beltrand follows on Mateo''s attack as he manage to sneak behind the Leader who counter by creating a wall made of Flame God''s Wrath before Beltrand even reach him, stopping Beltrand on his track.


    The Leader create more distance while sending barrages of thick fluid to both Mateo and Beltrand. He ensures that his gaze not leaving on the two.


    "Beltrand lets split up!"


    "Ok!"


    With Mateo''s order, the two dashes on their sides, making the Leader to have no choice but to focus his attention on one of them. His instinct telling him that the black haired swordsman is more dangerous than the bulky one thus he prepares for Mateo''s attack.


    Yet Mateo instead suddenly stops his movement and look at the Leader with murderous intent.


    "Shit!" He screams and quickly look behind him.


    With only inches of space, he manage to dodge Beltrand''s sword plunge aimed on his stomach.


    Knowing what might follow, the Leader focus his gaze again on Mateo only to not see him at all. Then a realization hits him.


    He quickly rolls on the sideways and his hunch was proven correct when it turns out Mateo was already plunging down above him, slamming his sword to the ground. Sending debris everywhere.


    The Bandit Leader quickly postures himself, to his dismay. The two are not willing to give him breathing time as both Mateo and Beltrand dashes again.


    He have no choice but to engage in close combat. Dodging the Tungsten swords while also sending counter-punches with his slime coated fist. He''s still trying to create distance despite the circumstances yet the two are always one step ahead of him as they continue to close the gap for each attempt.


    "Give me a break!" The Leader screams in annoyance.


    "No!"


    He makes a blood wall again yet Mateo and Beltrand already anticipated the defensive manuever and move to the Leader''s blind spot the moment he lost sight of them due to the red hot wall he made.


    STAB


    STAB


    Mateo stabs his abdomen while Beltrand manages to strike his shoulder. The Bandit Leader instinctively flail his hand to send red slimes everywhere to send the two away from him.


    Despite his injuries, the Bandit Leader is still standing and not minding the wounds. Showing that he''s not just a lowly bandit leader as he got the power and endurance to give to his opponent.


    But he knows that his injuries would slowly become his downfall on the long run. Guaranteed that the pain will becomes even more intense the more he exerts force.


    The Bandit Leader waits for the two to go for an offensive again and his patience pay off when Mateo and Beltrand dash forward. When the two is in front of him, he slams his slime covered fist on the ground.


    Yet the moment the Leader smash the ground. The slime splashes everywhere. Tiny lumps flying towards the two fighter who decides to stop the attack and leap backwards.


    Beltrand and Mateo deflects the droplets with ease using their Tungsten swords. But the Leader is not done yet as he sweep his hand horizontally, sending an arc of crimson red fluid towards them.


    Mateo and Beltrand regains their footing and dodge the arc by ducking. Yet the Leader don''t want to give them time to breath as he sends even more swiping attacks in multiple angles. Each sweep dodged by Mateo and Beltrand and for every arc dodge, the two seperates themeselves in order to focus the Bandit Leader''s attention again to just one of them.


    Now both of them are on his side, Mateo and Beltrand strikes agan. The Leader meanwhile anticipated their attack and the moment the two is starting to get closer, he claps his slime covered hand really hard. Sending another wave of droplets around him.


    "!!!"


    Mateo and Beltrand are caught off-guard on the surprise attack. Yet there''s turning back now as their stamina is getting low and can not afford to do another marathon of avoiding the enemy''s attack especially when the Bandit seems prefered to fight them from a distance.


    Their only choice is to push forward and lower the damage by dodging many crimson droplets as possible.


    As the two force their way by dodging and resisting non-fatal droplets who either graze their skin or too small to even cause huge injuries. But some lumps are just impossible to dodge that they have no choice but to coat themselves with Mana and hope for the best.


    A lump of crimson slime touch Beltrand''s leg and torso. He grind his teeth and resist the pain. Meanwhile, sizable lumps scattered on Mateo''s arm and some parts of his body. Just like Beltrand, Mateo didn''t flinch and move forward.


    With their clothes burned and some of their skin scorched, Mateo and Beltrand finally reach their striking zone. The Bandit Leader also shocked to see the perseverance of his enemies.


    He tries to punch Beltrand with his crimson slime coated fist. But a glint of light flashes in front of him and after half a second, his fist got decapitated. It''s now flying far from them.


    Mateo succesfully cut his arm. The thick slime coating his hand and half of his arm can''t even hold and melt the Tungsten sword.


    The Bandit Leader screams as he continues to counter-attack. Ignoring the pain of his arm getting cutted and the slime cauterizing the fresh wound. With his other arm, he then attempted to slam Mateo with his coated hands.


    Yet Beltrand is the one that attack next as he cut the Bandit Leader''s arm entirely. The Bandit Leader knowing his impending death decides to just bring the two with him as with his other arm with decapitated hand. He amplifies his magic and now the entire arm is covered with extremely thick crimson red slime that also reach his shoulder.


    The Bandit Leader screams in anguish as he feel the hellish pain of the slime scorching his arm. He reduce his specialized mana coating that protect him from getting burned and just put most of it on the final attack. The Bandit Leader prepares to slam his arm to the ground.


    .


    .


    .


    But before he do his final attack. Mateo decapitates his head. The headless body cease in motion as the Bandit Leader watch his defeat on third-person view. His head is thrown away and lands to the ground as Mateo and Beltrand walks away. There, he see his body falls alongside the thick slime. The slime spreads on the ground under his body, quickly burning and melting it.


    But despite his remaining seconds of life viewing the scene unfold. He never feel any pain. In fact, he spend his last thought in relief as he never feel the grotesque pain of being burned anymore.


    Mateo and Beltrand stand and watch the body engulfed by the puddle of red slime. And then the Flame God''s Blood also disappear as the mana sustaining it are no more, leaving a deep hole on the ground.


    "AHHH!"


    The sharp pain strikes the two, making them kneel to the ground.


    "Shit! Now the adrenaline is gone, it''s a lot more painful than what I imagined!" Mateo complains.


    Beltrand laughs.


    "More painful than our Mana training?


    "On the closer look. This is nothing to compared to that." Mateo chuckle and then flinch again as the pain appears again.


    "Fuuuuck!" Beltrand screams as he also feel the pain.


    "Cleric!" The battle hardened adventurer calls as he run towards the two alongside two adventurers.


    The clerics alongside Sophia rushes towards Mateo and Beltrand. After seeing the injury, they spend no time and they starts healing them.


    "How about the other bandits?" Mateo asked.


    "There''s nothing to worry anymore. We successfully killed all of them."


    "Killed?" Mateo asked again.


    "Yes. We can''t afford to bring such skilled and dangerous bandits alive until we reach Bolaire. Besides, it would give a bitter taste to other adventurers." The adventurer said with a sad solemn expression on his face.


    "How many adventurers?" Beltrand asked as he understand his reaction.


    "Four." The adventurer short answer. Everyone stays silent.


    "No need to blame yourself. This is just one of things us adventurer sign up to." The adventurer says then give a mature smile.


    "You guys are really reckless! That kind of magic can dig deep into your flesh!" Sophia reprimands his friends as she continue to heals them.


    "Hehe... Then it means our training paids off." Beltrand answers then flinch due to pain.


    "Anyway. I decapitated their leader so his head might be somewhere nearby. Please call a mage specialized in ice magic and preserved it." Mateo''s suggestion.


    "Ohhh... Want to show it to the guild?"


    "Yes."


    "Very well. I also confused that such powerful bandit are unknown to us adventurers."


    The leader stand up and starts to search the head of the Bandit Leader.


    After some time. Claustrine finally awakes and the first thing she do was to remove the Tungsten walls that covered the Main Carriage. And then Mateo and Beltrand gives their sword to Claustrine.


    "Thanks. I''m curious on what kind of training you did" -Mateo.


    Claustrine then disolves the two tungsten swords back on the ground.


    "I also curious on your training. It seems that Gilmore''s training methods are something."


    "How can you say that if you sleeping during the half of our fight?" Beltrand asked.


    "Sophia says that you guys resist Flame God''s Blood. That''s something a mere Gold adventurer like us can''t do you know. Besides, I can feel how much heavy your mana is now compared to the past. What training you did exactly?" Claustrine asked with curiousity.


    "Sorry. We promised to Gilmore not to tell anyone." Mateo dodge the question. Claustrine sighs.


    "Ok fine. Anyways, good job." Claustrine pats the shoulder of the two. Mateo and Beltrand also put their shoulder to Claustrine.


    "Good job for us." Mateo says.


    Far from them is Shirna. Just watching with a solemn expression. He feels distant and conflicted.


    After removing the earth walls, leaving the body of the bandits far from the main road for the mosnters to eat and burrying the fallen adventurers with respect. The adventurers then continues their journey to the City of Bolaire.

 Ch. 34 - The Intruder

    CITY OF BOLAIRE


    A prosperous city located on the center of a huge lake where the city takes its name. Gifted with natural resources and a river that connects the lake into the sea, Bolaire is destined to become wealthy.


    But the wealth commonly just go to the elites who run the huge city as despite the appearance of wealth and beauty, the nobility rules with absolute discrimination against peasants.


    "Still the same..." Mateo commented as he watch the slums outside the city''s wall, far from the the gated community the Bolaire nobles guarded.


    In Mateo''s eyes, Bolaire''s main city is like a parasite that drains the resources of its territory in order to fuel the lavish lifestyle of its elites. As at his travel in the new world, he see the poverty of the villages that getting unreasonably taxed.


    .


    .


    .


    Grand Ecstasy is curious as on the other side of the road are soldiers meticulously inspecting every wagon leaving the city while the one that enters the gate have easier access.


    "What do you think happened?" Fleur asked as the concentration of soldiers makes her think.


    "There must be a criminal on the loose." Mateo''s answer.


    "Well, that''s not our concern." Beltrand non-chalant reaction.


    After the successful escort mission and accepting their payment from the wealthy merchant. The Adventurer guild - Bolaire branch is now full of the same adventurers as they wait for the result of what Grand Ecstasy''s inquiry is.


    The Adventurer guild is also get the same treatment from the Bolaire nobles as they got placed far away fom the beautiful parts of the city. As the wealthy inhabitants doesn''t like to see ragged adventurers scattered on the prestine place they trying to preserve.


    But the seperation is a blessing in disguise as the Adventurers Guild is free of the elitism the Bolaire nobles reeks while also giving job opportunities to the people in the slums brave enough to become adventurers on their own.


    "Welcome to Bolaire''s Adventurers guild. How can I help you?" The beautiful receptionist asked with a smile.


    Mateo place a sack on the table which make a loud thud.


    "Hello Miss. We want to identify this man. I hope you can help us as we have no idea on who this is." Mateo calmly says. The receptionist becomes worried.


    "Man? What is this exactly?" She asked as she look on the sack with concern.


    "Inside this sack is the head of a bandit leader we don''t know so we want to know its identity."


    "Understood." The receptionist gulped as she open the sack, prepared to see a head. Her eyes widen as she quickly walk to the door beside her.


    After some time. The receptionist returns now with a middle-aged woman who looks professional. She''s Bolaire''s guild leader, named Fellina.


    Fellina opens the sack to reveal the frozen head of the Bandit Leader that the adventurers defeated. She shows interest and concern.


    "Interesting..." Fellina says calmly.


    "Do you know him guildmaster?" Beltrand asked as he got curious on the lady''s reaction.


    "Yes. But I''m more concerned on what this man doing on this part of Yhigressia to begin with."


    "What do you mean?" Claustrine asked. The adventurers also become curious as they listen with intently.


    Fellina rotates the frozen head so it face the adventurers.


    "Everyone. This man is a wanted criminal called Molten Fist Doran, a leader of the infamous Mercenary group turned bandits called Rockcliff band.


    The adventurers murmurs.


    "The name doesn''t ring a bell to me." The battle hardened adventurer commented.


    "Yes. This is the first time we heared such wanted criminal name." Fleur agrees, Norm nods.


    "Because him and his gang is not supposed to be in this side of Yhigressia. As Rockcliff band''s area of operation was on Far North."


    The adventurers talk becomes louder.


    "Now that explains why all of us have no idea who is that man." Claustrine commented.


    "But why his gang even doing near Nattunia and Bolaire?" Mateo asked but Fellina just shrug.


    "Who knows. And we can''t just ask this head right? Anyways, how you guys manage to defeat such powerful criminal?"


    Grand Ecstasy and others tell the story of how the entire fight went. Fellina listens with interest.


    "I see. Rockcliff band are still a criminal huh? Do you caught any living members to interrogate?"


    Mateo shake his head.


    "They''re so skilled and crafty that they might do something if we try to subdue any of them." The battle-hardened adventurer replies.


    "Understood. How many casualties on your side?"


    "Four." The battle-hardened adventurer answers. Fellina saddened on the news.


    "I hope Vivvily guides their soul to the promised land. Back on topic, who gets the killing blow?" Fellina asked.


    "It was Grand Ecstasy. They''re the one the fight him head on." Helyna vouch as she proudly points on Mateo''s group. Fellina''s eyebrow rise.


    "You guys are Grand Ecstasy?" She asked with amazement.


    "Yes."


    "Then no wonder you guys manage to defeat Igor. You have some powerhouse on your team. His personal bounty is all yours to claim."


    Mateo smiles.


    "Ms. Fellina, we don''t want to claim the glory to our own. Igor and Rockcliff Band''s defeat is a team effort as without others doing their best, we might get overwhelemed." Mateo humbly explains their side honestly. His friends and the adventurers nods as they agree on Mateo. Fellina smile.


    "I understand. Well then, to all participating adventurers who join the extermination of Rockcliff band. I want you to list your names on the receptionist so we can collaborate the info with the Merchant and collect the approriate bounty to the Northern branch. As for the ones who perished, we also give their share to their loved ones. It might take days before you recieve your reward so be patient ok?"


    The adventurer cheers with happiness as they got more money than what they expect.


    After listing their names, the Adventurers now leaves with smiles on their face except Grand Ecstasy, Helyna, Fleur, Norm and the battle hardened adventurer as they stay outside of the guild.


    "This is a farewell. It''s been an honor to fight alongside you." The old adventurers says.


    "What is your name sir?" Mateo ask.


    "My name is Roland."


    "Mr. Roland. Your leadership skills are top notch. Without you, we might lose more fellow adventurer."


    "I''m just doing my part. Anyways, I have to go now. I hope we got a chance to go on another mission together."


    "Yeah. Take care Mr. Roland."


    Roland leaves respectfully as the other waves their hand.


    "It was truly fun to be in your company." Fleur''s appreciation.


    "Yeah. Beside the bandits ambush, this might be the best mission we have." Norm agrees.


    "I''m glad you guys feel the same." Sophia smiles.


    "I learned a lot with this mission. Thanks a lot!" Helyna bows her head.


    "I hope we meet again sometimes." Beltrand''s wish.


    "If opportunity calls for it." Fleur''s happily answers.


    "So what you going guys to do next?" -Claustrine.


    "I''m going to take a delivery mission to Zelestre then visit my dad. I have so many stories I want to tell to him." Helyna shows excitement.


    "For us two, we just gonna do some minor missions and relax a bit. The escort mission takes a toll on us." Fleur chuckle.


    "Well then, before you leave."


    Mateo opens his Bag of Storage and give small paper pouch to three of them.


    "This is the candies you give to us during the journey right?" Norm says with excitement as he look on candies with assorted fruity flavors.


    "Yup. I see that you guys love them so much so." Mateo smiles.


    "Thank you very much Sir Mateo!" Helyna''s gratitude as she now have something to give to her father as souveners.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Oh boy I''m gonna savour these sweeties as long as I can." Fleur''s sweet tooth kicks in.


    The three then says their farewell and leave. Leaving Grand Ecstasy behind.


    "So what now?" Claustrine asked.


    "We should rest before going to another mission."


    "Ahhh finally. Then we should go to the inn right now. I really really want to wash myself for so long." Beltrand''s words as he sniffs himself. Revolted on his own smell.


    "Same! A steamy bath would relax us all!" -Sophia


    "As if you guys didn''t use my magic to wash yourselves." Claustrine''s comment with unimpressed reaction.


    "That''s completely different. We can''t even wash longer during that mission as we need to be on alert and not get enough free time." Shirna complains.


    "Geez. Fine, to the inn we go." -Claustrine.


    "Well then. Let''s go." Mateo''s command brings the party on a walk.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Grand Ecstasy decides to go on a bathhouse first to clean themselves and then proceed to walk on the residential street to find an inn. But their search got interrupted when a group of Bolaire soldiers run towards them in hurry. Grand Ecstasy move aside to give them way. They got more curious as they see another group of soldiers running on another street, observing the surroundings. As if they''re looking on someone else.


    "What''s happening?" Shirna asked as he watch the soldiers panicly observe the area.


    "I feel that it''s more than a mere criminal they''re searching." Beltrand watch the soldiers talking to the citizens, each shaking their head showing no knowledge on who the soldier is searching.


    As Grand Ecstasy stay on their spot. They didn''t notice a middle-aged lady tending her flowers.


    "You don''t know?" The Bolaire lady suddenly enters the discussion.


    Grand Ecstasy''s attention caught by the woman''s sudden entry on their conversation.


    "Yes ma''am. We just got here so we have no idea." Mateo answers.


    "No wonder. It just happened 2 hours earlier. Those soldiers are now looking on a suspect that killed a lot of Noble kids."


    "W-what?" Claustrine is dumbstuct.


    "Insane right?"


    "But it seems you know your stuff ma''am." Beltrand asked.


    "Who doesn''t? Everyone in the city right now knows what just happened. Days from now, this is going to be a talk to nearby kingdoms. Someone manages to sneak and kill a lot of powerful heirs? That''s something would so hard to ignore and hide." The lady continued while watering the plants.


    "What happened really?" Mateo now curious on the sudden event.


    "Well, that''s something that I don''t know. But good riddance I guess." She shrug. Her expression shows apathy.


    Grand Ecstasy look on each other''s eye.


    "Should we visit the academy?"


    "For what?" Beltrand questions Mateo''s proposal.


    "I think this is going to become a bounty mission for us adventurers. So it''s good to have a knowledge on the suspect right?"


    "Hmmm... Fair enough." Beltrand agrees on Mateo''s reasoning.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    In front of Bolaire Academia. Grand Ecstasy is facing a guard in front of the Academy gate.


    "Sorry but non-authorized personel are not allowed to enter." The soldier guarding the entrance says.


    "We''re Gold Ranked adventurers, we want to help." Mateo calmly says.


    "I''m sorry sir but the nobles strictly wish to put this matter on their hands only. They command us to not let any outsiders enter the school. But they might post a bounty request on the guild later so please just wait." The soldier''s honest answer.


    "I understand."


    The door of the main building suddenly opens and two soldier holding a wooden stroller exits. Grand Ecstasy sees a dead lady with drill blonde hair as the soldier pass by on them to bring the body to the waiting carriage outside, her legs are decapitated and not cut clean. Mateo''s eye widen when he see a small circular wound on its forehead.


    "What?" Mateo questioning her vision. He give his eyes a quick scratch then look on the lady again. His eyes didn''t betrayed him.


    They see that more soldiers are going to exit with wooden strollers so they give them way. Grand Ecstasy watch as they see the number of dead being carried outside. From teens to teachers. They see the same small hole on their head.


    "This is more severe than what I imagined." Beltrand commented as he observe the train of dead bodies.


    .


    .


    .


    "Are you fine now?"


    "Y-y-yes."


    Grand Ecstasy overhear the student and officer under the tree behind the metal fence. The officer is talking to the student which still visibly shocked.


    Instead of joining the two, Grand Ecstasy decides to quietly listen.


    "Do you know the culprit?" The Royal Officer asked. The student gritted his teeth.


    "Y-y-yes! I-it was that disgusting commoner!" The male student screams with spite.


    "Her name is Dereia right?"


    "Y-YES!"


    The officer nods as the student''s words collaborated with other survivors'' statements.


    "How you managed to survive?"


    "T-t-the moment that I see the others running in panic, I q-quickly run on wherever my feet brings me."


    "Did you face the murderer? Can you gives us details on how she did her killings?"


    "O-of course not! W-why I want to see someone that caused everyone to run for their lives?!"


    "Ok calm down now."


    The student breath deeply to calm his nerves. Then the calmness makes him remember something.


    "How you know that it was caused by Dereia?" The investigator asked.


    "The fleeting students is screaming her name, warning us to escape."


    "Can you tell us how you managed to escape?"


    "I hide on storage room on fhe combat training area. W-what I can only t-tell is when I''m h-hiding on one of the wooden lockers in the storage room. I know she also enters the room I hiding with. I don''t see her at all but... I can hear the footsteps, and... that sinister whistles she''s doing."


    "Whistling?"


    "Y-yes. She whistling an unfamiliar song. She did that for a while and then..."


    The student starts to shiver as he remembers the event.


    "A-and t-then. S-she found someone h-hiding on another l-locker! I can hear her t-target begging for her l-life yet she d-didn''t even let her finish talking! I just hear a l-loud exploding sound and then she''s back on whistling again until it dissappears..."


    The student hugs his knees.


    "A-and then w-when I e-exit the locker. I see a f-female student slumped on the floor, I can see the pool of blood f-flooding under her head."


    Mateo is starting to feel unease as she listens on the student''s story. Shirna also feel the same as her mind gives her unnerving implications.


    "Did you remember the melody of the song she''s whistling? That might help us on some degree."


    "F-For what?! As if you don''t know the suspect! Just visit her goddamn family on some disgusting boonie and ask them and everyone! D-Destroy them all if they decide to hide her!"


    "We already sent soldiers there. But it''s more likely she hide somewhere else instead of returning to her hometown. So please, if you can. You can share even just the melody of the song she''s whistling. Any information counts for the murderer''s arrest."


    The student breaths heavy to calm himself again.


    "Fine! Give me my bag."


    The officer gives the leather bag beside him and the student open it to retrieve a flute. The student starts to play the music he hear that time.


    .


    .


    .


    Mateo''s eyes widen as his entire body engulfed by dread. Shiver runs down on his spine as he listens to the tune.


    A melody he''s very familiar with. A melody he listens so many time as it becomes a dark meme. A catchy song which is used as an anthem for a very specific problem in USA. Mateo just stand, cold sweat flowing on his forehead as the student finishes what he can play.


    The officer then whistles the melody as he remembers it for further documentation.


    "Are we done h-here?! I w-want to home. Just h-hearing that sound again makes me panic!"


    "Yes. You can now stay on the quarters where other survivors stay. Thank you for your cooperation mister."


    "!!!"


    "Mateo?"


    Claustrine, Beltrand, Sophia and Shirna are surprised to see Mateo suddenly walks away. They follow him to ask why he suddenly depart.


    "What''s wrong Mateo?" Claustrine asked.


    "We need to go back on Nattunia ASAP."


    "ASAP?" -Sophia.


    "As soon as possible."


    "But why? Is something bothering you Mateo?" Beltrand is concerned.


    "Yes. And the killer must be on her way to Nattunia as we speak. So we need to go back and follow her trail."


    "But you seems agitated for someone that trying to arrest a random wanted criminal." Beltrand is confused.


    Mateo stops and look on his friends'' dumbfounded reaction.


    "Follow me."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    On the outskirts of Bolaire city. Grand Ecstasy are just standing. They''re looking on Mateo as they waiting for answers.


    "So what''s the problem Mateo?" Claustrine asked.


    Mateo instead opens his Bag of Storage and pulls his phone. His friends watch as he search a song on his music player. Plays a song and forward it to a specific sound. It''s the same whistling tune the student play earlier.


    "Hey is that the same-... Ohhhhh.... Oh my Goddess." Claustrine gasp as she finally realized why Mateo is feeling unease.


    "But how?!" Beltrand asked.


    "You supposed to be the only otherwordler in our world, right?" Sophia asked with uncertainty and concern.


    Grand Ecstasy feel shivers on their body.


    "Now, that''s not the case anymore. We can only know the answer once we find the killer."


    "Wait a minute! The students says the killer is also a fellow student on that school. How is that possible?" Claustrine asked.


    "It must be a reincarnator that transfered to that student they looking. And I have a little lead on who is this visitor truly is."


    Mateo starts to walk back inside the city as he puts his phone back on his Storage.


    "We need to go. I''m scared on what kind of havoc she might do in Nattunia if we don''t stop her quickly."


    Everyone follows Mateo, matching his quick pace.


    "But we don''t have any idea what she looks like. We don''t even known her name yet." Beltrand asked.


    "The killer''s name is Dereia Morningdew."


    "How you even know that?" Beltrand asked.


    "I heared on the talking soldiers."


    "Fine. We have the name now. But we still don''t know her appea-"


    "16 years old, 25 Bricks in height, Long waist lenght red hair, fair skin."


    "Nice hearing you got there Shirna. But that''s not enough to narrow down everyone in Nattunia." Beltrand''s impressed yet followed by unimpressed reaction.


    "Bahala na. Let''s just go on Nattunia and hope for the best." Mateo''s only word.


    The wagon they going to ride back on Nattunia is inspected by soldiers and after some time. They finally allowed to leave. With other silent passengers, Grand Ecstasy also stay quiet but unease are brewing within them.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~~


    Grand Ecstasy after a week of travel, they finally reach Nattunia. They decides to start on Taverns and Restaurant first. Grand Ecstasy enters their favorite restaurant where they always visit when planning and celebrating.


    "Ohhh! Welcome back Grand Ecstasy! We currently full right now but I wish you can wait for a table to become available. Is that ok?" A teenage girl working as server greets them with a smile. She''s the daughter of the owner of the restaurant and a friend of them.


    "We''re fine. Thanks."


    "Okeeeey!"


    The girl cheerfully leaves and tend the other costumers. Grand Ecstasy starts to observe the patrons inside and to their dismay, their information is not really useful as there''s numerous girls with red hair. Some are out with their age and hair lenght but a sizable number of potential target still exist.


    "We can''t just start asking them one-by-one without alerting the real killer." Beltrand commented.


    "Assuming that the killer is here to begin with." Claustrine added.


    "Should we seperate?" Sophia asked.


    "No, we can''t risk everyone''s safety. What we dealing now is a killer that manage to murder Magic professors and combat teachers of Bolaire academy." Mateo''s answer.


    Grand Ecstasy walks deeper on the restaurant and Mateo suddenly feel someone tugging the helm of his clothes.


    It''s Shirna.


    "What''s wrong Shirna?" Mateo asked.


    Shirna instead of speaking, starts to sneakly point his finger on a direction. Mateo looks on the spot and his eyes widen when he see a young girl sitting alone on the far back table of the restaurant. But what really caught his attention is what the girl is doing.


    Mateo sees the red haired girl holding something invisible. But with his long time in Earth. He can clearly tell that the girl is like holding, reloading and pointing an invisible pistol.


    "We found our target."


    .


    .


    .


    Dereia is so focused on holding and admiring the pistol only her can see that she didn''t even notice a group of people approaching her.


    Before she even react. The group of people quickly sits on the empty chairs beside and in front of her. Two man sandwiched her while two woman and a girl sits on the empty chair in front.


    The group is Grand Ecstasy who hastely take their positions to corner Dereia and prevent her on doing something drastic.


    "Can we sit here miss? The restaurant is so full and this is the only spot available." Mateo asked calmly with a smile.


    "Sorry everyone but the chairs are already reserved. I''m just waiting for my friends." Dereia''s friendly response.


    "Is that so? It''s weird for someone to have a friend here in Nattunia when she just recently did a killing spree alone in Bolaire."


    Dereia''s smile falters when she realized what the Grand Ecstasy is doing."


    Mateo and Beltrand points a dagger on her side, the act is hidden under the table. Everyone suddenly becomes tense.


    "Don''t make any move. We got you cornered in every posible ways." Mateo''s stern warning. Emphasizing how trapped Dereia is.


    Dereia follows their warning. She can feel that unlike the students and teachers she killed, the group is really more skilled especially when they already denied her a chance to escape.


    "What are you saying sir? I''m just a lonely girl trying to eat delicious food. Why you trying to ruin my day?" Dereia''s appeal of pity. She acts sad.


    "Stop pretending. We already know that it''s you who massacred a lot of students and teachers in Bolaire. Whatever you do is useless especially  when you got caught cleaning that invisible gun of yours."


    Dereia''s expression darkens further after hearing Mateo''s words.


    "Yeah that''s right. We already know who you are Dereia Morningdew. Or I should call you on your real name..."


    Mateo gives a sharp, soul-cutting stare.


    Josh Williams."


    Dereia''s expression becomes really serious as she gives a murderous stare on Mateo.


    "It seems my assumption is correct huh?" Mateo gives a confident smile.


    "Who the fuck are you? Why you know my name?"

 Ch. 35 - Confrontation

    "Who the fuck are you? Why you know my real name?"


    Dereia didn''t break her murderous stare on Mateo who continues to look at her with his equally malicious glance. But after some time, she calms down and takes a deep breath.


    "Josh Williams. The infamous and recent Texas University Shooter. To think that you got sent to this world instead of burning in hell right now which is what you actually deserve." Mateo''s mockery.


    "Answer my question. Why you know my real identity? Are you also from Earth?"


    "Should I call you Josh or I should call you Dereia?" Mateo ignores Dereia''s question.


    Dereia is amused on the question.


    "Just call me Dereia. Josh is not my name in this world."


    Mateo smiles.


    "Ok Dereia. How about we answer each other''s inquiry instead?"


    Dereia can''t take a single move as she really feel the observant eyes of Mateo''s friends. She nods and play on Mateo''s game.


    "Then I start the question. How you manage to get transfered to this world?"


    "That''s something I can''t completely answer. After my death, I just find myself inside this body. Now answer my question, who are you?"


    "I''m just a normal dude from Earth who just happened to see your crime in my feed. That answers two of your previous questions right?"


    Dereia stops for a moment and then she nods.


    "Then I ask another question. What happened to the owner of that body of yours?"


    Dereia looks at her body.


    "Oh about this? At first, I''m just a conciousness inside the mind of the owner. But with series of unfortunate or fortunate events for me I say, I finally override the identity of Dereia. As for where her conciousness now? I don''t know and I don''t care." Dereia answers with smug.


    "You truly an evil person." Sophia''s anger. Claustrine held her hand to calm her down.


    "Did I? I am really an evil person if I give the pathetic owner of this body a huge favor by killing the people that torments her for months?"


    "But you still kill a lot of people, and it must included people that not part of her torment. You''re evil for snuffing out lives of others just like that." Sophia''s hard words.


    "Just like I said. I don''t care. And I''m sure there''s a portion of people that view what I did on those nobles as justice served. Afterall, what considered evil depends on each persons view of circumstances, right?" Dereia''s apathetic explanation.


    "Big words for someone that just decides to do a school shooting without any reason at all. If evil requires reason, then you''re the worst than evil as you murder people without semblance of motivation." Mateo''s counter to Dereia''s ramblings.


    "Oh speaking of that! My next question for you mister is, what is the total death count of my attack on that university? I lost count when reach 23." Dereia''s questions. She''s like an excited kid waiting for a good praise which make Mateo sick to his stomach.


    "6-... 67." Mateo''s answer. He tries to not show any hint of weakness like being disgusted on the person in front of him.


    A wide sinister and sly smile appears on Dereia''s lips. Grand Ecstasy got a shiver on their body as they feel the person behind Dereia don''t show any guilt. In fact, Dereia feels proud.


    "Looks like I beaten the previous record. That must be put me on history. And I think I killed 120+ students on that academy so I become a history in this world too."


    "You''re infamous right now as we speak. The US Congress might do another hearing about gun control because of what you did. As for your fate here on Yhigressia, it''s for the nobles of Bolaire to decide." Mateo''s stern explanation.


    "Hey isn''t that good? Like because of me, they might change the gun laws in US. Big emphasis on "might" though." Dereia says as she make a thinking pose.


    "Don''t pull our legs you demon. You do such heinous acts not because you have any good intentions. You kill people from Earth and here because of your... Unexplained desire. No motives at all, fucking sickening." Mateo''s words as harsh as the apathetic reaction of Dereia is slowly creeping on her patience.


    "Ugh. Fine, yeah you''re right. I didn''t kill the students on that Academy to take revenge for the owner of this body. And I didn''t do a school shooting on Earth to make a move for change. I know this is nothing of concern to all of you but do you guys want to know the reason?"


    Grand Ecstasy stay silent. Making Dereia to continue. She sighs.


    "Because I''m bored."


    .


    .


    .


    "You-"


    Sophia almost snaps but Claustrine hold her hand really tight which make Sophia calm her nerve.


    "Thanks Claustrine."


    Dereia smiles calmly.


    "I saw my future on US. I''m just a Joe Schmoe, invisible to others. Not excelling on anything and I know that once I graduate that college, I''m just going to end up on the most mundane and boring life imaginable, the only problem is. Not only I''m living that life, I also need to deal with other shits like inflation, rising prices, the housing crisis, political crap and many more. That''s not living at all."


    "So the school shooting is your answer and... suicide?"


    "Yes. Atleast, If I want to die. I should leave a mark in history right? Atleast my previous life have some sort of fun."


    Mateo scoffs which make Josh curious.


    "Sounds like skill issue to me you pathetic fuck."


    "That''s my point though."


    "I mean instead of trying your best to live your life to the fullest in a good way. You instead let yourself get consumed by that doom thinking of yours. Like you can atleast do something positive. Do charity work, be a streamer, artist or writer. Hell. You can even join the military if you really have that itching to kill someone."


    Mateo looks on Josh again. His expression change, his stare feels like daggers.


    "But instead. You choose to commit a school shooting in a pathetic attempt of beating a record and... to feel alive."


    "Hey Mateo. I believe instigating her is not a good idea." Beltrand''s word of advice as he got concerned on Mateo sudden harsh words. Mateo realize his mistake and take a deep breath.


    "Sorry."


    But despite Mateo''s monologue. Dereia is seem unbothered. She just sigh deeply.


    "As if saying that right now have any use or change what''s already done. But I understand the thought. You can still ask me another question."


    "So. What''s your plan now that you''re on this world?" Mateo''s final question.


    Dereia smile and have a deep thought.


    "I really don''t expect that I''m going to get transfered to another world once I died but here we are. And it seems this world is far more interesting as it''s a genuine fantasy world. As for my plan? I am planning on going on a far away land and do what you suggest: live my life to the fullest. So, if you let me live and just allow me to escape. I promise that I would change my ways." Dereia clap his hand and wink to the group.


    "As if the kingdom of Bolaire would not search you even in the edge of the world. Days from now, your face is going to get plastered on walls of all kingdoms in Yhigressia. You going to live your life here as a infamous fugitive with a very high bounty. You would never get a normal life as other adventurer are on hunt to find you."


    "Aww man." Dereia''s dissappointed response.


    "And I don''t believe that you going to change your ways when the first thing you do here is to kill a lot of people. You''re a threat that needs to be persecuted."


    Mateo stands up and look down on Dereia. His friends also prepared themselves to completely arrest Josh which inside Dereia''s body.


    "Surrender yourself now Dereia. Lets leave this place and don''t make any move that might makes us subdue you." Mateo starts to reach Dereia''s arm."


    Dereia just sigh in dissapointment.


    "I believe you don''t want to do that."


    Mateo stops because of Dereia''s sudden warning.


    "Whatever you planning to do is useless. We got you surrounded."


    "Surrounding me is not thing you should not be concerned about. You see, under this cloak of mine is a a lot of C4 tied on my body."


    Mateo is shocked. Cold sweat starts to drip on his forehead.


    "What is C4?" Claustrine asked.


    "Why not ask your leader here? Base on his reaction, it seems he already knows what I''m implying." Dereia makes a twisted grin.


    "Your bluff would not work on us." Mateo tries to act tough.


    "Ohhh? You know it was me that did the shooting because you investigate the crime scene right? And you spot me inside this restaurant full of red heads because you see me playing with my invisible gun... right?"


    Dereia stands up and put her face near Mateo who didn''t make any move as he was scared that he might provoke her.


    "So? Do I have C4s or not? Are you really going to take the risk not that you have no ideas on what else I can do?" Dereia''s mocking words.


    Grand Ecstasy stands up and prepare to apprehend Dereia but Mateo calmly stop them. Mateo slowly shake his head.


    "Don''t." Mateo''s only word.


    "This is fuuuun... So what''s your choice sir?"


    After some tense moment. Mateo sees that they slowly getting the attention of other patrons in the restaurant. So he ease himself.


    "Let''s go."


    Mateo walks away to the confusion of his friends who just unwield their weapons and follow Mateo without asking a single question. They leave the restaurant in defeat.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Outside the tables of a nearby park. Grand Ecstasy are just sitting silently as they drink the tea they ordered.


    "So Mateo... What the fuck just happened there?" Beltrand''s annoyed question.


    "Yeah. We already got her but you suddenly give up. What in the Goddess name is wrong with you?" Claustrine is also annoyed and confused.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Please don''t use Vivvilly''s name in vain Claustrine."


    "Sorry Sophia. It''s just... Damn. You better give us a good explanation Mateo."


    Mateo clenches his fist.


    "Shirna."


    "Yes?"


    "You got her scent right?"


    "Yes Mateo."


    "Good. We should wait for her to make a move and we follow her quietly until opportunity shows itself."


    "But the opportunity was already there the moment we confront her inside the restaurant."


    "Sorry Beltrand. I just can''t risk the life ot other people there."


    "It''s related on the C4 she said right? What exactly is that?" Claustrine''s question."


    Mateo makes a stressed sigh.


    "C4 is a type of man-made explosive on Earth."


    The moment his friends hear the word explosive. They quickly become serious.


    "Oh...." Claustrine


    "I don''t know how much wield Dereia have but the fact that she said C4 in plural means that she might have power to destroy the restaurant and damage the nearby building with a single explosion."


    "Tsk! Things become more disgusting huh?"


    "But she would also die in the explosion." Sophia''s question.


    "It''s either she have some way to survive the explosion or... She can use the bombs as bargaining chip so people would reconsider fighting her or else she kills herself alongside others on her vicinity."


    "Which she completely abuse entirely." Shirna''s opinion.


    "But what if she''s just bluffing." Beltrand''s question.


    "Sorry but I can''t just risk it. We still lacking knowledge on her abilities and even we know that. We might survive the explosion but the other people inside the restaurant and other buildings would surely not."


    "Damn it!" Beltrand''s annoyed words.


    "So we just gonna track her and wait for the chance that she isolate herself?" Claustrine''s question.


    "Yes."


    "This is going to become a tiresome mission."


    "That''s the only thing we can do now. As long as we don''t lose track of her scent. We can eventually arrest her without risking the lives of civillians." Mateo''s explanation.


    "How about we visit the Adventurers guild or Mr. Gilmore and tell them the situation."


    Grand Ecstasy suddenly go on deep thoughts because of Shirna''s suggestion.


    "Thats... Not a bad idea." Beltrand''s agreement.


    "If Mateo is not too anxious. That might be the first thing we do instead of facing her directly without a plan." Claustrine''s critique."


    "Sorry guys. It''s just the fact that there''s another worlder beside me and a criminal makes me concerned. Hey, atleast we learned something on our confrontation with her. We can warn the others about the threat of explo-"


    BOOOOM!!!


    A loud sound of explosion engulfs the city of Nattunia. Grand Ecstasy''s eyes dilated the moment they recognize the direction of where the explosion happened.


    "KYAAAAA!!!" A nearby woman screams.


    "NATTUNIA IS UNDER ATTACK?!" One of man''s confused and shocked scream.


    "Nonsense! No one is dumb enough to declare war on Nattunia!" Another man shouts in disagreement.


    "Then what is that explosion?!" An older man screams as he point on the rising smoke.


    As the citizens nearby starts to debate on what just happened. Grand Ecstasy was already gone as they''re on the way on the location.


    The moment they reach the spot. Grand Ecstasy is now full of dread.


    "N-no way..." Sophia''s broken words. She put her hands on her mouth out of shock.


    Mateo falls on his knees as he watch the restaurant.


    Or what the remains of it as the restaurant is completely gone, replaced by a dark patch of land and debris. The buildings nearby are highly damaged.


    Human remains and body parts are visible which caught the morbid curiousity of nearby citizens. Some can''t handle the scene and puke themselves. Others are traumatized and crying.


    "We need to find her now!?" Beltrand is seething with rage.


    "B-but we don''t even know if she''s still alive!" Sophia is on the verge of crying.


    Shirna smells a familiar scent. The scent of gunpowder which she accustomed to during his stay on Earth. Yet the scent is not staying on the explosion zone but a scent trail form which leads away on the area.


    "She''s still alive!" Shirna screams.


    "Mateo get up! We need to make her pay with this!" Claustrine is also full of wrath as she tries to pull Mateo who still kneeling on the ground.


    Mateo carefully remove Claustrine''s hand as he slowly stand up.


    "Shirna... Where did she go?"


    Shirna flinch the moment he see Mateo''s face.


    "F-follow me." Shirna starts to walk and guide the group to the scent trail. The others starts to follow him.


    Mateo''s steps are hard. His face is full of wrath as he clenches his fist.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    30 Minutes before the explosion. Dereia is now alone after Grand Ecstasy leave her. She savours the grilled monster meat and hot soup made of chicken and vegetable.


    She finally eaten a proper meal as weeks ago, she can only watch and deal with the taste of food close on spoiling. Food which the original Dereia eats for days with no protest.


    After eating the savory meat, she now slurps the steamy soup which give her warm fuzzy feeling. Despite the circumstances, Dereia somehow able to enjoys the joys of life without guilt nor remorse at all. She smiles as she feel the warmth on the wooden bowl.


    But her peace are short lived as five well clothed men abruptly enters the restaurant and walk directly on the table where Dereia enjoys eating her food. The intimidating pressence of the man finally stops Dereia.


    "Do you need something on me dear gentlemans?"


    The bald man which seems their leader scoffs.


    "We don''t need to talk to you criminal scum. If you want to have a simple death, follow us back to Bolaire." The bald man says slyly.


    "And if I don''t?"


    "We going to drag you out of here."


    "Ok. Then I will stay here."


    Dereia then resumes on eating her food. The bald man feels really insulted. He pulls the bowl of soup on Dereia''s hand and pour its content on her head to the shock of the people around them.


    "Don''t fucking test our patience. It''s either we do this on easy way or hard way. You choose."


    Dereia looks on the bald man. Her eyes devoids on any emotion nor reaction.


    "I told you, I will stay here."


    The bald man finally lost his patience aggressively hold Dereia''s arm. His grip is so strong that it migh crush Dereia''s arm if she didn''t protecting herself.


    The bald man then tries to drag Dereia. But to his surprise, Dereia didn''t even move on her seat.


    "Hey there''s no time for joke." One of the the bald man''s subordinate says.


    "I-I''m not joking you imbecile! S-she''s really resisting! Assisst me here!"


    The other men looked at each other confused but reached the conclusion to help their leader. The start to surround Dereia.


    "I''m warning you. Trying to take me away is a huge mistake."


    But the group didn''t even bothered listening to her words as they proceed to hold her on arms and shoulder. Dereia got pinned on the table as the group starts to tie her hands on her back.


    "I telling you guys. You going to regret this assuming that you stay alive after this." Dereia''s calm words as if her being tied up is a minor inconvenience.


    The people inside the restaurant starts to chatter as the force arrest is happening in front of them. Some calls for the guards to be called as on their point of view, what''s happening is a blatant kidnapping.


    "Sir we should leave now or else the Nattunia soldiers would apprehend us."


    "Don''t worry. We just gonna tell them the circumstances privately. I''m sure they would allow us to bring this scum back to Bolaire." The bald man explains as he continues to ensnare Dereia.


    "Sir I warning you, you going to reg-"


    Dereia recieves a loud backhand slap from the bald man.


    "Shut the fuck up! You''re just a lowly criminal commoner. You already insulted me too much!"


    Dereia is shocked for a few seconds then she sighs deeply. She make her right hand in a form like she''s holding a detonator.


    She covered her body with a very thick mana barrier and she make a pushing gesture. In reality, Dereia is really holding a detonator only her can see.


    Not even a second. The C4 surrounding Dereia''s waist explodes. In slow perspective, the bald man is shocked when withing milliseconds, a bright light suddenly engulfed Dereia and then...


    *BOOOOOOM!!!*


    The restaurant was completely decimated alongside the people inside. The explosion is so catastrophic that the nearby buildings are also damaged and glass windows shatters on buildings far away due to shockwave. Debris got sent everywhere hitting nearby pedestrians, the severity of injury depends on their distance within the explosion range.


    In the pile of rubble rises Dereia. Completely naked and stained. As the people panics, she used the opportunity to sneak away and go to the tight alleyways. Stealing any clothes she can found on her escape.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Dereia is now running away from the city, her destination is the Savagery Forest but she don''t have any idea. As she just blindly run with sole mission of escaping before the people manage to organize and finally create another search party for her.


    She can only manage to gather a single white bedsheet which she uses to cover her body. But such clothing is not practical at all and she must find a proper attire.


    "This is starting to get annoying." Dereia mumbles to herself as she must start from scratch with, no knowledge of what this world can offer and only rely on things learned by the real Dereia and the powerful body Josh dominated.


    SWOOOSH!


    Dereia dodge an arrow which she sense early. She look behind only to see Grand Ecstasy on pursuit.


    She attempts to fight back by firing numerous shots with her conceptual pistol. But with no way to properly aim, all of her shot miss.


    "DEREIA!!!" Beltrand screams in rage.


    Mateo use his mana to enhance his legs, making her leap in great distance. Mateo easily reach Dereia and ready to slash her back.


    But due to the nature of Dereia''s ability. Mateo can''t predict what''s going to happen. He see Dereia throws something.


    "Grenade?!"


    Mateo expects an invisible frag grenade to explode on his face. He quickly engulfs his body with his mana to brace himself for the explosion.


    Yet to his suprise. Instead of an explosion, Mateo see a bright flash.


    Mateo''s slash miss as he got disoriented by the the flashbang thrown by Dereia. With no choice, Mateo stops chasing Dereia and stay still to wait for his vision to go normal.


    Mateo''s friends continue the pursuit as they bypass him.


    "STOP!"


    Everyone halts their chase abruptly.


    "Why you suddenly stop us!?"


    Mateo answers Beltrand by aggressively picking a nearby log and throwing it on the empty field in front of them. The moment the log lands on the ground, an explosion occurs wich sends the wood in the air again.


    And the wood detonates another explosion and another before it landed on a land which seems safe.


    "Land mines." Mateo''s frustrated words.


    "What we should do now?! She''s going to escape on our reach!" Sophia is also frustrated.


    "Can we just flip the ground and move aside those land mines?!" Claustrine''s suggestion as she prepares her staff.


    "We still don''t  know what else she can do. Especially that everything in her disposal is invisible to us. And if she can use guns and knows guerella tactics, fighting her in that forest with no preperation is a death sentence." Mateo words is tainted with anger as he points on the entrance of Savagery Forest.


    Claustrine eyes widen as she was slightly surprised on Mateo''s anger that he holding. Quiet rage similar on what she see on Earth.


    "Sorry." Mateo''s sincere apology.


    "No need to apologize Mateo. You''re right.


    Mateo clenches his fist and then he turns and walks away. Each of his steps are heavy.


    "Let''s go and notify the knights."


    Grand Ectasy starts their journey back to City Nattunia, all of them feels defeated as they let a murderer escape.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Meanwhile, in the city. Gilmore and the knights just reached the scene of explosion and he can''t fathom that such event even happened.


    He can''t believe that someone would have an audacity to commit such act in the center of the strongest nation in Yhigressia but there he is, watching the aftermath.


    "My god." Gilmores silent words.


    The female Head Cleric that manages the recovery of survivors confronts Gilmore.


    "Sir Gilmore. You might need to see this."


    The Head Cleric then shows Gilmore a bald man sitting on the ground, covered with white sheet.


    "Who is he? Is he a survivor?"


    "Yes. But we see him in the center of the explosion, naked and damaged."


    "Now he''s suspicious."


    "Yes Sir Gilmore. We and the Knights already asked him on what really happened inside the restaurant yet he never say a word."


    "Is there another survivor inside the building?"


    The Head Cleric shakes her head.


    Gilmore then focus his attention to the bald man who avoids eye contact.


    "Speak now. Don''t let me lose my patience." Gilmore words are spoken like daggers.


    The Bald man stays silent.


    "Still want to hold your secrets? I see. Miss, tend his wouds, I want him to stay alive."


    "Yes sir. " The Head Clerics reponds and returns to her duty.


    Gilmore almost walks away to examine the area further but he see Grand Ecstasy just arrived on the scene.


    "You''re here to investigate? Sorry but this is now the Knight''s job." Gilmore''s honest words. But he notices that the party''s mood is sour.


    "We here to report that we failed to capture the culprit." Mateo''s defeated words. Gilmore is surprised on his statement.


    "Culprit? You mean the one that caused this explosion?" Gilmore is eager to hear the answer.


    "Yes." Claustrine answers.


    "But if you chase the culprit then who''s this man?" Gilmore points on the bald man.


    Then Gilmore notices that if Grand Ecstasy knows the culprit. Then the group have knowledge on everything that transpires before the tragedy. He looks on the party very seriously.


    "Tell me everything you know."


    Grand Ecstasy tells the Academy massacre that happened in Bolaire and how they hastely return on Nattunia to apprehend Dereia. Gilmore can''t believe what he''s hearing yet everything makes a little sense.


    "I see. So the culprit is a girl who killed a lot of children of nobility. I presume that the killer is a Bolaire nobility as well."


    Claustrine shakes her head.


    We overhear one of the survivors in Bolaire. He''s screaming that the suspect is a commoner.


    "Fuck! Now everything makes sense now!" Gilmore''s eureka moment.


    "Sir Gilmore?" Sophia''s confused question.


    Gilmore walks in front of the Bald man.


    "So this man must be sent by some nobility on Bolaire to chase this Dereia and kill her as form of silence. I assume that the Kingdom of Bolaire is still hiding the fact that a commoner kills a lot of noble kids and just planning to report differently. No wonder why he''s the only survivor on the center of explosion as he''s powerful enough to handle this Dereia that also manages to kill some skilled teachers."


    Gilmore watches the Bald Man shows a paniced expression, confirming his thoughts.


    But Gilmore''s smug is quickly switch to shocked when he see a boot hit the Bald Man''s face, sending him several meters away. Gilmore looks on the owner of the boot and see Mateo seething in rage.


    "You stupid fuck. Look what have you done." Mateo spouts with wrath as he walks towards the Bald Man who nows naked again and afraid as he watch Mateo slowly unsheaths his sword.


    Grand Ecstasy quickly recovers on their shock and apprehend Mateo. Beltrand locking his arms on Mateo''s shoulder, Sophia and Shirna hugging his waist and Claustrine puts herself in front of him.


    "Mateo calm down!" Claustrine shouts.


    "Brother calm down! You might kill him if you continue this!" Beltrand''s shouts as he hold Mateo.


    "That''s what exactly what I''m going to do. He must die."


    "ENOUGH!"


    Mateo halt when the loud and commanding voice of Gilmore partnered by his intimidation finally convince him to stop his blind rage. Feeling that Mateo relaxes himself, Grand Ecstasy finally stops holding him.


    "But because of him, so many people are killed. The adventurers, the patrons, the chef and his daughter" Mateo''s pained words.


    Gilmore pats Mateo''s shoulder.


    "That''s why we going to do our best to bring him and that Dereia to Justice. So please calm down and help us by providing more information." Gilmore smiles as he understands the turmoil Mateo feels.


    "Fine." Mateo walks away to calm himself. Beltrand and Shirna follows him.


    Sophia and Claustrine bows to Gilmore.


    "We''re apologize for him showing unprofessional behaviour." Sophia''s apology.


    "No worries. I also understand his wrath. Even I are on rage for all of this unnecessary deaths. But blinding yourself in anger is not the way so please help him calm down."


    "Yes Sir Gilmore."


    Then the two woman leaves and follow the others. Gilmore then focus his attention again to the Bald Man who is more afraid than ever, as he see Gilmore finally shows his rage.


    "Now that you failed to do your mission and caused a diplomatic disaster between Nattunia and Bolaire, death is the only thing awaits you back in your city. So, better to cooperate with us and we give you a far better execution." Gilmore''s cold words.


    The Bald Man completely collapse to his own failure and hopelesness.

 Ch. 36 - Blatant Inhumanity

    .


    .


    .


    "AHHH!"


    Dereia finally wakes up and open her eyes. Yet she can only see vast darkness her eyes can''t comprehend the depth.


    "Huh?"


    Dereia tries to move but to no avail as she realize that she''s floating on the pitch black abyss.


    "What is happening?!" Dereia starts to panic as she flails around for a minute, her body spins and rotates out of control. Until she stop as its giving no results that she wanted.


    "Hmmm.... Ah!"


    After some time letting herself float for a while, Dereia finally remembers what happened before she end up on that darkness.


    She remembers that the very last thing she did is to let the male voice inside her to take hold of her body. Her face contorts into fear as realization sets in her mind.


    "No no no! It can''t be!"


    Before she even deal with her dillema. A huge floating screen appears in front of him.


    "Huh?" Dereia''s confusion as she watches a what seems point-of-view of someone wandering in a lush forest.


    "Wait... Is that. Me?"


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    In the Savagery Forest. Dereia explores the area for days now, finding something useful. On her trail are numerous dead monsters that attempted to turn her into food but just end up dead and being eaten by scavengers and opportunistic monsters.


    After her escape on Nattunia, Dereia knows she just lucky to escape the mysterious group of adventurers that almost got her, if not for her scattering landmines after blinding Mateo.


    "Hmmm?"


    Dereia hears the sound of a woman screaming partnered by what seems trampling and branches being broken. The sounds becomes even louder until an adventurer appears from the trees.


    "HELP!" The lady screaming desperately. She''s wearing a black hooded cloak, a fit flexible leather pants, heavy leather boots and dark leather armor. From her appearance, she seems like a female rogue and and that she can''t fight the hulking monster chasing her.


    The lady seems noticed Dereia.


    "RUN!" The lady screams at her, viewing Dereia as some sort of helpless civilian wandering the Savagery Forest.


    But her change of attention lead her to trip on a stone and fall terribly to the ground. She quickly face the one chasing her and horror sets in when the green elephant covered with moss and vegetation prepares to trample her.


    "Nooo!"


    But before the elephant even drop her flat feet to the ground, the monster got hit by a random explosion. The explosion is so powerful that the face of the monster is decimated as it falls on its side.


    The lady doesn''t understand what just happened. Bewildeded that she somehow survive.


    "I''m... alive?"


    She look on her back and see Dereia making a weird posture. But in Dereia''s view, she just fired a RPG to the monster and remains on her pose for a while due to awe. Even her are surprised that she can summon such destructive weapon.


    Dereia feel that the blanket covering her body is starting to falls down so she compose herself and fix it. Then she walks to the lady who now sitting on the ground, looking up at her.


    "Do you did that?" The lady asked.


    "Yes."


    The moment Dereia answers, the lady starts to cry.


    "Thank you my Goddess!"


    Dereia just watched with no emotion as the Lady cries her hearts out. She waits for her to calm down, and when the moment comes. Dereia starts to ask question.


    "Are you the only survivor of your party?"


    The lady looks down, her body is shaking out of guilt and shame.


    "Y-yes... T-they got murdered by the same monster that you just killed. They sacrifice their lives just to help me escape."


    "Hmmm... Ok cool."


    "Huh?" The lady feels unease on the monotone and emotionless response of Dereia.


    But the moment the lady look to Dereia. A finger is already pointed on her forehead.


    BANG!!!


    The lady slumped on her back, her legs are still on kneeling position. A clean round hole on her forehead as a frozen expression of confusion lingers in her face.


    Dereia just looked on the dead lady with apathy.


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    .


    Dereia wears the clothes of the lady she just killed and throw the useless stuffs like her daggers, Bag of Storage which she tries to open to no avail and...


    "Klina Furgest, Gold rank adventurer? Uhmmm... Whatever." Dereia then throw the adventurer tag away.


    "Maybe if things finally cool down, I should try to also become an adventurer. Anyway, this clothes are cool as hell... yet itchy." Dereia talks to herself.


    And then she wears the final piece of attire, the black hooded cloak which is stained by the previous owner''s blood. Dereia use her magic to thoroughly clean and dry the fabric. After the process, she finally wear the complete set to Dereia''s awe. She whistles as she looked at herself.


    "My regret is not wearing a trench coat during my last hours on Earth. But this is also cool."


    Dereia moment is disturbed when a loud voice suddenly appears inside her mind.


    "YOU MONSTER! WHY?!"


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Dereia, despite being inside of her own conciousness still feels like her stomach turning upside-down after watching the unknown person that controls her body, just casually kill another person like it''s just a routine for her.


    "Why?" Dereia can''t believe that someone can just kill like that with no remorse at all.


    And yet, she even become more disgusted when she see herself undressing the dead lady, cleaning her clothes and wearing it while just leaving the dead corpse on the ground.


    "Just... For that..." Dereia''s tears starts to flows down. But her sadness is replaced by wrath as she screams on the person controlling her body. Wishing that maybe somehow she can hear her like how she hear the male voice when she''s still in control.


    "WHY?! YOU DON''T NEED TO DO THAT?!"


    "YOU DON''T NEED TO KILL HER!"


    .


    .


    .


    "YOU MONSTER!!! WHY?!"


    "Can you please shut up?


    Dereia is surprised to hear a response. Yet she returned to her determined mood.


    "YOU DON''T NEED TO KILL HER! WHY YOU DO THAT?!"


    "Why? Because I want to. Beside, it''s a better death than being ravaged by this elephant thingy."


    "YOU CAN JUST HELP HER ESCAPE!?"


    "Nah. That''s not my responsibility. I just saved her really so I can get her clothes before the elephant ruin it."


    "You''re... A MONSTER!! A VIELARATA!"


    "Look. I don''t care what you really think of me. Besides, I''m the captain now. So just quiet down and watch me use your wasted potential to its limits."


    "You..." Yet Dereia finally admits defeat as with just short talking to the entity, she can feel that the person doesn''t have any hint of morality nor sympathy on him. Dereia can''t understand him at all and the absolute apathy scares her.


    "Finally. Thanks for cooporating."


    "C-can you atleast bury her with dignity? Please."


    The man stays silent for a while the  sighs.


    "Ugh. Fine, I''m gonna do it. But as I burry this lady here. Spend your time viewing the memories. It''s gonna be full of surprises just for you."


    "O-ok. B-but how I access the memories?"


    "You''re inside the mind, you can manipulate that dark space."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    After tossing the body of the Lady she killed earlier to the hole she dug, Dereai then proceeds to now put the ground and bury the body completely by manipulating the soil with magic. After that, she make a makeshift cross using nearby branches and planted it above the grave. On the wooden cross, she hang the adventurer''s tag and the Bag of Storage. Finally, she stab tha lady''s daggers on the soil.


    Dereia walks back a little bit and look on the grave she created.


    "Done. How about this Dereia? Do you like it?" She asked the Dereia inside of her but to no avail. She didn''t hear any words.


    "Dereia?" She asked again but still no response. She just shrug.


    "Well whatever. She must been so focused on watching the memories."


    And with reckless disregard on her surroundings. Dereia starts to walk away. If the owner''s memories are correct, there must be a town South-East of Savagery forest. So Dereia set her next location on foot despite pretty much blindly traversing the infamous forest.


    Inside of her conciousness, Dereia watch with horror and heartbreak as the floating screen shows her crimes beyond human reasoning..


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


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    Grand Ecstasy returns to the Savagery Forest in attempt of finding Dereia. But with no lead at all, the party is like finding a needle in a haystack.


    Shirna uses his keen smell to detect any peculiar scent in the air that might lead them to their target.


    "Any leads? Beltrand asked.


    "Nothing yet."


    "Maybe we should wait for Bolaire to issue a bounty so many people help us." Claustrine suggested.


    "That might take a long time as they probably debating on how to hide or change some details." Mateo answers.


    "How about Nattunia? Can they send soldiers?" Sophia''a question.


    "That''s also takes time. They need to question Bolaire first with the failure of their agent. Also, the knights might hesistate to chase a criminal with little knowledge on the said target. Beside, they might be confused on the information we give as we altered them so much." Mateo''s lenghty explanation.


    After an hour. Grand Ecstasy continues their search when they hear a familiar sound.


    "It seems your bestfriend needs tribute again." Beltrand laughs.


    They watch as a large black falcon descents in front of Shirna. In the back of the Falcon is a Bag of Storage  with elven design.


    The falcon face its back to Shirna, waiting for him to place stuffs he wants to be sent.


    Grand Ecstasy just wait for Shirna to finish the deed, far away from him as the Falcon still angry and scared at them for trying to shoot and kill the poor bird the first time they meet it.


    Shirna opens his own Bag of Storage and pull a jar of assorted candies, a bar of chocolate with a replaced cover and a bundle of bond paper. After putting the gifts, Shirna finally sent the falcon with a clap.


    Seeing the Falcon safely take flight. Shirna returns to his friends.


    "Lets go back tracking Dereia."


    .


    .


    .


    Another hour gone by. Grand Ecstasy just stay silent as they follow Shirna''s lead who continued to track the smell of decay.


    "Hmmm?" Shirna halts.


    "What''s wrong Shirna?" Mateo asked.


    "I smell decay. Too much decay."


    "Can you lead us there?"


    Shirna leads the group as they follow the scent. The closer they got, the stronger the smell would become that other members can smell it now.


    "Woah that''s... Something."


    After some time of following the smell. The party then reach a carcass of a medium sized monster named Boarila. The carcass are currently getting eaten by scavengers who fleed the moment they feel the presence of Grand Ecstasy.


    "Whoever kill this thing surely don''t know what parts are valuable." Beltrand commented as she look on the long tusk.


    "Unless... It was killed by Dereia."


    Mateo''a friends eyes widen after hearing his theory.


    "Shirna? Can you smell more carcasses nearby?" Mateo asked.


    "I can smell the musk of Gausear just north of us.."


    "Good. Lead us there."


    As Grand Ecstasy follow the trail of decay, they also see numerous strong monsters. Some even required a full gold party to be defeated. Just like the Boarila and Gausear, some of the monster''s precious parts that not ripped apart by scavengers are still in-tack.


    Then they reach the remains of a Mamotera, the giant elephant like monster with vegetation growing on its skin. But the monster is literally just scattered bones and some rotten flesh.


    Yet, Grand Ecstasy''s eyes are not focused on the dead monster. Instead they look with confusion on what seems a grave.


    "An adventurer got buried by his or her friend?" Beltrand theorized.


    "No."


    Mateo walks closer as he got followed by his friends. When they reach the grave, Mateo watch with pained expression as he looks seriously on the grave.


    "That''s a Christian cross. A very important religious symbol on my world."


    "But, that''s just two branches tied together." Beltrand asked.


    "The cross in the bible is really just two planks of woods nailed together. And that''s a great religious symbol." Mateo explained.


    "B-but... W-why she suddenly act religious after doing such heinous acts, including killing this adventurer?" Sophia asked with a sad expression on her face as she look on the grave, realizing the truth.


    Mateo picks the adventurer tag hanging on the cross. He take a look at it and then clenches his fist with the tag.


    "I don''t care what her believes are. She already did heinous crimes from both worlds so we going to bring her to the place, which he deserve if it exist at all... To hell." Mateo''s determined yet spiteful words.


    Mateo also pick the Bag of Storage but they decide to leave the blade to honor the adventurer who met her sad demise. Sophia gives a short prayer before they leave.


    Grand Ecstasy now walks back on their previous route.


    "Are you sure Dereia is not on the Savagery Forest anymore?" Claustrine asked.


    "The nearest civilization in the forest which is safe for her is the Horic town on the south. She must be on the way here if she also got the knowledge of the original owner." Mateo explained.


    "Or she might be also got that knowledge to the dead adventurer." Beltrand added.


    "That''s true. But the important thing is it''s either we wait for her there or we follow her trail faster. How long before we reach Horic on foot?"


    "2 days." Shirna answers.


    "But we still need to find her there. Horic is not exactly a small town. And I theorized that she also steal the adventurer''s clothes as remember, she only wearing sheets the last time we saw Dereia." Claustrine commented.


    Mateo stop which also makes his friends halt on their tracks.


    "Let''s just hope for the best the we reach Horic first and stand by on its gates."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Inside Nattunia''s castle. Gilmore greets the envoy sent by Bolaire. A fat ugly man wearing luxurious clothing, a show-off on their wealth which very common on Bolaire''s nobility. He was surrounded by his bodyguards as he enters the room where the meeting takes place.


    "I''m honored to meet you Mr. Donovan." Gilmore greets with formality.


    "Hmphh. So you''re the rumored Vandril." Donovan clearly shows no interest, for him nor his mission. The envoy mission is just a nuisance.


    "Yes but that''s besides the point. We sent a letter because the king wants to talk about the Bolaire criminal who caused mayhem on our city."


    "Oh. We''re truly sorry about that. We failed to quickly send a message warning Nattunia about the criminal." Donovan''s apology which felt void of sincerity.


    "No need to apologize Mr. Donovan. One of our adventurer groups rush back to Nattunia in order to tell us about the criminal. But their effort is just not enough to reach us before the... tragedy. Yet they gives us a very important information about the criminal."


    Donovan non-challant expression is replaced by serious yet tense demeanor.


    "The criminal''s name is Dereia, right?"


    Sweat starts to form on Donovan''s face as he starts to fidget.


    "A-ah... Y-yes... The name is D-Dereia alright..."


    "So... What''s this Dereia fella did exactly?"


    "I-If you already know. W-why bother asking me?"


    "Because I want to hear it on Bolaire''s mouth itself."


    Donovan clearly not anticipated to get pressed about the case as he and other Bolaire nobles is trying to hide the incident under the rag. He just exepecting that Nattunia would only ask questions about the murderer and he only need to answer using the responses they prepare.


    But the fact that Gilmore even knows the name of Dereia just say that the adventurers he mentioned really manage to reach Nattunia and bring the news first, before the royal elite units they sent to eliminate Dereia.


    The plan of painting Dereia as just some sort of assassin with no connection to Bolaire is not plausible anymore.


    "F-fine. D-Dereia kills a lot of childrens of N-nobility. I-including childrens of D-dukes and Marquis."


    "Hmmm... So the adventurers'' words are legitable. Mr. Donovan, if that crime is that severe, why your kingdom didn''t sent any information as soon as posible?" Gilmore asked. His words starting to become stern and hard.


    "B-because we''re c-compiling the information first before sending it to N-nattunia. I-in fact, I already bring the d-documents you need."


    Donovan asked his guard to send the papers to Gilmore who accepted it with curiosity. He inspects the papers with ease.


    "S-see? So we c-clear here now r-right?" Donovan is still anxious as he watch Gilmore reading the papers.


    And he''s shocked that Gilmore just throw the papers on the table with disregard.


    "All of this are useless."


    "H-how dare y-you!"


    "Why Dereia''s name doesn''t even mentioned and all that inside this papers are just detailed description of the murderer''s appearance."


    "Y-yes of course! I-isn''t that what needed for a b-bounty?"


    "You''re right Mr. Donovan. But we already have these informations given by the adventurers. And they''re more trustworthy as... they personally encounter Dereia."


    Donovan''s eyes widen to Gilmore''s revelation.


    "P-pardon?"


    "Yeah. And the fact that Bolaire lied to us for two times is really not good Mr. Donovan."


    "L-lied!? W-what we going to get for lying!? Besides that, what are the lies you''re talking about!?" Donovan starts to become more agitated.


    "The first lie is the informations in this papers are false and completely different on what the adventurers give to us. And second, Bolaire already sent a men to Nattunia but not with a mission of telling the news. Instead... to eliminate the culprit."


    Donovan twitches after hearing Gilmore''s allegations. Then he stand up and slams the table.


    "Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!" Donova is cursing inside his mind. The adventurers who seems knew more info and the elite units being discovered. The odds are against him in all angles.


    "P-preposterous! How dare you to accuse Bolaire with such baseless accusations!?"


    Gilmore remains cool despite Donovans explosive emotions.


    "Can you still call it baseless if we already got one of the men you sent in our custody? He seems very skilled if he can survive that explosion."


    Donovan freezes after Gilmore tolds him about the bald man. Not only the elite units is discovered, now one of them is captured and presumably already interrogated.


    It''s basically game over for him.


    "It seems he''s really a member of a secret Bolaire force huh?"


    "W-what are you talking about?"


    Gilmore clap his hands and the Nattunia knight who guarding the door from inside opens it, four knights enters the room, they holding a chain which holds the bald man who''s visibly beaten and bruised. Donovan watch in horror as the knights drags the bald man and sit him on a chair between Gilmore and Donovan.


    "Your expression is very telling Mr. Donovan."


    Donovan quickly avoid gazing on the bald man when he realizes that he was being observed.


    "I-I don''t understand what you talking about."


    "But you seems really know him Mr. Donovan?"


    "S-s-sir D-donovan?" The bald man''s pained words as he recognize Donovan after hearing his voice. His face is so bruised that he can''t even open his eyes anymore.


    "See? He even knows your name Mr. Donovan."


    Suddenly. The King alongside other high ranking officials also enters the room to Donovan''s shock.


    "Y-y-our Majesty!?"


    "Gilmore. You suddenly call us here, is something wrong?" The King asked.


    "My King. I wish for your pressence for the moment that this man reveals the truth. The truth about the Bolaire criminal that caused unnecessary innocent deaths." Gilmore explained as he points his finger to the Bald Man.


    Klein becomes serious after hearing the words.


    "What''s your name and position?" King Klein asked with stern voice.


    At first, the bald man considers lying but he feel the overwhelming and wrathful pressence of the King. It makes him stop and just follow the order.


    "My name is Porim. One of the captains of Bolaire''s secret squad named Deathrow." Porim beaten form almost give him difficulty talking yet he tried his best.


    "Porim. Tell us the truth about the criminal named Dereia." The king continues to ask.


    Porim stays silent for a while, contemplating for a moment but he gulps and breaths deep.


    "Dereia is one of the commoners chosen for Bolaire''s program of sending commoners with talents to attend the academy. She''s the only one decides to remain for a very long time until somehow she snaps and kills a lot of students and teachers."


    "Hmmmm... I see. I think it''s starting to make sense now." Gilmore''s words.


    "Why she snaps?" The King asked again.


    "I don''t know. I''m just assigned the mission to kill her."


    "And you failed misserably. Causing Dereia to kill innocent lives. Is that correct?" Gilmore asked.


    "Y-yes."


    Donovan have no choice but to painstakenly listen on the confession that would lead a stain on Kingdom of Bolaire and Nattunia''s relationship.


    "Porim. Why your team is the one sent in Nattunnia instead of a messenger that would tell us the situtation?"


    Porim gulps as he feels the overwhelming pressure of the King''s pressence. Despite his attempt of trying not to answer, the King plus the threat of Gilmore makes him bend.


    "The nobility of Bolaire is trying to hide the truth that a commonner kills a lot of childrens of nobility. The false info they give to the citizens and about to send in neighboring countries is... A lower nobility lady that went insane due to stress." Porim explains with defeat. Donovan also feel lose as the truth is now exposed.


    "Bolaire is trying to hide the truth because they scared that the incident might incite a revolution, right?" Gilmore''s question.


    Porim freeze for a moment then nods his head slowly.


    "Mr. Donovan? Want to say something?"


    "N-n-nothing." Donovan gritted his teeth out of frustration.


    "In attempt to hide the truth. You guys just make the problem even worse and now Bolaire involves our Kingdom on this affair. And losing the lives of my beloved citizens in the process... This is unacceptable." The Kings voice starts to contains spite as he looked on Donovan who cower in fear, feeling the immerse authority of the strongest kingdom in the world.


    The King stands on his chair and starts to walk away.


    "I order Bolaire to spread the truth of what happened. In... Every... Single... Detail. Non-compliance means Bolaire is disrespecting my kingdom and eager to have conflict on us, on the mess they made." The Kings words are threating.


    Donovan clenches his fist and grits his teeth even more.


    "Just for some disgusting commoners. You willing to ruin the friendship between Bolaire and Nattunia." Donovan speaks to herself. But the words are just loud enough to be heared by the King and Gilmore.


    "Gilmore."


    "Yes. Leave it to me."


    Gilmore stands up and walks closer to Donovan. Donovan looks up out of confusion.


    But his confusion quickly changed by surprise when his face got punched by Gilmore. Sending her few meters away from the table.


    Miracoulously. Donovan is still alive yet his nose are completely wrecked. Donovan touch his nose and when he see his own blood, he panics.


    "Speak ill on my citizens again and I''m ensure that you going to get worse than that." The Kings final warning.


    Donovan finally learn his place and say his formal excuse before fleeing the room quickly.


    "My King. Should we talk to the guild to properly put the bounty? The old man wearing glasses asked the king.


    "Yes. I can tell that Bolaire might delay giving bounty as long as they can as they will send more elite units to hunt Dereia."


    "As you wish your majesty." The man bows slightly.


    "Duke Ingram. Just ask a guard near my office to give you official sketch of the criminal." Gilmore''s suggestion.


    Ingram nods slowly.


    "Your help is so much appreciated."


    "Your Majesty. What should we do with Porim?" Gilmore asked.


    "Hold him for a while until we finished the assembly between two nations as we need his statement. After that, give him a quick death. Despite being the cause of the explosion, he still give us vital information."


    After sending his final words. The King and Ingram finally leaves alongside other few people.


    Porim looking down on the floor devastated.


    "H-h-how about my daughter?" Porim asked with extreme guilt as she didn''t even see her face for the last time.


    "Ironic words coming from you. You should asked first how many people with a love ones just perished due to your hubris." Gilmore words as he looks on Porim on disbelief.


    "But... It''s Dereia''s fault."


    "Yet you''re the one that instigated her. You two are equally at fault, she''s just more immoral than you."


    Gilmore walk towards the door.


    "Let''s go. Better to accept your fate."


    Completely lose his hope. Porim just follow Gilmore''s commands and walks away.

 Ch. 37 - Dereia vs Gold Rank Adventures

    Horic. A medium sized town and a territory of Nattunnia. A well known hub for adventurers that came from Kingdom of Zelestre that wish to explore the Savagery Forest, thus the town is bustling with adventurers and towns people alike. Two knights deligently guarding at the main gate as they look at the vast field in front of them. This is just a routine for them but sometimes, work can be a little bit boring so they casully have small talks to waste time while wating for any threat that wish to enter Horic. "Do you remember the adventurer earlier?" The slimmer adventurer asked his friend. "Be specific. We always see all sort of adventurers every day." The buffed guard casually talks as he still looking on the same field. "My bad. I mean the young girl with a red hair. Wearing a black cloak." "Oh what about her?" "I don''t know why but I feel like I seen her before?" "You think so? She''s looks like new to me." "No not her face. I feel like I seen her outfit before." The buff knight scoffs. "Of course you feel like that. Every assassin/scout-type adventurers always wear the same dark attire for stealth reasons." "Of course I know that. It''s just her particular clothes feels like I see it days ago." "You surely remember the weirdest things. Don''t overthink it." The young knight sighs. "Maybe boredom really just hitting me hard that makes me overthink." The two knights then hear a loud screech which makes them look up. But they don''t look afraid but instead confused as they look on the the bird with a height half of a human slowly descends and lands in front of them. "Is that thing a Carrier bird? And thay insignia, it came from Nattunnia." The young knight asked. "Yes. To think they sent a giant falcon to send something means that it''s a very urgent matter." The buff knight respond as he walks towards the bird. Then he goes behind the falcon, pulling a small knife and remove a small package tied on its back. After the entire procedure, the falcon fly away. The captain then appears behind the two while still looking on the flying falcon. "They used a giant falcon huh? The Kingdom only use them on Kingdom-to-Kingdom transfer due to their speed and capacity. But if they sent giant falcon just to deliver something, it must be urgent." The Captain''s serious words. "Should I open it Captain?" "Do it soldier." The buff knight then rip the thick paper covering the package, revealing a stack of wanted posters. But his expression of shock is not focused on the sizable reward but on the picture of the young girl with a red hair." "N-n-no way." "What''s wrong soldier?" The buff knight pulls one poster and show it to the Captain and young knight. The Captain is surprised that a young girl have a bountry comparable to a High Gold monster hunt. His first instinct is that the girl is a danger. "I remember her face. She''s already inside the town right now." The buff knight remembers. The Captain becomes extremely serious as he walks back inside the gate. "Soldiers. Distribute those posters to the entire town. I''m going to prepare the knights for an upcoming combat. If you see the suspect, don''t ingage and call for back-up. "Yes sir!" The two shouts as they give a salute. After the Captain salutes back, the Knights quickly picks the posters and seperate them in half. Thus, the three scatters and do their job knowing that a dangerous criminal is lurking inside Horic. ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~ "Not again." Dereia can''t even manage to eat her food as she can feel the murderous stares of people around her. But still, Dereia tries to finish her meal despite how uncomfortable her situation is. Thankfully, the people inside the 2nd floor of the restaurant just continue to observe her until she finished eating. Dereia cleans her lips with the a towel as she observe the people and their weapons. All she can see are close combatants with few clerics. But she also notices that literally everyone around her are observing every move she makes while pretending to eating their own food. The tension is getting stronger, the single thread of normalcy is closer on snapping out. After drinking a glass of water. Dereia stand up and address all of her stalker. "Guys. Why just observe me instead of making the first move?" Dereia asked like the situation didn''t bother her at all. The Adventurers flinch and look at Dereia. Finally realizing that their cover is too obvious for their target. All of them stands up and unsheath their weapons. "Are civilians nearby finished evacuating?" One of the female adventurer asked the bulky man beside her. She grip her sword even harder, prepared for the tension to finally explode. "Yes. Only adventurers are outside of the establishment." "Good. I thought we can just wait for her to leave the town to minimize the damage." "It''s also our fault for underestimating the target and being to obvious." A slim man holding two daggers criticize the lady with a sword. "Are you going to arrest me or what?" Dereia taunts her enemies. "Bold words for someone already cornered like a mouse. Your bounty is for my group to claim." The lady retorts with a smug smile. "Don''t get cocky! The bounty is going to be mine!" A soloist adventurer screams. "Shut up bounty hunter! The bounty is for us Rock Lions to claim!" An iron clad adventurer screams. His fellow party members screams in agreement. As the adventurers debates for a while. Dereia points her finger pistol in one of the adventurers. . . . BANG! The adventurers are surprised on the sudden loud noise follow by a thud. They watch in horror as the body of one of the adventurers is now lying flat on the wooden floor. A pool of blood slowly spreads out on the fresh corpse. Realizing that the threat is still in front of them. The adventurers quickly focused their attention to Dereia who just standing, still pointing an invisble gun on the crowd. "You can say that i''m a cornered mouse. But a cornered mouse fights back." Dereia calmly speaks. The adventurers tighten the grip of their weapons. "I don''t know what the fuck you did, but you going to pay for that!" Another adventurer wielding a sword launches herself to Dereia and aim to stab her chest. She''s fast, yet not fast enough to contest Dereia as she effortlessly dodge the attack and shot the Adventurer to the head. The adventurer, now dead just continue to move forward until she hit the table and finally fall to the floor. Dereia then fires her pistol blindly to the adventurers who tries their best on protecting themselves. Some hide behind the thick tables that they tipped over, not knowing that such attempt are futile as the bullets easily penetrates them. "Shit!" Another male adventurer screams as a bullet hit his arm. "Clerics! In front, now!" The iron clad adventurer who seems the leader of Rock Lions shouts. The few clerics on his disposal quickly moves and summons large barriers to protect themselves. Dereia emptied her pistol magazine on the barriers to no avail. "Hmmm... Interesting." Dereia is more like curious than confused. The soloist adventurer, seeing the opportunity leaps above the clerics in attempt on decapitating Dereia. He makes a glorious and confident grin as her blade glints due to sunlight. "You''re mi-" Before the soloist swing his sword, his head suddenly dissappear, turned into a mess as the blood splats on the cleric''s shields to their horror. Dereia just move aside, not even giving a glance on a now headless adventurer. Dereia then reload her pump-action shotgun. BOOM! And shot the barriers... Reloads BOOM! Reloads and shot again... And again... The clerics getting pushed due to the intense power of whatever the enemy is doing to them. The other adventurers behind the clerics just watch in uncertainty. After watching the reckless adventurer''s head blown into pieces. They''re now conflicted as all of them are unsure on what Dereia can pull next. Then they watch Dereia seems emptied her invisible weapons. The adventurers gulps as they prepare to rush down. "Lets use our numbers to overwhelm her!" The lady swordsman shouts. Thus the clerics removes their barriers as they let the others to dash forward before Dereia even reload her shotgun. But instead of reloading, Dereia instead change her stance. Now she''s some sort of dual wielding with only her index fingers pointing, to the adventurers horror. They don''t know what Dereia is going to do next. But on Dereia''s point of view, she''s in zone as she prepares to fire her dual SMGs on a spray-and-pray action. RATATATATATATATA!! 3 adventurers falls down after recieving numerous invisible bullets. Dereia then proceeds to dodge numerous attacks from the adventurers as she fires back in return. On every attack she dodge, one or two adventurer falls down. It only takes a short moment and Dereia alread created a pile of dead bodies. "What are you?!" The sword lady screams in mix of fear and anger as she swings her sword consecutively, not a single one landed on Dereia. Dereia didn''t answer her queation but instead spray her body with bullets. She drops to the floor and gives a final pained breath before finally succumbing to her injuries. Dereia''s dodging brings her near the windows and the moment she see a glint outside, Dereia tries to dodge both the arrow and shattered glass yet the arrow still manages to graze her cheeks. Then a set of arrows follow, all targeted to Dereia who ducked behind the stone wall. The arrows hit nothing but furnitures and walls. Dereia quickly moves away from the windows and kills few more adventurers. The adventurers finally realize that they''re losing decides to retreat back behind the clerics'' barriers. "Shit!" The iron clad adventurer watch in disbelief as the dead adventurers fills the floor. "Fuck this. This is more than a Gold bounty hunt." The dual wield blader''s final remarks then he jumps above on the barriers and finally jumps on the window. Leaving the iron clad adventurer and the others behind. Dereia meanwhile watch with amusement as the dark clothed dual wielder leaves the building entirely. "What a coward." The iron clad adventurer spits with anger. Dereia emptied out the magazines of her SMGs to the clerics'' barriers. Dereia then stop doing her stance and just look at the adventurers hiding behind the barrier. "What''s the matter? Not gonna attack me again?" Dereia taunts them. The Iron-clad adventurer meanwhile is full of thoughts as he looks on the dead bodies lying on the floor. "This is absurd! Why this girl possessed such power?!" Combat experience + Mysterious magic + Disregard to human life. The armored adventurer can''t comprehend why such dangerous individual only given a gold ranked bounty. "I think we need to escape sir!" One of the Clerics suggested as she look to Dereia, observing on whatever move she would do next. "We can''t escape. We are cornered." A male Cleric counters as he realized that all the posible exits are guarded by Dereia. Behind them is just a brick wall. The Clerics suddenly hear a crashing sound behind them. They feel a cold hair brushing in their neck as the brick wall behind them is no more. They look back and see a huge whole created by the Iron-clad adventurer as he punch the wall with his fist. "We''re leaving. 2 of you, retain the barriers as the others jumps down." "Yes!" The three Clerics cancels their barrier while the other two decides to retain the barriers to protect their friends. The group make an escape until the Iron-clad adventurer is the last one jump down. But to his confusion, Dereia just watched them with no expression. The Iron-clad adventurer quickly stands up. "Cast the barriers again!" The clerics cast the barriers as they run away. "All of us in this town are Gold rank adventurers for fuck sake! Yet she still manage to kill a lot of us!" The female Cleric screams in frustration and wrath. "This is more like a mission for Platinum ranks. We have no business doi-" The Clerics suddenly hear a shattering sound similar to a glass breaking. One of the barriers got destroyed and the owner of said barrier is now headless. "Fuck! How?!" Back on the hole in the wall. Dereia is holding a large sniper rifle as she eject a shell. Ready to shoot another round. Dereia breaths heavily and aims again. BAAAANG!! CRASH! "Huh?" One of the Clerics is confused as his barrier breaks and he suddenly falls down. It only takes one look on his leg to realize what just happened. His left leg from the knee is decapitated. He screams in agony as his body finally feel the intense pain. Dereia watch the event unfold on her scope only her can see. With them leaving the headless body as they drag the now crippled Cleric with screams she can hear. "Hmmm... I assume only my Sniper Rifle can destroy those barriers easily." Dereia ponders as she returns the weapons back on her unknown stash. Dereia suddenly feels an intense pain inside her head. She almost slumped on the floor as the pain intensifies. "Shit! How you even manage to do that!?" Dereia screams in annoyance as she crawl on the wall. "Shut... up!" and she bangs her head really hard on the wall. The defeaning pain dissappears, replaced by stingy pain of her forehead which is now bleeding. After regaining control, Dereia hears a lot of footsteps coming up. She wobbly stand and change her stance. Unlike her stances before, Dereia is now like holding an invisible tube. She aims on the stairs and waits. A group of adventurers walks upwards with their weapons unsheated. But before they can even speak, Dereia starts to spray them with some sort of sticky fluid. It only takes a second for the same spray to turn ablaze. A very powerful and long flame continuous released on the nozzle of her flamethrower, burning the unaware adventurers. The hall is filled of panicking adventurers blindly flailing around as they seeks any sort of comfort for the burning hell they experiecing. Some falls down on the stairs while other burning adventurers manage to sprints down. "Water! Cast some water!" The adventurers desperately scream to any adventurers who also a mage. Few mages cast sprays of water to the burning adventurer. But to their horror, they can only extinguish the flames a little bit as the moment they stop. The flames just return to its hellish blaze. And the flames looks like sticked to the victims. Out of desperation. The mages summons large blobs of water and strike it to the burning adventurers with disregard on the victims. They manage to extinguish the flames but it''s too late as the burn victims are either dead or hopeless due to their injuries. Back on the stairs. The adventurers continues to hid as the flames is still raging and they can''t even manage to push. Dereia meanwhile can''t move forward as there''s still risk of the archers waiting for her to appear on the windows. Dereia can only stall the adventurers with her flamethrower. Unfortunately, the fuel of the flamethrower finally emptied out. The fire becomes smaller and smaller and now Dereia is vulnerable again. The adventurers got the courage to finally sprints as their opponents is open to attack. Or as they thought as Dereai changes stance again and sprays the dashing adventurers with her assault rifle. The small 2nd floor leaves no space for the adventurers to move around thus making them vulnerable on the bullets Dereia shots at them. Few adventurers manage to close the gap and their bloodlust is visible on their gaze as they prepare to slash and stab Dereia. Dereia manages to dodge the two attacks. He prepares to dodge the third attack but the intense pain inside her strikes back. "Not again!" Losing focus. Dereia barely dodge the stab, the sword cuts her side. "!!!" Dereia changes her stance back to pistol and shot the three adventurers to the head. She return her focus on the ladder and see another group of adventurers preparing to rush at her. "Goooo!!!" One of the adventurer screams. Dereia changes her stance but this time, she''s like lifting something heavy with her two arms. ZZZZTTTTTTT! The adventurers flinch after hearing the omminous sound. BRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!! The adventurers quickly falls one-by-one after getting shredded by the minigun Dereia is using. The carnage only last for 5 seconds and the group is no more. Dereia hear the voices below after the minigun sound fades. "Monster!" "This is something a mere lower gold ranks can handle!" "Everyone! Leave the building! The mages outside is going to cast powergul magic!" Hearing the warning. Dereia feel the panic of the remaining adventurers who leaves the establishment in hurry. Dereia also feel haste after knowing the announcement. She winds up and face the hole in the wall. Then run as fast as she can. Dereia leaps from the hole towards the the nearby roof. The adrenaline makes Dereia resist the pain of her wound. But that''s only short live as she instantly feel the sudden pang of agony. Despite all the pain, there''s no time for her to rest. She hide on the roof, in the slope where the adventurets would not see her. And Dereia watch in awe as the restaurant gets bombarded by both ice, rock and fire. The attack is so much that the restaurant is now in ruin. "Is my bounty really that huge?" Dereia asked to herself. She focus her gaze on the roofs in front of the now destroyed restaurant. Dereia can clearly see the 5 archers watching as they believe they finally got her. Dereia switch to her sniper rifle and starts to aim to the archers. "!!!" The adventurers on the ground got alerted after hearing the lound sound. Followed by another lound shot. "She''s still alive?!" In the rooftop, the archers are also panicking as they see the others either their heads exploding or them suddenly falling. One of the dead archers falls far down on the ground for the other adventurers to finally realize what''s happening. "She''s killing the archers!" One of the adventurees scream. "But how?!" After the archers. It''s the mages turn now as they fall dead to the ground. Pool of blood flows beneath their corpse. With only few adventurers remaining. Which either wounded, exhausted or realize they can''t fight. Dereai proceeds to heal herself lightly before jumping down from the roof to the road where she can be clearly seen by the survivors. Wielding two invisible handguns, Dereia slowly walks towards the adventurers frozen in fear. "Still want to continue?" Dereia asked coldly. As if her recent murders are just another monday for her. The adventurers have no choice but to refuse. Some able bodied sprint aways with panic on their face after watching such carnage. While the others either limps away or starts crying as they watch their impending death slowing walking towards them. Because despite Dereia looking collected, they can feel the murderous intent on her deep abysmal eyes. Dereia is dead set on ending their lives as bloodlust and adrenaline still lingers in her body. She never feel such euphoria since her last day on Earth. She''s in bliss yet she can''t express it and just wish for the feelings to continue forever. "What the fuck is that thing?!" One of the adventurers screams. Completely in disbelief that he never see the girl in front of him as human anymore. "Goddess Vivvilly please save us." One of the female clerics starts to pray, crying. Dereia''s steps are slow yet heavy. Sending emotional stress to the injured adventurers. "I guess this is the end-of-the-line for me. And I''m suppose to retire after this hunt." The older adventurer then scoffs, followed by him biting his lip hard that it bleeds. "What a terrible miscalculations from us and the one issued the bounty." Another male adventurer commented as he already accepted his death. In the distance. The Captain of the Horic soldiers just watch with guilt as he observe the adventurers fail. "Captain! Should we just really watch her kill everyone?" One of the soldier questions as his guilt also lingers. "Afraid not we can''t do nothing. That''s a threat that some mere soldiers like us can''t handle. We just going to add more casualties if we try." The captain answered with pain on his words. "But Captain. Is this really the right thing?" The soldier asked with a frown on his face. "We did our part by evacuating the civilians within the danger zone. And adventurers did what they always love to do which is seeking thrill and fortune. What we can do right now is to believe that someone might appear and stop her rampage." As the soldiers are in gloom. Suddenly, one of them see something on the roads. "Spotted group of people running towards the danger zone! They came from the North gate!" "What?! Are they civilians?!" Another soldiers asked with panic. "No! I think they''re adventurers! They wielding weapons!" The Captain change his focus and his eyes widen after seeing the group. "Grand Ecstasy?" "Grand Ecstasy? B-but... They''re just gold ranked adventurers." One of the soldiers lost his hope after knowing the name. The Captain looks at the soldier with a serious look. "Don''t underestimate them. They might be Gold but they''re belong to the peak of that rank. Maybe this would make a difference." Back in the danger zone. Derea is still continuing her walk. Each step sending more anxiety and fear to the survivors that too weak to escape. But she suddenly interrupted by a scream. "Dereia!" Dereia halts and looks behind her. To her surprise, she see the group who only know her true nature. Grand Ecstasy, who is now looking at her with wrath. Mateo looking at the surroundings and feel sick to the amount of dead and destruction. And then he look on Dereia with his disgusted, full of rage eyes.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

 Ch. 38 - Dereia vs Grand Ecstasy

    Dereia and Grand Ecstasy have a staring contest as the remaining adventurers who now lacks confidence on their abilities just decides to become silent observers from a distance. Tension rise as they wait on who''s going to make the first move.


    The unknown criminal who manages to kill numerous gold rank adventurers.


    Or


    One of the famous gold ranked party in Nattunnia.


    Dereia observe her new opponent. She''s unsure on how she''s going to deal with them as she didn''t know how the Grand Ecstasy fights.


    "Yo. Long time no-"


    Dereia''s eyes widen when Mateo suddenly dissappears on her vision.


    CLANG!


    Within a second. She manages to block the Mateo''s sword swing aimed on her neck with her assault rifle.


    "Dude!"


    Dereia push Mateo''s sword and she switch her stance to a pistol. But before she even aim the gun, Mateo already creates distance.


    And dodge all of the shots made by Dereia by anticipating her hand movement.


    As Dereia focused her attention to Mateo, the other members make their move to overwhelm the gun wielding criminal. Beltrand dashes forward with her sword and shield.


    With two opponents wanting her dead, Dereia switch her stance. Mateo watch intently as Dereia hand signs change.


    "SMG! DUAL WIELD!" Mateo screams.


    Dereia fires both invisible SMG to Beltrand and Mateo.


    RATATATATATA!


    Mateo is protected by the barrier created by Sophia which Dereia already expected. As for Beltrand.


    "Huh? "


    To her disbelief, Beltrand''s shield manages to block all of the bullets which is completely different on what happened inside the restaurant earlier. Dereia spray desperately to no avail as she got hit by Beltrand''s shield bash.


    Dereia got sent flying, rolls to the ground terribly from a distance then finally regains her footing. As she spit a blood to the ground, Dereia realized how much difference it makes now that the enemy have a prior knowledge of her own magic.


    But Dereia is not going to surrender for just minor setbacks as she switch her stance to a Sniper Rifle. Dereia planning to oblitirate the knight with a shield running towards her.


    "SR!" Mateo screams.


    Dereia''s quick shot Beltrand''s head but her shot missed by an inch as her invisble gun got hit by an arrow.


    An arrrow sent by Shirna from a distance.


    Dereia have no choice but to dodge the shield of Grand Ectasy. She rolls over and leaves Beltrand''s path. Dereia already change her stance and throws something towards Beltrand.


    "H.E!"


    Between Beltrand and Dereia, an earth wall rises. Audible clanks are heared as something invisible hits the wall and after a single second, three explosions suddenly appears, destroying the wall entirely.


    Dereia is amused yet irritated as Grand Ecstasy manages to counter her attacks. She stops for a while which also make Grand Ecstasy halt their movement. Wary on what Dereia''s game is.


    "Looks like someone did their homework." Dereia''s praise yet still sound like a mockery.


    "With an anomaly like you. Every form of preperation is a must." Mateo''s cold answer.


    The two side continues their stand still to the surprise of the observers afar.


    "W-what just happened?" An adventurer''s dumbfounded reaction after watching the quick exchange.


    "They move like they know what that monsters can bring to the table." Another adventurer commented.


    "Is this what a top-ranking Gold can do? Amazing..."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    An hour before the fight.


    Back in the Savagery Forest. Mateo gives a short breakdown o what Dereia''s arsenal would be.


    "First is a pistol. Small firearm and can be hold by one hand. Her hand sign might be these two."


    Mateo then shows his two hands, each showing different variations of a pistol hand. Her left hand shows the classic index finger pointing while her right hand presents a pistol sign with index and middle finger pointing.


    "If she can wield a pistol with one hand. Then there''s a probability of her dual wielding right?"


    "Exactly. And the fact that Sub-Machine gun or SMG can also be dual-wielded with similar hand sign bothers me." Mateo agrees on Claustrine''s assessment.


    "What''s a sub-mashin gan?" Beltrand asked, her eyebrow raising.


    "Another small firearm like Pistol. But with higher fire rate. I can say, it can shoot 60 bullets on a single press of a trigger."


    "Uhmm... Yeah. That''s a problem." Beltrand concernly agrees on Mateo''s explanation.


    "Next is shotgun, SG. It can fire multiple small pellets on a single bullet and very dangerous in short range. If my theory is correct, Dereia AKA Josh might choose a pump-action type."


    Mateo then demonstrate how pump-action shotgun works by pretending he''s holding a shotgun.


    "It means there''s an intereval on each shot.


    Everyone nods as they understand the mechanics of a Shotgun.


    "Next weapon is a Assault Rifle, AR. A larger weapon that wielded with two hands and can fire continious rounds just like SMG but with more punch. This might be her weapon of choice."


    Mateo then demonstrates how Assault Rifle might be held.


    "Uhmmm... Isn''t just similar to a Shotgun?" Beltrand asked.


    "Yeah." Sophia agrees.


    "That''s why you need to understand the context. If she pull this stance when you''re near, then she might using a shotgun. If not, then Dereia is ready to spray you with bullets."


    "But what''s stopping her from using those guns in any range she wishes?"


    Shirna''s sudden question makes everone silent fot a while.


    "Fuck." Mateo''s exhausted words.


    "He have a point you know?" Claustrine question.


    "I know that O.K? Geez. Just put everything in your mind please?"


    "Fineeeeee." Claustrine''s sassy answer.


    "Next weapon is Sniper Rifle, SR. A very long range and powerful weapon. This weapon also have a scope to view enemies from a distance so it''s safe to assume that Dereia would only use this as a assassination tool... Or for a desperate measure." Mateo''s added a last statement after remembering Shirna''s question then she shows how Sniper rifle is used.


    Experiencing a Sniper Rifle itself, Shirna knows the threat of the said gun first hand.


    "Next is Machine Gun. A larger and heavier weapon with the highest ammo capacity. She would only use this as some sort of defensive tool or clean-up of she find herself surrounded by multiple enemies. She might use one of two variants."


    Mateo demonstrate a machine gun which is wielded like a Assault Rifle.


    "You wielding it lower unlike the AR." Beltrand commented.


    "Because this weapon is heavy if we assume that her guns are true to its real life counterparts."


    Mateo then shows the another variant. Like he''s carrying low a really heavy canon pointed on his friends.


    "Dereia might also use a mini-gun. Fires faster and with higher ammo count."


    Everyone nods.


    "Good. And after seeing the remains of the monster near the grave. I can assume she used a RPG - an Explosive type of weapon that can only use once with long reload, Throwable Grenades or more form of bombs. RPG is easier to spot as it''s a weapon wielded on the shoulder. The grenades is tricky as there''s also numerous types of grenades... And I wish her explosive yield just end on C4."


    "What a tricky magic really. It doesn''t make sense even in this world?" Claustrine''s rant.


    "It''s like some powerful entity just give her that destructive magic because why not?" Sophia also joins on the rant.


    "And give it to the worst person to have such power." Beltrand joins.


    "Wait... Isn''t Josh just possessed Dereia''s body. Which means, all of the magical power is owned by Dereia, it just happened that a murderer is the one using it now." Shirna''s opinion


    "If that''s the case. The way Josh uses Dereia''s magic is still a mystery. There''s no way you can just make a replica of those weapons from Earth using our world''s magic right?" Sophia''s counter argument.


    "But this world''s magic would aleady broke numerous universal laws in my world if applied." Mateo''s counter on Sophia''s counter-argument.


    "But we still follow strict humanly rules. And our fleshly bodies also have limits you know?" Sophia''s counter counter argument.


    "Unless... It''s a Deistic magic sponsored by a god himself."


    Every gets shivers after hearing Claustrine''s theory. A god? Giving such power to an Earthling? Everyone is in disbelief.


    "I think we straying too far to the topic. We should focus on our main priority which is defeating Dereia."


    "Ah... Yes." Sophia''s unsure question. But her mind is flooded by deep thoughts. She can''t feel any deistic energy from Dereia yet Claustrine''s theory somehow make sense.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Back to the present.


    "It must be pathetic and unmanly on relying in someone else''s hardwork just to feel semblance of power!" Beltrand mockery of the man inside Dereia.


    Beltrand is running away from the line of bullet getting released by Dereia''s minigun.


    "Getting personal huh?! Besides, Dereia should thanking me for using her cultivated power instead of just locking it away to rot!"


    Mateo sneakly rush behind Dereia''s back and prepares to stab her only to see an invisible pistol already pointed above him without even Dereia looking. Mateo cancels his attempt and jumps backwards instead just before Dereia fires her gun.


    "And I''m the one controlling this body now so why bother bringing Dereia here?"


    Dereia feel the ground beneath shaking so she ran as earth spikes tries to chase her.


    "Because we don''t want you stain Dereia''s name even further." Claustrine calm yet loud words


    Dereia shots Claustrine which make her cancel the earth spikes and cast an earth wall instead to block the pistol rounds shot by Dereia.


    "So it''s about reputation? What reputation you exactly trying to protect?"


    Dereai shot the three arrows sent by Shirna with her pistol.


    "Being the best training dummy?"


    Dereia then switch her stance to dual wield SMG and spray bullets to Mateo and Beltrand who attempted to flank her sides. The two have no choice but cancels their attack, dodging and blocking the bullets in the process.


    "Being the pathetic pretenderer, living a pipe dream that one day she would achieve excellence in an academy filled with literal Nepos?"


    Dereia throws grenades on the totem erected by Sophia. With her gaming knowledge, she knows letting the totems linger would make the fight difficult for her.


    "Being the academy''s greatest loser? What reputation are you talking about?!"


    The grenade explodes, destroying the two totems to Sophia''s dismay.


    "But with my help, I can put Dereia''s name in the history books and I already started on the academy. It''s just like you said, I''m a pathetic loser right? So what''s wrong for a fellow loser to uplift and help other losers like Dereia?" Dereia''s then give a sly sinister smile.


    "You motherfu-" Beltrand didn''t finish his words as Mateo stops him.


    "Don''t fall to it."


    The two side maintains the cease fire.


    "Yes. The two of you are losers."


    "Mateo!" Sophia is not amused.


    "Good, now you understand.


    "But you, JOSH. Is the far worst loser that it''s heretical to compare you to any decent loser at all.


    Mateo gives a smug smile.


    "If the situation is not serious. I might laugh my ass off, just because you''re such a loser in life, you know. Back on... Earth."


    Mateo increases her expressiveness which his friend is struggling to focus their attention between Mateo and Dereia.


    "You''re so pathetic Josh. You''re too scared of your boring normal life yet you also scared to push your boundaries. You can''t make real friends because you''re so full of yourself and trained your mind that people are beneath you. Don''t get me wrong though. You try really hard but... It''s just you don''t have the talents nor charisma. All you can do is just imagine, while also harboring hate to the world that doesn''t do any wrong to you." Mateo''s make a sympathetic yet mocking face.


    "Where do you even know all of that?" Claustrine''s confused question.


    "His manifesto. He leaked a 10 page letter to the internet before doing his crimes." Mateo whispers.


    "Do you think you pushing him too hard?" Sophia''s concerned question, scared that Dereia might do something drastic.


    "No, just continue Mateo. I want to see her smug friend disappear. Just look at her. Beltrand instigate his friend further.


    Dereia''s face twitches a while before she returns to her calm, proud demeanor. But hints of anger is visible as her jaw clenches.


    "And you really think you have the same experience as Dereia? Give us a break. Your spoiled suburbian life is disgustingly leagues ahead on the hardship Dereia experienced in her life. So shut the fuck up your pathetic out-of-touch mouth." Mateo''s words become serious and hard.


    Swooshhh!


    Beltrand suddenly appears in front of Mateo as she blocks a barrage of pistol shot from Dereia.


    "I will kill all of you." Dereia''s murderous words are enough to make Grand Ecstasy alert as they grip their weapons tighter.


    "Ohoo... The loser is mad."


    Mateo then dashes forward and gives a downward arching swing. Dereia dodges the attack and pulls her double SMG to spray bullets to Mateo.


    Beltrand then moves in front of Mateo and use his shield to block all the bullets of the SMG. After the sound of the gun stops, Beltrand quickly follows the defensive with her offensive as he swings her sword several times.


    "Too slow!" Dereia taunts Beltrand she effortlessly dodges all of Beltrand''s sword strikes. She distance herself to gain a breathing room.


    Dereia switches to her handgun which she dual wield and attempted to shot all of the expose parts of Beltrand. Beltrand in return blocks all of the bullets using his shield with exception of one bullet that manage to reach her leg.


    Which Beltrand resisted as her body is protected by thick mana. The bullet only make a small dent on Beltrand''s leg guard.


    Before Dereia even react on Beltrands''s toughness. Mateo and Shirna are already on her blind spots and simultaneously attempted to stab Dereia.


    Dereia assess her situation within a second and see Shirna''s blades is coated by an oil like substance. She then decides to dodge and tank a strike from Mateo instead.


    SWOOOSH.


    The tip of Mateo''s sword manages to cut Dereia''s abdomen but not deep enough to cause severe injury. A far better outcome than slowly dying due to poison from Shirna''s blades.


    Dereia feels a sudden chill. And the moment the two step back, she quickly understand that she''s under attack. Dereia dive jump and run while dodging the rain of ice spikes Claustrine drops into her.


    To her surprise. Three walls surrounds Dereia. Trying to break the wall is futile as there''s still ice spikes remaining and flying towards her. Dereia instead switches to her Assault Rifle and shot the ice spikes with good accuracy.


    Shards of broken ice rains down as Dereia continues to shot the spikes with ease. Destroying the last one, Dereia wants to leave the wall prison but she didn''t expected Beltrand to suddenly appear. Blocking the entrance.


    "Shit."


    Beltrand didn''t do anything but instead stay firm on his feet. Dereia is confused until a metallic glint flashes above her eyes.


    Dereia looks above and see Mateo diving down with his sword pointing to her.


    CLANG!


    The sound of gritting metal can be heared. It''s coming from Dereia''s rifle which she used to block the stab Mateo make.


    Being a weapon construct made with magic, Dereia''s rifle is slowly cracking and in verge of destruction. She use all her strenght to push Mateo aside then make the assault rifle dissappear. Watching the enemy in front of her, Dereia release her shotgun and shot Mateo''s face in close distance.


    Mateo quickly cover her upper body with her arms and thick amount of mana, tanking the full force of the shotgun shot which send him flying few meters away. Yet Dereia is not done yet as she quickly make follow up shots.


    Mateo is push away enough that he bumps towards Beltrand''s shield. Feeling the cold steel behind him, Mateo quickly use Beltrand as cover as he moves behind him.


    Despite all of defensive measure he can master, Mateo still recieves a lot of damage, her arm and some part of his face and upper boddy is riddled with shallw holes caused by shotgun pellets.


    Each pump and pull of the trigger is so powerful that even with the combined strenght of Beltrand and Mateo, the two is still being pushed, making a deep line on the soil beneath their feet.


    The shield also start showing damage after repeatedly recieving Dereia''s attack.


    Yet, after few more shots. Beltrand and Mateo suddenly stopped being pushed. As if they finally manage to resist the intense force of Dereia''s shotgun.


    "Claustrine! Destroy the wall!"


    Claustrine follow Mateo''s order and collapse the wall. The moment the soil crumble, Shirna fires 5 arrows. Dereia dodges four but one manages to hit her in the shoulder.


    "I wish I didn''t use all of my poison to my blades." Shirna''s dissappointed comment.


    She notice the totem planted on the ground to her shock.


    "Shit!" Dereia in haste, focus her vision to Mateo and Beltrand. Only to see Beltrand already rushing towards her, but there''s no sight of Mateo anywhere.


    To her horror. Mateo use Dereia''s surprise to flank her as he already reach Dereia who didn''t notice him with the speed boost from Sophia''s totem. Mateo then stabs Dereia on her abdomen.


    "Gahh!" Dereia spits out blood.


    Dereia attempted to counter attack by switching back to her pistol and shooting Mateo point blank.


    THUD!


    But before she even pull the trigger, Dereia is strucked by shield bash of Beltrand who now reached her. Beltrand''s follow up swing miss as Dereia is sent flying and rolling on the ground several meters away.


    Dereia slowly stand up but she feel a burning sensation behind her. She looks behind and see a giant fireball thrown to her by Claustrine.


    BOOM!


    The ball of fire turns into a fiery explosion after it hits Dereia who is now sent rolling in the ground again, now slighly charred.


    Dereia now injured, she slowly stand up again. After trying and limping, she finally stand on her feet. But Dereia found herself surrounded by Shirna, Beltrand and Mateo. The three are dead set on ending it once and for all.


    Dereia tries to walk away, to no avail as her feet got locked down by Claustrine''s earth magic.


    Switching in any of her arms are futile as she doesn''t have time to simultaneously kill the three attacker.


    "Is this the end?" Dereia thinks to herself as Mateo, Beltrand, Shirna aims their sharp weapons towards her. While Claustrine channels a barrage of ice spikes above her as an overkill.


    Claustrine meanwhile watch the whole ordeal, relieved that the mission is finally over.


    The three melee combatans getting closer and closer to the ensnared and exhausted Dereia.


    .


    .


    .


    "!!!"


    Claustrine is suddenly felt an absurd amount of mana. Her relief is quickly replaced by horror as she watch the source of the sudden influx of power, to see that its coming from the same enemy they trying to eliminate.


    Claustrine quickly cancels her magic.


    "EVERYONE!!! GET AWAY FROM-"


    But Claustrine''s warning was too late...


    Within a flicker of an eye. Mateo, Beltrand and Shirna who earlier are in offensive are now suddenly halt on their movement. Then blood sprays everywhere as the three falls to the ground.


    "H-how..." Beltrand''s disbelief as he suddenly feel his body recieving numerous wounds and falls to the ground alongside Mateo and Shirna who also wear the expression of horror and disbelief.


    The three watch as Dereia walks away from them, now focused her attention to Claustrine and Sophia.


    They clearly see that Dereia is holding a transparent glowing blue rapier on her right hand, and a transparent glowing black handgun on her left.


    "W-what just happened?" Shirna''s final words before he lose conciousness.


    Mateo also doesn''t have any idea on why Dereia suddenly recieve sudden rush of power, capable of easily turning the tides on her advantage.


    Claustrine watch as Dereia is surrounded by thick mana, clearly showing an increase of power. So much power that it even make her invisible weaponry, visible.


    Dereia without saying a word aims her pistol towards the two ladies.


    "Sophia! Defensive barrier!"


    Sophia follow Claustrine and cast a barrier. It manages to catch all of the shots made by Dereia.


    But the bullets also manages to make the barrier crack.


    Claustrine cast numerous ice spikes and throw them all to Dereia. Dereia switch her black Beretta m9 to Uzi and sprays to the ice spikes, while also dodging the ones that manages to bypass the hail of bullets.


    Claustrine follows up by summoning earth spikes on the ground. But Dereia just smashes each of them with her blue rapier.


    "This is absurd!" Claustrine screams in disbelief while continuing firing spells to Dereia.


    Dereia suddenly switches her black Uzi to Black Remington 870.


    "Sophia!"


    "Yes!"


    Sophia repairs the barriers and widen it, ready to recieve the upcoming attack.


    And Dereia attack by shooting the barrier with her shotgun.


    CRASH!


    With just a single shot, the barrier instantly breaks. Claustrine moves the ground beneath them to quickly distance themselves.


    "So much power..." Claustrine still in disbelief then she looks on Sophia.


    "Sophia are you fi-"


    But she didn''t manage to finish her sentence as she see Sophia''s clothes slowly getting soaked with blood.


    Some pellets manages to reach Sophia''s body.


    "I''m s-sorry..." Sophia then slumps to the ground and lost conciousness.


    Claustrine quickly slide the ground beneath her to create distance. She''s going to use all of her new knowledge despite how risky it is.


    Only for her to suddenly see Dereia appear in front of her.


    "Wha-"


    Claustrine didn''t even manage to react as she feel the blue rapier penetrate her abdomen.


    "Gah!" Claustrine spits out blood.


    Dereia pulls the rapier and watch Claustrine kneel to the ground, holding her wound. But Dereia not done yet as she switch her Remington back to Beretta and aim it on Claustrine''s head.


    Claustrine looks up and see the gun aimed at her forhead. But instead showing fear, Claustrine shows defience as she looks at Dereia with anger.


    "No." Mateo see what''s going to happen and slowly crawl towards Claustrine and Dereia despite his injuries.


    "S-stop."


    Mateo continues to crawl. Claustrine notice him and she gives Mateo a bitter and sorrowful smile. Acceptance of death.


    "NOOOOOO!!!"


    Mateo prepares to go all-in by using all of his mana.


    .


    .


    .


    CLICK!


    A sound inside Dereia''s her head.


    "Huh?"


    Dereia is confused at first, but her confusion is quickly replaced by intense agony as her head suddenly feel intense pain. Like her head is getting torn apart.


    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"


    Dereia lose grip on her weapons which disappears in the air. She now holding her head while doing gutteral scream of suffering.


    "MAKE IT STOP DEREIA!!! AHAHHHHHHH!!! STOPPP!!!!!!"


    Claustrine watch with confusion. Mateo''s anger is replaced by horror as they watch Dereia who earlier defeating them one-by-one now suddenly in unexplainable pain.


    Pain so intense the Dereia is now slumped on the ground, slamming her head to the solid soil.


    "MOTHERFUCKER MAKE IT STOPPP DEREIA!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    "W-what the fuck is happening?" Beltrand ask with her weakened voice as she also watch the scene unfold.


    "I-I think... Dereia is fighting back." Mateo answers while watch the now agonized Dereia hurting herself.


    "D-Dereia? The real owner of that body?"


    "Y-yes."


    Mateo watch with serious expression as Dereia continues to experience agony. Screaming and slamming her head.


    "Dereia... Please fight back." Mateo whispers to herself.


    "DEREIAAAA YOU FUCKING BITCH!!!"


    The agony continuea until Dereia suddenly dashes away still screaming in pain. Dereia is so fast that she quickly disappears in their vision.


    Despite wishing to follow her, Grand Ecstasy are too injured to do anything.


    "We... Failed." Beltrand''s last words before he fallen asleep.


    Claustrine attempted to stand up using her staff as a support. But the injury is proven to be severe despite coming from a simple stab that she lost conciousness. As she falls to the ground.


    Mateo grits his teeth as he feel guilty and defeated. Then he also slowly lose and falls to slumber.


    .


    .


    .


    Grand Ecstasy is defeated. They laying on the ground with their injuries, the injured adventurer who watch the battle afar feels dread.


    "Even Grand Ecstasy..."


    "They almost kill her if that monster didn''t become so powerful all of the sudden."


    "This is more than a gold rank bounty mission. This is a mistake."


    The soldiers alongside non-combat clerics rushes towards Grand Ecstasy. After learning they''re still alive, the cleric starts to treat their injuries. After some time, civilians and gawkers floods the area. Watching the mayhem and massacre caused by Dereia.


    Each of them looking with disgust and sympathy as the bodies of dead adventurers- Gold ranked adventurers who fight powerful monsters are now arranged on the street, covered with blankets like they''re just mere victims.

 Ch. 39 - The Mindscape fot Two People

    Several weeks ago...


    "Huh?"


    Josh wakes up and see herself floating and surrounded by darkness he can''t comprehend.


    But realization hits him and then Josh scans his body with his own hand. No sign of blood nor bullet holes detected.


    "I''m still... alive?" Josh asked to herself with absolute confusion.


    Yet he quickly dismiss the idea as he clearly remembers his last moment on life - He got decimated by the S.W.A.T team when he tried to fight back. Despite wielding guns, he got killed by people far more experienced than him.


    "Is this the afterlife? Is this hell? Or limbo?" Josh asked as he now scan the surroundings again only to see the same darkness that greeted him the first time he opened his eyes.


    Suddenly a light appears in front of him, forming a huge square. After a second, it suddenly shows the point of view of someone.


    "What?"


    With nothing to view in the void, Josh focus his attention to the screen where he see that the owner of the POV is just wake up and doing a morning routine. But the first thing Josh noticed is the home of the stranger is ruined that it''s more like an abanddoned building than a cozy home.


    "What is this?" Josh asked, still confused.


    In order to get answers, Josh watch the POV owner until he watch her wash herself only to realize that the owner is a girl.


    At the school, Josh watch as the people the Owner encountered is looking down at her with disgust, some eveng giving few deflamatory remarks. He also learns the name of the owner after some student interact at her just to give insults.


    "So, Dereia is your name."


    Josh continues to watch until Dereia is now getting bullied by a group of girls, the leader having a blonde hair with drills. He watch the scene with indiference on his face.


    "What a loser." The only words coming from Josh, he shows no sign of pity and continues to watch Dereia gets plunged to a bucket of dirty water, slapped, kicked, lick the floor and more degrading orders from the tormentors.


    "Well. Atleast there''s something unique here." Josh said as he continues to watch until the POV owner goes to sleep and the screen went black.


    With nothing to do and not feeling tired. Josh is just on deep thoughts on the dark abyss.


    "Why I''m sent here to just watch a loser''s miserable life?"


    Another rush of thought hits Josh when he finally theorizes what''s happening on his situation.


    "I''m inside her... Conciousness?"


    But he don''t have any ways to prove it as Dereia is sleeping for tommorow.


    "Fuck it. I''m gonna test it tommorow."


    The next day. Dereia''s day went as usual. Morning routine, attending classes, and getting bullied by sorts of student. Another day of school gone by and Dereia is limping back to her dorm.


    Josh then focus. Trying to connect herself to Dereia''s mind. He''s practically blindly following his instinct.


    And finally, Josh says his first words.


    "Why you didn''t fight back?"


    Watching the screen shows Dereia''s POV panicking as she looks at her surroundings with haste after hearing a sudden voice.


    "So you really hear me?"


    "Who are you? Show yourself." Dereia is in high alert.


    "Too bad there''s no way I can do that as I''m inside your mind."


    Dereia stops as she finally realize that the voice is not coming from any direction but instead ringing inside her head.


    "Why you''re inside my head?! Who are you?!"


    "Listen miss. The answer is I don''t know and my identity is irrelevant. What important is why you didn''t fight back?"


    Dereia stay quiet for a moment before answering.


    "I can''t."


    "And why is that?"


    "Because they''re too powerful."


    "Powerful what?" Josh asked as he still don''t have any idea.


    Dereia pause for a while before saying something.


    "Why you even asking me? If you watching my life, you must know what they saying." Dereia spokes with slight annoyance.


    But despite this, Josh can''t remember anything. Not because of some defect on whatever his state right now.


    The truth being, Josh just don''t care at all. He basically watch what Dereia sees on her eyes just so he can pretend he doing something on the boring and empty darkness.


    "I''m tired. Please let me rest."


    Another day is gone by. With Dereia sleeping, Josh is left alone again to just think for himself.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Next day is Academy break. With all other students out to enjoy their free time. Except Dereia who decide stay.


    "Going to skip classes?" Josh asked.


    "No. It''s Academy break today."


    "Then why you still here?"


    Dereia stay silent for few seconds before she resumes talking.


    "I have nothing to do outside." Dereia then follow with an awkward laugh.


    "Then you just gonna hole yourself here, doing nothing? Relatable."


    "Not exactly. I''m going to train myself."


    "Train? What''s the point of going on academy then if you instead doing self-teaching? Teachers suppose to teach you."


    "Sorry. It''s complicated."


    Silence befalls the two as Josh can''t comprehend what Dereia is implying.


    "Nevermind. I''m gonna train now, just don''t interrupt me please."


    "Ok fine. Just show me what you got."


    .


    .


    .


    Some time later. Dereia is now standing in the open field in front of the decrepit building which she considered home.


    Josh watch with anticipation as he wait for Dereia to do something. Dereia picks a long stick nearby then walks to a spot to tap the ground.


    "What are you do-"


    Before Josh finish his confused question. He was interrupted when a pillar of soil suddenly rises taller than Dereia herself.


    "WHAT?"


    Josh watch with awe as Dereia continues to erect more pillars around.


    "Is that... Magic?"


    Everything makes more sense to Josh now. What Dereia is doing right now really explains the books she''s reading and its contents full of unknown text and diagrams.


    Josh at first curious with the unusual buildings and clothes he see from Dereia''s eyes. But with the existence of magic...


    Josh truly understands that he''s now in another world.


    "Interesting..." Josh says with amused smile.


    Josh continues to watch Dereia, now with full attentiuon as he watch the girl cast powerful magic of varying elements.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Flamethrower.


    Icycle spikes.


    Wind Cutter


    Fire blast


    Boulder strike


    Water arrow


    Incineration


    Earthen prison


    Ball lightning


    Pit of mud


    Aqua vortex


    Each spell destroying the pillars she created. Pillars that are now just bunch of fragmented remains.


    Once again in his life, Josh felt mesmerized with the beauty and mystery Dereia showcased. He makes a sinister smile after knowing a potential to make his life more interesting unlike his short existence in Earth.


    Dereia is satisfied as she just cast continious spells which drains a large portion of her stamina and mana but she doesn''t feel any fatigued. So Dereia sits under the shade of a tree to to meditate a little bit.


    "W-why..."


    "Mister?"


    "Why you didn''t fight back if you possessed such powerful magic?"


    Dereia stays silent for a while again. Then she laughs painfully.


    "I can''t."


    Josh scoffs.


    "You have such powerful magic yet you still decide to let yourself get humiliated by those kids. That''s dumb."


    Dereia sighs with disbelief on Josh''s words.


    "Mister. For a being inside my mind, you weirdly don''t know anything at all."


    "Huh? And what are you implying."


    "I mean. All of your question can be answered if you just browse my memories. If that thing is even posible." Dereia says with melancholic look on her face.


    Josh went silent as Dereia''s suggestion makes sense. But there''s one problem...


    He doesn''t have any idea if that''s even possible.


    "Gahh fuck it. Just continue your training.


    "Thanks mister."


    Dereia starts to create another set of earthen pillars while Josh is in deep thought.


    "Access her memories?"


    Josh shakes his head out of frustration.


    "Why I even care? I should just focus on stealing her body."


    Josh continues to watch Dereia''s training when she throws her long stick in favor of a shorter one.


    Dereia focus and channel portion of her blue mana to her right arm wielding the stick. The mana then engulfs the stick brighlty and after few seconds, the bright mana change form and become a sword made of mana with the stick as a foundation.


    Dereia makes a deep breath and within a minute, she dashes on the earth pillars. The mana sword cuts them like soft butter as the cuts are so clean that it takes a short delay before the pillars slides then falls to the ground.


    Josh is amaze on the skills and talent Dereia shows despite not knowing anything on his new world. But he also felt a bit of envy and anger.


    "I''m absolutely need this body." Josh''s ultimatum as he watch Dereia continue her close combat training.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Several days ago. While Josh which in control of Dereia''s body is burying the body of the woman he just killed for clothes, Dereia is full of dread as she watch the memories of Josh while he still living on Earth.


    Despite her not really understanding most of the things shown on the replays like guns, words and gadgets. All of her questions are get burried by unjust violence and massacre Josh perpetuated.


    Josh running in the hallways looking on his next targets.


    Men, women, authorities. Everything is fair game for him as on that moment, Josh''s mission was to just increase the count of life he can snuff out.


    Most students manages to run by following some sort of drill as if such tragedy happens occassionally, according to what Dereia think of the situation. Some students are too slow and got caught by Josh who killed them in cold blood.


    Many students tries to hide but to the horror of the ones who got caught, Josh easily found them like he already have an idea on where students might hide on the building.


    Dereia feels absolute disgust as Josh kills his victims without even letting them finish their plea nor prayers. For every gunshots, Dereia flinches and tears flow on her cheeks. She can only cry on the unfortunate souls who got caught on non-sensical violence.


    Nonsense massacre did by a man who seems doesn''t feel anything as she kill people that didn''t do wrong at him.


    The replay only ends when Josh was finally killed by weird armored people who enters and fight him on equal terms. Only for them to quickly kill Josh as they are just more experienced.


    Dereia just spacing out as the screen turns white. She can''t comprehend why such monster comes to her body to stole it.


    But before she even compile her thoughts, the screen suddenly shows another replay. And Dereia''s eyes widen in horror.


    "No way..." Dereia is in shock as she saw the face of the blonde haired lady who tormented her the most. Dead on the floor as blood flows out on the hole on her forehead.


    And just like the previous massacre, Josh do the same on her academy. But it''s now even more deadly as Josh now uses magic Dereia didn''t even created partnered by supporting spells that she learned.


    Yet Dereia is very different now. She just watch silently as her classmates gets killed one-by-one by Josh. Dereia didn''t show disgust, sympathy, nor anger. Just indiference.


    Until Dereia notice her empathetic face on the reflection of the screen. She is shocked and repulse as she suddenly slap herself.


    "WHAT I AM DOING?!"


    Dereia slaps herself again.


    "You''re not like him!"


    Dereia finally calms herself and continue to watch the replay. But she still feel mixed emotions as she watch her former classmates meet their demise.


    At one end, she fee sad that they get the same fate as what Josh''s classmates experienced. But on the other side, Dereia feels twisted calm watching the same classmates and teachers who torment her for months get killed one-by-one


    Dereia turns off the replay screen and she just lie down on the invisible floor. The replays makes her feel exhausted despite being an entity inside her own body. Dereia is just looking on the equally dark ceiling or sky.


    "What should I do now?" Dereia ask herself as she slowly losing hope that she''s now a suspect of the crime she didn''t do. A crime that surely give her or the one that stole her body a punishment worse than death.


    She wants to cry again but there''s no more tears she can let out. Dereia chuckle softly in defeat.


    "Heh. I even depraved to even cry my suffering despite being an bodyless entity."


    She cover her eyes with her right arm and grinds her teeth out of frustration.


    "Damn it!"


    All she wanted to do is to help her family, bring honor to her backwater village, become a hero. Especially the mystical Arcane Swordlady of Bolaire who the elders always tell her the story of.


    But after accepting the opportunity, all she experienced are just suffering from the hands of so called "Descendants" of the heroes that protect the Kingdom during the war a thousand years ago. Then the mysterious man appears, steals her body and tainted her reputation.


    "DAMN IT!"


    .


    .


    .


    "What do you want to become my precious Dereia?"


    "Huh?!"


    Dereia is surprised to hear a familiar voice. She sit up and find the source, only to see the screen lights up again despite her turning it off earlier.


    Dereia didn''t expected to see a recollection. She smiles painfully as she see her mom again despite it being just a memory.


    "I want to become a hero just like the heroes told by elders!"


    "Hehe. Then you should grow stronger. Afterall, the heroes are not lazy!"


    "Of course mama!"


    Her mom makes a sweet yet smugly smile.


    "It''s that true? From what I remember, the last time you help me and your dad  on the farm was 3 weeks ago."


    "Eekk!"


    Dereia chuckle alongside her mom on the replay screen.


    "If you''re not diligent and hardworking, you can''t become a hero like the ones that saved the world. My dear Dereia, you must become a great person like them ok?"


    "Yes!"


    Dereia smile as she watch her mom on the reply hug the child version of herself. Despite being just a memory, Dereia feels warmth, warmth that she miss dearly.


    "Is that a promise?"


    "Of course!"


    "Well then, let''s go to the woods and pick some mushrooms."


    "Eek! R-right now?"


    "Hehe of course. If we don''t, we can''t have a dinner later. So carry this basket and show me how much you want to become a hero."


    "Hmmf! You just want me to help you mama. You meanie."


    "Hehe. That''s not true, I''m just helping you. By the way my dear, which hero is your favorite?"


    "Hmmmm... Ah! It''s the Arcane Swordslady. She''s so elegant and refined! I want to become great like her!


    "Then let''s go and make your dream come true my dear!"


    "Yes!"


    The replay ends. Dereia feels painful nostalgia as she remembers the past. After reminiscing the good old times, Dereia remembers the dangerous monster to who now controlling her body.


    She have now a dertermined look on her face, Dereia now being fueled by anger and desire to make things right by stopping further carnage.


    Her, Dereia Morningdew will stop this madness with all cost as she starts to spawn a lot of screens in hope of finding a way to recover the control to her own body.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Back to the present...


    "FUUUCKKKKKK!!!"


    Dereia is slamming her head on the tree trunk, her face is covered in blood yet Dereia doesn''t feel anything at all with each headbutt as she feels a far worse pain.


    "DEREIAAAAAA!!! ENOUGH!!!"


    Her gutteral scream echoes on the woods yet she didn''t hear her own scream as the high pitch sound in her mind is a lot louder with her head feeling like it''s going to explode.


    "AHHHHHHHH!!!"


    She drop all fours to the ground. She feels like she''s going to puke or pass out due intense pain.


    "SO YOU WANT TO PLAY HUH?! MOTHERFUCKER THEN LET''S PLAY!"


    Dereia slowly stand up limply. Trying her absolute best to resist the pain.


    "I KNOW YOU CAN''T DO THIS FOREVER DEREIA! BUT IF YOU CONTINUE THIS BATTLE BUT LOSE YOUR GAS AHHHHHHH!!"


    Dereia feels another surge of intense pain inside her head. But she endure, she needs to say the thing that will possibly save her from suffering...


    "I WILL PUSH THIS BODY OF YOURS AND TRAVEL BACK TO YOUR VILLAGE AND KILL YOUR FUCKING FAMILY!"


    With just one single threat, the absurd pain inside Dereia''s head is now slowly fades away. She finally feel relief after two days of suffering due to Dereia''s repeated assault.


    "Yeah that''s what you do. Just shut up and let me pilot your body. If you can, just dissappear completely!"


    Dereia makes a deep sigh of relief now that the headache is gone. But because of her two days lacking enough sleep, Dereia feel her entire body losing its strenght.


    Dereia touch her face and feel both the dried and fresh blood. She looks on her fingers to see the tips got coated by blood. This revelation is then followed by sharp pain on her forehead. But its nothing compared to the insanity she experienced earlier.


    "I-I need... T-to..."


    With her last ounces of strenght. Dereia search a safe spot deep inside the forest until she discover a large tree hollow.


    Dereia legs give up but she proceed to crawl until she finally gets into safety. With her last remaining power, Dereia makes a earth wall go block the entrance.


    "F-finall-"


    Dereia lose conciousness as she slumped on the cold ground. Finally getting a sleep she seek for so long.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Back in Horic.


    "What just... happened here?"


    Gilmore just looked on the row of dead adventurers being burried in the outskirts of the town. He can''t believe the amount of death in front of him.


    "This is a tragedy and a huge mistake." The guard captain commented as he watch besides Gilmore.


    "Mistake? You say you watch the entire fight happened right? What you find out."


    The guard captain clenches his fist.


    "All of these dead adventurers got baited by the rewards. They think it''s just an easy gold rank quest when in reality, that monster should be hunted by Platinum ranks."


    Gilmore can''t deny the opinion of the guard captian as he grinds his teeth out of frustration. So much unnecessary life lost because of all of them underestimating the enemy.


    "Damn it."


    The two can''t handle the sight any longer and they walk away.


    "Is there survivors?"


    "Yes. Thankfully we manage to evacuate the nearby citizens and some gold adventurers with varying stages of injury."


    "Thanks the Goddess. Where I can talk to the survivors? I want to learn what they see."


    "If that''s the case. I believe they can''t provide what you searching for as like me, they also clueless on what Dereia''s magic and skills are."


    "Thus contributing to the huge death toll." Gilmore painfully added. The captain nods in agreement.


    "But there''s a group that manage to fight toe-to-toe with Dereia, even landing some hits on her."


    "What is that group?"


    "Follow me sir."


    After some time, Gilmore''s disbelief turns into concern as he finally see who''s the group the captain is referring to.


    "E-even them?"


    Gilmore looks on the row of bed where every member of Grand Ecstasy is lying. All of them are unconcious.


    Concern crawls deeper in her mind as  he remembers how he personally trains two of them, watch their strenghts grow, and the entire party is an expert of the trades of adventuring.


    Only for them to get such drastic defeat on the hand of Dereia.

 Ch. 40 - Theories and False Informations

    "Hmmmm..."


    Mateo slowly opens his eyes but before he even access the surroundings, his survival instincts kicks in as he jolts his upper body up."


    "Dereia! Owwwww!"


    The moment Mateo moves his body, pain engulfs his abdomen. Then at that moment, he remembers what happened as Mateo notices that he''s now on a huge room. He look on his side and he feel a sense of relief watching his friends sleeping peacefully.


    Then shame replace his relief as his party''s defeat stings a lot to him emotionally. As it''s the second time they let Dereia escape.


    The door opens and reveals Gilmore. Mateo only see a glimpse of his concerned expression before Gilmore sigh and goes back to his stern appearance.


    "Oh you finally awake. Good grief."


    "How long we sleep here."


    "Two days."


    Mateo scoffs softly as since their escape on the Reverse Tower, he''s on constant cycle of injury and long sleep.


    "Heh. Deja vu."


    "What?" Gilmore''s confused question.


    "Nothing. Anyway, is there an update about Dereia?"


    Gilmore shake his head slowly.


    "Her escape after you fought her is the last sighting we have. We already sent a lot of hunting parties on the direction she ran with but we find nothing except very few remnants of camping sites. Looks like she purposely avoiding any human contact now, very opposite on her previous encounters."


    "I see. It means she''s completely aware that there''s a bounty on her head now."


    "Zelestre already increased their defense as they expecting Dereia to try to enter the city. But what concerns me are the small villages that Dereia might encounter." Gilmore states with concerned look at his face.


    But Gilmore goes back on his serious demeanor.


    "We can send adventurers to several villages near Horic and Zelestre. But we need all vital information from you and your party members as you fight her face-to-face. We underestimated Dereia so much and that stupidity leads us with so many casualties. We can''t let that happen again."


    "Understood. Should we wake up the others."


    "We can try. Base on your recovery, I believe it''s safe to wake them up now."


    After some time waking up the other members of Grand Ecstasy, they go to the meeting room and decides who''s going to represent Grand Ecstasy. Only Claustrine ang Mateo are present on Grand Ecstasy''s side as the other three thinks they can''t provide any input and just feel bored and disrepecful for the others. Gilmore is present alongside other people who ready to write any important details. A Zelestrean representative is also present alongside her writers.


    "No wonder the adventurers got caught off-guard. What a disgusting ability." Gilmore is pondering as he remembers the row of dead adventurers he saw days ago.


    "The surviving adventurers also says the same sentiment. Everyone talks about Dereia wielding some sort of invinsible weapons but their knowledge are so limited due to the chaotic nature of the restaurant massacre." The guard captain states his opinion.


    "Excuse me. Can you give us finer details about those so called "weaponry?"" One of the female writers asked.


    Mateo gulps as he don''t know how to explain the variety of weaponry which doesn''t exist in Yhigressia. One wrong word and he might tickle the curiousity of everyone in the group.


    "I don''t think it''s some invisible weapon but more like a personalized magic of Dereia."


    Mateo looks to Claustrine who sitting next to her. She nods as she hold Mateo''s hand under the table.


    "Hmm... That make sense. The adventurers says Dereia looks like using a variety of long range weaponry yet we don''t find nor detect any form of used ammunation. If she just use cloaking magic to hide the weapons, the magic must been already dissipates days ago and reveal the ammunation she used."


    "Thank you so much Sir Gilmore! I gonna add more drinks on my next tribute!" Mateo screams to himself.


    "That make sense. With this age, personalized magic is such a huge trend so it must be a very unique form of magic Dereia cultivated herself." One of the female officials wearing a Zelestrean attire agrees. She''s a representstive sent by the kingdom alongside a writer.


    "Well then. As the only group who manages to fight Dereia long enough. Can you demonstrate us how her magic works?" The female writer asked again.


    "Sure." Mateo takes a deep breath as he stand and face the officials.


    Then, Mateo shows all of the hand gestures Dereia is doing and demonstrate how she use them while also being careful to not reveal any key information that might show them as real thing. The handgun, the SMG, the Assault Rifle, the Shotgun and more. Despite being bewildered, the officials and writers do their best to understands everything Mateo says.


    After the explanation. Mateo sits down and drinks water.


    "That''s.... Truly disgusting. Really. Dereia is literally armed to death with weapons for all occassions." The Zelestrean officals shakes her head slowly as she make a cringed face after learning the danger Dereia possessed.


    "Invisible magic thats sends concentrated blobs of mana in different ways, various explosives including what she used in Nattunia, and a fire magic with flames that can not easily extinguished. And the fact that she can use all of them with no mana issues." The Horic Guard captain ponders.


    "But something is bothering me. You understand her magic easily using your experiences as adventurers. But I can''t fathom why you guys still got defeated in the end? Grand Ecstasy is one of the peak Gold ranked adventurers and you guys are a lot stronger now. What happened?" Gilmore''s lenghty question.


    The mood in the room shifted to gloom as Grand Ecstasy stays silent and just look down.


    "Why you can''t answer?" Gilmore asked.


    "We didn''t expected that she suddenly have a huge power surge." Claustrine says.


    "Power surge?"


    "Yes. We almost defeat her but out of nowhere, Dereia''s mana output increase 10x and on that point..."


    Claustrine is so embarassed and shamed to continue.


    "I see. You guys really caught empty handed."


    Grand Ecstasy nods slowly as Gilmore finish Claustrine''s recollection.


    "It''s our fault for underestimating Dereia." Mateos''s opinion.


    "I agree a little on that statement but no one would expect that our target wield such powerful ace on her sleeves. So don''t feel consumed by shame and keep moving forward." The Zelestrean representative gives a little pep talk.


    "Thank yo madam."


    "Can you enlighten us on what Dereia''s power surge looks like?" The female writer asked.


    Claustrine describes Dereia''s power up. The moment Gilmore and the Zelestrean representative heared that Dereia was wielding a sword made of pure mana, the two becomes even more concerned. Even the others notice the suddens shift of mood in the room.


    "Sword made of pure mana?"


    Gilmore looks on the Zelestrean representative. Both just give small nods to each other, each having a concerned look on their face. Then Gilmore comb his hair and when his hand reach the top of his head, he grab his hair out of stress.


    "With all this information in hand. We should increase threat level of Dereia into Platinum rank." Gilmore gives his suggestion.


    "But the adventurers guild already sent so many posters. It might take a while before the update reach every branch and adventurers." The Zelestrean representative shows concern.


    "All we can hope is for Dereia to hide for a while and recover her injuries. So we can prepare ourselves for her return." Gilmore added.


    Mateo and Claustrine just watch in silent as the politics happens in front of them as everyone thinks on different proposals and counter-arguments.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "But if we let Dereia recover her strenght. She can use the Arcanist Sword again. And we have no estimate on how powerful Dereia really is. In the worse case scenario, she might also overwhelm the Platinum ranks using her trump card."


    Gilmore and the Zelestrean woman are having a debate on what the counter-measures they should do as the threat of the mysterious power up that seems really concerned both of them is added in the equation.


    "This is turned for the worse." Gilmore is unsure on what to do.


    "Excuse me. But can I interrupt your heated debate?"


    The two officials look at Mateo who confidently look at them.


    "What is it Mateo? Do you have any suggestions?" Gilmore asked.


    "Not a suggestion. But a theory."


    "Theory? Spout it boy and make sure its relevant or else..." The Zelestrean woman is slightly annoyed since the crisis is still unresolved.


    "I think Dereia would never use her power surge again base on what we observed during our fight with her."


    "And how so? I''m not understimating your group but if Dereia manages to defeat you so easily with that power and escape death. On what reason she would not use it again?" The Zelestrean goes into criticism.


    But Mateo is unfazed and instead shows seriousness on his face.


    "Because, if Dereia use that power again. She would never recover again. Or more accurately, she would lose control."


    "Hmmm... Safe assumption. Such power should have huge consequences." Gilmore ponders.


    "No. Not like that Sir Gilmore. More likely... The one controlling Dereia would lose control on her body."


    Everyone in the room who''s not Mateo and Claustrine makes a quick stare at him. Some are bewildered while others are in disbelief. Claustrine meanwhile just intently listen.


    "Oi Mateo... Why you suddenly spouting nonsense?" Gilmore is in disbelief.


    "Give us a good explanation boy on why is that the case." The Zelestrean questions Mateo.


    Mateo takes a deep breath.


    "My theory is... Dereia is being controlled by an unknown entity. Not mind control nor puppetry. But an entire takeover of the body as the original owner is hidden deep inside the conciousness."


    "How is that related on the power surge?" Gilmore asked.


    "The moment Dereia or lets say the one possessing her used that secret skill. The original owner which is Dereia is suddenly got a little access back to her body."


    "Hmmm... I connected the dots. You say that before she even kill all of you, she suddenly gets an intense headache right? Is that related to what you implying?" The Zelestrean is starting to get invested.


    "Yes madam. Also the fact the she''s screaming Dereia''s name as she getting extreme pain. It''s like Dereia is the one causing the headache.


    "Hmmm... You got a point Mateo. But still, how it would ensure that Dereia would not use Arcanist sword again?" Gilmore asked.


    "Arcanist sword? I hear you say that but I forgot to ask. What is it?"


    "It''s a made-up name I make to call the sword of pure mana Dereia is used against you."


    "I see... Back to the topic. What I want to say is, the one possessing Dereia would never use the Arcanist sword again because it''s not her own magic but instead a magic created by Dereia herself. If he or she used the Arcanist sword again, there''s a good chance Dereia takes the control of her own body back."


    The room stays silent because of Mateo''s explanation.


    "From what we saw on our fight. The one possessing Dereia might just using her body as some sort of mana source because Dereia herself have vast quantity of Mana. And the magic he or she used are so unique except the Arcanist sword. I can say that those invisible weapons are the personalized magic of the one possessing Dereia." Claustrine added.


    The room is filled with soft blabbering as everyone is debating if they should trust Mateo and Claustrine''s words.


    "Not gonna lie. There''s some reasoning on his words." The Zelestrean contemplates.


    "But the real question is... Who is strong enough to create such powerful magic? I imagine that even the high ranked mages would struggle to even create it due to how complex it might be. And the mana cost must be absurd to the degree a legendary hero. Or monster only have."


    But the last sentence makes Gilmore think. His eyes widen as he thinks the only creature he can imaginr that can do such feat.


    "Unless... It''s a Vielarata..."


    The Zelestrean lady gasp. The others in the room feel dread after hearing the wicked name. Except Mateo and Claustrine who already knows the truth.


    "Are you telling me this is also connected to the discovery of Eight horned Vielarata in the Reverse Tower?" The Zelestrean lady asked.


    "Yeah. The Vielarata we discovered. After further examination. We find out that it died in the Reverse Tower just few years ago. 3 to 5 years to be exact."


    Sweat drops form on the Zelestrean lady''s face.


    "Are you telling me... They already started their move?"


    "That''s the only conclusion we can have. It seems that the Vielaratas are thriving again somewhere in the world and slowly but surely making their move. Afterall, few years is nothing compared to their life span."


    Everyone takes a breather after the heavy revelation.


    "Shit. I expected it to be just a criminal extermination. How things end up this way?" The Zelestrean lady''s stressed question.


    "Atleast we still get a good news. Now we can continue the hunt of Dereia without worying about her trump card."


    "Misted Gilmore. It''s a Vielarata we''re talking about here." Zelestrean lady''s concerned words.


    "Madam. What I said earlier is just hypotheticals. We can only know the truth once we pulled it out on Dereia, no. To the one''s controlling her."


    "I see. Well then, let''s update the wanted posters while also sending available Platinum adventurers. I''m going to inform my queen."


    "Thanks. As for me, I''m going to visit Bolaire and learn about Dereia''s life. I now conclude this meeting."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    In the infirmary. Grand Ecstasy also have a meeting on their own.


    "Did they eat our false info?" Beltrand asked.


    "Yeah. Sir Gilmore is a suprising help despite him unaware on our plan."


    "What do you mean Mateo?" Beltrand asked.


    "He connects our info to Vielarata we discovered on the Reverse Tower."


    Instead of happiness. Beltrand instead feel guilt.


    "Are you sure about this Mateo? I''m saying this in advance. This is going to be difficult."


    Mateo avoid Claustrine''s gaze.


    "To be honest to all you you. At first, I thought that Dereia is no more and he is just Josh now and I just wish for us to stop him for destroying Dereia''s image further."


    Mateo looks back on Claustrine, eyes with sincerity.


    "But you also see it right Trinne? Dereia is still there somewhere. She even saved us despite her own circumstances. Dereia is still fighting and we should help her to regain control of her body."


    Claustrine frowns, feel ashamed for even doubting the conviction of her leader.


    "I understand the sentiment Mateo. But if Dereia manages to regain control of her body, we still need to deal with the vengeful nobles from Bolaire because it''s a guarantee that they want Dereia dead and we all know Bolaire nobles are prententious scumbags. They would ignore our words because we are disgusting commoners according to them." Beltrand states his piece while making a double quote hand sign in the "commoners" part.


    "That''s why we agreed to slowly divert the blame. And now that the Vielarata becomes a good scapegoat thanks to Sir Gilmore, we should ride that momentum until we clean Dereia''s name."


    "Ughh... I still feel like puking for fooling Gilmore. He''s a huge help for us yet we only pay him with lies."


    "Do you think I don''t fell the same? Lying on our mentor?" Mateo questions Beltrand.


    "Technically. We didn''t lie as Dereia is really possessed by someone else." Claustrines reassurance.


    "Well yeah. Then go back and say to everyone that the one who possessed Dereia came from Mateo''s world and thus explaining the weaponry. Lets see how it would end up for us." Beltrand''s jokingly said.


    "Is the thought of you being half right not making you feel better. We can only feel half as guilty after all." Claustrine''s dead pan answer.


    "Hmmm... Well yeah. But we still lied to everyone. I hope the Goddess forgive me." Sophia says.


    "I wish this is worth it." Shirna says.


    Mateo just looked to his friend.


    "This is about doing what is right Shirna. Afterall, Dereia saved our ass back there so we should do our best to clean her name from the atrocities Josh did."


    The group stay silent for a while before Beltrand breaks the silent.


    "A very steep goal."


    "As if our adventures are always easy." Shirna replies.


    Mateo stands up.


    "I know this is difficult but I just can''t stand and watch someone already suffering being used on immoral ways. So, lets save Dereia with all of our best. Lets repay the chance she given to us and kill that piece of shit once and for all." Mateo makes a confident grin.


    The others nods slowly then give a faint smile. Watching their leader''s conviction and desire to help someone in need. The trait they like the most about him.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Hmmmm hmmmmmm hmmmm..."


    A Zelestrean man is humming a calming tune. He just finished gathering wood that his wife use to cook soup for his family later. With a postive vibe, he''s excited eat a food his beloved wife make.


    On the way to connect to one of the beaten paths deep in the forest which would lead her outside. The man stops when he notices something.


    "Hmmm... What''s a young girl doing here?"


    .


    .


    .


    "!!!"


    Then realization hits him. Cold droplets of sweat flows on his face as he drops the bundle of wood he''s carrying and hid behind a thick bush.


    "Shit shit shit shit! What the hell she''s doing here?!" the man whispers but his voice is full of panic.


    Meeting the infamous murdered that killed a lot of nobles and adventurers is not on his to-do-list. His breathing shorten, the terror and panic making the deal on him.


    "C-calm down. You just making it worse panicking."


    He breaths heavily several times until the man finally calms himself. With little courage the man manage to gather, he makes a small hole on the bush and peek to see what Dereia is doing.


    "Thank the gods. She didn''t notice me."


    The man watch Dereia follow the beaten path on the way to Zelestre. From his perspective, the girl seems really want to leave the Savagery Forest after hiding for several days now.


    The man is conflicted if he should quietly leave the forest or stay. Both options have a chance of him being spotted by Dereia and getting killed. But before he even decides, Dereia suddenly stops. In front of her are two tall hooded figure revealed themselves and walk towards Dereia who justifiedly become alert.


    "Huh?" The man is confused.


    "Who are you?" Dereia asked the two hooded figure, her hand is in form of two pistols.


    "Worry not young girl. We''re not your enemy." The figure with femine voice speaks. Dereia scoffs.


    "Ironic. You two being mysterious with those hooded cloaks of yours doesn''t speak trustworthy to me."


    The two figure looks on each other before returning their gaze to Dereia.


    "Sorry about these. Well then, we would reveal ourselves."


    The hooded figures unveiled themselves. Dereia is confused, but the reaction of the man hiding in the bush reacts differently.


    "N-no way... H-how?" The man''s knees shake out of extreme fear after seeing the identity of the hooded figure.


    Pale snow white skin.


    Pure whole black eyes darker than the moonless night.


    Height taller than an average human with slim body.


    The male have 3 horns while the woman have 2.


    The man is in disbelief, but there''s no denying it. The description is similar to what potrayed on the centuries old books and fantasy tales. The bane of humanty - The Vielaratas.


    "Do I supposed to know you?"


    The Vielaratas look at each other again. With no expression nor emotion on their faces.


    "Truly peculiar. To think that someone is not knowledgable in our existence, it seems humans are being lazy on telling our tale." The male Vielarata talks.


    Memories of Dereia learning about them appears on Josh''s mind.


    "Ah, I remember now. So what brings Vielaratas here?"


    Silence...


    .


    .


    "We''re here to recruit you on our side. Afterall, the enemy of our enemy is our friend." The male Vielarata''s offering.


    "Your actions proves that you hate humanity and other beings in this world as well. And there''s no way you can go back on their side. So how about you join us and let''s help each other?" The female states a proposal.


    But Dereia just shrugs off their advances.


    "Thanks but no. I refuse. So can you move aside and let me leave."


    The two follows and let Dereia walk between them. The two just watch for a minute as Dereia walks away until the male Vielarata says the word that might interest Dereia.


    "Instead of refusing. You should just join us, afterall. You''re full of our God''s pressence."


    Dereia stops and slowly looks back on the Vielaratas.


    "What... Did you just said?

 Ch. 41 - Vielaratas

    "What did you just said?" Dereia asked with stern look on her face. Unsure on what the Vielaratas said but she''s also intrigued.


    "I don''t know what you''re story is but the fact that you are full of our God''s presence speaks that you''re an ally."


    Dereia thinks for a moment, trying to remember anything that might give clue on the so called "God" that the horned beings spoke to her. Yet, she can only see glimpse of darkness between her transition between Earth and the world she inhabiting now.


    "I don''t know anything about your God."


    The Vielaratas looked at each other with confused expression on their faces.


    "I''m confused." The female says.


    "Me too... There''s no way a scholar like you don''t have knowledge about our God."


    "I don''t know and I don''t care." Dereia shrugs.


    The male Vielarata scratch his temple in a eerie manner with his long finger. Unsure on how to process the situation, he decides to just ignore what Dereia said.


    "Let''s forget about that and return on our offer. Dereia, do you want to join our side?"


    "And what I can gain for serving your kind?"


    "We can provide you with anything. Resources, places, manpower. Anything. As long as you remained loyal to our cause, we will guaranteed your safety. Afterall, there''s no way you can survive now that every city is in for your head." The female Vielarata explains.


    "The cause you talking about being?"


    "The extinction of humans in this world."


    Dereia''s eyes widen a bit after hearing such bold statement. Then she ponders.


    "You don''t need to decide right now. We can wait for your decision."


    The two Vielaratas starts to walk away.


    "Think about it. No need to rush."


    The Vielaratas already few feet away as they leave Dereia alone.


    .


    .


    .


    BANG!


    The male Vielarata fall face down on the ground. On his head, a sizable hole is visible as he makes a small puddle of black blood.


    Yet, the female Vielarata is disturbingly unfazed on the sudden death of her companion as she looks at him with cold, emotionless expression. She looks back to Dereia.


    "So thats a no?" She asked.


    Dereia nods slowly, her invisible pistol still pointing to the female Vielarata who just sigh in dissapointment.


    "It''s sad that things end in this way. But it''s nice to meet you."


    Dereia expected the Vielarata to wield its weapons yet the Vielarata is showing no intention for combat nor revenge.


    "You not gonna fight me?"


    "It''s just a waste of time. Besides, our mission is just tell you our offer of allegiance and not kill you."


    Feeling that the female Vielarata harbor no ill intent to her, Dereia is surprisingly loose herself and return her pistol back.


    The female Vielarata meanwhile grabs the leg of her dead comrade and starts to drag it away. The ink-like blood creates a long black line as she drags the corpse.


    "May our God bless you with his divine protection."


    Dereia watch the Vielarata continues to drag her friend with disregard until both dissapears in the woods. Only leaving a trail of black blood behind.


    "Weird...." Dereia''s single word after the surreal moment. Only for her to snap back to reality as she look on a specific thick bush.


    She walks behind it only to see a bundle of small logs.


    "Fuck."


    She was planning to kill whoever is spying on her in order to hide her presence but because of the appearance of so called Vielaratas, she lost focus thus letting the gawker to escape.


    With no way to track the one that can potentially reveal her location, Dereia''s course of action is to leave the area as soon as possible. With no idea where to go, Dereia walks away on the forest that provides for her during few days of hiding.


    Meanwhile, in the depth of the Savagery Forest. The female Vielarata just throw her dead comrade in front of another Vielarata with 4 horns.


    "She didn''t join us and even killed him." The female Vielarata talks as she looks on the corpse of the dead Vielarata. The four horned Vielarata sighs out of dissapointment.


    "What a shame." He said as he starts to poke the dead Vielarata with a stick.


    "I believe we should just kill her. She''s proven herself that she can murder any of us out cold as we''re not humans."


    "We can''t do that. Depsite her refusal. Her rampaging on the kingdoms is still useful for us. Besides, we will never reveal our existence, yet."


    "Understood." The lady agrees calmly.


    The 4 horned looks behind the lady and see a trail of black blood.


    "You should do something about that." He points on the evidence of their existence. The lady nods.


    "Yes."


    The lady use water magic to wash out the black blood to dilute it until it''s dissappears. The four horned opens a deep hole on the ground and toss their dead comrade there. He waits for the lady and after confirming there''s no evidence left. The two leaps down on the same hole.


    And the hole on the ground close down creepily. Leaving the area like nothing happened.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    After a very long walk, Dereia finds himself in one of the farmlands of Zelestre''s west wing. She''s very starved but the only thing she can see is a sea of unsually tall and golden wheat plants that dances on gentle breeze.


    "I wish all of these are just bread." Dereia says to herself with a visible annoyance on her face.


    Only following the path, Dereia wishes to find any house or anything at all that can provide her with food and water. Until she finally find something, Dereia smiles looking what lies in the end of the road.


    "Bingo."


    A big double story home with mix of brick, wood and straws. Surrounded by the same tall wheat. It seems that it''s the home of a farmer that tend the fields.


    .


    .


    .


    A man in his 50''s is comfortably sitting on the rocking chair facing the road and the field. Slowly eating the unusual candies with different colors and unique flavors. A gift his daughter give to him.


    "Pa! Food is ready!" A voice of a girl coming inside the house.


    "Wait!"


    The man struggles to stand up due to the injury on her leg which he get as an adventurer in the past. He almost prepare to walk inside for the meal when he notice something"


    "Hmmm?"


    Despite his old age, his eyes are still sharp due to it being trained during his adventurer days. He notices a girl with a tattered clothing and visibly starving.


    "What happened to her? Is she a vic-"


    With his long time as an adventurer, he mastered the ability on recognizing threat just by feelings alone. From both monsters and humans alike.


    And the man didn''t even manage to finish his sentence as he felt an intense murderous aura... Coming from the same girl who looks like a victim of the bandits.


    "Misha!" The man call his daughter.


    "Yes pa?" Misha appears on the door, still holding a wooden laddle.


    "Misha. Listen carefully, go to the soldiers and tell them that they need to go here as soon as possible."


    "Why?" Misha is still confused.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Just do it. This is an emergency."


    Misha looks at her father. Despite him trying to not scare his daughter, Misha can clearly see the panic on his face as her father are now sweating beads looking at the direction of the road. Misha''s face turn pale as she understand the situation.


    "Are we in... danger?"


    The man looked at her with a slight surprise but he have no choice but to admit.


    "Yes Misha. That''s why we need the soldier''s help. I can trust you right?"


    Misha at first tries to protest.


    "We should go together!"


    "No Misha! I need to protect our farm." The man realized he just raised his voice making Misha startled.


    "Sorry." He pat the head of her daughter.


    Misha starts to tear up and hug her father tightly.


    "Please dad... Be safe..."


    "Yes I will."


    Misha strenghtens her will as she breaks the hug and starts to run opposite to the direction of the threat, to the city of Zelestre. Not before giving a look on what her father is concerned off.


    Due to it''s distance, Misha can only see few details of a girl, with her long crimson red hair flailing due to the winds as a huge contrast on the surrounding. But she have an uncanny feeling seeing the intruder like she seen it before somewhere.


    Ensuring that his daughter is far away and safe, the man enters the home and sits on the table where the freshly cooked food are placed. He waits for the intruder.


    And waits... He heared the footsteps on the wooden floor of his home.


    The intruder enters the home, she have a staredown with the patriarch who looks like waiting on her arrival.


    "Hello Mister. I''m a lone traveller and I traveled a long time with no food nor water. I humbly ask for some." Dereia smiles. She looks genuinely a kind hearted and gentle girl outside.


    But the man already knows. After seeing the girl closer, her description matches the ones in the wanted posters scattered in the city.


    But that''s the extent of his knowledge before. Just the wanted poster and the absurd bounty for such young lady. But after feeling her sinister aura, the man already knew


    That the girl in front of her is a monster. The bounty makes sense.


    The man decides to hide his defensive intent and act kindly.


    "You must be starving young lady. How about you sit and eat with me?"


    "Thanks."


    Dereia sits on the chair next to the man, the chair where Misha commonly sits.


    "How you even end up on such state?" The man asked.


    "I''m an adventurer that got stranded in the Savagery Forest. I barely even managed to escape and now I end up here." Dereia answers with a sad expression on her face.


    The man is impressed. The lie Dereia spouted looks convincing that anyone surely fall on it.


    "You must be new on the gold rank if you don''t know how to traverse that forest?"


    "Yes sir. Just two weeks ago."


    The man just watch as Dereia continues to eat the bread and soup. Her undignified eating clearly shows that despite her mask, Dereia is truly hungry.


    "Are you not gonna eat sir?"


    "Later. I want to see my guest feels satisfied with the food."


    The two clearly feel the tension rising in the air but decides to not address it. Dereia just wants to eat her food at peace and the man observing the danger, and afraid that suddenly showing aggression might lead to his disadvantage especially not knowing what Dereia is capable of. He looks on the table and see an opportunity.


    "Ah... I forgot to bring water. Let me get some."


    "Thanks sir."


    The man walks to the kitchen, Dereia observes his unsual walking and then observes the table in front of her.


    She see that there''s a food for the old man. But when she enters the home, she also saw another set of bread and soup already prepared in the front of the chair she''s sitting right now.


    And another set of food in front of her. A three set of meal for three people.


    "Hmmmm...." Dereia is intrigued.


    She hears the man walking back so she asked the question.


    "Sir... I wonder. Why there''s so many food here?"


    "Oh... It''s just I''m a heavy eater. You know, I need energy to tend the fields." The man chuckle but deep inside, he knows the danger is rising up even further.


    "Valid point. But it''s just unusual that the food is set like it was prepared for more people."


    The man stay silent for a while. Then he sigh.


    "I don''t know what your circumstances is but... I''m sorry lass."


    The sound of the shattering clay pitcher and splashing water surprised Dereia. She looks behind her and see the man already swinged her sword on her.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Grand Ecstasy, after their recovery decides to visit Zelestre to resupply...


    And cleanse their mind. Relax a little bit in order to prepare themselves for their hunt mentally.


    "Now what?" Beltrand asked.


    "Can we visit the bathhouse first?" Sophia''s suggestion as she smells herself, she grimace a bit.


    Everyone nods in agreement, feeling their body sitcky after days of walking


    Zelestre is one of the city of Yhigressia well known for its ports and usual geography. As Zelsestre was built above the transitional line between Savagery Forest and Humilean Desert.


    Because of the transition, Zelestre city is divided into two side which also have their unique atmosphere to them.


    The West Wing of Zelestre is where most of the farmlands are located as it is more habitable for plants and crops. Noticeable due to how green the surroudings here.


    The East Wing meanwhile is the start of the Humilian desert. Arrid and devoid of vegetation, but due to its close proximity to the Gulf of Bhikal and lots of mining resources. The East Wing of Zelestre is knows for its shipyards and metalurgy.


    Despite this, the people of Zelestre are diverse with both Humilean people and Others lives in benefits to each other.


    After the refreshing bath, Grand Ecstasy decides to visit the East Wing to find weapons and supplies after buying food on the West Wing. There, they surprised to see a familiar face.


    "Helyna?"


    The young adventurer hears her name and find who said it. When she saw Grand Ecstasy, she becomes so excited.


    "Oh my Godddss! Hello guys!!"


    Helyna run towards the group with a cheerful smile on her face.


    "I didn''t expected I meet you here!"


    Sophia hugs Helyna out of excitement.


    "We also say the same thing to you Helyna." Sophia says.


    "Only you Sophia. You forgot that she lives in Zelestre." Beltrand blunt correction.


    "Ah... Hehe sorry." Sophia breaks the hug and scratch the back of her head out of embarassment.


    "No worries. Besides, what you guys doing here?"


    Helyna watch as the happy expressions of Grand Ecstasy turns sad.


    "Perhaps we can talk about it somewhere else." Mateo''s invitation.


    Grand Ecstasy and Helyna are now sitting in front of a cafe in West Wing. Helyna have a shocked and concerned reaction after hearing Grand Ectasy''s story.


    "I''m glad you guys are safe."


    "Thanks Helyna."


    "Dereia really lives up to her name huh? I just heared the news yesterday, about what happened to Horic. And her infamy in Nattunia and Bolaire are already a widespread news." Helyna''s concerned explanation.


    "How the news affected Zelestre." Mateo asked.


    "You see the soldiers constantly exploring the city right? Every cart that enters the city are thoroughly examined. They don''t want a repeat of the events in other cities. Especially when the criminal is in this caliber."


    Helyna shows a wanted poster of Dereia, unlike the previous time. The posters are clearly changed.


    ........


    WANTED


    DEAD OR ALIVE


    (FOR PLATINUM RANK ADVENTURERS ONLY! THE GUILD ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DEATH FOR TAKING A JOB OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE!)


    [A well sketched picture of Dereia with color]


    Dereia Morningdew


    Reward: 50,000 Elz


    ........


    "Damn. They really gatekeep it for Platinum ranks." Beltrand''s surprise.


    "From what happened to Horic. It''s understandable really." Mateo''s answer.


    "Helyna, is there any rumors regarding Dereia in Zelestre?"


    "Hmmm... Of course many. Some says she''s some sort of revolutionary for what she did in Bolaire. Many people even think that the noble kids deserve it, the result of nobility culture in Bolaire I guess? Others view her as some psychopath whe enjoys killing." Helyna explains seriously as she slowly eats the pancake in front of her.


    "How about rumors about her appearance?" Claustrine continues to ask.


    "Hmm... I don''t remember clearly but I think a lumberman reported that he saw Dereia in Savagery Forest''s safe zone. That''s what I know."


    "I see."


    "Anyway, why you asking such info on me?"


    But before Helyna even recieve the answer, she realizes why Grand Ecstasy is asking about Dereia. She become horrified.


    "You guys... Are planning on hunting Dereia?"


    Grand Ecstasy nods.


    "B-but she''s so dangerous that her bounty is now reserved for Platinum ranks. And she already defeated all of you." Helyna is clearly worried.


    "I''m sorry Helyna but this is personal for us." Mateo''s only answer.


    Everyone went silent for a while. Helyna just looking at her friends while Grand Ecstasy have a dedicated expression on their face.


    Helyna sigh then smile.


    "Fine. I guess you really want to settle the score with her. I wish you guys good luck. If you survive an encounter with her, I believe you can take her down the second time."


    "Actually, what''s next is the third time." Claustrine says abruptly. Helyna is surprised.


    "You guys are really something."


    Grand Ecstasy and Helyna are surprised to hear a familiar voice. They look on their surroundings but find nothing.


    "Hehe. We''re here."


    Everyone finally pin points the voice and they look on the the huge window covered by curtain on their side.


    The curtain opens, revealing three familiar faces.


    "Yo! Long time no see."


    Behind the glass window are Fleur, Norm and Roland. They also eating their assortment of food they ordered.


    .


    .


    .


    The reunion find themselves in one single round table.


    "What you guys doing here?" Beltrand asked.


    "You know. Just usual adventurer stuffs." Fleur answers non-chalantly.


    "Base on what we heared, your party must be hunting Dereia right?" Roland asked. Mateo nods.


    "Yeah about that. Don''t get me wrong, you guys are strong but. That bounty mission is out of our league now. Just give that to the pros." Norm''s suggestion which make Helyna nods aggressively in agreement.


    "Between us and Dereia, who do you think is gonna win?" Claustrine asked.


    "Dereia." Helyna, Fleur and Norm''s quick answer.


    "Wow. Not even a single hint of hesistation." Claustrine chuckle.


    "Come on guys... Have a little faith on us." Sophia is slightly dissapointed.


    "They put that mission in Platinum for a reason." Norm stay firm on her answer.


    "How about you Mr. Roland. Do you believe we gonna win against Dereia?" Sophia asked with pleading eyes, hoping for Roland to support them.


    But Roland just sigh.


    "Dereia."


    "It hurts." Sophia frowns.


    "Sorry." -Roland.


    "I understand your concerns but we have a score to settle on Dereia." Mateo also stay strong on his desire.


    "It''s really that personal?"


    Mateo nods, answering Roland''s question.


    "Very well then, just be sure to be careful. That girl is an anomaly." Roland''s warning.


    "We already knew all of the tricks on her sleeve." Shirna''s confident answer.


    "Geez. I guess there''s no stopping you guys. I pray Vivvilly for your success." Fleur''s approval. Norm also agree on her girlfriend.


    Helyna sigh.


    "I wish you guys good luck. May Vivvilly guide you into victory."


    Helyna stand up.


    "Leaving now?" Claustrine asked, Helyna smiles.


    "Yeah. I promise to have dinner at home."


    But before she even walks away, Helyna saw figure running coming from the entrance of the West Wing.


    Helyna squints to identify the figure who slowly turn out to be a girl.


    "Misha?"


    Helyna is surprised to see the close to exhaustion Misha running on the road.


    "Who?"


    "My little sister. But what she''s doing here?"


    Helyna calls Misha loudly. After hearing her big sister''s voice, Misha run towards Helyna and give her a tight hug.


    "B-big sis... H-help..."


    "What''s wrong Misha?


    "D-dad... I-is in d-danger!"


    Everyone is shocked on the sudden news.


    "W-wait calm down Misha! what do you mean dad is in danger?!" despite asking for Misha to calm down, Helyna also starts panicking.


    Misha continues to catch her breath but as she do it. She saw a paper on the table. She walk closer on the table and points her finger on the wanted poster.


    "S-she... S-she looks like this! T-the intruder!"


    With just a single sentence, Grand Ecstasy, Fleur, Norm and Fleur feels the dread that suddenly looms in the atmosphere.


    Helyna meanwhile feels like the weight of the world put on her shoulder. She slumped back on her chair. With horror on her eyes, she looks on everyone.


    "Please help us."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Back in the farmhouse...


    "Good grief sir. You really surprised me back there."


    Dereia sits on the chair and look on all the food in the table. She place them all in front of her.


    The surrounding is a mess. Like an all our brawl just happened that cause the walls and furnitures to get destroyed.


    "Thankfully, the food are not wasted."


    Dereia sigh.


    "But now it''s cold. Welp, whatever."


    Dereia continues to eat. Grateful that her hunger is finally getting eased.


    On his side, Helyna''s father is seated on his personal chair. But his body just slumped, her arms and head just down with no semblance of movement.


    In his forehead, a bullet hole which pierce through the back of his head that the background can be seen on it. His face wears the expression of shock seconds after death.

 Ch. 42 - Hellish Advance

    "Please... Help us."


    The reunion turns for the worst after the news.


    "Mr. Roland. Tell the adventurers guild and knights. Also bring Misha with you."


    Roland give a slow nod before walking towards Misha who now starts crying after seeing the sunken reaction of her sister.


    "Don''t worry. We going to save your dad ok?" Come with me and let tell the knights Misha."


    Roland offers her back to give Misha a ride. She hesistate at first but after realizing that the people around her are serious, she muster courage and clings on Roland''s back.


    After watching Roland run. The remaining adventurers are now left with nothing to plan for the sudden turn of events. Mateo walks towards Helyna who still in state in shock. He shake her shoulder to bring her back to her senses.


    "Put yourself together Helyna! We going to help you ok?"


    Helyna snaps back to reality. She slaps herself to both cheeks.


    "S-sorry!"


    "Good. Helyna, Fleur, and Norm. we have no time to plan nor share our knowledge about Dereia. The only options we have is we going to warning you about the dangers on the spot. Is that clear?"


    The three nods seroiusly.


    "Good. Now let''s do it!"


    Everyone stand up and walks with mix of determination and worry. Unsure on what the outcome might be.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    "Fuck."


    "Why?" Fleur asked after hearing Mateo mumble to himself.


    The group is now in the outskirts of the farmland owned by Helyna''s family. After seeing the house in the middle. Grand Ecstasy can only give a dissapointed sigh.


    "She have a terrain advantage. We might need to sneak in."


    "We going to use the wheat field as cover?" Claustrine asked Mateo.


    "Yes. But we should be careful not to disturb the crop so much that she might spot something unusual."


    Mateo opens his Bag of Storage and pull a Binoculars. He looks on the house, adjust it a little bit and then look again.


    "Shirna."


    "Yes?"


    "Take this and be the spotter for us. Scream loud if you saw danger."


    "Understood."


    Shirna leaves.


    "Are those tubes telescopes?" Norm asked.


    "Yeah. That''s crucial if we don''t want suddenly die from her attacks."


    "But... Those look different, and used for two eyes."


    "Lets focus on the mission." Mateo dodging the question which work.


    "Isn''t beneficial for us to seperate and sneak on different angles?" Helyna asked.


    "Trust me. That would be dangerous."


    Mateo''s seriousness makes Helyna trust his words.


    "No more questions?"


    Everyone nods.


    "Good. Lets go."


    And then the group of adventurers start their mission as they enter the tall wheat fields. They do their best to just sway gently the crops instead of flattening them in order to not make a visible disturbance.


    "You should crouch a little bit Beltrand. You''re to tall. Your head might poke out a little bit." Claustrine''s suggestion which she whispered.


    Surprisingly, Beltrand just follow her. Perhaps because of the seriousness of the situation that he can''t afford to banter with Claustrine.


    "How dangerous Dereia really is to begin with?" Fleur asked.


    "If she spots us. We going to have a hard time getting closer to her within this distance as most of her magic are long ranged." Mateo answers.


    "Isn''t long range magic common? What makes her dangerous?"


    "The thing is, she-"


    "RED!!!"


    "!!!"


    "TRINNE!!!"


    Claustrine hastely summons a wall of earth. An audible bang is heared and the group watch the wall got hit by something.


    The whole ordeal only takes 2.5 seconds since Shirna shouts his warning. The group left dazzled as the thing just happened


    "WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?!" Fleur shouts out of surprise.


    "No time for questions! Just move!"


    The group rushes in but Fleur, Norm and Helyna stops to see the wall Claustrine created.


    To their horror, they see a deep and large crater embedded on it.


    "What the hell are you guys doing?! Let''s go!"


    The three catch up with Grand Ecstasy, still confused.


    "RED!!!" Shirna''s scream that becomes less audible.


    Claustrine summons another wall and just like earlier, a loud exploding sound rangs out then the wall got hit by another shot.


    "IS THAT HER MAGIC?!" Norm


    "YES!" Mateo shouts.


    "SHE HAVE SOME SORT OF INVISIBLE PROJECTILE MAGIC?! I CAN''T SENSE ANY MANA!"


    "NOR HAVE ANY VISUALS COMING FROM THE HOUSE!" Fleur added on Norm''s complaint.


    "THAT''S JUST ONE OF THE PROBLEMS!" Beltrand also joins the shouting.


    The distance between their starting point and the house is between 500 meters. The group manages to reach 300 meters and the fact that that they completely abanddon their sneaky plan earlier in favor of just running it down and relying on Shirna for warning makes the gap closer.


    "MG!" Shirna shouts.


    "EM GEE WHAT NOW?!"


    Remembering what Mateo teached to them, Claustrine erect a wide wall of rock and soil.


    "Everyhide hide behind the wall!"


    The group follow Mateo''s command in rush. Fleur, Norm and Helyna are in unease as they just following blindly.


    Just like what Shirna warned them, it started.


    Brrrtttttttttttttttt!!!


    The sound of the mini-gun rotating firing send shivers to everyone, and the fact that the wall Claustrine created is now getting shreded by the the bullets makes the inexperienced Fleur, Norm and Helyna scared.


    "Is this what you have dealt with?!" Fleur asked.


    "Yes! That''s why we need to get closer to her so we don''t get stranded by receiving her attacks!" Mateo explained.


    The earthen wall is getting destroyed to the point that it shows vulnerability. Claustrine summons another wall in front of the damaged wall.


    "Can we sneak as she fire?!" Helyna asked.


    "Not a good idea!"


    After few more seconds. The barrage stops.


    "Now!"


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The group rushes again, running as fast as they can to closen the gap.


    20 meters


    BANG!


    50 meters.


    RATATATATATTA!


    100 meters.


    BRRTTTTTT!!!


    With Shirna''s advance warnings, everyone manages to defend themselves on everything Dereia throws to them.


    Just 200 meters away on the house, the group suddenly feel strange.


    "Huh?! Why it comes warm all of the sudden?


    Mateo smells something, something burning. And Dereia suddenly stops shooting them. Something is suspicious.


    And realization hits them when the sound of the raging flame is everywhere partnered by the heat that continues to increase.


    The whole wheat field is slowly getting engulfed by fire.


    "But how?! Flamethrower would not usable at this distance!"


    Mateo is in shock as he thinks of possible reason on how Dereia manages to set the tall wheat around them ablaze.


    And then he realized something. He makes a disgusted expression.


    "Incindiary rounds. She uses guns, of course its reasonable she also have access on such bullets!" Mateo screams.


    "I don''t really understand but we should leave the fields or we''re roast!" Norm screams.


    "Right! Lets run to the East until we reach the road!"


    Thr group run at their best to escape the burning inferno around them until they reach the main path that reach the target home.


    The golden wheat fields are now a sea of raging tall flames that dance menacing with the breeze of the wind. As the sun is dissapearing in the horizon, the scenery lit up in basking orange glow.


    The heat of the surroundings makes everyone sweat profusely. The air thins out slightly but it didn''t deter everyone on moving forward.


    Shirna jumps out of the field after, catching up with Mateo. After that, Claustrine summons a wall of earth and rock and she barely even block a bullet shot by Dereia. With just milliseconds, her head is no more.


    "We''re in open now. We can''t move unless we want our head to get blown into pieces." Claustrine''s emphasis on their situation.


    "I know that."


    The gunshots rang again. Dereia trying to chip down their cover with each invisble bullet she throws.


    "Are we stranded? Maybe we can just wait for help?" Norm suggested.


    "No! We need to help my dad!" Helyna''s sudden aggressive refusal.


    "Calm down Dereia. Being mad would not make things better."


    Realizing her mistake, Helyna apologize. Fleurd nods in understanding then gently strike Norm to the head whis his knuckle.


    "What is that for?!"


    shhhhhhhh...


    "Because you saying stupid stu-"


    BOOM!!!


    A direct hit from an unknown weaponry destroy the wall created by Dereia, sending debris to everyone behind it.


    The wall absorbs the explosion but still, the group got caught off guard. Their ears ringing and everyone are delirious as the chunk of rock and souls scattered on them.


    "W-w-hat happened?" Helyna asked as she slowly stand up before getting pulled down by Mateo and placing her behind the still standing remains of the wall.


    "Trinne are you alright?!"


    "Y-yeah... Somehow."


    "Damn. I never thought she''s also have an RPG on her arsenal. Trinne cast another wall. Everyone hide behind it before she starts firing again."


    Claustrine do what Mateo says and erect another wall. The group hides again as Shirna takes short peek on the house using the binoculars.


    "We''re so close!" Norm commented in annoyance.


    "Any plans Mateo?" Beltrand asked as his minor injuries are getting healed by Sophia.


    Mateo is at his limit as he thinks for a solution, until he looks at Claustrine.


    "Trinne. How thick you can make tungsten wall?" Mateo asked. Claustrine caught on his plan.


    "About half a brick if we want to create a wall."


    "Good. Can you also move the wall like how you move the ground?"


    "That might be difficult. Tungsten is a lot heavier that compact soil and rock.  I can move a tungsten wall but it would be slow. Unless..."


    Claustrine looks at Norm.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Dereia is looking at the scope of the sniper rifle only she can see. Focused on the wall on the road as she wait for any form of movement from her enemies.


    "They must be planning. Well, i''m still on slight advantage."


    Advantage as she can just wait for her arsenals to cooldown. But that''s the only silver lining of her situation.


    Dereia understands that it would only take minutes before the forces of Zelestre comes to take her down. And her only way to escape is now blocked by the adventurers as the surroundings are still a burning.


    "Bothersome..."


    Her only options is to held her ground for anything that comes and so far, she yielding good results as Grand Ecstasy and others are getting difficulty for even making a step closer.


    "Uhhmmm?"


    Dereia notices something unusual. The wall looks like slowly moving towards her direction. It stops for a while, moves again, stops and finally...


    The wall slides to the ground faster which make Dereia surprised. She smirks.


    "Hail Mary huh?"


    Dereia shots the wall with her sniper rifle. Chipping the thick soil and rock little by little. Unlike real guns, her weaponry packs more power as all of them are being created by powerful magic owned and improved by Real Dereia''s hard work. Power which is now used against her will.


    She knows that they can''t replenish the wall while also moving as they would need to stay for a while to recast it. And it might be a thinner wall so they can move it. If she continues to just rain down bullets on the wall, the people behind it would be reached eventually.


    Dereia switch to her assortment of heavy guns and spray bullets to the wall. The earthen wall is now getting damaged even further.


    But the wall manage to close the distance into 100 meters.


    "Not bad. But..."


    Dereia feels her Rocket Launcher now ready to get used again. So she quickly switch to it, aims and...


    Swooooshhh...


    BOOM!


    The Rocket hits the wall creating a huge explosion and smoke. Dereia switch back to her machine gun and sprays bullets again but...


    Clank!


    "Huh?"


    She''s hearing unusual metallic sounds coming from the smoke-covered wall as she shoot her guns. To her surprise, the smoke dissipates and it revealed a huge metallic sheet embeded deep inside the earthen wall.


    The wall continues to move and Dereia can only watch. Despite sacrificing some speed with durability, the wall manages to close the gap. Now the distance betweem the house and Mateo''s group is now just 50 meters away.


    And then it stops.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Few minute earlier.


    "Ohhhh... That metallic wall you created back then." Norm''s excitement as she remember the Tungsten walls.


    "Then why you don''t just used it earlier instead of us letting ourselves get bombarded by everything?" Beltrand''s annoyed response. Claustrine looked at her like she''s looking on a garbage.


    "And then what? Exhaust my mana and let us killed? As if you can carry a wall of Tungsten."


    "Fine fine. Chill."


    "But just like you said. We can''t carry a thick slab of Tungsten as shield." Mateo asked.


    The others just watching, unusure what to say as they don''t know what Tungsten is.


    "That''s why I need Norm''s help."


    "Me? How?"


    "Norm. Can you do Land magic?" Claustrine asked.


    "Only a little. I dislike dirt so I focused more on Fire and Wind magic."


    "Well you need to ignore that bias of yours if you want us to win. I have a plan."


    Claustrine explains her plan but some are skeptical.


    "You going to be immobile if you cast Tungsten wall." Mateo asked, Claustrine smiles smugly.


    "No. I only lost conciousness that time because I used too much mana by creating extremely large walls out of reflex. But I can control how large or thick the wall so I can still reserve more mana for moving. But I alone is not enough."


    "So that''s where I come in?" Norm asked.


    "Yes. Tungsten is quiet heavy so I need your magic to help me push it. You can do it right?"


    Norm shows firm determination. He nods slowly.


    "Good. Now let''s start."


    Claustrine advised the others to back off a little bit away on their wall. Then she created a 4 inch thick Tungsten wall behind the earth wall. But she didn''t connect the Tungsten to the ground, instead it is supported by a soil and rock as base. Then she summonds another earth wall and slams it on the Tungsten, making a sandwhich which the Tungsten is now  become a filling.


    "Norm, can you try moving it?"


    Norm gulped and use his magic to manipulate the soil covered Tungsten.


    "S-So heavy!"


    "Just manipulate the gound, not the metal itself."


    "I-I''m trying!"


    The wall only moves a few inches.


    "Ok stop."


    Norm stops. Claustrine inspect the wall and see no damage.


    "Ok now let''s do this together."


    The two mages uses their magic first to sycn themselves. It takes few tries as Norm''s mana is less powerful than Claustrine that their magic are unsync and they move the wall erratically.


    But few more tries later. The two are finally in-sync and they move the heavy wall with ease, they''re now moving. Despite being slower, they can be sure that all of them are now covered, if the wall works.


    Sophia cast a barrier magic behind the wall. Claustrine raise her eyebrow.


    "Safety measure." Sophia answers happily.


    To their delight. The wall manages to resist everything Dereia thrown at them. All assortments of guns manages to destroys chunks of outer cover but it all change when the Tungsten wall is finally exposed. All of them sigh in relief after they stop hearing the gunshots.


    But that''s not a sign that they should be at ease.


    "Shirna. Look at the house."


    "Ok."


    "Shirna carefully sneak his head at the side of the wall while using the binoculars. She only take a peek for few second to prevent her head to being blown into smitheerens.


    "She''s still on the window. Watching us."


    "Good. Lets continue and settle things with her." Beltrand''s determined words as she cracks her knuckles.


    "The burning inferno around them is no more. The flame traveled so fast in the wheat field that it''s just an orange line from a distance. The only light source they have now is the orbs casted by Sophia and the light inside the house.


    50 meters away at the house.


    "Stop!"


    Norm and Claustrine suddenly halts their movements.


    "Claustrine, create a slab of soil."


    Claustrine follows Mateo and disconect a slab of soil from the ground behind them.


    "Beltrand, lets throw them above the wall."


    "Wait... Don''t tell me."


    "Yeah. It''s better to be safe than dead."


    With their combined effort, Beltrand and Mateo flings the slab of soil above their wall.


    "Everyone brace yourselves!"


    The ground falls for few seconds and then.


    BOOOOM!"


    A loud explosion rings their ears.


    "Tsk! I knew it." Mateo said in disgust.


    "S-so t-that''s why you don''t want us to rush on o-our own?" Fleur asked as both her and Helyna feel shivers on their spine. Imagining their body if they activated those traps.


    "Yeah."


    "Uhmm... T-thanks. You save us." Helyna''s shy gratitude.


    "Save that for later."


    "So what now?" Beltrand ask.


    "Claustrine, do you think you can also plow the ground in the front?" Mateo asked.


    Claustrine shake her head. Mateo understands that she''s now on Mana exhaustion.


    "I see. Hmmm..."


    Mateo looked at Sophia who is confused as why Mateo is looking at her. Then he looks at the barrier Sophia created.


    .


    .


    .


    "Move forward!"


    The wall moves again but the difference is Sophia''s barrier is now on front, forming a V-shap and embedded a feet deep in the ground.


    Sophia upsettingly pushes her barrier which plow the ground and making way for them as the invisble mines above soil are being pushed aside.


    But Sophia is upset because.


    "I don''t want to use my goddess-given barrier in this way ever again!"


    "There''s time to be upset Sophia! And this is not one of them!" Beltrand reprimands Sophia.


    The group continues, despite being careful. They still manages to activate few mines.


    40 meters


    30 meters


    20 meters


    10 meters


    And finally, the group finally reach the close proximity of the house. With absolute awareness, they leave the wall and slowly walk towards the door as Beltrand, Helyna, Fleur and Mateo opens their bag of storage and pulls their weapons while Shirna pulls his daggers on his belt.


    The walk the short stairs and...


    CLICK


    A hail of bullets fully tears down the door in just few seconds.


    Fortunately, Beltrand and Sophia reacts quickly. Sophia''s barrier manages to absorb most of the bullets before it shatters and Beltrand''s shield and Knight''s Vow magic blocks the rest.


    "MOOOVEE!!!"


    Wasting no time, the group raided the house as they breach in no time. They expect another surprise attack as they enter but instead, they see Dereia sitting on a chair with her legs crossed. An invisible rifle on her arms as she looked at everyone with slyness.


    "Hey it''s you again. And it seems you bring more friends with you now. Looks like you guys are upset on your defeat a week ago." Dereia taunts Grand Ecstasy.


    "But not finishing us and instead running away is more pathetic at best and a huge mistake at worst." Mateo taunts back.


    As the tension rises, Helyna is more busy scouting the inside of the house and in the side, on the table where her family is haplly eating together. She sees it and her world sunks down. Her eyes wells.


    But her grief is instantly replaced by wrath. Her face twisted with anger as she looks at Dereia.


    .


    .


    .


    "Helyna?! NOOOO!"

 Ch. 43 - Rematch and Revenge

    "Helyna?! NOOO!"


    Mateo can only scream as the sudden rush of Helyna caught him off-guard.


    Helyna screams a guttural howl as she plunge her sword towards Dereia, aiming to skewer her head. But Dereia just casually tilted her head, dodging the attack.


    Helyna''s perception slow down as she find herself just hanging in the air after her attack miss, closing the distance between the two. Then Dereia''s hand forms a pistol gesture and aims under her jaw.


    One of the hand gestures shown by Mateo before they to go to their farm in order to warn them about Dereia''s abilities. With no way to halt her motion, she can only observe the consequences of her mistake.


    Suddenly, Helyna feels something grabs her ankle.


    BANG!


    Dereia shots her invisible pistol but it only hit the roof. Helyna is not there anymore. She''s got thrown away by Beltrand but it''s not a careful save as Beltrand thrown her in the wall with force as Beltrand don''t have time for any consederation and just want to save Helyna.


    Helyna crash to her home''s wall, destroying it.


    "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU THINKING?!" Beltrand screams with anger.


    The crash seems doesn''t bother Helyna at all. Instead, she stand up and still wearing her wrathful expression.


    "SHE KILLED MY FATHER!" Helyna screams, her voice full of spite and murderous intent.


    "AND YOU WANT TO FOLLOW HIM?! FOR FUCK SAKE CALM DOWN!"


    "Beltrand! That''s enough." Mateo reprimands Beltrand.


    "Sorry brother."


    Mateo walk towards Helyna and place his hands on her shoulder.


    "We understand what you feeling right now Helyna. But acting recklessly would only bring danger not only for you but for us."


    Helyna looks at Mateo. Still fueled with fury.


    "B-but... D-Dad..."


    "Helyna. Take a deep breath and calm down. Let''s avenge your father together ok? Let''s bring her into justice." Mateo gives a genuine sincere smile.


    Helyna gritted her teeth and clench her fist for a while but after realizing her mistake. She calm herself down, tears flow through her cheeks. Helyna stands up, wipe her tears and grab her sword.


    "Sorry." Helyna apologize, she''s more determined now.


    "Understandable."


    "Wow... Such heart touching moment you have there. But can we return to the fight now?" Dereia asked.


    "Then why not attack us first?" Fleur asked. Dereia chuckle.


    "Well, you guys is still wary at me while all those drama happened. But if you insist."


    Dereai suddenly aims her SMG and spray bullets to Fleur. Fleur run away on the line of fire.


    "Oho? It seems you also teached these randoms on how my guns work huh?"


    Mateo swings her sword downwards. Dereia leaps out of her chair which is now destroyed by Mateo.


    "Only stupid people would not use any advantages available."


    Mateo signals Sophia to place her totems which she did. 3 totems that boosts stamina, strenght and speed are now in place.


    Before Dereia even react on the totems, she feels the ground rumbling and she looks outside. The windows is now being blocked by something and Dereia realizes that tall walls are now surrounding the home, turning it into an arena or a cage depending on the two opposing force inside.


    "Motherfucker. You guys really don''t want to let me escape this time. Ok bring it on then."


    Dereia observes her opponents. Three sword users, one support, one tank with a shield, an elf and she assume the two mages is outside maitaining the walls.


    The home is large with two floors. But it doesn''t mean there''s huge moving space as walls are created multiple rooms for both floors. The stand-off is in the larger room where the kitchen and living room is and the two sides are waiting on who''s going to make the first move.


    And Dereia breaks the tension by spraying the group with her dual SMG. The swords users and Shirna dodges while Sophia and Beltrand blocks the bullets with their shields.


    The swords fights back by closing the distance between them and Dereia. Fleur reach first and gives consecutive slashes.


    Dereia dodges and blocks them with her SMG''s then she switch into shotgun.


    Understanding what''s going to happen. Fleur kicks Dereia''s arm upwards, making her fire her shotgun to the roof but before even Fleur use the opportunity. Dereia switches into dual pistols and aims them point blank into Fleur''s head.


    But Dereia fails fo eliminate Fleur as Mateo gets her attention. Dereia have no choice but to deflect his sword strikes using her pistols.


    Fleur joins the fight and the two nows sending stabs and slashes into Derei. But Dereia is confidently dodging all of them for seconds before she sees that Shirna and Beltrand are now going to join and also attack her that she creates distance by spraying them with Assult Rifle.


    Dereia walks backwards and upstairs as she continues to empty her guns to them. Mateo and others have no choice but to take cover.


    "Isn''t just me or she''s a lot stronger than before?" Beltrand asked.


    "Yeah. She''s a lot faster and can match our already buffed movements." Mateo answers.


    Dereia also feel that she''s a lot powerful but she knows that there''s no way she can win on close quarter combat against seasoned warriors. So she devise a plan.


    The hail of bullet stops. The house becomes earrily quiet.


    "She''s now want us to play hide-and-seek." Shirna asked.


    "Can you detect her scent more precisely?" Mateo asked, Shirna shakes his head slowly.


    "Sorry but that might be difficult. It seems she just taken a bath and used clothes owned by Helyna''s family so that smell is in the whole house. And relying on gunpowder would also be unreliable as the smell is also all over the place."


    "Because of her previous fight with Helyna''s father." Mateo said with sincerity.


    Helyna frowns then smiles painfully. Feeling proud for her father who die with triumph.


    The earth wall that blocks the entrance opens and Norm enters.


    "Did you got her?" Norm asked.


    "Not yet. But she''s cornered now. Where''s Claustrine?"


    "She''s still outside. She''s reinforcing the walls." Norm answers.


    "I see. Dereia might blast throught the walls." Mateo understands.


    "Should who seperate ways on finding her?" Beltrand asked.


    "No. That''s the very thing she want us to do. Sticking together is a more safe options for us." Mateo answer Beltrand''s question as she scan the insides of the large sized house which is now turned a battlefield.


    Mateo then signals the group to move to the second floor. After climbing the stairs, they greeted by four closed rooms.


    "Now that we''re inside. Your home is a lot spacious than what I imagined." Beltrand commented.


    "You surely have a beutiful large house here." Fleur''s compliment.


    "This is our ancestral house and fruit of our''s family''s generational work." Helyna''s explanation.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Helyna."


    "Yes sir?"


    "I''m sorry but your home would get damaged even further." Mateo apologize.


    "That''s not my concern right now. What''s on my mind is killing that bastard." Helyna''s cold and anger filled words as she remembers that his father is still sitting lifeless on the chair below them.


    Mateo nods and commands everyone to stay extremely quiet then he looks at Shirna who understands what Mateo is implying.


    Shirna close his eyes and focus to decrease her senses except his ears. Being a Moon Elf, Shirna have a more sharper hearing which is further enhanced by his experience as an adventurer.


    Shirna hears the breathing of his friends around him so he focus even further. Giving his attention not to the sounds around him but any possible noise from all the rooms.


    .


    .


    .


    *Squeek*


    A sound of a wooden plank who getting a pushing force


    Shirna points on the door on their left. Comfirming the location of their target.


    "Sophia, cancel the light orb." Mateo orders which Sophia follows.


    The party walks towards the door quietly in Mateo''s instruction in order to not alert Dereia. Mateo then gives specific order for Beltrand and Norm. The two nods and walks to their position: Beltrand on the front, Norm behind them and the rest on on the back.


    "Sophia, cast a barrier when I say it." Mateo whispers to Sophia who nods.


    Beltrand walks in front of the door. He put aside his sword raise his hand to give signal to the people behind him.


    And raise a finger.


    And another..


    And another for the third time.


    Beltrand kicks the door with absurd force that it breaks in two and completely snaps on its hinges.


    Beltrand ducks quickly and behind him is Norm already pointed his staff and casted barrage of wind cutters. Blasting the room with his mastered magic that it create a mess and clouds of dust.


    But before the entire room got engulfed by dust, Beltrand sees a glimpse of Dereia hiding behind the bed, pointing an invisble gun at them which make Beltrand quickly stand up and hold on his shield to cast his Knight''s Vow - A barrier magic exclusive to knights.


    "Sophia!"


    Sophia cast a barrier to add additional layer of defense.


    RATATATTATAATA!


    Sophia''s barrier breaks after catching a lot of bullets while Beltrand blocks the rest, protecting Claustrine and Shirna in the process.


    "Cast another barrier!"


    Sophia cast another.


    "Push foward!"


    To not got bottlenecked on the entrance, they proceed to march in order to give themselves a huge breathing room as Dereia emptied a gun on them. They see the muzzle flash of Dereia''s invisible gun, giving them a pinpoint location despite the chaos and darkness of the room.


    "Scatter!"


    Everyone moves anywhere to catch Dereia off-guard as she will have difficulty on focusing her firepower to multiple seperated targets.


    Yet it''s not what the combined force of Grand Ecstasy and other adventurers expected as the gunfires suddenly halts...


    And clanking sounds are heared. The sound is like a metallic object bouncing on the wooden floor and brick wall. Mateo realizes what might happened.


    "Grenades?! But where in a enclosed space." Mateo''s thinking.


    But before Mateo even assess their situations, the invisible grenades explodes and it turns out to be bunch of stun grenades.


    BOOM!!!


    ssssssssssssssssssss


    The ringing sounds engulfed the ears of everyone. The sudden flash of multiple flights blind and stuns the group as their vision is still blurry and recovering.


    "Ughhh..." Helyna''s confused grunting.


    "What the... fuck is that." -Fleur.


    Shirna continues to recover and go back to her senses and his efforts turn fruitful as he''s the first one to escape the confusion.


    Shirna looks around and panics when he remembers that Dereia might ready to spray them another round of bullets. But he notices a unfamiliar silhoutte next to Mateo.


    The silhoutte point her hand on Mateo''s head which makes Shirna move fast.


    Without questioning, he quickly pull something on her Bag-of-Storage and...


    BANG! BANG BANG!!


    "OH NO!" Sophia panics!


    "Sophia! Cast a light orb!" Mateo shouts.


    Sophia summons an lingering orb of light, a magic that brings them light on ther night travels. As the light illuminates the whole room. It reveals the situation.


    The room''s mess is now in full glory.


    Dereia, looking at Shirna with genuine shock. She''s holding her shoulder who now soaked with blood.


    The group''s equally dumbfounded expression.


    And Shirna pointing a Revolver looling like gun to Dereia. The barrel is still smoking.


    Dereia comes back to her senses and using her right hand, she use an SMG to spray bullets to her enemies. The group caught off guard and have no choice but to dodge or block the sudden attack. Dereia then exits the room and run.


    "Are you guys ok?" Mateo calls.


    "I''m fine!" -Beltrand.


    "Me too!" -Sophia.


    "We''re both fine here!" -Fleur and Norm.


    Mateo looks at Shirna and sees he''s fine.


    "Ughh... I got hit."


    Everyone looks at Helyna and concerned fills the destroyed room as they see Helyna holding her abdomen. Her light armor stained with blood.


    "It... Hurts..."


    Helyna lost her balance but thankfully Beltrand catch her where he carefully lie her down on the floor.


    "Sophia!"


    "Got it!"


    As the rest stand guard, Sophia kneels in front of Helyna and assess her injury.


    "Two wounds but missed vital organs. I can heal her."


    "Good, stay here and heal Helyna. The rest follow Dereia!"


    Fleur, Norm and Beltrand exits the room quickly. Shirna follows and he looks at Mateo. What he see makes him scared.


    Mateo is clearly pissed. He looks at Shirna with anger. But her anger subdued and replaced with look of sad dissapointment. It only last for seconds before Mateo also leaves the room.


    Mateo knows they have no time for this and there''s a murderer they need to deal with.


    Shirna is left behind.


    "Why Shirna?" Sophia asked with concern as she continues to heal Helyna.


    Shirna gives a sorrowful expression before leaving where she almost hit Claustrine who enters the room.


    "What happened? Why Shirna looks so doomed?"


    "He brought a gun." Sophia''s sad answer to Claustrine''s question.


    Claustrine is dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events. The gunfires and destruction can be heared from the background.


    "I''m s-sorry... I-m so... useless."


    Claustrine and Sophia sees Helyna who now crying.


    "Don''t say that. You can still do something?" Claustrine''s motivation.


    "But how? I''m injured."


    "Sophia. Heal her quickly, I have a plan."


    Back to the first floor. Dereia is now fighting the combined force of Mateo, Shirna, Fleur and Norm. To their surprise, despite Dereia being injured. She''s still manages to give them a hard time.


    "Fuck! Why she''s suddenly become stronger?!" Beltrand''s anger-filled complaint.


    "She''s truly a monster." Fleur spouted as she endure the bullet wound on her arm.


    Shirna got hit on her legs and now retreated to safety in Mateo''s order. But he ensures to emptied his revolver first.


    Mateo rush forward and fight Dereia who only using dual wield handguns. The two blocks and dodges each others'' attacks.


    "What''s the matter? Already emptied out your arsenal and not even manage to defeat us?" Mateo''s trashtalk then swings his sword targeting Dereia''s side.


    Dereia deflect it using her invisible gun.


    "If we''re not on an enclosed space, I already turned all of you into Jigsaw puzzle."


    Dereia fires two shots which Mateo barely dodged.


    Dereia notice someone flanking her left as she deals with Mateo. She jump backwards and fire bullets to prevent Mateo from following. Her jump also dodge the dozen of wind cutters casted by Norm.


    Dereia fires her pistol to Norm who run to dodge the bullets. The constant dodging and casting spells is clearly having a toll on Norm''s body.


    "I think this is my limit Mateo." Norm''s pained words, his breathing is  heavy as both mana and stamina exhaustion slowly getting him.


    "You did a huge help Norm. Just go to Sophia and help her please!" Mateo screams as he still fending off Dereia.


    "H-how about you guys?"


    "We will do our best. Now go!"


    Norm muster more strenght to move his legs and climb up on the stairs. Dereia points his pistol to Norm but before she fires it, Beltrand appears and block the shot with his shield.


    "You scumbag! We are your enemy!"


    And then Beltrand rush forward with his shiled still facing Dereia. With no choice, Dereia can only move asides as she remembers how Beltrand''s shield bash sents him meters away.


    But Beltrand is not only his problem as Mateo dashes beside her and stab her. Dereia barely even manage to dodge and in retiliation, she switch to his shotgun and shot him point blank.


    And Dereia also shot Fleur and Beltrand who attempted to flank her back and side.


    The three combatants got sent meters away and recovers. Mateo shakes his arms like nothing happened as he manages to transfer his dense mana to his upper body.


    Beltrand manages go block the shotgun with her shield.


    But Fleur, Fleur also manage to transfer her mana to block Dereia''s point-blank attack. But compared to Mateo, her mana is not enough to fully nullify the shot...


    And her arms and some parts of her face recieve considerable damage. She''s now looking at her arms, shaking as she see''s the tiny craters caused by invisible pellets.


    "Fleur are you ok?!" Beltrand asked with concerns.


    "Y-yeah!" Fleur tries to act tough but she''s flinching due to pain.


    Dereia seeing the injured state of Fleur dash to her. Aiming to reduce the number of her opponents to two. But Mateo manages to intercept her.


    "What''s the matter? Can''t fight us without reducing our count?!" Mateo''s mocking question to Dereia.


    Mateo gives Dereia a barrage of slashes to push her away from Fleur.


    "What''s wrong for lessening my burden?! One less enemy, less attacks to worry about!" Dereia shouts back as she blocks Mateo''s attack with her pistols.


    "You don''t need to worry about that if you just use that secret techniques of yours! Come on! Use it and stab us with your sword!" Mateo provokes Dereia as he amplifies the intensity of his slashes.


    Yet Dereia still manages to block all of them with struggle. But Dereia doesn''t answer Mateo''s provocation and instead stay silent.


    "I knew it! That transformation is not yours but a skill owned by the real Dereia!" Mateo swings his sword really hard that break Dereia''s guard.


    Mateo sees an opportunity, hold his sword by two hand and make a strong upward swing. A crescent swing with all of his force.


    Dereia switch to his empty sniper rifle and block the sword swing. The attack is so powerful that Dereia''s invisible Sniper Rifle shatters after absorbing the impact and she got sent to the air.


    At least she manage to block the sure-kill attack of Mateo. Once she lands, she might truly resort on using explosives despite how dangerous it is. It''s do of die situation now.


    But did she really needs to land to her feet? Dereia thinks.


    Then Dereia summons her frag grenades and prepaee to send some gifts to the enemies waiting for her below.


    "Here''s my sur-"


    Dereia eat her words as she recieves a punch to the face from Beltrand mid-air. Dereia is sent to the wooden wall that seperates the kitchen and living room, destroying it.


    "I wish Dereia didn''t feel that." Beltrand says after landing.


    Mateo, Beltrand and Fleur are walking towards Dereia who now delirious as she tries to stand up. She sustained considerable injury after accepting Beltrand''s fist.


    "It''s over. Give up." Beltrand is not talking to Dereia but to the man that steals her body.


    Dereia is just looking at the three, wearing an uncanny smile on her face.


    "Hehe... I never felt this alive before. But I guess this is the end huh?" Dereia sigh.


    "Living your short life here must be a blast for you, but your reign of terror must now end." Mateo''s words.


    "Is that so? Hehe... Well then. Remember our first meeting in Nattunia?"


    Seconds after Dereia says her riddle. Mateo''s eyes widen.


    "Oh shit!" Mateo shouts, as he forgot the tragedy that cause so much unnecessary civilian deaths in heart of Nattunia.


    "Yes. Thank you for creating the tomb for all of us."


    Fleur and Beltrand manages to read the situation after watching Dereia''s maniacal confidence. The three tries to dash towards Dereia who now manages to raise her hand and ready to push the trigger.


    .


    .


    .


    SLASH!


    Dereia watch her detonator arm fall to the floor, still making the hand gesture that make the c4 on her body to explode.


    Mateo, Beltrand and Fleur watch in shock as they see Dereia get stabbed on the back by some invisible force.

 Ch. 44 - Battle Between Two Consciousness

    "AUGHHH!!!"


    Dereia spats blood. He looks down and see a thing covered with his blood, putruding on his chest.


    Few seconds gone by, the truth slowly reveals itself as the object that stab Dereia is a sword, and behind her is Helyna who looking on Dereia with fury.


    Helyna pulls her sword aggressively and Dereia almost fall to the ground. But after she tumbles, Dereia regains her footing. Looking at everyone as she hold her new wound.


    "H-How?" Dereia asked with astonished and pained reaction.


    "Invisibility Deistic Magic. That''s how." Claustrine answered.


    Claustrine, Norm and Sophia now walking down on the stairs.


    "I-I should have been... d-detected her."


    "You can''t detect something you didn''t expect."


    "W-why you even have s-such spell? Y-you''re a mage."


    "This is not a video game." Mateo''s only answer on Claustrine''s behalf which make Fleur, Norm and Helyna look at Mateo with confusion.


    Dereia spats blood again. Everyone surrounds her in a safe distance and. Sophia start to tend Fleur''s injury as the others watch on any threat Dereia can still inflict.


    "Where''s Shirna?" Sophia asked.


    "I''m ugh! F-fine."


    Shirna appears leaning on the wall as he walk towards Sophia who obviously becomes concerned on his wellbeing.


    "Should we kill her now?" Fleur asked.


    "Let''s kill her. She needs to pay for killing my father." Helyna''s cold and menacing suggestion.


    "No. We can''t do that."


    "But! She''s a murderer! Why you suddenly wants to let her live?!" Helyna''s anger fills the room.


    "I think Mateo is right on not killing her. She needs to pay for her crimes longer than the sweet release of death." Norm''s opinion.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    A hissing sound heared which slowly rise into crescendo.


    "!!!" -Norm


    "Not again!" -Sophia.


    "Here she comes." Claustrine mumbles.


    The three mages instantly feel the sudden surge of arcane magic that fills the huge room they''re in. They look on Dereia as she''s the only source of danger and they''re shocked to see Dereia releasing a menecing dark aura.


    "I can feel it... whatever is that, that''s bad news. Let''s kill her!" Fleur''s paniced proposal as she walk forward while holding her sword tightly despite the pain on her arm.


    Helyna also do the same but her posture are more wrathful than afraid.


    But before they even manages to reach Dereia. Mateo use his arm to block Fleur and Helyna.


    "What are you doing?" Helyna asked with sharp annoyance.


    "Please... This might be it." Mateo says with a pleading voice.


    "What... Do... You... Mean?" Helyna slowlys spat her words. She''s starting to get mad at Mateo.


    "Please..."


    Meanwhile, Dereia''s aura becomes more powerful than before. A black handgun slowly generates on her left hand. On now handless right arm, a black sword made of Arcane energy manifest.


    Dereia''s wounds slowly heal, even the onces on her chest. As the power up happen. Mateo takes a deep breath and then...


    "DEREIA! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR US AT THIS MOMENT! NOW IT''S TIME TO RECLAIM WHAT''S YOURS!"


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Inside the mind space. Dereia is just lying motionless on the floor. She have a soul-less look on her eyes as she stares on the dark void.


    After Josh''s threat of killing her family. Dereia completely let him control and thus removing her only chance of reclaiming her body.


    "Aaaaaaaaaaaa...." Dereia is completely unmotivated and catatonic.


    Suddenly, the mindspace shakes aggressively but the event didn''t even make Dereia bulge as she continues to stay still.


    She knows that''s the same event that let''s her to have a fight for the control of her body after Josh dares to use the technique she copied from a figure she admires the most. Cultivated and mastered out of respect and desire to follow the footsteps of the hero.


    The mana sword of the Arcane Swordlady named Wisteria.


    And the fact that the technique she promised to use for the people is used by an abhorrent person like Josh is an insult for her desire and dream.


    Desires and dreams she just thrown away if it guarantee the safety of her family.


    "What''s the point... I''m not a hero. I even act selfish... I''m a failure..." Dereia said monotonely as her surroundings continues to shake.


    "I just wish the powerful adventurers to kill me and stop this violence..."


    .


    ..


    ...


    "DEREIA! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR US AT THIS MOMENT! NOW IT''S TIME TO RECLAIM WHATS YOURS!"


    Dereia''s body twitch after hearing the shout of a familiar voice.


    "Huh?"


    "DEREIA! DON''T LET THAT BASTARD RUIN YOU EVEN FURTHER! TAKE CONTROL AND DEFEAT HIM!"


    Dereia slowly sit up and calls for a screen. Dereia is shocked to see the faces that she remembers clearly.


    "W-why..."


    On her body''s point of view are Grand Ecstasy but this time they also brings three unrecognizable faces.


    "A-are you trying to call her? Hehe auh! She''s gone. Dereia would never appear again." Her body speaks in a pained and ragged voice.


    From what Dereia can understand. She realized that Grand Ecstasy really searched for her again and now put her body on the corner after fighting. Both side sustaining injuries base on their appearance and her body''s suffered voice.


    And thus the activation of her Mana Sword.


    She hears the cleric and the vanguard also calling her name. Begging her to come back.


    And on that moment... Dereia cries as the group of stranger are genuinely understand her predicament.


    And trying to help her.


    "W-why... Y-you should just kill me..." Dereia says in a defeated tone.


    But Dereia, seeing the determined look on the strangers faces. She saw a silver lining of hope...


    Hope that things might take a turn to her victory.


    "No! You risk your lives in order to save me. I must return the favor and fight!"


    Dereia wipes her tears and stand on her foot with a determined and furious look at her face. She clenches her fist as she makes a primal howl that shakes the void.


    And stab the void with both of her hands, making a bright rift that she can open. The same way she did the first time a chance come to her. There,  Dereia forcely open the bright rift.


    .


    .


    .


    SNAP


    "GAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!"


    Dereia''s head starts to hurt like her brains are being hit on multiple angles.


    "NOT AGAIN! FUUUCK!!!"


    Dereia loses her cool again as the headache is so severe, like her head is being split in two. She thrashes around, her weapons dissapears in order to held her head.


    As Dereia suffers, her aura is now a mix of black and white coloration. Fighting on who can dominate in the end. Grand Ecstasy, Norm, Fleur and Helyna watch with great concern. The three unsure how to process the situation...


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Everyone observes with complete seriousness, sweatdrops on their face and hoping that Dereia wins the battle of ego.


    "Come on Dereia! You can do it!" Sophia begs as she prays.


    "Are you sure this would not backfire on us Mateo?" Claustrine asked with genuine concern.


    "Let''s hope she can beat Josh." Mateo''s solemn words as she watch the ordeal.


    "You don''t anwer my question."


    Mateo grips his sword tightly.


    "If things got worse, we''re are more prepared to fight her at that form. So we should bring her peace."


    Dereia''s suffering continues. Her ear-screeching screams sends shivers on their spines as despite just being observers, they can imagine the internal battle Dereia and Josh having right now.


    .


    .


    .


    Back on the Mind Space


    "Why you still trying to fight?!" Josh is now screaming on his mind, talking to Dereia.


    "Because they still believes in me so I gonna defeat you and reclaim what is mine!"


    "Fuck! Do you really think once you got your body back, everything goes into a happy ending!? You delusional!"


    "You know nothing so SHUT UP!"


    Dereia force to open the rift a little bit, causing a tremendous pain on Josh.


    "AHHHHH!!! STOOOP!!!"


    "NEVEEER!!!"


    "Think a moment you stupid retard! If you live here! The nobles of Bolaire would surely kill you in far worse way possible!"


    Josh cackles...


    "And they surely include your family! Your village! Everything you love! Afterall, WE are the one that killed their precious childrens! And I guarantee you they would surely satiate their thirst for revenge!"


    "You can''t get justice! You''re just a criminal now with a huge bounty on your head!"


    "No one would believe that you just got manipulated by me!",


    "You''re destined to die!"


    Dereia stops her hands ripping the rift as Josh''s words starts to make sense to her.


    Despite how much she deny it, Josh is right. Her being alive would only bring disaster for the ones she loves. Even if for some miracle the nobles of other kingdoms believe her situation.


    The fact that there''s an entire nobility of a powerful kingdom, who aims for her head would not bring her and her family peace.


    Especially if the same nobility are known for being entitled scums that abuses their power.


    Dereia makes a pained chuckle.


    "There''s really no good ending for me huh?"


    "That''s not true. Just allow me to take complete control and we might make turn the tides. You have potential, so if we manage to escape here alive, we just train until we become powerful enough to kill our adversaries... Even the kingdom of Bolaire."


    Dereia drops her hands and looks down.


    "Good decision."


    .


    .


    .


    Wooooooosh-


    "No!"


    Sophia panics as the aura suddenly turns black but the white slowly fights back and come back on a stale mate.


    But that short white defiance is the last as the black aura now becoming the dominant color over time. Until only a sliver of white remains.


    Mateo makes a pained and saddened expression watching the event unfold.


    "Everyone. Wield your weapons, the worse is about to come."


    .


    .


    .


    "I just want to say something before giving you my body, Josh." Dereia calls his name for the first time.


    "Oh any last words? Any wish? I would honor it."


    "No. I want to say that, There''s no WE. All of those murders are all of your doing."


    "So you want to remove accountability? Fine by me as if thay would bring change to anything. But I don''t know why you suddenly bring that up."


    "Josh. Do you feel any remorse on those people you kill?"


    "Hmmm... Not really. Maybe I can say I feel ... Satisfaction?"


    Dereia clenches her jaw.


    "I see... Fine. I gonna give the authority to you."


    .


    .


    .


    "Huh? What? What''s going on?!" Helyna''s bloodrage is now gone as she''s completely dumbfounded. But she can get a gist on the event. She believe that Dereia is still inside that''s why Mateo doesn''t want them to kill her.


    The group is ready to finally finish Dereia and end the battle. To their surprise, she summons back her black pistol which make the group halt their movement.


    The white aura is slowly becoming gray as it''s getting devoured by the black arcane energy. There''s no struggle for domination at all, and it''s like Dereia completely gave up.


    The gray aura is slowly becoming black.


    "W-what''s going on?" Mateo''s concerned question.


    Dereia looks at them. But unlike the cold and heartless expression before, this time. Dereia looks innocent and sorrowful. Tears starts to form on her eyes and flow on her cheek.


    And everyone heared words that they know not coming from whoever''s the one manipulating Dereia''s body.


    "I-I''m s-so... S-sorry."


    Dereia''s black handgun suddenly turns gray and what happened shocks everyone inside the ancestral home.


    With quick motion. Dereia aims her handgun on the side of her head.


    "WHAT?!"


    Josh understands what''s going to happen and he fights back as he manages to take control of Dereia''s arm within milliseconds and lower the pistol.


    BANG!!!


    Time is like slowed down for everyone as they watch Dereia falls down to the floor. They''re too stunned to move and speak that it takes them seconds before the event registers on their mind.


    "What?!" Sophia is shocked, covering her mouth with her both hands.


    Mateo run towards Dereia and kneel beside her.


    "Mateo don''t!" Beltrand is worried but Mateo ignores him as he look on Dereia.


    He clench his jaw out of anger as he discovered that Dereia failed to kill herself but instead shot her spine, making her paralyzed from the neck down and having a slow agonizing death.


    Dereia is breathing heavily, choking on her own blood as she looked on the ceiling. Having no way to move even a single finger.


    The rest of Mateo''s friend walks close and realized the situation. Beltrand, Fleur and Norm avert their gaze. Sophia having a sorrowful expression.


    "Mateo... Please end her suffering." Claustrines soft and and pained words. She''s looking at Dereia with a a sympathetic and sad gaze.


    Helyna is unsure what she would do as she froze on her spot, watching the atmosphere turn from nerve-wracking to melancholic.


    Mateo picks his sword and looks at Dereia. He raise his blade and aim it on Dereia''s neck, targeting her windpipe.


    He feels a myriad of things. Anger, sympathy, pain, sadness, regret. But despite all that, Mateo stays calm.


    "I''m sorry Dereia. We failed you." Mateo talking directly to the real Dereia.


    With a cruel twist of fate, Dereia''s slowly dimming black aura fully turns gray. Mateo looks at Dereia and watch as she smiles. Not the sinister mocking smile they always see before.


    But a genuine sweet smile coming directly from Dereia herself. Mateo notice her lips moving and read it. His heart sinks deeper after decoding Dereia''s final words.


    Tha....nk You...


    Mateo gives a reassuring smile then close his eyes. He then finally give Dereia a faster sweet release of death. And with that, Dereia takes her one last breath. Her aura is now slowly fading way.


    .


    .


    .


    Silence...


    Silence engulfs everyone.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Inside Dereia''s mind. Josh observe as his surrounding starts to crumble. The darkness is being consumed by pure white emptiness.


    He''s planning to fully unleash the full power of Dereia and maybe escape the prison she got caught in.


    But he didn''t expect that she would get tricked by Dereia. As the moment he relaxed and let Dereia assimillates her conciousness to him. She use the short seconds of vulnerability


    To kill herself.


    "I guess this is the end of the line. That was a good run though."


    Josh sigh and sits in front of the thin screen, the screen where he watch Dereia''s point of view weeks ago.


    "Right... The owner is now dead. There''s nothing to see here."


    The screen lights up.


    "Oh? This might be the "Life flashing before my eyes" moment. Well then, show me my life."


    The screen instead shows precious memories of Dereia. Her having a fulfilled life on a small farming village with her friends and family.


    "What the fuck? Why you showing this now? Your target audience is already dead."


    The flashback shows key moments of Dereia.


    Her happiness and good times.


    Her sadness and pain.


    Her lessons she learned.


    All the key moments with the people she loves.


    The display of Dereia''s life pisses off Josh.


    "I don''t care about any of this. Just show me my life."


    The footage of the screen suddenly fast-forward and freeze to a white screen until Josh finally get what he wants.


    Or as he thought, Josh is looking on the screen only to see a kid alone on a huge room, playing on his playstation. The kid have a monotonic expression on his face as he easily clear a stage skillfully.


    "What''s... This?"


    The scene continues to Josh''s confusion. The sound of the video games echoed on the vast and pitch dark emptyness which slowly engulfed by the white abyss.


    "Anything else you can show to me?" Josh asked on nothingness.


    But on mere coincidence, the scene on the footage change but not on Josh''s delight as it''s still his same room with just minor changes on furnitures and objects. On the bed in the corner is him on his teenage years, browsing the dark layers of the internet on his laptop. He''s typing with such aggressive tone like he''s angry on someone.


    "Are you telling me... This is my most memorable moments in my life? You must be shitting me?"


    Yet the screen don''t respond and just continue to show Josh''s life. Until it changes again on him now an 20 years old. Still browsing the internet but this time on his phone, his room is bland and lack any personality at all.


    Josh in the past have an expression of disinterest on whatever she''s scrolling and looking on his phone.


    "What a bunch of stupid fucks. Complaining that their grades are barely manage to bring them to next semester but intead do this?" Josh in the past spouted as he stops scrolling on the picture of his classmates enjoying their school break hanging out and drinking then he scrolls again.


    Josh in the present scoffs. Agreeing on his past self''s rant. But then he realizes that on those part of his life. He also not take studies seriously.


    But the only difference is... Unlike his classmates that manages to create meaningful relationships with each other. He just left out and ignored.


    "I don''t really give a good impressions on them huh?"


    Josh is just like only living in motions with no friends to connect with, with absurdly religious parents that force him to go on church every sunday, with a monotone boring life as he was unable to connect to people and views them on disfigured point of view.


    "Fine fine I get it now. So what?"


    The video scene changes on him buying his first gun and then the video just abruptly stops.


    "Well. I guess that''s my life in a nutshell."


    But Josh just give a slight smile and shrugs.


    "Well whatever. As if having regrets now makes a difference."


    The white nothingness completely delete the mind space including Josh as the moment Dereia finally reach a merciful death.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Mateo close Dereia''s eyes and there lies her body with a serene smile on her face.


    Mateo stand and walks away with a gloomy atmosphere to himself. He felt useless and shit after failing to save Dereia.


    Helyna stands in front of Mateo with  furious look on her eyes.


    "Why?" Helyna''s only questions.


    She can''t understand why Grand Ecstasy have some sort of sympathetic approach on a criminal that killed so many people...


    To a criminal that murder her father.


    Mateo realizes why Helyna confronts him. Instead of answering, he avert gaze out of guilt.


    "Why you guys acts like she''s innocent?! I don''t understand!" Helyna snaps.


    "Y-yeah... It''s already peculiar that Grand Ecstasy is so dead set on hunting Dereia. But watching you guys, I can see that there''s something deeper on this." Fleur states her criticism.


    Claustrine sighs.


    "I gonna explain everything."


    But she didn''t explained everything as she tell the situation on a way that would not give any lead on Mateo''s secret of being an otherworlder.


    As expected. Fleur and Norm are shocked, Helyna is devastated.


    "A-are you s-saying that the real Dereia is suffering all this time?" Helyna asked with a cold shudder.


    Claustrine nods slowly.


    "A-are you telling me I focused my rage tries to kill an innocent person all this time? That''s she''s also a v-victim."


    "Y-yes." Mateo answers.


    Helyna''s words shaken. She went into a catatonic state for a moment then leaves everyone without saying a word.


    Helyna walks in the kitchen where her dead father is. She sits beside him, place her sword on the side and look with no expression on her face then she look on her blood stained sword.


    Sword stained by the blood of someone she can''t comprehend.


    Seconds later, tears flow on Helyna''s cheeks as he plants her face on her two hands. Her cries echoed on the room, unsure how to handle the situation now the figure that guide him since she''s a kid is now gone.


    As Helyna wails, the wall of soil that blocks the entrance opened up and there comes a bunch of Zelestrian soldiers and Adventurers lead by Mr. Roland.


    Roland makes a pained and sympathetic look at Helyna then she signals the soldiers and adventurers to give space for the grieving lady and instead explore the house in search for the rest.


    And they didn''t search long as they saw Grand Ecstasy, Fleur and Norm just standing and surrounds the now deceased Dereia. There''s no expression of triumph on their face and instead a mixbag of guilt and uncertainty surrounds them.

 Ch. 45 - Darkness

    "Surround the perimeter. Don''t let any gawkers come near the house."


    "Yes sir!"


    "As for you, use my horse and inform the higher-ups. Tell them that Dereia is killed."


    As the leader of the small Zelestrean troop give commands to the soldiers, Grand Ecstasy, Helyna, Fleur and Norm are being tend by healers with Sophia''s help. They''re sitting on the same chairs where Helyna''s family is eating. The body of Helyna''s father respectfully placed on the floor then covered with blanket.


    Far from them are Dereia''s dead body. She''s just placed on the cold floor and in the corner with no regards.


    Grand Ecstasy and the others are just silent to Roland''s confusion.


    "Why everyone looks so gloom? Isn''t this is a triumphant moment for you?" Roland asked.


    But he get no answer. Instead, he recieve a question from Claustrine.


    "Why you take so long to reach us?"


    Roland averts his gaze.


    "The Zelestrean authorities decide to save the fields first. The fire can burn all the crops if not extinguished which would lead to severe food shortage."


    Claustrine sighs.


    "I see." Claustrine understands.


    "But I''m still confused. Why all of you look so down?"


    Claustrine sigh again after hearing Roland''s question again.


    "It''s a long story sir."


    .


    .


    .


    Helyna is in emotional void as they return to the city. Her sister quickly run towards her and give a question


    That Helyna can''t bear to answer.


    "Where is... Papa?" Misha asked with innocence and hint of optimism.


    Helyna just looked at her little sister with a guilty expression on her eyes. She already waste all of her tears in their home and can''t express grief anymore.


    "Pa... P-papa is..."


    Helyna stutters. She can''t bare to shatter the feelings of her sister. But her sister is not stupid as she already get the hint base on the defeated expression of her sister and the others averting their gaze.


    "No... T-that''s n-not true..."


    "I''m sorry..." Mateo''s defeated apology.


    Misha finally hit by the realization that her father is truly gone. She embrace Helyna and cry her hearts out as Grand Ecstasy and the others listen in agony.


    The event that night quickly reach the nearby kingdoms and the following days are full of talks about Dereia''s end.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    The affected kingdoms quickly planned a meeting which will be held in Bolaire, where all of these started. Before the day comes, Grand Ecstasy decides to visit the village where Dereia came from.


    Located near the northern border between Nattunia and Bolaire is a small farming village of Sesil. Because of the village being in a very far and isolated territory of Bolaire, it doesn''t recieve progress but in exchange. They also not get direct focus from the nobles'' harassment as what they can only provide are miniscule amount of crops.


    "Good morning adventurers. What brings you in our humble village?" The village elder asked.


    "Good morning. We''re looking for the residence where Dereia lives?" Mateo asked.


    "Ohoho... The Morningdews. They lived far away from this village as they tend a farm. You must be Dereia''s new friends she found in the city, I miss that kid." The old man reminiscents the past.


    Everyone averts their gaze to the elder out of guilt but Mateo manages to say one single world.


    "Yes."


    Grand Ecstasy is surprised that the news still didn''t reach the small village but they think that must be for the better, for now.


    "Ohoho... Sorry about that. Old folks like me just love to reminiscent the past. As for Morningdews, just follow that road and once you see a small home surrounded by crops, that''s where they live." The Elder explains as he points on his left where a road can be seen.


    "Thanks you old man." Beltrand says his gratitude.


    "May the gods be with you. You might also encounter another group of Dereia''s friends."


    "Dereia''s friends?"


    "Yes. They say they want to tell stories about Dereia in the city."


    "I see... Thanks you sir?" Mateo gives a slight smile.


    Grand Ecstasy says their farewell and then follow the beaten path the elder pointed. Morningdew residence is really isolated as the village elder says as they take them minutes before Grand Ecstasy reach the house.


    Only for them to see suspicion.


    The door is closed but signs of struggle are visible as the nearby potted pots and objects are destroyed.


    Mateo feel a cold shudder, he quickly rush to the home.


    "Mateo wait!" Claustrine is surprised.


    His friends panicly follows him. Mateo already inside the house when they finally reach the entrance. But before they even enters, Mateo exits and blocks them. His eyes wide like and in shock.


    "Don''t." Mateo''s only words.


    Shirna gags as he instantly smell the stench of brutality coming from inside of the house.


    "Why?! What you see there brother?!" Beltrand asked with visible concern.


    Mateo shuts the door. His hand shaking.


    "Please..."


    Watching Mateo''s expression make Sophia, Beltrand and Beltrand feel shivers on their spine.


    "No..." Sophia slumps on her knees.


    "Shirna."


    "W-why Mateo?" Shirna''s anxious response.


    "You smell it right?"


    Shirna nods slowly.


    "Track the ones that did this."


    Mateo''s words have sinister aura into it which quickly felt by his friends. Claustrine looked at Mateo with concern.


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    Not far from Sesil. A group of armed men are just resting near a river. They just finished washing their body and now ready to finally clean their clothes and armor still stained with blood.


    "Fuck. The blood is dried out. It would take a time before we remove it." One of the men rant as she scratch the dried blood.


    "Motherfucker. You complaining now when you really enjoy what we did there."


    Everyone laughs.


    "Who doesn''t?! The ladies are truly amazing. I can still hear their voice."


    "The boss really take his time on the mom. She''s really his type."


    The boss sitting on the rock far from his men as he watch them relive the moment.


    "But I still can''t get behind on our client''s wish. Because of that, we now dealing this bloody mess." One of the men says as he wipe his sword soaked in river water.


    "His daughter died so sudden on the hand of a commoner. Of course he''s going to take revenge and give far worse fate just to set an example to the plebians. Besides, we don''t fucking care about their intent." The boss explains.


    Then he pulls a roll of paper and waves it for everyone to see.


    "As long as we getting paid handsomely. Everything is fair game. We''re eating good once we confirm the contract." The boss speaks with excitement.


    "Wohoo! I gonna spend more time in a brothel. Those women didn''t satisfied me because you guys didn''t give me more time." One of the men just casually says.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "I''m calling you to join the fun yet you still decide to become a watchdog. Only yourself to blame really." Another men critiques.


    "Well... If someone just swapped places on me, I would also have my share of fu-"


    Swoosh~


    He didn''t even manage to finish his sentence as he falls to the water where he wash his blade. Creating a loud splash.


    "Huh?"


    The boss see the water where his henchmen wash turn red. After some time, his men floats now with an arrow to his head.


    "AMBUSH!" The boss screams. Everyone panicly wears their gear and wield their weapon.


    But no amount of time can make them prepared for the upcoming battle...


    Or more like a one-sided beatdown. Mateo, Beltrand and Shirna are enough to defeat all of them while Claustrine and Sophia stays in the backlines.


    "Who are these people! AHHHH!!"


    "THEY''RE TOO STRONG!"


    "Fuck this! I''m out!"


    One of the mercenaries attempted to escape to the woods. Only for him to fall face down. He looks back and see that his legs are now bent grotesquely.


    As they for hit by a rock pillar.


    "AHHHHHHHHH!!!"


    The eight remaining mercenaries are quickly apprehended by Grand Ecstasy including the boss. All of them are now kneeling in a row, powerless to even attempt any escape.


    "What we even did to you?!" The boss asked.


    But Mateo just looked at him with wrath. He have no reason to talk to the trash in front of him.


    "Shirna. Do you have poison of Miasma Frog on you?"


    The mercenaries feel fear after hearing the infamous poison.


    "Miasma Frog?! No! just kill us already please!" One of the mercerary begs.


    The rest also pleads to Mateo only for them...


    "SHUT THE FUCK UP! SUDDENLY YOU MONSTERS HAVE THE AUDACITY TO BEG FOR YOUR LIVES!?" Beltrand shouts. Just like Mateo, Beltrand also feel rage boiling deep inside him.


    "Monsters?" The boss scoffs.


    "You all planning to give us miserable deaths by poisoning us with Miasma Frog yet we''re monsters? What a bunch of hypocrites!"


    Mateo looked at the boss with cold glare.


    "Hahaha... I like the way you look at me boy."


    "Call us monsters or whatever you like."


    Shirna pulls the vial of Miasma Frog and give it to Mateo.


    "I''m not really claiming any moral high ground. Afterall, there''s no reason for me to give any semblance of morality to demons like you."


    "Demons?" The boss didn''t understand what Mateo mean.


    "If I need to become a demon to punish a demon. I will do it." Mateo continues.


    "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" The boss is confused.


    "It doesn''t matter."


    Mateo looked at his friends behind him.


    "I don''t want you guys to see all of this."


    Claustrine shakes his head.


    "No. This is OUR burden. You can''t just bear it alone." Claustrine softly said.


    "Thanks." Mateo''s single cold words.


    "I''m sorry Mateo. But I don''t want to see this." Sophia said his words with concern.


    "I understand Sophia. You can leave now."


    Sophia slowly walks away, far away that she would see what''s going to happen.


    Far enough that she would not hear anything.


    Shirna and Beltrand assist Mateo of giving poison to the Mercenaries with an amount that would not kill them instantly but also give them prolonged suffering.


    Suffering they deserve for the sins that they done.


    The Miasma Frog''s effect are horrifying. With just a single drop, the flesh of the Mercenaries decays and turns purple, their skin peeled off and their organs are slowly deteriorates. Their screams of agony makes the boss horrified as he watch his comrades slowly succumbed to a slow, painful death.


    The boss shivers. His bravado disappears knowing that he can''t talk out things to the people that punishing him. He didn''t even feel that his pants are already stained by his urine as he''s looking on their eyes.


    Dark empty eyes that feels like it already stared on the abyss. He knows that they didn''t feel any semblance of pleasure nor satisfaction on what they doing.


    After an hour.


    "P-please... N-o m-more..." The boss'' cackled words. Unlike his comrades, he recieves the worse of the punishment as he only given non-lethal dose but still enough to bring indescribable prolonged pain.


    "I''-im s-sorr-y... I''I Al-already told you E-evrything I know..."


    Mateo just continue to stare down at him.


    But without saying a word, Mateo drag the boss away from his dead comrades.


    He drags him on and on with his friends following until they far away to the corpses.


    "Shirna. Call Sophia."


    "Yes."


    With Mateo''s order. Sophia heals the boss'' injuries. She gulps watching the extent of damage her friends dealt.


    But she never felt any sympathy, imagining horrors the man and his troops did which only Mateo see.


    The boss finally feel relief, away from pain that seems like an eternity.


    "Mateo. This is his stuffs." Beltrand just came back after picking the sling bag the boss owned.


    Mateo opens the bag and search for something. After few seconds, he pull a scroll which the boss waves earlier.


    He opened the scroll and see a blood contract with the blood seal of two man named Ghist Pleifan and Hodor Jacc.


    "Ghist Pleifan huh? It''s either you pretty close to a duke or your employer is so dumb that he makes a blood contract to the likes of you." Beltrand stares down on Hodor.


    "I-I belong to the dukes private mercenary army." Hodor''s soft scared words.


    "That explains it. What we should do with him brother? You want him to be alive for a reason right?" Beltrand asked Mateo.


    "Yeah. Let''s bring him to Bolaire."


    ~~~~~~¡ã~~~~~~


    The day finally comes when the three kingdoms finally talked about the terror caused by Dereia. In the waiting hall of Bolaire''s grand court, multiple representatives from different factions are present.


    Nattunnia kingdom. Right now, Gilmore and Hilgurd is present. The Baron and Knight captain of Horic is also present as they wait for the person that the King sent himself to represent him


    "The representative is late." Hilgurd is bored as he fidget on his unlit cigar. Spinning it with his fingers.


    "They must really taking their time." Gilmore commented.


    "Is she''s the one we waiting?" The baron said which caught the attention of Gilmore and Hilgurd. They look on the direction of the entrance and Gilmore smirks.


    "Looks like our king is really pissed off." Gilmore commented.


    "I can''t blame him. Considering the incompetence that shown here." Hilgurd commented.


    Gilmore and Hilgurd watch the tall confident lady with purple short bob hair walk towards them. She''s wearing a fit black pants and decorated sleeveless white coat which shows her cleavage. A red knee-lenght long sleeve coat just placed on her shoulder which wave on each bold steps she make.


    "Long time no see Gilmore." The lady greeted.


    "Nice to see you Kiana. How is Niana?"


    Kiana shrugs.


    "Just happy that she finally get a well deserve rest. Anyway, you expected me right?" Kiana raise one of eye brow.


    "Yes. Afterall, it''s rare to get some disaster like this that summoning you is the only option.


    Kiana sighs.


    "I agree. The last time I got deployed for diplomatic stuffs is 2 years ago in the North. That''s why I livid when I heared the news."


    Hilgurd frowns.


    "Ms. Kiana. I think you disrespecting the dead with that statement."


    Kiana shakes her head slowly.


    "Oh no no Mr. Hilgurd. It''s quiet the oppossite. I can''t wait to give our King''s and my piece of mind about this shit show. Because just like our majesty...


    Kiana clench his fist to hide her anger.


    "I''m also pissed." Kiana smiles innocently.


    In one of the corners of waiting hall are representatives from Zelestre only consist of two Dukes and their servants. Each representing both side of the kingdom.


    Sitting timidly on one of benches are scholars from Academia talking to a Bishop representing the Church of Vivvilly the Eternal. The biggest religion of Yhigressia.


    "Do you think what they sent to us are true?" A female historian asked with anxiety.


    Afterall, she''s well verse on the history and if the news that they recieve are correct. The world will be filled with uncertainty about the future.


    "Nattunia kingdom is the one that sent us the news. I can''t see a reason for them to lie to us, especially on such dangerous topic." The Bishop answers.


    "So we should prepare for the worst? I wonder how the world will react once we finally confirm and turns out they really start to appear again?" A male scholar asked.


    "If it turns out to be true. I can see that everyone inside the grand court would rather turn the truth into a very huge secret." Another female scholar commented.


    "I agree on her. I believe the church don''t want to inflict panic to the populace."


    As everyone is busy on their chatter, the huge wooden door opens revealing a formally dressed man. He looks at the surrounding as a quick head count before clearing his throat.


    "The general assembly is now officially started. Representatives of participating factions, please enter the grand court and go the assigned seats."


    It takes several minutes before the a general assembly really start as the participants spents their time sitting on their chair. On the very top are messenger from far away kingdoms ready to send the news with their transport falcons.


    A man walks in the middle stand and face the crowd. He''s a high ranking Bolaire noble with his fancy attire of blue and purple. He opens a scroll containing a report of the incident in Bolaire Academy and read it loudly.


    "Dereia Morningdew''s rampage started in our prestigious Bolaire Academy. Being the only commoner attending the academy for nobles, Dereia feels the pressure of not equally performing unlike the nobles. Thus causing a deteriorating menta-"


    "Bullshit!"


    The man suddenly halts as a loud female voice boom on the enclosed grand court. Everyone look on the source of the objection and their gaze focused on Kiana. She''s blatanly placing her both legs on the table in front of her and her hands on the back of her head. She''s leaning back on a relaxed position, rocking her chair as she feel the gaze of the people inside.


    "Can you state your reason Ms. Kiana?" A duke from Zelestre asked.


    "Because it seems that Bolaire is ready to just use Dereia as some sort of scapegoat in order to hide their incompetence." Kiana explains non-chalantly.


    "But that''s what really happened Ms. Kiana. Dereia being stressed that she snaps." One of Bolairean noble counters.


    "C''mon don''t looks us like bunch of fools. Do you think the king would send me if Nattunia didn''t have their own research about this matter? Think! Are you just bunch of fancies but no brains?" Kiana slams her feet on the table.


    They know the infamous reputation of Kiana. Being a representative of Nattunia alongside her twin sister Niana. The two acts as the King''s willbringer and each of them have their own experties.


    Niana is sent for friendly diplomatic missions to garner cooperation with friendly kingdom. She''s specialized on proposal of good trade deals and observing important peaceful events.


    Kiana meanwhile, represents the King''s resentful view. Unlike her twin, Kiana is abrasive, straight to the point and honestly brutal about dealing with kingdoms that did bad on Nattunia. And Bolaire just fill all of the box for them to recieve Kiana.


    "Do you have any info you can share with us Kiana?" A duke of Zelestre asked.


    "With pleasure. So listen carefully."


    Kiana pulls her personal pocket book and read.


    "Our operatives also do their investigations and base on their findings. Dereia is not the only commoner that selected and instead part of a group of 10 scholars. Isn''t thay right?" Kiana gives a glare on the Bolaire representative.


    "Y-yes." The Bolairean representative answer.


    "But you know? When the massacre of nobles happened. The only commoner scholar is left is Dereia, why is that Mr. Bolairean?"


    "Because they can''t handle the complexity of the academy. Afterall, they''re just mere commoner."


    "Oh my? Is that so?" Kiana''s brow twitch.


    "Is the education of your academy really that extreme that it can cause anyone to be violent?" One of the representative from Academia asked.


    "Ok let''s get this straight. You guys handpicked the best 10 of your so called commoners and despite that being a very huuuuge opportunity for them to change their life for the better, they just quit because the teachings is just that hard? Something doesn''t feel right."


    Everyone stay silent after Kiana''s explanation.


    "I agree on Ms. Kiana. I''m also a scholar and we all know how brutal the our Academia can be. But I still persevere and move forward. Because I know that this would bring my family to success." One of the representative from Magic Academia states his opinion.


    "Right?! Thanks for your opinion young lad." Kiana''s appreciation to the young scholar.


    The scholar smiles as he sit down. The silence is defeaning but the Bolairean nobles are tense.


    "Ughh fuck it! You know what, if you guys don''t want to speak the truth. Perhaps it''s time to just hear the truth directly from them."


    "Directly from what?" -a Duke of Zelestre.


    "I want to call a witness."


    Kiana signals two Nattunian soldiers near the wooden door. The soldier open the doors and from there, Five young boys and girls slowly walks until they reach the middle of the court where they stand.


    The Bolairean nobles feel fear as they recognize the Five individuals.


    "H-how. I thought these plebians are assassinated already?! How they even here?!" One of the nobles panics which she almost screams her words.


    "Tsk! How they managed to locate them if we didn''t even manage to do it?"


    Kiana stands up and points her finger to the teenagers.


    "What''s standing in front of you are 5 of the 10 commoner scholars picked by Bolaire. We managed to locate them hiding on our kingdom as for some reason, the nobles of Bolaire are so dead set of killing them."


    Everyone gasp after hearing Kiana''s allegation.


    "Now lets hear how they got treated inside Bolaire''s academy."