---In the morning---
When Haruhime opened her eyes, she was dumbfounded to see her position. Her lip and nose were right in front of Prana's, even a slight push would render her to taste her admired and beloved savior. She pulled back her body a little, but with this, she could see his bare broad chest and the defined muscle. Haruhime did not know why he slept topless, but this situation was really too much for her. She blushed really hard. If there was a mirror, she could basically see her face reflection like an apple she ate last night, so red, crimson, and juicy.
Unconsciously, her nose was bleeding facing this threat. Haruhime, who was a pure girl before, began aware of the charm of the opposite gender. She tried to poke his cheek to check the situation. Seeing Prana who did not awake yet, she tried to snuggle to his neck and chest like the last time. She felt very comfortable, safe, and somehow hot. Haruhime looked up, and feast his face again. So far as she could remember, his face was the most handsome than all of the men she saw in her fifteen years of her life. Somehow, she leaned her face forward, and she could even feel his even breath. The distance between her lips and his was getting closer and finally, they touched each other. This time, a warm feeling surged through her heart, and her body was like being electrocuted by thousand volts of electricity. She didn't know this feeling, but she knew that her feeling was so happy. Even though this feeling was one-sided and Prana did not awake yet.
She touched her lip with her fingers and wanted to do it again. But this time, she wanted her beloved to reciprocate it. However, when thinking about it, Haruhime was too ashamed to do it. She didn't have the courage to wait for him to wake up and do it again. Thus, she stood up, fix her clothes, and pretended to wake up Prana.
She shakes Prana to wake him and called him out. "Prana-sama, Wake Up". She did it several times until got an answer from him.
"Enghhh, I don't wanna work today" He mumbled in his sleep.
Haruhime was confused hearing his reply. "Prana-sama, It's already late. Wake Up"
Prana, somehow replied on this "Five more minutes" he slightly opened his eyes and closed it again.
Haruhime was frustrated watching his antics. She stood up and opened the curtain, but it was useless. Prana turned around avoiding the sunlight. Then, she saw a water flask on the table, and she got her ideas.
"Prana-sama, sorry, but if you won't wake up, we couldn't finish our objective for today". Thus, she sprinkled some water on his face.
Prana who was still sleeping was shocked feeling a wet and cold feeling on his face. He jerked and forcefully sat down.
*BUK* the sound of collision was heard.
The collision made his head clear from sleepiness, and he could see Haruhime was squatting on the ground holding her forehead and almost crying.
"Uwuuuu..... It hurts..." Seeing her miserable state he went after her and began to look at it. He could see a bump appeared on her forehead as a result of the collision.
"Umm, Sorry" He couldn't express much to her except his apology and began rubbing her forehead to ease the pain, since he was too abrupt before and his body was much tougher than her, thus it must be hurt.
Haruhime who was once again being too close to his face, began to blush after the experience before and couldn't say anything. Thus, the silence was permeating the room, Haruhime was enjoying his affection, and Prana was tending her pain to fix his mistake.
-----
After the activities in the room, both of them went out of the inn to find some breakfast to fill their stomach.
They walked along the street but did not discover any restaurant opening in the morning. Even the restaurant they had dinner before still cleaning the place and from the waitress, the restaurant usually did not begin to cook till the daytime. Prana was troubled, he was too hungry to wait for the restaurants to open for businesses.
Without any choices, he and Haruhime walk along the way and finally found a shop at the entrance of Daedalus Street.
The shop product was many kinds of processed potatoes. Haruhime was ecstatic seeing this since this was one of the favorites food she loved in the market last night and began skipping to the stall. Prana seeing her antics did not know whether to laugh or cry seeing her as a child like this.
Prana bought three steamed sweet potatoes - two for him and one for Haruhime in addition to one pack of fried potatoes. As they came out of the shop, Prana's 'Awareness' domain picked a projectile with his left head side as the target. Since his domain spread out in 30 meters as him as the center. Prana basically could 'see' it incoming. He calmly faced the direction and shielded Haruhime in his back. Thus, he brought out his spear from his inventory, and swing the spear downward.
*Sriikk* the arrow's momentum was halted and it was split in two by the spear.
Prana faced the arrow's direction and could see a person silhouette holding a bow sliding the roof.
'They are moving' Prana already anticipated it. Since last night, he was already waiting for the assassins to come. Seeing that the assassin already left, Prana consoled Haruhime and asked her to hold his hand when they were walking this time.
Haruhime was scared of witnessing an assassination again, and the target was her and Prana-same this time. Thus, hearing his partner's suggestion she was quite happy and safe.
"Prana-sama, where are we going?" She asked.
Prana already had the objective for today, he wanted to meet someone. "Today, we are going to the northeastern of this city."
Haruhime guessed that Prana might want to buy a house. Since, from the description of the elf clerk yesterday, that place seemed to have an old house vibe and somewhat cheaper than others.
The entire journey was enjoyable for both of them. Especially for Haruhime, she was over the moon. Her Prana-sama bought her a necklace with an ornament in the shape of a curled fox. Also, he even helped her to place it on her neck.
Prana, however, thought that the necklace was similar to the Firefox browser logo in his original world. Also, the gold color in it also fit Haruhime, thus he couldn't help to buy it furthermore, she looked over the necklace with longing eyes.
In the afternoon, after walking throughout the northeastern area, they arrived at a certain compound. At the gate, there was an emblem shaped with a sword stuck in the ground.
Haruhime was puzzled, why they stopped in front of this compound. She tugged the corner of Prana's sleeves, and kinda feeling nervous.
"Come," Prana said to Haruhime while patting her head. He walked inside the compound and knocked on the door.
*Knock* *Knock* Knock*
"Yesss" an unidentified woman's voice could be heard inside. However, when Haruhime heard this voice. She was shocked, and couldn't help to think that the sound was familiar to her.
*Creak* the sound of the old door opening.
"Is there something?" The woman asked Prana.
Haruhime seeing this familiar face was choked. She asked with a trembling voice, "Mikoto-chan??"
At a certain Mansion---
An amazoness was seen knelt with a terrified expression on her face. She was the one who failed to snipe at Prana. She was shivering when she gave her report, since with each sentence uttered, her goddess expression turned darker.
"What your excuses?" Her goddess asked her. But it was like she was going to be sentenced. She knew that even though all of the members in this Familia was Amazoness, that there was no sense of comraderies at all. They were only after benefits and some were even charmed by her goddess.
"I, I aa, mm, useless" She did not dare to give excuses to her goddess. Since she was so assured before to take her target life when the mission was given.
"Heh~ it seems you have some sense. Aisha, throw her to the dungeon." She commanded one of her aides.
"Yes," Aisha answered respectfully.
"No-no-no. Wait, Ishar-sama. I still can be used. Please don't throw me there" She pleaded to her goddess but her goddess was so occupied with Tammuz. She knew that if she was thrown to a dungeon, Phryne, the captain Familia would love it. She liked torturing her fellow amazoness and having twisted preference. She screamed on top of her lungs to provide information, but it was useless since every target's moves were recorded by the shaman's familiar.
"Tammuz, Phryne, give your opinion," Ishtar asked indifferently.
"Yes. How about I take care of him myself?" Phryne suggested.
"Don't, if you make a move personally, Freya Familia might be suspicious and able to relate the events" Tammuz objected to Phryne's suggestion. He added, "From the report, it seems this man had some detection ability since he could anticipate the arrow shot from 100 meters away without any sound. Thus, it might be hard to assassinate him quietly. My suggestion is to kill him in the dungeon since he was quite new in this town, it shouldn't be suspicious if he killed in the dungeon."
Ishtar hearing this information felt that it was quite possible. From what she knew, he was only level three adventurers. "Samira! Go with Aisha to a dungeon to intercept him anytime. Discuss the preparation with the shaman. The others keep your eyes on the girl. Dismissed!!" She walked away while swaying her hips.
The children hearing the command directly went to execute it.
--- Another Place ---
A huge man was seen standing outside the door.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Come in" a melodious and flirty voice sounded from the inside.
"Yes," the man comes in and saw an enchanting figure lying in the bed holding a glass of red wine. Every being would be entranced seeing her appearance. She was wearing a beautiful white dress that tightly hugged her curves and showing her cleavage and bountiful assets. With a pure white dress, silvery-white hair, and an intoxicated face, it would provoke men's desire to be charmed and lusted to her.
With a melodious and serene voice, she asked the man about what happened.
"Ishtar made some suspicious movement" The man reported the matter briefly. He was the strongest adventurer in the city. However, before this woman, the man would act as the bodyguard who prioritizes everything to her.
"Ottar, come here. I need some warmth" The goddess did not make a single comment to his report. It was like the matter was too tiny to be paid any attention than what she faced at the moment.
Ottar quickly came to her side and began to comfort her. Even though she did not pay any heed to his report, as long as his goddess need anything, he would do it.
--- Takemikazuki Familia ---
"Mikoto-chan?" Haruhime asked with a trembling voice.
Hearing this, Prana knew that Haruhime should know her, and from the way she talked it looked like both of them were quite close. Unconsciously, he smiled, because he was relieved that Haruhime still had someone caring for her. Since, by hearing her story before, it should be hurt to experience her parents disowned her.
Meanwhile, Mikoto was dumbstruck at the door. She was staring wide-eyed at Haruhime. Her missing childhood friend was in front of her. She did not know what to say. Her body moved first, she jumped right to Haruhime and cried.
The people inside the house, hearing Mikoto's noise decided to see the events. God Takemikazuki and his children ran outside. But, when they saw the person outside, all of them plastered a shocked smile on their face. It had been years since they wanted to find her but they hadn't had any result. Seeing her in front of their door like this, they were genuinely happy.
Prana who was treated like air by these people felt awkward. "EHEM" he coughed loudly to make everyone aware of his presence.
Hearing his voice, all of them pull their head to the side and could saw a young man standing there, and they knew that he was the one who escorted Haruhime.
God Takemikazuki took the lead to start the conversation. "*cough* who might be this gentleman?" he asked awkwardly.
Before Prana went to answer it. Haruhime cut him, and answered with vigor, "He is my savior, Prana-sama"
Seeing her introduce him with clear adoration in his tone, Prana was quite embarrassed, "Yeah, yes" he could only nod and acknowledge it.
God Takemikazuki also knew that he was quite embarrassed, thus he did not meddle the topic again and made all the person to go inside.
When Prana walking to the house, the system notification rang out and indicated that the mission was completed. He was relieved that this Familia was really concerned about Haruhime. Even though, he knew that she would leave his side. Her smile when she met and chatted to this Familia was genuine, and he did not want to make Haruhime choose aside.
"Please sit," God Takemikazuki asked Prana politely. "Chigusa, Mikoto, and the rest, please accompany Haruhime to familiarize herself with the house. Ouka, you stay"
Hearing this, Prana knew that this was interrogation time.
"*cough*" God Takemikazuki cleared his voice. "Thank you for bringing this child to us. It has been a long time since I see her, and from she was addressing you, it seems that her years were terrible"
'Identify'
[Kashima Ouka. Lv. 2(mid-stage). Abilities: None]
'Weak. The same level with this body before he is dead'
"It is fine. It just some coincidence that I met her" Prana's salaryman thought kicked in. He did not dare to take credit for his action.
God Takemikazuki was quite marveled at his answer. He knew that it might be out of politeness. However, even though it was a coincidence it did not mean that he did not have any desire. From what he knew, Adventurer inside or outside the town had some crooked mind. Furthermore, with Haruhime's appearances, it was easier to catch in greed and lust her.
"Then, could you tell us her situation?" Ouka asked Prana seeing his God stayed silent.
Hearing this question, Prana began his storytelling. Starting the life of Haruhime in these 3 years, then when she met with him, his and her life in the woods, and his assassination attempt and the assassin's appearances.
"From what I found, the amazoness that attack me and Haruhime should be from Ishtar Familia. Since, from what I gathered there are only three Familia that hosted Amazoness, Loki Familia, Kali Familia, and Ishtar Familia. Loki only had two Amazoness named Tiona and Tione, meanwhile, Kali live far away from this town." Prana sipped the tea that presented to him to clear his throat and waiting for their response.
God Takemikazuki was shocked hearing this revelation 'If it is true, it may be troublesome.'
"Do you know their purpose?" He asked Prana. He was worried, Ishtar Familia did not an upcoming Familia like theirs.
"I don't know. But I know that Haruhime was important to them that make them disregard the rule in attacking other adventurers inside the city." He thought 'Haruhime still Level 1 and doesn't join any Familia yet. What are Ishtar Familia benefits? Is there anything special to her?'
The three men sat in the room was confused thinking about the motive behind it. God Takemikazuki was a clever god, he tried to relate Haruhime with his Family in the East Country. As a result, he thought something, 'A shrine maiden? Like Mikoto, Haruhime has bestowed this title when they were children. When Mikoto becomes an adventurer. She got the ability to support her. Haruhime might also get it. Furthermore, with her bloodline, it might be an incredible ability that it might be of any use to Ishtar Familia'
"Takemikazuki-sama, you should try to integrate Haruhime into your Familia. Since, what I heard from the guild, an adventurer can't change their Familia in a year time period. Also, try to get some protection from the guild. Since I think that your Familia doesn't have the capability to confront them" Prana voiced his thought.
God Takemikazuki knew it. The majority of the upper echelon in the Ishtar Familia consists of Level Three and Four. Even their captain was a bonafide Level Five adventurer.
Prana seeing their silent and lowered head could only sigh and mused again. 'Rule of Jungle' Hearing the laughter from inside the house, he kinda sad. He did not know how long this condition would prevail. He also did not have the confidence to help them to force through this situation. Silently, he sneaked out of the house using 'Camouflage'. 'I will wait for their decision. To protect or to Sacrifice'
After exiting the Takemikazuki Familia's compound, Prana walked along mindlessly. He did not have any destination. He wanted to go on to train but it was dark already, maybe he should go to get something to drink and eat.
When he walked alone along the street, an announcement resounding in his head.
[Ding... "Bring Sanjouno Haruhime to the Takemikazuki Familia" Completed.
Obtained: 50 Free Stat point, Lottery Tickets x 2]
'Right, I have this quest' He slapped his forehead. 'With this, I should have two tickets available and some 60 available stats.'
'Status'
+ NAME : Prana Takada
+ AGE : 17 years old
+ BLOODLINE : Pure Human
+ STR : 200 (H-)
+ AGI : 300 (H)
+ MANA : 100%
+ SKILLS : Lightning Breathing Technique (S-Support/passive), Instant Strike (A-active), Backstab (C-Active), Camouflage (C-Support/passive), Dr. Blythe (SS-Support/Active), Defensive Blade (B-Active), Identify (D-Active)
+ EQUIP :
+ POINT : 0 points
+ INVENTORY: Stamina Potion x 7, Magic Stone I x 100, Magic Stone H x 24, Magic Stone G x 7, 150.000 valis.
60 Free stat's point and Lottery ticket x 2]
'Shiet, my personal active skills already full' Prana was really impressed right now, seeing his skills suddenly reach the mark. 'and Instant mastery skill is already gone. It seems that it has been seven days since I arrived in this world'
Seven days in the unknown world, and already killed seven people, what a great life.
'System show me my main mission'
[Main mission. Calculating…
Ding… according to the host action in this world. This is your mission:]
[Main Mission… Disturb the Protagonist's Growth!
Description: In this world, a Protagonist with an unbelievable story and strength existed. Like a hero in ancient times, he/she did not come out directly with great strength to contest. But he/she climb the ladder step by step with many obstacles and motivations along the way.
Target: 1. Ain Wallenstein.
2. Freya.
3. Lililuca Arde.
4. Apollo
5. Sanjouno Haruhime.
6. Steal the Protagonist polygraph weapon.
Condition of completion: Disrupt the growth by using three targets given.
Time Limit: Two Years.
Reward: Portal to Another World will be opened. One of the items (skill/equipment/consumable/etc) available in the shop. Each target rewarding 100.000 points, and 1000 Free Stats.
Tips: Identify the target to get more information.]
Seeing the content of the main mission Prana knew that he was being messed up. 'It's too damn difficult' He knew that a protagonist will have something that protects them and ensure them to have their destined fate. Moreover, each target has the back up of Familia. 'Me? I walk alone in this world' He desperately wants to lodge a complaint to this system and change it. But the system did not respond to any of it.
Prana could only sigh to this situation. Since he walked outside the inn this morning, there wasn't any good thing happened around him. 'it isn't because the tutorial phase ended, right?' He couldn't help to think this way after experiencing the situation; assassination, Haruhime's matter. Everything was trouble in his life.
He sighed, "Invest all the Free Stats to Agility" He needed to quickly go stronger. His target strengths were too high for him right now. Prana decided that starting tomorrow he would like to dive into the dungeon after finding some information to his target.
'System, where is the protagonist right now?' he was curious to this protagonist. He couldn't help to think that this protagonist was his source of trouble. Therefore, if he could stay near the protagonist, he might know how to complete his mission.
[Out of reach till 1 year ahead]
Seeing this answer, he couldn't help to lament again to his fate.
----
While Prana was having a headache about his mission. In Takemikazuki Familia, Haruhime's expression was a little lost.
When she heading downstairs to get Prana and introducing him to her childhood friend, she found out that he was already left without being noticed. When she ran out of the compound to chase after him, she found that his silhouette was nowhere to be seen.
Tsubaki, seeing her childhood friend ran out chase after her, only seeing her sat on the ground while crying and muttering Prana's name.
"Don't cry, Haruhime-chan" she tried to console Haruhime and assure her that tomorrow they would find him together.
Haruhime who was crying her heart out when she hearing this came to her sense. 'Right, I can find him' She remembered that Prana rent the room for two nights. Therefore, tonight was the last hope that she could find him.
She stopped crying and turned her head to Tsubaki and followed her inside. When she was inside and met with God Takemikazuki, she bowed and asked them permission to go to the Inn to find Prana.
"Haruhime, it is too dangerous to walk outside alone, and right now you are being marked by a certain Familia" God Takemikazuki tried to reason her.
"Please, Takemikazuki-sama" She tried to kneel on the ground to ask his permission. She knew that she was being marked but she also wanted to always by his side.
"Fine. All of you, accompany her tonight. First, let's have dinner before all of you go" God Takemikazuki relented seeing her attitude.
Hearing this verdict, Haruhime was happy and smiled through his tear.
---
Prana arrived at the Hostess of Fertility doorstep. He could hear the boisterous commotion inside the pub. He walked inside and many adventurers could be seen dining and raise some commotion.
Even though, this was his second visit. He directly went inside and find his seat in the front. At least in this pub he could relax and enjoy the merry atmosphere. He sat and called the waitress.
She was the one who gave the advice yesterday and this morning. A waitress with gray cat features, whether in appearance or in her way of speaking, she really like a cat.
"You come again, nyaa~," She asked in a cheerful tone.
"Yeah, thanks for before. I want some alcohol and your special dish for today."
"Don't mind, nyaa~" She walked away while giving my order to the cook inside.
As he was waiting for his order, Prana saw an adventurer ran inside the pub.
"Hey, Listen. I have some big news" the adventurer yelled on top of his lung. Since the commotion was too rowdy.
Hearing his yell, the adventurers inside the pub was quiet and asked about the news in tow.
"Four dead bodies of Amazoness are found outside the city. The amazoness are from Ishtar Familia, and the Familia issued a bounty to the killer dead or alive. The reward is an exclusive membership in their town or you could directly go to their HQ to get other rewards"
Hearing this news, the pub went quiet once again. It was too shocking. Even though, Ishtar Familia is only known as the night ruler in Orario City. The adventurer in the pub knew that their fighting strength was strong, especially the amazoness. They broke into the discussion about who the killer and their motive. Some speculated that the killer might be one of Ishtar Familia's' customers'.
Prana who hearing this news wasn't surprised. He knew that his deed should come to light sooner or later. He nonchalantly enjoyed the beer and the dish served.
After having dinner and clearing the table. He talked with the cat waitress and finally knew her name which was A-nyaa~. Prana thought that it was cute since even her name had 'nyaa' in it. She was quite popular in the restaurant, thus couldn't accompany him long enough to chat. Therefore, after hours enjoying the pub and adventurers' chatter he stood up, paid the bill, and exited the restaurant.
He walked in the Inn's direction. When he already in the vicinity of the Inn, he saw Haruhime was squatting on the ground outside the Inn with Takemikazuki Familia members. He walked to them and want to greet them, but a certain fox beat him.
---
After dinner, Haruhime directly drags her childhood friend to accompany her to the Inn. Finally, Mikoto, Ouka, and Chigusa were being sent to protect her.
When Haruhime arrived at the Inn and checked his room. She did not find him. Haruhime being a crybaby, began to shed tears again. She tried to ask the owner but had no answer, therefore without any choices, she was squatting on the ground outside the Inn in the hope of waiting for Prana.
The escort did not know what to do. Should they bring her home? Or wait here with her?
---
Haruhime was squatting on the ground, smelling a familiar scent again. She looked up and saw him in the distance. She was happy to see him again. She ran to him, before she heard his greeting, Haruhime directly dives to his chest and cried again.
Prana who was seeing her like this was confused why she was crying again. With much difficulty, he managed to pacify her to stop crying. But somehow, she firmly glued her body to his and did not budge.
He glanced at the Take Familia members with his eyes as though he was saying 'tell me the situation'
Ouka seeing his glance was quite uncomfortable, and did not know how to answer. "The thing is…"
Hearing the explanation, he knew that he was wrong. He did not inform her before going back and only thought that 'she is going to be happy with her relative' and didn't want to spoil it if he informed her of his leave. Thus, he could only pat her head and whisper 'sorry' to her softly.
Haruhime hearing his apology nodded her head, and said "Prana-sama, can I stay with you again tonight?"
Hearing her statement all of the people in the scene were shocked. Especially, Ouka, Mikoto, and Chigusa. They were surprised with Haruhime's courage and couldn't help to think, 'Haruhime-chan already in that stage and left them in the dust in relationship aspect'. They couldn't help to blush, especially the women in the group.
Prana did not find anything strange to this statement and find it acceptable. Prana thought it was like a farewell for her. Therefore, he said, "Okay. Ouka, you can go home for now. Tomorrow I will get her to your house"
When Mikoto and co were leaving Haruhime with Prana in the inn, the time already indicated it past midnight. They walked in their compound direction. It was fine when they were still in the middle of the bustling city. However, when they walked to the northeast area, the atmosphere was silent. Also, the three of them felt that there were being watched.
Okay, knowing Haruhime's story and this situation became wary of the surrounding. "Mikoto, Chigusa, something is wrong. Keep your vigilance and readied your stance to run" he commanded them. Chigusa and Mikoto hearing his grim voice acknowledged the words solemnly.
After a while, they heard some footsteps from behind them, and from their side. They walked faster, somehow one of the roof tiles dropped and alerted them.
"RUN! DON'T FIGHT!" Ouka commanded the girls. He also ran alongside Mikoto and Chigusa but also watching their back in case someone managed to get them.
The assassin who made a mistake hurriedly chase after the targets. The other assassins also followed after while throwing some hidden weapon for hope slowing their targets.
Ouka seeing the projectiles stopped running and turned around. The ambush was really untimely for him, he did not bring his weapon. "Chigusa, your shield. Mikoto protects her. I will give some time for you to run!" He shouted and caught Chigusa's shield.
Mikoto and Chigusa were taken aback by Ouka's decision. But before they protested, Ouka's voice rang out once again. "I am behind you. Don't worry, just run!" He kept defending the onslaught and shield them.
"Chigusa, run quickly. Get reinforcement for us" Mikoto knew while Ouka could defend, for now, it was still limited since the stamina consumed would be tremendous for him. Therefore, she wanted to stay behind to help him hold the fort.
Chigusa steeled her heart and ran to get reinforcement. She was aware that she must run quickly. At her fastest speed, she could arrive in 5 minutes from this place. She needed half the time at the moment, or else they might not make it.
She ran and quickly surpassed her supposed speed limit. Her mana was used to sustain her speed while her stamina was also quickly consumed. In just one minute several seconds, she already saw her Familia's compound.