When I awoke the next day, I was feeling quite refreshed.
Cassandra began the day by trying to dress me and attend to my every need.
She wanted to cook for me and the like...
I declined all of her requests, however, because I could dress myself and I wasn't hungry.
It seemed like Cassandra had truly become an obedient slave to me. But whether or not I could completely trust her remained to be seen.
Still...
Even just silently watching her movements and actions was almost enough to convince me outright.
"Darling! Is there anything I can do? Please tell me if I can serve!" She said with a smile.
Something still bothered me about the way she was acting though... I decided to ask.
"Cassandra, years ago, you would never have acted like this. What happened to your pride? What about your obsession with status?" I asked.
She tilted her head.
"I thought I would have answered that in my memory illusion... But, I don't mind telling you. On the day we last spoke at the estate, you mentioned that status and pride were useless in the face of reality," Cassandra said.
I couldn't really remember that well, but when I thought about it, I seemed to recall something like that.
"I think I remember, but what does that mean to you?"
"You were right, darling. None of my titles or heritage meant anything at all in the face of Avernia's destruction or to Difar. I was made to serve, kill, and destroy. All regardless of my status as Second Princess. Mother was a fool to think these things were anywhere near as important as they actually are."
"Why is that...?"
"Because my status is completely irrelevant. The belief that I am of a higher standing only brings issues of pride and stubbornness. So instead of being above everyone else, I have chosen to only be below you. Eliminating everyone else."
What is this crazy girl saying?
"What do you mean, eliminating everyone else?" I asked.
Then her smile widened as that crazed look crept onto her face. The one where she just stared longingly at me.
"Mizik is everything! Who needs money, status, respect, and power when I have you!? Mizik is all I could ever want and desire in life! Everyone else is completely irrelevant! I exist to serve and make my darling Mizik as happy as possible. That is what I plan to do!" Cassandra said happily.
"You're a little obsessed, don't you think?"
I've had a few stalkers on Ignitus, but never this bad. By Iris, how deep does her madness go...?
Cassandra changed her expression into a simple, sweet smile and lunged forward. She hugged me and leaned her head on my chest.
"Umm..."
"I'm definitely obsessed! You're all I think about! But I don't care! It makes me so happy that I could melt!"
Suddenly, she pulled away as her eyes changed.
"If you want this to work, you have to stop throwing yourself at him!" Isabella said.
"But how can I resist when he's standing right in front of me!? Wouldn't it be great to be held in his big strong arms!? Ahh...he got so much taller over the years! He's even more handsome than before! I love him!" Cassandra cooed.
"Show some restraint! Keep your hands off of him!" Isabella said.
"Eh? Restraint with Mizik? Like...not touching him or telling him that I love him? Or even...not basking in his scent? That's like not breathing, sister..."
You're impossible.
"Stop it. We need to get ready. You two...or whoever is in control, get dressed," I said.
"Would my darling like to watch me~?" Cassandra asked as she started to take her shirt off.
"Don't ask him that!" Isabella snapped as she stopped herself from undressing.
I just sighed and began getting dressed.
"Stop! Don't look at him!" Isabella shouted.
"Amazing! I can't look away!" Cassandra replied.
The two of them continued going back and forth and...
I just decided not to let it bother me that Cassandra could see me while I was getting dressed. Since she could see Isabella's memories, it meant that she had already seen everything.
I would just have to get used to it.
Eventually, Cassandra calmed down enough to allow Isabella to get dressed.
She did, however, try to get me to watch.
Regardless, once that was done, we made our way to the guild.
* * *
Previously, we had joined the guild to make money for living expenses.
But since I used alchemy magic to convert the twenty-nine million or so gold Isabella carried, it was a non-issue.
Instead, we planned to learn more about the world and get our bearings while doing adventurer work as a foundation.
We had to start somewhere, after all...
And as we walked toward the guild, the reality of our situation began to truly set in.
I felt a soul-crushing sadness as I thought about our home on Ignitus.
I loved that world. It was precious to me... And I would absolutely never forgive Difar for destroying it.
"Mizik, I have questions about how I should work to please you," Cassandra said while we were walking.
I was somewhat thankful to her for stopping me from thinking about Ignitus, but...
By Iris, you just keep going, don't you?
"Go ahead," I said.
"You wanted me to ask you before I kill someone, right?"
"Yes and no. I want you to use your head. If someone is important or useful to me, don't kill without asking. If someone irrelevant gets in my way or attacks me, just kill them outright. Additionally, try your best to act normal when you're around me. Acting like a perverted stalker is bound to attract a few unwanted gazes."
"But Mizik makes it so difficult..."
"I don't want to ask, but I will anyway... What do you mean?" I said.
I was already regretting asking.
"Well, since Mizik is so kind to me...so handsome, and wonderful...a-and cool... I can't help myself!" Cassandra said.
"Okay... Also, if you two are going to argue about me, please do it in your head. I know I just said this, but I don't want to attract unwanted attention."
"Of course! I will strive to get along with my sister for you, Mizik! And if not, I will speak with her internally."
"Great. We're going to take a request at the guild to see what you can do in battle as well. You're part of the team now, so I want to see how you and Isabella fight."
"Yes! I am honored to serve, darling! Isabella and I will need practice, but with your help, things are sure to go well!" Cassandra said happily.
"I hope so..."
Cassandra hummed happily as she walked...way too close...and we continued on our way to the guild.
The guildmaster wanted to speak with us about helping out with a special request.
We entered and made our way up to his office.
"Guildmaster Gearo?" I asked.
"Yes. Come in. You're Mizik, right? And this lovely lady is...Isabella? I could have sworn she had blue eyes..." He said.
"She uses magic to change her eye color sometimes. Go ahead and switch to your normal color, Isabella," I said.
Cassandra nodded and switched back to Isabella.
By Iris, this is going to be annoying... But at least they're both really smart.
"I see... That's some interesting magic you have! Well, down to business. We received a request from an area to the northwest. A man suddenly arrived and took over the entire village. He has enslaved the people there and someone managed to get a message to us. Problem is, Akari isn't here right now and we already sent two A rank adventurers to handle it. They never returned," Gearo said.
"Who is Akari?" I asked.
The Guildmaster seemed to be beaming with pride over the question.
"She's an SS-rank veteran member of our guild. She's also a nine-tailed fox. Very strong indeed. You'll probably meet her soon. She likes to personally introduce herself to anyone who achieves S-rank," he said with a wide smile.
Oh for the love of...
"She sounds annoying. Don't let her near us. Anyway, give us the details and we'll be on our way," I said.
"Ah...yes. Of course..." Gearo said.
He handed us a paper with the information on it.
"Let's go, Isabella."
"With pleasure."
On our way down, we heard cheering. People were celebrating something. I elected to ignore it and heard a voice calling out to us.
"Oh! Why hello there! You two are the newest S-ranks, yes?" A female voice said.
Why!? Why are you bothering us!? Go away!!!
I could have sworn I told them to keep our ranks secret. Regardless...
A black-haired woman with fox ears pointing up on her head approached us.
Honestly, she was gorgeous. Wearing a strange and well-decorated robe with her cleavage showing.
She made sure to lean forward seductively as she drew close to me.
"Oh my...you're a handsome one! You have such pretty green eyes! Just like gemstones! My name is Akari by the way, and-"
"I honestly don't care. Get away from me," I said angrily.
"Ah...wait...excuse me!? H-how can you be so rude!?" Akari said.
"Oh! She's using charm magic, darling!" Cassandra said happily.
"I-I am not! H-how could you possibly-"
"I don't want to get involved. Whatever it is, just leave me alone," I said.
"No one...has ever been able to resist me... Who are you!?" Akari said.
"Nobody important. We're leaving," I said.
Akari didn't protest our departure.
Although I suspected we would have to deal with her again eventually.
While making preparations, I decided to buy some food specially made for adventurers. I made sure to stock several days worth because I didn't know how long we would be out.
Before we left, I decided to pull out my old map. I re-attuned it to Delvandal and said my goodbyes to Ignitus as I saw the warped hellscape that it had become...
Once again I saw the face just like I had in Nexus many years ago.
This time, I recognized it immediately.
It was a quick flash of Difar's face. Seeing it filled me with a boiling rage. But as soon as it was gone, I felt myself calm down.
The map was attuned to Delvandal and I used my compass on the location I marked. It began pointing us in the right direction.
Thank you, Maul. This map will serve me for many years to come. I will never forget your kindness...and I promise to avenge Aria. To avenge all of you.
After that was done, we left the city.
* * *
As the two of us walked out of the city, we spoke.
"I want to discuss combat strategies with you, Cassandra. If you're able to fight, we need to practice," I said.
"Yes! I am primarily a close-range fighter with the ability to cast powerful spells from a distance. I can use illusions to trick our enemies, attack with magic from any range, and assassinate foes from behind while they're distracted. I can also attack from multiple angles with Deception. I've already seen how you fight, by the way..." Cassandra said.
Because you keep staring at me, right? Or is it Isabella's memories?
"Well, usually Isabella takes a support and defensive role. She protects me from enemy attacks on top of casting healing, support, and barrier magic. How should we approach this?" I asked.
"Hmm...I can fight at any range, darling. But I'm most effective up close with my illusions and Deception clones. You like to use long-range attacks, right?"
I nodded.
"I have the ability to change Vengeance into whatever weapons I desire as long as I know how the weapon works. This means after learning about long-range firearms on Ignitus, I can use several different types of guns. Honestly, I actually prefer fighting from a distance. It's not as messy as decapitating someone point-blank."
Cassandra just looked at me with starry eyes and placed her hands together.
"So...cool!" She said.
"Uh...yeah... If you switch in battle, we can quickly modify our strategies to suit the other. If Isabella is out, I'll fight normally. But if Cassandra comes out, I'll fight using primarily ranged attacks. I'd also prefer to practice whenever possible just like Isabella and I do."
Cassandra squealed with excitement.
"I can't wait! I'll make Mizik proud!" Cassandra said.
Then her eyes changed.
"Hold on! It's not a date! It's a training exercise!" Isabella said quickly.
"I have a date with Mizik! I can't wait!!!"
"It's not a date. Isabella is right. It's a training exercise. Stop getting so ahead of yourself."
"But..." Cassandra began disappointedly.
She looked at me with hopeful eyes.
"You'll get no sympathy from me. Not after I've been cursed. Just listen to Isabella. Understand?"
She nodded fervently.
"Yes! Of course!"
"Good..."
* * *
We kept walking for quite some time until we decided to stop and make camp for the night.
"Who gets to sleep with Mizik tonight?" Cassandra asked.
"No one. Somebody has to keep watch. Since you're our newest member, you take first watch," I said.
"Yes, Master!" Cassandra said happily.
"Just Mizik is fine. If you insist on calling me Master, then go for it. But you don't have to," I said.
"Of course, darling Mizik!" She said.
You're truly impossible.
Then she looked around and shyly glanced at me.
"Ugh...something you want to ask...?" I said.
"Does this mean that Mizik gets to sleep in my arms like with Isabella in the past? Or...maybe on my lap!? Kyaaa! So embarrassing!" Cassandra said.
"Cassandra! Stop pestering him!"
"But what if he gets cold!? I would feel terrible! It's my duty to keep him warm and comfortable! He could definitely sleep on my lap! Or my chest! That would be wonderful! Darling would be very happy sleeping on my soft body!" Cassandra said.
"Ugh...Cassandra! How many times do I have to tell you that it's MY body! It's my lap and my chest! Not yours!
By Iris, these two are going to drive me insane. If the curse doesn't make me go on a rampage, the Albatross sisters will.
The two of them continued arguing and I just laid down in my sleeping bag.
"Wake me up in a few hours. I'll take second watch..." I said.
"Yes! Absolutely! I'll be the one to wake you up!" Cassandra said.
"He's my husband! I'll wake him up!" Isabella said.
Make it stop...
I slowly drifted off to sleep and a few hours later, Isabella woke me up.
I was somehow laying on her lap. I assumed it to be a compromise and said nothing.
"Did you sleep well, Mizik?" Isabella said sweetly.
"Mostly. Any activity while I was out?" I asked.
She nodded and Cassandra switched over as I sat up.
"A group of bandits attacked because they wanted to kidnap us. But I killed them all silently. Actually, I also used illusions to make them kill each other. I already disposed of the bodies, too. Darling shouldn't have to see such things right after waking up. It would be improper of his loyal slave to leave a mess," Cassandra said.
Damn...she's efficient...
"Good work both of you. Now get some sleep," I said.
She looked overwhelmed with happiness and laid down next to me.
I want to say not to sleep there, but...I don't want them to argue again.
The rest of the night was pretty uneventful.
I would occasionally gaze into the chasm of magic...
Several hours later, the sun rose and I gently shook Isabella...or Cassandra...
I couldn't tell who was in control when their eyes were closed.
Her eyes opened and I saw Isabella.
"Good morning," I said.
"Good morning, Mizik," she said.
We quickly got our things together.
When we started walking, I could see the signs of an extremely bloody battle.
But there were no bodies. Just bloodstains, weapons, and pieces of armor.
Where did she put the bodies...?
Regardless, we continued our journey northwest in...whatever this stupid country was called...
As we walked...
"Darling~! Someone is following us~!" Cassandra said.
"Figure out who it is. If they're a threat, kill them. If not, bring them here," I said.
She disappeared without a word and a few minutes later, reappeared in front of me.
"I regret to say that I couldn't locate them. I'm sorry..."
"Don't beat yourself up over it," I said as I pulled out Vengeance.
I changed it into an automatic rocket launcher and turned around.
"Which direction?" I asked.
Cassandra pointed and I began firing a volley of exploding magic rockets.
Once the area she pointed to had been reduced to cinders, we kept going.
A few more days passed in similar fashion and we eventually came to the place specified on the map.
When we arrived, we could see people in chains working their lives away to build statues of someone.
We didn't know who yet, because they weren't finished. We walked into the town with little resistance.
Eventually, we happened upon a few people armed with a variety of weapons.
"Halt! Who are you two!? Are you workers? Or are you Attendants!?" One of the men asked.
"I can sense divine power from them... And a LOT of it. Are they new Overlords?" Another said.
Excuse me...WHAT!? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!?
"Overlords!? Who is your Master!?" I yelled angrily.
"If you have to ask, then you're obviously not Overlords or Attendants. Hell, you might not even be workers. State your identities!" One of the guards said as they both readied their weapons. One of them was holding a crossbow, while the other was armed with a spear.
I felt my eye twitch in annoyance.
Then I pulled out Vengeance, changed it into a high-powered pistol, and shot them both in the head.
"Wow, darling! You have such great aim!" Cassandra said.
But I wasn't paying attention to her comments anymore.
I was seething with rage.
I couldn't figure out how that son of a bitch made it out of the Creator's hands.
Now he was here on Delvandal.
Moments after I shot the two Attendants...at least I assumed that's what they were, there was a flash of bright light and blue flames.
Novak, the god of domination was standing right in front of us.