"Grrr!"
I attacked the monster again and It was dead but-
"Revive!"
"Grrr!"
That guy won't stop until he sacrifice himself by using revive magic.
"You will die at this rate, you know." I warned him for using that magic again and again.
"I don't care as long as-"
He almost spoke his mind but stopped. Basically he must be in a tight moment maybe.
"Are you suffering?" I asked.
"Shut up, It's none of your buisness. Go attack him!"
"Ggrrr!"
The monster rushed towards me, I hit the monster with Void Spikes but not intending to kill but to weaken it so that it can't move. This way that sage won't be able to use his revive magic.
"Gr...!"
The attack hit the monster but monster was not dead.
"Tch!" He looked troubled.
"The monster cannot be healed unless you have healing ability but it seems like you don't possess that magic."
"In that case, I will fight you myself!"
He used his skill to manipulate the ground under me and tried to froze me from ground. I stepped aside and rushed towards him. He tried to do this several times but my speed can outperform any attack. His attack speed was not higher than me so he can't freeze me.
"...!?"
I punched him and he was thrown towards the tree and got hit.
"Gah!...ugh....! Such insane powers....!"
"It seems like you are some kind of monster tamer, not an ordinary one though." I said.
He didn't had any magic to control the monsters like that guy Zander or a summoner but he is a tamer.
"I believe there isn't just one monster I think."
Several monsters came and showed themselves.
"That's right, no matter how strong you are but if you are against hordes of monsters then you can't defeat them." He said.
"By the way, what's your name."
"....Kurt, but you will just forget this name after you die..."
"These monsters are not enough though."
There were about hundred monsters here.
"Huh?"
I slashed ten monsters at once by swinging my sword in circular motion and sending the circular type sword beam, It was full 360° angle. I didn't killed any of them but instead left them disabled by attacking on body parts that were essential to move the body.
"...!?...o-on him!"
He ordered monsters to attack me. Two monsters came in front and back and they both attacked at the same time. I slashed the back monster with my sword and kicked the front monster hard enough to disable it's movements while not trying to kill them.
"These monsters are trained well, they know human tactics on how to attack in a group or party."
"..."
He looked a little bit scared, there were about ten boss monsters. It is quite challenging if I don't use much strength. I don't want Kurt to use his revive magic.
Ten goblins tried to attack me with their hatchet, I dodged them and countered them all. They were badly injured but they were alive. Ten flying monsters with their one big eye used their minds eye and attacked me. I deflected them all and used Void Spikes on them. Their eyes were shattered but they were still alive. Kratos also used that magic before and that was far more powerful than these attacks.
"Sixty eight left.."
"...!" Kurt looked shocked.
Just like that, I defeated all monsters except 7 boss monsters who were left now.
"A unique monster, huh? I muttered.
There was a headless like monster wearing the armour and had a sword.
"Go after him!" Kurt ordered.
Both monster and me, were crossing our weapons with each other while trying to look for the opening. An Orc that is a boss monster tried to use it's eye's laser beam on me. I deflected it with my sword but just as I did that, the headless monster used it's sword to slash me.
"Wha-what the hell!? I thought that monster gave you the clean hit by slashing!"
"Sure, it did but-"
I slashed back and the headless monsters armour was broken while also giving much damage with my attack. It went flying back a little distance and was struggling to stand up but It failed.
"My defence is higher than that monster's attack, so basically you may need high level of attack power to damage me, that monster just managed to give a slight scratch despite using full force to slash my abdomen."
"...!?" he looked like he saw some ghost.
Before the Orc could use it's laser beam again, I already used my Void Spikes on it and it got badly hurt.
"Five left and after that it's your turn."
"Tut!" He was annoyed.
The Orc and the Headless monster were defeated and apparently they were the only powerful creatures among other monsters. I, slowly but surely, took down every boss monsters and now there was none of them who could fight now.
"Tch....take this!" He casted the magic.
I dodged his attack to avoid getting frozen and reached him.
".!?"
I grabbed his hands from behind and his weapon dropped on the ground.
"No! Get off your hands!" He said.
I ignored him and started talking.
"You were acting strange before, what happened? Did something serious happened to you?"
"It has nothing to do with you." he said.
"A person who is ready to sacrifice himself, a person who will still die despite doing his job. Doesn't it looks strange, you are working with someone not alone."
"Shut up! What you even know!? I don't care about my death but..!" Kurt looked troubled.
"You don't care about your death? No wonder you tried to sacrifice yourself. I don't know what is going on but it seems like you are in pain. Let me help you, Kurt."
"..!"
"If you tell your problems to me, I will help you then if it's within my approach then of course."
"He...he might be watching this all...."
There were some magical devices that I saw before, someone is watching this whole scenario with the help of the devices set around here. I found the spot where the magical devices were not able to detect us.
"There is no magic device here, now we can talk."
These magical devices that detect us can only deliver what's happening but cannot deliver the sound however it would look suspicious if that person found that we are talking.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, Now tell me what's bothering you."
"It's my parents that are hostage and Guardian of Soul Bound Amplifier used me by threatening me. There were more people like you who came here and were killed by me. Even if for some reason they get past me they are being killed by the Guardian himself."
So whoever is using the devices is the Guardian, but what surprised me was that some people tried to steal the artifact. It's good that artifact is still safe or else I would have to go through the trouble of finding it.
"Do you know about Anti-Libra? If yes, then can you tell if those people were from Anti-Libra or not?" I asked.
"I don't know who those people were but they were not from Anti-Libra atleast." He replied.
Not from Anti-Libra? Its not like I trust him completely but if what he is saying is true then it is highly likely that there is this third party trying to get the Soul Bound Amplifier.
"Alright, just act like that you are knocked out and I will go save your parents."
"..! Really!?"
As if he was not believing, but he showed some sign of relief.
"But in return, I want you to find about the third party who wanted this artifact."
"But..."
"You will have to leave the job as a sage and let higher ups make you forget about the information that is not necessary for outside world."
There is a magic that is not commonly in possession of anyone, this magic can make you forget certain things but to use this magic you must make sure that the target is voluntary allowing you to make him or her forget a certain part of memory.
"Eh!?.... anyway if that's what you want it's alright but please save my parents, they are everything to me!" Kurt agreed.
I should use him to get information on this third party. If what I'm thinking is correct then those third party might be...
"Alright then, it's a deal. You can get many jobs suitable for you but I want you to join guild."
"Guild?"
"I will explain later, first I will go and take the artifact while rescuing your parents."
"Al-Alright."
Just as we planned, Kurt acted like he lost and got knocked out by me. I have sleeping pills just in case so that it doesn't look like he is acting and I already healed some monsters so they protect their master, in other words Kurt.
It might look like monsters were revived when I killed them, they will be healthy as again according to what guardian will see. I guess he must be annoyed by the fact that I won.
"So, this is Mt. Hein." I muttered.
I searched the area and reached the destination.
"I guess I can use this item now."
I used the item that sage gave me, It glowed and revealed the Blaze Shrine and the item disappeared.
"Finally, I'm here..." I muttered while entering the Shrine.
I went to the deepest part of this Shrine and saw the Guardian and two people behind him.
"You came, huh?" said Guardian.
His hair was red, his cloth was yellowish coloured with pillar-like stripes on the cloth. His eyes were dark red. He looked like he uses his fists because I didn't saw any weapons on his hand.
"Can I take that artifact, If you don't mind?" I asked while being a little polite because I wanted to avoid violence.
"You have some guts, but I like that. Sorry to say this but this is your last journey here kid." He said
"..."
I didn't said anything in return.
"You left me no choice..." I said after few seconds of silence.
"Gah!..." He was groaning in pain when I used my Void Spikes against him.
"I was being polite but you rejected my offer so just die peacefully and let me take that artifact."
"Don't.....get....CARRIIIEED AWAY!"
He was not dead rather he attacked me with fire balls on me. I deflected them all.
"You are impressive, you are still alive."
I used my power in such a way that he could atleast die but he resisted it. I used a little strength thinking that he might die but It seems like I underestimated him a little bit.
"Curse you humans..."
He concentrated his magic energy and made a powerful huge flame ball and sent it towards me. I deflected that as well. I used the Void Spikes again and he tried to counter it with his fire balls but it's not gonna work again.
"....!?"
"This time you are dead for sure." I said.
My attack got him this time while deflecting the fire balls.
"Wha-what insane... strength....ugh....you.....are...ugh.... monster..."
"That's rude, I'm just an ordinary person." I said while thinking why people call me that?
He was defeated.
"He....he was defeated too easily?" said the man.
"Are we safe?" said the lady.
These two must be parents of Kurt.
"You two don't need to be afraid now, your son, Kurt requested me to help you and bring you back to him."
"Kurt!?" she was shocked.
"So he asked you to come and save us? Thank you very much gentleman for saving us and our son."
"I will escort you from here but please wait for a minute here because I have something to do." I said.
"Oh, I see in that case we are waiting please do whatever you want and we appreciate your help." he said.
"..."
I went to the room behind the dead body of the Guardian.
I found the Soul Bound Amplifier at last.
"Now it feels like another part of my plan is done." I muttered.
I took the artifact and the Shrine started to collapse, I hurriedly went back and escaped the shrine with Kurt's parents.
We were now outside the shrine after few minutes, the shrine was collapsed completely.
"I'm glad we are saved now!" The man spoke in joy.
"Now our child will not suffer because of us." The lady almost cried.
"So, I was wondering if you could tell us about yourself so that we would atleast know who saved our lives. I will also help you when you are in trouble." The man smiled.
"I'm Orion, I appreciate your kind offer but for now let's head back. Kurt must be worried about you both." I replied.
"Yes, let's go I can't wait to see him!" said lady.
Part 2 (Narrator- Guardian of Soul Bound Amplifier, Alto)
"So....I'm dying now?..."
I'm Alto and originally a human being, I was given half immortality to stop aging so that I could protect this artifact.
"He....is strong.....that..guy."
I never thought I would meet another monster, just like that guy who ruined our happiness a long time ago, who would defeat me.
"...."
I was like a hero in my era, I helped everyone, protected them and maintained peace. There was a friend of mine who was also like me, we always helped each other and other people in need.
"But...."
One day there was a wide range of murders, everyone were running for their life. Not even childrens were spared. I saw a person standing and watching this all, he was laughing like it is some kind of game for him. Aside from my best friend, every other strong looking guys that I saved back then, turned their back and ran away while also using other people as shields to just protect themselves. I saved some selfish people after all. But still I wanted to save everyone with my friend who was supporting me till the end.
But that person was just too strong or basically a monster level. He defeated both me and my friend in an instant. We knew that Soul Bound Amplifier was the only key to defeat that guy but we were hopeless because we didn't had that artifact with us.
The next time I woke up I realised that I was saved by Ancient sorcerers, I asked them where is my friend. They didn't responded and then I understood that he was no longer alive. The Ancient sorcerers told me that the person who attacked and slaughtered everyone, suddenly got killed and no one knew how that happened.
I became hopeless, my heart was corrupted. My determination to save people became nothing but a mere excuse just to punish selfish humans who thinks about themselves. I made a mistake by helping selfish people but then my corrupted soul took over me. I was no longer the guy who used to be friendly, helpful or caring.
Ancient sorcerers asked me whether I want to protect this artifact or not, they told me that the person who got killed left the magical trace of reincarnation to reborn again in this world. I accepted it, knowing that I could face that person someday to get my revenge even if I have to sacrifice people.
"I became so corrupted after all....."
I knew that the person would come and try to get the artifact. Some people really came but I didn't found that reincarnated person. At last, this expressionless looking person came, at first I thought that he could be the one but I was wrong. I was given the item to detect that person when he will come but no, this guy was also an ordinary guy not the reincarnated one.
"Though he is not the person I was looking for, but for some reason I felt something wrong from this expressionless monster looking guy...."
I don't know what's happening in this strange world but I think whatever is happening is not good.
"....ugh....."
I'm going to die in few minutes, I atleast hoped I could take revenge against that person who slaughtered my friend but I failed to fulfill my wish.
"I....hope....a.... hero.....appear....and..save..... everyone....."
Part 3 (Narrator- Orion)
"Mom! Dad! I'm glad you are safe!"
"Kurt! My son!" His mother hugged him.
"I'm sorry Kurt for making you worry!" His mother was crying but also looking relieved that that no one will suffer anymore.
I let them enjoy their reunion for a while and entered the Tower.
"They are happy now, thanks to you."
"You never mentioned me that your apprentice is in trouble...but it seems you intentionally allowed me to enter that shrine to save his parents, right?" I asked.
"I would have still told you the location since that artifact is just useless trash now." replied Sage.
"Well, I don't care as long as I got what I wanted."
"So why did you came here now? You could have just left from here without letting me know, right?" asked Sage.
"I want you to take this resign letter created by Kurt."
"!? What?"
"That's right, he volunteered himself to resign."
"Did you do something that perhaps, changed his mind or something." He asked.
"I'm just here to let you know that Kurt and I, became friends so he basically wanted to join a guild to work in a city where I'm appointed as the Arbiter." I replied while not letting him know what my intentions are.
"Hmm, alright then. Give me the letter and send him to us and we will just delete unnecessary memories from him." he said.
He agreed since it's the decision of Kurt himself so he can't complain about this.
"Alright." I replied.
"Wait a minute, stay here for tonight since it's already almost night and you must be tired. I will make preparations for your room, you can rest there." He offered me to stay for a night.
I was feeling a little dizzy, I wanted to get some rest so-
"Alright then."
He might seem sometimes bold but maybe he is honestly not a bad person from inside. That's the impression he is giving.
Part 4 (Narrator- Voila) Past-The time when Orion gave the inactivity letter to Jystice and left the spot and after that-
I saw Orion coming out of Libra base and he was heading towards Celestial city.
He didn't noticed me so he went straight towards the direction of the city. I quietly watched him go away.
"What was he doing here?" I muttered.
I believe that every Arbiters gave their reports two days ago, so why was he in the Libra base?
"Well, just assuming myself is not going to help me..."
I headed towards the Libra base for a reason.
"Hm? Who are you?" asked Jystice.
"I'm Voila, from guild- A ranked, I came here to make a report."
I got a promotion after the incident in Hage village where we defeated the Demon and Anti-Libra members.
"Voila? I think I heard this name... Oh! Right you and your party member Ryuji defeated the demon who was trying to bring choas back then. I personally saw your reports and It impressed me and also thanks for your hard work. So what brings you here?" he asked after some appreciation.
I thought he might be annoyed by my presence because I personally thought he is the kind of guy who would not show mercy on low ranked arbiters and that gave me impression that he is cold maybe. It's just my personal useless evaluation of him but anyway I should get to the point now but before that.
"What was Orion doing here?"
"Why do you ask that?" He asked.
"Nothing, just curious since I saw him just now."
"I see, well he just gave an inactivity request and I accepted it because he had some personal business."
Personal business? What could that be? Anyway...
"Actually I got some information regarding Anti-Libra." I said.
Jystice's eyes looked serious the moment I mentioned Anti-Libra.
"You say, you have information regarding Anti-Libra? Let's hear it then."
"First of all I must clear something, Curie, one of the co guild leader, is the traitor and she is working with Anti-Libra."
"What!?" He was shocked to hear this but it was the truth.
"I found this after the incident in Hage village, I saw her suspicious movements like talking with suspicious looking people who mentioned something like Anti-Libra or related topics so I just keep the eye on her if she gets some useful information or not."
"If you knew why didn't you revealed her?"
"It's because she doesn't know much about Anti-Libra's plots but she helps as the guide for Anti-Libra by staying as the co leader. If I revealed her then maybe she might not got the information on Shadow Tear Artifact."
"Shadow Tear? Artifact? You mean she didn't knew about this information until someone provided the information. Well in that case I don't have any complaints with what you did. So what about this artifact?"
Apparently he understood the situation.
"Unfortunately, the information about the artifact or its purpose is not revealed even to the members of Anti-Libra except for the leader himself."
"Hm....Well the only hope is Sages who knows a lot of things especially about ancient stuff or maybe we could get information from library or other areas that might give answer or maybe the people who may know about this artifact, I will personally send some Arbiters and let them research." He said.
"Then I will also help and go try to gain some information about this artifact." I said.
"I appreciate your help, you can start by searching from libraries. If we are unable to find something then we have no choice but to send the request letter to some of the sage."
"Understood and what about-"
"It's not my position to order you or anything but I request you to keep an eye on Curie. You might get more information." said Jystice.
"Lord Jystice! I have a bad news." said one of the paladin.
"Hm? What is it?"
"We were patrolling the cities and we found a fresh dead body of Curie, the co-guild master!"
"What!!?" I was shocked by this news.
"Where is this scene happened? Is it public?"
"She was found dead in Raven Cave and it's not public yet unless you order."
"Good, don't reveal this information for a while to public. Hide her dead body and if anyone asks what happened then just say she went on an errand or something.
"Yes sir!"
"So they already did their task...Go find the person who did this! I believe he would not have escaped so far!" Jystice ordered.
"Yes sir!"
"...."
"It seems like the Anti-Libra finally realised that they might be vulnerable because of Curie and they killed her." said Jystice.
"Seems like it...I'm heading off to see what is happening."
"Make sure it is not revealed." He warned me.
"I would not go against your decision." I replied.
I headed for the Raven Cave to look what happened.
"This is...."
When I reached the location, Curie's body was torn apart in two pieces. Her eyes were lifeless.
"How cruel...."
Even though she is an enemy I don't think she deserved a cruel death by her own comrades.
"I....."
I cannot forgive Anti-Libra, first they attacked innocent villagers, tried to kill Arbiters, and now this!?
"I think that time when Zephyros was fighting, no way! they even sacrificed their own captain to summon a demon to take advantage!?" I muttered in frustration.
Just how cruel they can be!? They want to achieve their goals that badly?
"Voila!"
Ryuji called me from behind.
"Ah...it's you Ryuji.....did you see that...."
"Yeah....." He looked sadly at the dead body.
I already told Ryuji that Curie was aiding Anti-Libra, but it seems Ryuji also disliked this kind of things where someone throw you away like a garbage who is no more needed.
"We need to stop this all Voila..." He looked even more upset than me.
"That's right, whoever is controlling the Anti-Libra will pay for this!" I said.
We heard that the person, who killed Curie, failed to escape and was hiding in Raven Cave.
"Let's get him Voila!"
"Yeah."
To be continued...