When is truly necessary that a individual retaliates to their opposition. Is it when their freedoms are taken, when their dignity is stripped from their person? Retaliation is a natural response that differs from person to person, in most cases retaliation is justified and reasonable. And even when it's not, as long as a person or individual is capable of showing their response is simply self defense, or a action provoked by another. It's hard to truly say.
Not for me though, I retaliate to be petty if I'm being honest.
If I recall correctly I was fighting Uriel, I saw how energy was going in his body after each hit..THEN HE WALLOPED ME.
I was attacking in rapid succession before he caught me off guard and two pieced me. But at least now I know he's leagues ahead of me, in skill and power. I've gotta train some more if I really wanna get my payback with the hansmen.
However, more pressing matters were at hand given I had just woke up from being two pieced and that Luci kid was in front of me.
"Erm..— Sumire was it..? Uri wants us to fig-fight.. I'll start whenever you're ready."
He seemed rather nice and timid, I'm gonna enjoy releasing my pent up rage. His face seems really punchable so this should be good.
"Ah, okay. Thanks for telling me. I'll be up momentarily, you go to the other side I gotta stretch real quick, Uriel did a number on me.."
He nodded in response and headed over to the opposite side of the training field where Uriel had a chair propped up and a umbrella over him with a drink and what appeared to be a fucking sandwich?
When he got to the other side of the field I stood up promptly and dusted myself off. I had to think, was this kid as strong? Uriel said he was the prime candidate to succeed him yet he was the weakest hansmen?
Perhaps that was just him being modest, but checking out his disposition and how he acts maybe that is the case.
He waved towards me and gave me a thumbs up implying if I was good to go. Overall I didn't know, but there's really no time like the present so I give him the go.
I looked to the side of my before seeing just a few sparse twigs, I tucked two to my side and kept two in hand.
"This long twig right here is just like the infamous Rúyì Jīngū Bàng, or Nyoibō!.. the weapon wielded by Sun Wukong in the famous journey to the west."
"..?"
Luci looked surprise at the random long staff that had just appeared in my hand, but it didn't really phase him strangely enough.
"Alright let's start."
Without even signaling me, at a moments notice Luci dashed towards me at an explosive rate crossing the entire field in a single moment. As far as I could tell no chordatta or anything was being used. He pulled out his dagger before making contact with me.
"My skills with Nyoibō are just like a Bo Staff masters, and my intuition is just like theirs as well."
In that moment contact was made, I was able to parry the dagger by shifting the staff around the blade forcing his momentum in a downward direction. His speed was impressive but I couldn't let him get a win on me.
I went to strike him on his nape only for me to notice that he wasn't even where I left him. His dagger was on the ground yet he was outside my field of vision. It only took him half a second, and in that time he was behind me rounding up a kick. I noticed this a little too late as I was able to avoid direct impact since I used the staff to absorb his kick. The main downside was that I got sent flying at a explosively fast rate.
While I was flying, he appeared over my body and kicked me downwards into the ground with force probably greater than Uriel. I was gasping for air as it really didn't make sense. How was he so much better?
I had to rely on my eyes again for this if I even wanted a chance in beating him. I got up from the ground and activated divergent before he came back again to strike me. I readied the staff before peering into his next move, he was right behind me again. It just didn't make sense how he was getting from one place to another in such a little amount of time. Not only that but his disposition was way different. He seemed calm and collected, he wasn't sweating nor was there anything clouding his decisions it seemed. Each and every one of his blows didn't waste a single ounce of strength, everything was perfectly executed.
It was then I realized, I looked into his body and saw that a genuinely immense amount of energy was coursing through him. It was astounding to see, not only that but it was being controlled so efficiently as it was equally divided and distributed throughout his entire body. He moved again towards me and I noticed that in a single instant he was able to send all of the distributed energy to his lower half and just using one leg he was able to exude enough force to propel him even further in the air. He was moving this quickly because he had that mobility and control over his entire body. I didn't see or sense any potential with magic or chordatta with him.
"This monster…"
Uriel clapped from afar as he saw the terror on my face.
"I should tell you now his full name, Lucifero Castillo, hells argonaut. He has no talent whatsoever and can only muster the energy from within his body thus making him a really odd candidate for the hansmen, yet.. because of this he's focused all of his time training his body under harsh conditions. Capab-"
I couldn't catch the last part since Luci was right in my face, there was no emotion to him but I could clearly see the sign of death as an expression. I directed Nyoibō towards his solar plexus and commanded it expand, stretch from my hand. It did this instantaneously sending him all the way to the end of the field in less time than he could comprehend.
"Shrink, compress."
Nyoibō followed this command and returned to me the same way Mjölnir and Excalibur did. I looked over towards Luci's direction as I saw him slowly getting up. His clothes were a bit torn, he coughed a bit before getting back up to dash at me. I had to change my strategy if I wanted any chance of really beating him.
I threw one of twigs from the side of me into the air.
"That twig flies just like the notable flying nimbus..! And, I ask this of you nimbus. STRIKE HIM DOWN!"
Immediately, I needed some sort of projectile to fend him off while I stay on the offensive using the Nyoibō. The Nimbus, the flying cloud which accompanied Sun Wukong. It dispersed in the air from where I summoned it and reappeared into the sky gathering other nearby clouds and debris forming into a much larger cloud.
With making note of how Luci used his body to preform such feats I attempted to do the same, surging all of my own energy equally throughout my body and shifting it to the body part needed when it called for it. By using my eyes I could keep track of him and make note of anything sudden, but I don't know how long I can keep them activated though.
I dashed towards him with the staff in my right hand, I commanded the staff to stretch as far as it could to reach Luci in an attempt to perforate him but he reacted properly and shifted to the side anticipating my move already. Swinging the staff to the side to still catch his body I'd order the staff to retract while gripping onto it so in a instant id already be next to Luci to axe kick him.
Luci wasn't entirely perceptive of the staff but caught on quick enough to the axe kick by catching it with his hand, using his other hand he'd try to move the staff which had been driven to his side. At that moment he'd break free from the close range he was in by pushing away and taking off and propelling himself into the air.
I'd follow this by throwing the staff in one direction, readying the nimbus to strike. He'd get ready to reel himself in for a strike of some kind but I had already seen into the future and all the available possibilities. The problem earlier was that he was eating away at them limiting my chances slowly but surely but I finally was able to get onto the right path where success was guaranteed.
"NIMBUS STRIKE HIM DOWN, NYOIBŌ STRETCH!"
He'd pay no mind to what I was saying as he nearly made contact with me before I propelled a kick into his gut. And at the same time, Nyoibō was facing a direction to where if it stretched it would consequently strike him furiously while the nimbus was striking down.
BOOM.
A bolt of lightning so large along with the rapid and furious expansion of the Nyoibō making contact with his chest. I'd fall back to the ground witnessing the event happen. I could see Uriel standing up in surprise.
His body fell on the ground limp and rather charred. I went in to check on him but then again I didn't really care as I could clearly feel I had a few broken bones of my own from just the few times of him making contact with me.
I'd trudge towards Uriel in spite
"He's the weakest huh..?"
Uriel pointed behind me as Luci was standing up miraculously, of course right about now I had let my guard down completely and my eyes were back to normal. So, I didn't notice when he was rushing towards me at a decent speed. I turned ever so slightly as it was a bit too light as he was hitting me with a lariat. My body swung to the ground as he collapsed finally worn out.
"FUCKER!.. I should really—" and then it hit me, I don't really have any strength left nor do I really think I can use chordatta anymore. The nimbus along with Nyoibō returned to twigs. I felt blood running down my nose, I think he broke it with that lariat but at least it was over on top of my chordatta exhaustion.
"Sumire, I hope now you realize to make sure the enemy is dead before moving on. Cause had this been a real battle, you would've been dead."
Uriel said this with a rather condescending attitude, but I lacked the energy to really reply with anything snarky. I ended up passing out right there on the ground slightly near Luci.
I found myself in a bed, I looked around the room and recognized it vaguely. It was one of the nursery rooms in the Hansmen hideout. Next to my bed was Luci's. He seemed to be have sleeping peacefully without any bandages or anything. It was then it clicked, in this world it's possible to revive a person if you're powerful enough. So healing our wounds, being a hansmen? I'm sure it didn't take them much longer than around 5 minutes.
Uriel was sitting in the corner of the room eating an apple. I got up suddenly and had one hand on my face in a strange manner before talking to Uriel.
"Did you know Uriel? Gods of death.. love apples."
"I think you're still injured, I wonder if Mary healed you fully."
It's a shame to know my references are never understood in this world. He'd stand up and walk towards me and Luci, he finished his apple promptly and threw it out the window. It caught on fire shortly before fully leaving the window, strange.
"That's how we keep things clean, anything assumed to be trash is automatically set on fire upon leaving the premises. Also, just wanted to say I'm sending you two on a special diplomat mission to make sure some political fat ass doesn't get murdered going to a different country. Luci has already been on two with some of our senior members, I'm sure you two will be able to handle it. I'd have to kill you if you couldn't, Luci at best would get a slap on the hand and a limb torn for punishment."
"I'm getting revived right?"
"…"
"Right..?"
"Moving on, I'm expecting you to have a perfect mission report. You'll be sending the diplomat into alexzandryl and back to discuss foreign policies, he's an expert at persuasive measures so there's no reason things should fall apart. You'll be waiting at the carriage for his return and things will lead you back home."
"Okay.. do I get paid afterward, any rewards? Allowance possibly?"
"Psshhh.. HEHAHAHAHA.. WHOO, you sure crack me up. I pay you in battle knowledge, I reward you with food and a roof over your head, and I allow you to live. I think you forgot, you're our dog. Technically mine but you belong to the organization."
"Tch, can't have shit in Detroit.."
"The hell is a Detroit.."
Watching Uriel laugh and belittle my comments so casually kinda took me over the edge but I know very well he could rearrange my face without moving a muscle. So I decided to refrain from doing anything.
"When do we leave?..and don't worry about it."
"You guys leave in.. 15-20 minutes maybe?"
He kicked Luci off the bed promptly as I stared in disappointment, I wasn't even inherently shocked. To avoid being kicked off the bed I also got up immediately and dragged Luci out while he was still regaining consciousness. I was stopped as I left the room by Uriel.
"Since we wanna maintain the brand, take this."
He threw a one sided cape, it was a signature staple for the hansmen signifying you were apart of the group. It's said that the hansmen capes naturally protect you and increase your total strength twofold. I do but don't believe that shit.
Luci and I made our way outside the headquarters and began making our descent to the capital gates where we'd find the diplomat we had to escort. Luci strangely stayed quiet the entire time we made our descent, he was probably upset he got his ass handed to him but I don't blame him, I'd be pretty mad too.
"You know how we're handling this mission or..?"
"Well.. usually with escort missions we just stick close by and make sure nothing comes between us or slows down the escort. Kill on sight."
"Ah, morbid but understandable."
He wasn't really one for conversation, maybe I whooped his ass a bit too badly. Actually, this is a misconception since he landed the last hit.
A lot of things weighed on my mind because of that fight, how is that he's really just the weakest among all the hansmen and I barely kept up with him. I tried to use Nyoibō and the nimbus to the best of my ability and still, what am I lacking. I've got to figure it out, that's the only way I'll be able to get my payback.
"You're.. you're really strong—"
"Huh..—"
His face was flushed with red the moment those words came out his mouth, I didn't know how to take it.
We got to our escort with only a moment to spare. we'd be greeted by a fat pig with a decent mustache and haircut and their butler.
"HARH! You damn hansmen, I wanted the grand courtier and the strongest members.. I know bottom barrel apples when I see one."
Snorted the pig, I couldn't see the difference between him and the dirt so I ended up staring through him and zoning out.
"Sir, The grand courtier has more pressing matters to attend to. One hansmen is the equivalent of 5 SS class adventurers and their own parties. Please know that you will be safe and not disturbed for the entirety of the commute."
Beckoned by Luci, his expression had changed and he seemed mature and cold. He had the persona of someone professional and up to standard, he was standing tall with both arms folded behind him. He didn't even make eye contact, he simply stared forward.
The pig taken aback would've snarled before hopping in his carriage. It rocked back and forth with just his weight.
"That's— that's how you handle those types Sumire.."
"I see, thank you for that one. I zoned out the moment he started talking.. heh"
I scratched my head and chuckled a bit, he did too.
"I figured, it's okay though. We just have to make sure everything goes smoothly now."
"On that topic.. how far is this going to be?"
"Well.."
He got out a map seemed like from his side belt holster and dragged his finger along what looked like a pathway.
"We're taking the orian strait so around a few hours, it's a safe undisclosed pathway only a few people high in the government know about. The most well have to encounter is a Saelian beast since that tends to be their territory.."
I looked in awe, rather shocked at his slight change in initial disposition.
"You know, you're pretty reliable. I outta change my opinion of you Luci."
"Awwwee.. wait, how did you see me before?"
"Well, I thought you were a loser who couldn't open the door for himself and got pushed around a lot despite being in the hansmen."
"Harsh…"
"Don't worry, I think you're cool now."
I consoled him a bit before we took off.
The path was kinda long but with how technology is heavily influenced by magic the steed and chariot were able to traverse the land much quicker without any detours or inconsistencies.
Me and Luci actually hit it off during this time of just traveling and talking. However, it stopped once we got into Bayard territory, this was one of the final stages in the commute as the strait was near the border of Bayard. Soldiers usually patrol near this region to raid envoys and exports, this is typically why hansmen are needed for this route to avoid unnecessary conflict and complications.
"Sumire, know this.. Bayard soldiers are known as Vados. The lower ranked solders have sandals with wings on the bottom allowing them to fly while the higher ranked soldiers above them have wings on the back of their waist. They're around the strength of S ranked adventurers, and Vidiels which are basically the second highest rank of solider are the strength of you and I. They have wings sprouting from their back, the slightly stronger ones have four wings. The Generals have 6 wings and hold tridents with special unknown powers. Keep this in mind for if you spot any Vados or Vidiels..—"
"Understood, so who's that."
I said this pointing towards a person hovering near us. They hadn't noticed our presence but from what I saw they had large wings on their waist and two other companions next to them with wings on their feet.
"It's just a couple of Vados, don't start anything that we can just walk away from. It's better than way for all of us.."
"Fine.."
We continued to dodge terrible encounters until we made it to Alexzandryl.
"GAH! Finally, Alexzandryl.. I kept thinking those Vados were gonna attack us. I swear I saw a Vidiel at one point Luci!.."
"Come on Sumire get up—.. you're making a scene!"
He was flustered while I was on the ground simply relieved that we made it. I hugged him and lugged him around knowing he had to have been a bit concerned if I was.
"Hey, would you have covered me if we did get attacked or ambushed?"
"Of course, we're dawning the same cape now Sumire. You're basically family now, so naturally I'd have your back."
I really felt that, my face felt hot and I could tell was probably blushing but I didn't mind. It was nice to know someone had my back. It felt so weird to think that someone would care like that.
"Huh.. well thanks Luci, I've got your back too."
"Heh— I hope so.."
In the meeting, something was occurring. Something that was known only to the Hansmen and various parts of the government.
"So, gentlemen. I can assume we're all in favor of assisting the proper monarch in the upcoming times. We need the right blood, the right power ruling the Astaren Province. With this we can guarantee that you will all be granted incentivized means through the power of the new monarch. Things will be changing from here on out, just know that."
The pig was competent, it was an unlikely thing to occur but that was the case. This entire meeting was not known to the public or even the current king himself. Much of the royal family didn't even pay attention to any of the Hansmen actions, they were all just getting fat and happy off the their exploits knowing the province was safe.
It was only a matter of time before things started to move a again. Before another conflict arises within the entire world.
"Hmm.. give us so—"
"Nope, I urge you make your decision now or we will make it clear in this new monarch's mind that the people of Alexzandryl are not in support of Astaren's new ruler."
"I— erm.."
They'd murmur a bit momentarily, they didn't need any more enemies or non-allies. Alexzandryl was already on the ropes as they were constantly sought after for being a country of purely magic. Of course they would have an advantage with this and the benefits that magic holds but with the news of the revered Magi being born into the world, capable of wielding Chordatta and Magic was too tempting.
"Would we be able to use the Magi and their power in fights against the Bayard and their soldiers.."
"Of course, what's ours is yours and what's yours will naturally be ours."
They'd sigh out if desperation before signing the documents and shaking hands.
"It's nice doing business with you all.."
The higher ups if Alexzandryl felt as if they lost the battle but perhaps it'll be exactly what they need to win upcoming wars.
"So that's your idea for your Sacred Arts Technique? It's almost like the reverse of Uriels you know that Sumire?"
"Well, I can't say it didn't inspire mine. And yours is really something yknow."
"Well, it's not much but I think it'll help me despite my lack of talent."
"I think it's pretty genius."
We'd chuckle a bit knowing that we had our own goals in mind.
"It really isn't but thank you, I just hope we can help each other attain our goals.."
"My goals huh.."
He doesn't know but my real goal is becoming strong enough to make each and every one of the hansmen suffer under the sole of my foot. I wanted to see them all witness true despair and humiliation the same way they did to me. Stripped me, beat me within a inch of my life and hung me in front of everyone's eyes to see. They didn't even heal me properly afterwards.
"Also, Sumire.. I've got to mention something a little important when we get on the road.."
"Hm?..—"
Almost immediately the fat pig came back all giddy with two skimpy girls on his arms.
"Awee~ do you really have to go big daddy?"
"Yes girls! I've got important business to handle back home."
"Come visit us sometime!~.."
"Of course of course, I'll come back for those any breast time.."
The Philistines views on women were so low it hurt. He clearly didn't see the supple skin, the milky white complexions. Their slightly pointed ears, their lush lips and beautiful lashes. They had bountiful hair so silky and smooth. Let's not mention their clearly well defined bodies, each curve told their own story as I could tell their asses were huge with just a glance at their hips. Each and every time they breathed I could see their breast just popping out at me. I desperately wanted to just reach out and motorboat them.
"Sumire come on, we've gotta go.."
Luci dragged me as I drooled and stared at them.
We eventually made our way out of Alexzandryl and headed down the Orian strait. We fought a couple of Vados on the way back to test our team work and left them tied up on the side of the road with nothing but their underwear taking their sandals as souvenirs.
I pondered what Luci wanted to tell me, he kept quiet the entire time. It was only when we got back to the Astaren borders did he decide to speak up.
"Alright guys we're gonna have a quick bathroom break before proceed further."
After hearing Luci announce the bathroom break the pig hopped out and stretched just a tiny bit before going to a separate bush to take a shit. Luci walked over towards me and put his hand over my shoulder.
"Sumire, you're aware that Uriel is within line to be the next king right?.."
"Only recently yes."
"He was denied the right to the throne out of political envy, elders are aware of his position as the hansmen leader, his strength and his connections so the fear that they won't be able to keep their positions with him as king. So, they're making it so his distant relative is the king since all of his actual siblings were killed by him when he was 7.."
"So wait, he killed his brothers and sisters at the age of seven?.."
"He was born as the bastardized son of the king , no one acknowledged his existence and let him into the castle because the king commanded it. Eventually the king started showing signs of health decline. Everyone started going crazy, assassination attempts on brother and sister but Uriel got the worst of it, he was the youngest and seemed like the easiest target as the bastardized kid no one cares about.. but something happened that night to all 11 of the royal children. All of their bodies were found mutilated and torn apart while Uriel was on the throne covered in blood with someone's intensive wrapped around his neck like a scarf. It was a massacre and he showed no emotion, he didn't say how he did it or why. Had he died that night, no one would've bat an eye but instead.. he was the only one alive. The grand courtier saw potential in him and took him on as a apprentice to succeed him. Eventually after some time he killed him as well and took over the hansmen. His whole existence from then forward has been a potential upset which everyone has feared for ages."
"What are you getting at Luci.."
"The entirety of the Hansmen are faithful not to the crown or this country, we're only in debt and faithful to Uriel as he's the true ruler. In 2 and a half years we all plan on taking over the capital using allied forces which the government isn't aware of, that was the purpose of this mission. Securing diplomatic positions in the nation Uriel has in mind, clearing out the older generation to pave way for a new Astaren. The only thing is that the 7 royal guards is just as strong as Mary and Zel who are second to Uriel in terms of power so we need as much help as we can if we want to take over. You might be wondering why can't Uriel just handle them, it's mainly because he'll be busy with the leader who's a lot stronger than him. We've been needing a trump card in the case Uriel can't win and suddenly you appeared.. you'll be that trump card Sumire. In 2 and a half years we're going to war with our monarch."
"What's the chance that we'll all die?.."
"A bit over 78%.. so that's why we're all training like no tomorrow during that time. Especially you and I."
I was being brought into a personal civil war, all because of the mistreatment of a bastardized prince. Some could say the kingdom had it coming, it might even be better that Uriel retaliates.
I wondered if it was right for me to retaliate just to be petty, that it was justified because they hit first. In Uriel's case, it was much deeper than some petty conflict.