Katsuya and Harley were in the middle of dining, having conversations of sorts. To everyone else in the restaurant, it looked like a date. But in reality, the two were only getting to know eachother better. It was common for people who recently became acquainted to discuss things over dinner.
"About your personality, you seem less hostile recently." said Katsuya.
"Recently? You make it sound like we've had other encounters. We've only met when you helped me and when you were called to the guild. This is only our third time conversing." Harley replied.
Right. Harley most likely didn't remember the time when she mercilessly beat Katsuya down. From her perspective, she thought it was one of Hades's disguises.
"Oh. Yeah. Nevermind."
"It's fine. Actually, I do act differently in my normal life than I do at my jobs. When I'm wearing my guard uniform, it's important for me to be intense. I can't have people think that I'm no big deal. I do have an image to maintain as a Limit-Breaker."
It would be troublesome if people saw her as the kind person she really was. If that was the case, people wouldn't see her as the powerful individual she was.
Harley went on to ask a question of her own.
"I didn't want to bring this up because it's not like I'm interrogating you, but I have to ask something. How exactly do you know Arisa, the leader of that terrorist organization? I did find that odd."
Katsuya did understand if Harley found it a bit suspicious, after all, that Arisa girl was responsible for many deaths and wide-scale monster attacks.
"She kind of sent some of her henchmen to kidnap me. I was brought to her base of operations, then she tried to recruit me."
"Did you join?" Harley asked.
"Nope. If I did, then why would I have saved you? That wouldn't make sense."
"I suppose you're right."
From how the conversation was going, it looked like it was Katsuya's turn to ask a question, now. Of course, he had many, but for the sake of sounding presentable, he decided to restrain from throwing too many out.
"So, Your request to start a long-term party was sudden. What made you decide to do that? And why did you choose to form one with me? If you're comfortable with answering."
"If I am being totally honest, I found your agility quite impressive. When you saved me tha one night, it was like you appeared from nowhere. People like me who are from the alternate world, it's common for us too want to learn more about powerful heroes."
The word 'Hero'
That was a word Katsuya didn't consider himself at all. A part of himself hated that word because his power pretty much came from the corrupted skill [Monsterization]
Not only that, there was a slight chance that he could lose control of his monster instincts and lash out at anyone.
There was something from Harley's words that caught the attention of Katsuya. She did say that she was from the 'Alternate World'
The very world the monsters originated from, a true fantasy-like world that you've seen in your favorite movies.
"You're from the alternate world, right?" Katsuya asked.
"I am. Why do you ask?"
"You see, I've been thinking of taking a trip there. For both learning purposes and seeing what it's like."
Katsuya had seen plenty of photos on the internet of places in the alternate world. There were enchanted forests, demi-humans, elves and other kinds of races.
"I see where this is going. You're hoping I can get you some sort of permit to go there, right?" Harley asked.
"Yes. That's right."
The cost of traveling there would be high and getting permission would be hard for anyone. Unless you were originally born there, traveling back with a guest would be less difficult.
"Hm. I can do that. I have actually been thinking of going back to visit my family. They're quite wealthy and own a mansion. If you'd like, you're more than welcome to stay there during the visit."
It was an offer that Katsuya would love to accept, but he was bringing Jill and the other as well, so he needed to make sure they had a place to stay as well.
"That sounds good, but I can't accept. I'm bringing a couple friends with me."
"Friends? Bring them. My family's mansion is big enough for an entire town of people to visit. They would love to meet people from this world." said Harley.
"Seriously? You'd let them stay too?" Katsuya asked.
"Yes. They are welcome as well. When did you want this trip to happen?"
Katsuya hadn't yet decided on that as he was afraid to make decisions without having a clear path to the Alternate World' first. now, that worry is gone.
Standing out of his chair, Katsuya spoke.
"Next week. By then, me and everyone will be ready."
"Next week it is. I'll have all the preparations ready by then. I hope you love my home world as much as you love your's." Harley smiled.
"Don't worry. I've seen pictures of it before. From what I can tell, it's a nice world. Certainly seems to be more peace there."
Harley's expression spaced out as she remembered that her world wasn't always peaceful. Up until about a year ago, it was filled with many issues and dangers. If it wasn't for the sacrifices made by 'The Hero's' and the force they put together, that world would have descended into armageddon long ago.
"It wasn't always as it seems. Still, it really is beautiful." Her lips formed a peaceful smile, while she gazed out the window, admiring the bright sky.