Yuto noticed how nervous she was and decided to pat her head in reassurance, "It's okay"
Freya found such a simple gesture comfortable, as her breathing became steadier, "Thanks…"
"I just hope they're doing okay…my people, I mean"
"I'm sure they are, I mean this is one long tunnel"
Freya let out a chuckle, letting Yuto's words soothe her worries, as they continued down the tunnel in silence, the only sound being heard was their breathing and footsteps that echoed in the narrow passageway.
The tension seemed to mount with every step they took, and after 3 hours of running, the tunnel began to widen, as the sound of voices and movement reached their ears.
Freya's heart leapt at the sound, ["We're close, so very close!"]
Freya rushed forward, as she saw the light grow brighter and brighter.
~Wow she's fast
["You tell me, must be a skill if I have to put some effort to catch up"]
Freya soon arrived at the end of the tunnel and stepped out into a massive underground cavern, it was filled with torches and light magic that cast a warm glow.
And her people…hundreds if not thousands of her people were all gathered, safe and alive, she could hardly believe such a sight
As Yuto caught up to her, his eyes widened at the sight of such a 'camp', "Woah, it's beautiful"
~This is unheard of, to evacuate so many people, and to be able to have a safehold no less
["I gotta admit, I give props to the king, this is pretty impressive"]
Freya let out a soft sigh, a feeling of awe and joy washed over her. It was beautiful, when she left on her father's orders they were preparing for war, and when she came back and saw her homeland destroyed, she felt like giving up.
But to see so many of her people together, safe and sound, telling jokes and enjoying the time they had, was more than she could hope for
"I didn't think... I didn't think so many would've escaped…" I murmur, my voice thick with emotion.
As Freya thought to herself, Yuto noticed a bigger problem at hand.
["Mizuki"]
~Yes Yuto?
["Although Freya accepted me, I'm not too sure about her people, let alone her father"]
~In what sense?
["In the sense of I'm a human, and that might cause a bit of a problem"]
~Just behave as you usually do, everything should work out
["Ha, well thanks for the reassurances, but it's not that simple"]
~Oh? Why not?
["I don't respect royalty"]
~Yuto…
["Yeah?"]
~Please don't do anything stupid that might have us executed, you have grown, but I don't want us to be wanted by every country
["... What exactly do you see me as?"]
~A dummy who I know is going to cause some sort of problem, so be on your best behavior
["Fine, fine, Oh it looks like Freya is done scanning the area"]
"Code, where is my father? Why is he not among the others?"
"Your Highness, he should be here with the elders, waiting for your return"
"Father wants to speak with me?"
"Why is something wrong?"
"I sadly do not know, all we were told was to hold the line till you returned, but he was waiting for you"
A mix of worries washed over Freya, if the king knew she would return, then he would expect to see the 'hero' she brought with her, she was anxious about what to say when she saw him again.
"Alright," as they stepped down and began navigating their way around the people, she tried to steady her breathing.
After walking for what felt like an eternity, Yuto pointed at a tall figure, with blonde hair, and green eyes, "Is that your father upfront?"
Freya looked up, and sure enough, it was her father, standing among the elders, talking in hushed whispers.
~He seems rather busy
["Worried more like it"]
"Yes, that's him," she confirmed, her heart clenching in anticipation.
They made their way into the middle, Freya's eyes fixated on her father as it seemed that he had just finished up his conversation with the elders he noticed Freya approaching.
Their eyes met, and even from afar, she could see the stern look on his face, she knew that expression, it was one she had seen throughout her childhood, it was when he was serious.
She took a deep breath, gathering all her courage, as she walked up to the king, the people around them noticed her, their eyes on her making the walk feel ten times longer.
She felt her heart beat faster with every step she took, ["I'm scared, what if I mess up?"]
["Is father going to be disappointed in me?"]
A gentle squeeze on her hand brought her back, Yuto's presence helped calm her nerves, "T-thank you"
"No problem, by the way, your dad sure is tall"
Freya let out a chuckle, King Senki was an intimidating figure, especially when he was in a serious mood, "Yes he is"
~Is this king strong?
["I read in a book that he was once a war hero for his people, that's how he became king"]
~Well, he does have a bit of a presence, but I doubt he's stronger than you
["Well there's only one way to find out"]
~Just don't do anything stupid
["Can't promise anything"]
Everyone around them fell silent as they finally came face to face with the king, he stood tall, towering over her as usual.
His gaze was stern, and for a moment, he said nothing, just studying Freya's expression silently.
It was Yuto who broke the silence by taking a knee, "Greetings King Senki, I am Yuto Akimitsu, the hero you're daughter brought to help in this trying time"
Her father turned his eyes to Yuto, studying him with a critical gaze, his expression showing no sign of softening.
"I see, so you are the human she brought to our side"
He spoke in a formal and cold tone, his words carrying a bit of salt to them, "Well then, arrest him"
Whispers broke out, and Freya was clearly in shock and disbelief, she couldn't believe the situation.
~Wow, that was quick, I think you have a new record of 2 seconds of getting a record on you
["To be clear, was it the way I greeted myself?"]
~Don't know but I can feel a hint of anger, what did you do?
["Hah, I have no clue"]
"Father, he hasn't done anything wrong, instead he has been helping me!"
"Freya this young man has committed a crime, and frankly it should have him hanging from his privates"
~I think I get the picture
["I think I get it too, but it should be impossible for him to know"]
~That you slept with the princess?
["Again, I have no idea if that is it, but if it is I want to know how he knows"]
Freya looked confused, "What crime?"
"His crime, is daring to touch a royal princess, a mere commoner, nay a mere human"
["Majestic my ass, he's salty"]
~Can't blame the guy, I mean she is his daughter
["Point taken"]
Freya snapped her head back, clearly mortified, "That.. that's ridiculous!" Her voice was loud, almost bordering on a shout
Her hands balled into a fist, and her anger was starting to boil up.
"Yeah I mean what's wrong with me holding her hand, planting small kisses (And deep ones), that's a private matter"
Freya could hear the hint of humor in his tone and had to resist the urge to slap him.
The king on the other hand was not amused, as his face darkened and a storm seemed to be brewing behind his eyes.
Yuto was essentially digging his hole with every word, Mizuki might have found it funny, and Freya was embarrassed, the people around them letting out a few chuckles, hell even some of the guards had to pinch themselves from laughing.
"SILENCE!" He shouted, his voice booming through the cavern
The elders and people all stood silently, watching the unfolding scene with wide eyes, Freya could feel the tension in the air.
~Yuto, what you do next can have a major consequence, so don't do anything stupid
["Got it"]
"Freya"
Freya turned her attention back to Yuto, "Y-yes?"
"Do you love your old man?"
"Of course, I do he's my father"
~There you have it, don't do anything you might regret
["I won't"]
Yuto got back up, throwing the two guards that were holding him down, everyone around them looked with astonishment.
The king's irritation grew, "What do you think you're doing?"
"With all due respect, what I and the princess do is our matter, I came at her request so I expected at least a bit of hostility"
"I am aware you came at her request, but that doesn't mean you can do as you please, let alone hold her hand"
"Cough, I mean I did more than that"
~Well it was nice knowing you Yuto
["It was nice knowing you as well Mizuki"]
Freya's face was heating up, resisting the urge to scream, ["How can he say something so casual?"]
The lady elves looked a bit flushed, the men were nodding in approval, and the guards looked impressed at the level of bravery a mere human was showing.
"Excuse me?" His voice was low, laced with barely controlled anger
"You 'did' more with my daughter?"
"No comment"
"Guards drag this man to our prison!"
~Yuto, no more playing around, stop this at once
["Understood"]
Before the guards could grab him Yuto slapped his hands together, "Enough!"
Everyone fell silent, even the King was caught off-guard but it looked like he was about to pop a blood vessel.
"Dude, this is hardly the time to be angry about who you're daughter sleeps with"
"You dare to yell at me?!" He took a step towards Yuto, clearly intending on slashing Yuto's tongue out as a bit of wind magic started to envelop his hand
Killing Intent
"I suggest you stop at once, I do not wish to make Freya upset"
The killing intent made everyone around them shake in fear, Freya's eyes widened slightly, a look of surprise spreading across her face.
No one had ever dared to speak to her father like that, but at least to his credit, he did stop.
"Now, King Senki, I like to take this moment to speak as adults, I came at your daughter's request"
Her father's gaze shifted back to Freya, "Did you pick this man as the hero?"
"Y-yes, Father"
He rubbed a hand over his face in frustration, "I can't believe it…that you would bring a human like this to our kingdom"
"F-father, we needed someone to help us, we are in no place to be picky about who helps us"
"I am also very strong Your Highness," Yuto replied while flexing his arm.
"I can see that," her father replied dryly, still displeased about the previous conversation.
He looked back at the elders and began discussing what to do about this sassy child, clearly having their own opinions on the matter.
"Excuse me, your majesty"
Senki snapped back at Yuto, "What is it?"
"Forgive my rudeness, but I am here for Freya, so tell me what you need me to do, and I'll get it done"
Freya looked down, not embarrassed but her face was as flushed as a tomato, King Senki on the other hand was less touched and more annoyed.
"What to do?" he repeated with sarcasm.
"How about you keep your filthy hands off of my daughter?"
"I politely decline"
Freya facepalmed and the king's eye began to twitch, "And why the hell not?" he asked through a clenched jaw.
"Well because I do not wish to"
"You damn human-"
Skill: Alert
Intense Bloodlust is headed in your direction.
~Yuto, something is coming, something strong
["I know, I felt it too"]
~How much power are you going to use?
["However much I need to use"]
Flight Magic
Yuto began levitating off the ground, "King Senki, I do not mean to worry you but something is coming, tell your people to head somewhere safe"
"What the…!"
Everyone around them looked in disbelief, although flight magic wasn't uncommon, only the most skilled of mages could obtain such a skill after hours of effort.
"This is just plain ridiculous," an elder muttered.
"Hurry, there is not enough time!"
"Enough with your lies, this place is located so deep underground, that nothing can sense us"
Skill: Alert
The host has been sensed, I suggest escaping.
~Yuto, I can sense we are running out of time
["I know, damn it, I know"]
"Freya, something is coming, something strong"
Alas, it was too late as a giant loud crash could be heard at the entrance of the tunnel.
Confusion
Terror
With so many emotions running through the elves, the guards started to rush the people to the back and shared looks among the elders.
"What was that?" Senki demanded, moving to the sword on his hip
"Stay on alert, guards get the women and children to the back, anyone who can use any type of defensive and offensive magic is with me!"
Louds echoed through the cavern, followed by a low yet haunting growl, sending a shiver down Senki's spine.
~What do you plan on doing, Yuto?
["Whatever I need to do, for right now, let us watch"]
BOOM!
A roar echoed through the cavern, a sound of rage and hunger.
A massive figure of a monster, with dark scales, eyes looking bloodshot, hands bigger than its back, and a tail wrapped in spikes, it was something out of one's nightmares.
"W-what is that thing?" Code asked, voice trembling as he tried to hold his bow
Freya looked at it with terror, her mind a mix of fear and confusion.
King Senki stepped forward, trying to hide his fear with a mask of anger and determination.
"S-stay back you foul creature!" his voice was firm but tinged with a hint of fear
Elves were a race that would never see such a creature like this in their lifetime, it wasn't like the war 3,000 years ago, where such beasts were common.
The beast took a step forward, its claws scraping against the stone floor, seeming to sniff the air for something.
"What am I, chop liver?"
Everyone including the beast, heads snapped towards Yuto, clearly no one was expecting someone to have the audacity to speak in such a situation.
King Senki's eyes widened as he cast a glance at Yuto with eyes that practically said 'What are you planning?'
"Mizuki a few buffs please"
+100 Attack
+100 Speed
~You're going to let loose now?
["Can't disappoint my uncle now can I?"]
Skill: Dash x Accelerate
Sword Saint's First Technique: 100,000 Slashes x HellFire Tier 5
In a sudden blur of light, a barrage of slashes could be heard coming down on the beast, each clearly having an effect as it wailed in agony.
Everyone stopped moving, watching in awe at the display of power, even Senki could not hide his surprise at the amount of power Yuto was hiding.
<- System Warning ->
The host's heartbeat is beating at an unusual rate.
~Yuto, I can feel the aftereffects on your body, how are you holding up?
["Honestly, I feel like shit, it seems like I can only mimic his techniques, I still need some practice"]
Yuto chuckled, but the beast was far from down, as the slashes stopped, it roared in pain, its eyes locking onto Yuto, it took a sluggish swing but missed
"Mizuki, I'm going to try one more technique"
~Not like I have a choice, one more time
Seven Sins Art First Form: Wrath
A huge slash was released, mixed with black hell fire, the air practically crackling with intensity, as the attack connected, its scales were torn apart like paper.
The cavern fell silent, only the sound of heavy breathing from those watching in shock and awe, it was like a scene out of a fairytale, a hero who would not yield to the malice of evil.
"Dying while standing up, quiet the sturdy one aren't you?"
No one dared to say a word, and after the feeling of eternity passed, Senki spoke up, "I've never seen someone deal with a beast like that…not one that seemed to be from the old war"
Freya had a confident smile as Yuto began to float back down, the beast that shook fear in their hearts was brought down in two techniques.
The people who were running away came back with gasps and whispers, it was Senki who stepped up, his expression one of respect, "I had underestimated you, mortal"
"Well, Freya didn't"
~Yuto
["Yes?"]
~Give me one good reason not to smack you
Freya's face heated up at his words, she looked at Yuto who had a stupid smirk, Senki noticed and was not amused by Yuto's casual attitude.
"Yes, perhaps not," there was a bit of respect in his eyes, it was clear that Yuto had proven his abilities, and wouldn't dismiss him as before for being human.
["A reason, well the king didn't seem to mind"]
All the elves cheered in union, the rise of a new here, a pillar of support for the youngest princess, the elders who had opposed his arrival, looked at him with grudging respect.
"Excuse me Father in law"
Freya looked at Yuto, her heart jumping into her throat at how he addressed her father, King Senki's irritation spiked
"Excuse me?"
"Do you know any earth magic, I read in a book that elves use spirit magic"
"Of course, I can use earth magic, why do you ask human?"
Yuto pointed to the giant hole the monster created, "How long until that hole in the wall gets fixed?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Just answer"
Senki huffed, clearly not appreciating the way Yuto was speaking to him, "With my magic, perhaps a day or so, what's it to you?"
Yuto lifted his hand, Earth Magic: Mud Wall.
A giant makeshift wall of mud covered the entrance, and everyone's eyes widened, Senki was impressed at the display of power but quickly covered his surprised look.
"And for final measure"
Magic Barrier: Tier 5
"There, now nothing should be able to get in"
"That…that's quite impressive"
"That's what she said"
Freya covered her mouth to hide her laugh, Senki however looked like he was about to break Yuto's spine.
"Must you say something stupid every single time?"
"What, I can't make jokes with my father-in-law?"
Senki looked like he was seconds away from an aneurysm, his entire face red with rage, his hands clenching to his side.
"You…!"
"Me? Oh, the hero who stopped that beast right?"
"You have no respect for"
"Enough your majesty, that's enough"
The oldest of the elders stepped up, "He has proven himself to be a powerful and reliable ally, it is clear that he bears no ill will against us"
Senki shot the elder a glare, clearly not happy at being interrupted but he knew best not to argue in front of his people.
Freya was trying her best not to laugh, it was the first time watching her father not being able to command or control someone.
["Is this what Yuto meant by not bowing to anyone?"]
"Look, King Senki, you have a lot to say, so let us move to a more private setting," Yuto's voice was serious, his usual demeanor replaced by a confident tone.
Senki's face softened slightly as he heard Yuto's change in tone, he gave a stiff nod, understanding that they needed to have a serious conversation.
"Yes, you are correct," he gave a gesture for Freya and Yuto to follow him.
"Come now"
Freya let out a sigh of relief, glad that the shouting match between the two had come to an end, as they were walking Yuto grabbed Freya's hand and kissed it.
Freya's heart skipped a beat, as she blushed deeply, her eyes widening in surprise.
Her father noticed and shot a disapproving glance over his shoulder but didn't say anything, as he led them both of them toward a smaller, more secluded room.
The room was modestly furnished, with just a few chairs and a table in the center. He shut the door behind them, as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, his eyes fixated on Yuto.
The silence filled the room, the tension between Yuto and Senki felt almost suffocating, Freya stood awkwardly to the side, watching them stare each other down.
Yuto was the first to speak, "So, what's up"
Senki cut him off before Yuto could finish his sentence, his impatience finally getting the better of him, "Enough of this useless banter, I have questions and I expect honest answers!"
Freya could practically see the smug look on Yuto's face, "By all means, ask away," he said with a casual tone but with an edge of mockery.
"You…fine let us start with this!"
"Why are you going so far to help my daughter? What are your intentions?"
"Your majesty, do you love your wife?"
This question threw Senki off guard, a puzzled look on his face, "Of course, I love my wife, but what does that have to do with anything?"
Yuto held up his finger as if to tell him he wasn't done, "And you would do anything for her, correct?"
Senki nodded his head, he would do anything for his wife even if it meant giving up his own life, "Yes… I would do anything for her without question"
"Well that's not any different from what I'm doing, I love your daughter"
Freya's face flushed at such a casual declaration of love, happiness filling her heart. Her father on the other hand looked like he was just struck by lightning.
"You…love my daughter?"
"So I ask you, is it wrong for a man to want to protect his lover, and the people she cares for?"
Senki was at a loss for words, clearly not expecting such a declaration of love, he rubbed his forehead, his expression one of bewilderment mixed with anger.
"Human, it's not that simple, there is much you don't understand"
"Then help me understand"
"I can explain but let me say this again, it is not as simple as you think"
Yuto chuckled, "You saw my strength and if you don't trust me know this, I am the nephew of the Sword Saint"
~Yuto
["Yeah?"]
~I know your uncle said he would support whatever you decide to do but I'm sure he doesn't like anyone using his name
["Well I mean no one's going to tell so"]
~Hah, guess again look at both of their reactions
Senki and Freya's eyes widened, the Sword Saint was known to be a legendary hero in the human world, but known across the land for his unmatched skill of the blade second only to the kingdom's sword master who perished two years ago.
"You…you are related to the Sword Saint?" Senki asked with disbelief coloring his face
The room was silent as Senki tried to process this information, "Is this true? Are you the nephew of the Sword Saint?"
"Yes, so do not doubt my abilities for it is the same as putting dirt on his name"
"I see, but regardless let me say this, my daughter is not a prize to be won"
"What?"
~Yuto don't let his comment anger you
"Human, you come in here, fight a beast, declare your love for my daughter, and flaunt your connection to the Sword Saint…it's a lot to take in"
"All I am saying is that my daughter is not a prize to be won or to be conquered"
~... Never mind, remind this bastard, who you are
"Oi" A hint of anger was in Yuto's voice, but Senki's eyes never left his
"I mean no offense but my daughter's hand in marriage is not something to be treated lightly"
["Yet you send her out to do something so dangerous?!"]
"It is a decision that carries with it many implications and responsibilities"
Skill: Killing Intent Maximum
~Jeez you can sometimes forget the people around you
Mizuki floated in her spirit form and cast a protection spell over Freya, to protect her from the gripping feeling of death.
Senki, despite having fought back in his day, faltered a bit at the sudden shift of the atmosphere, he involuntarily took a step back, and fear flashed before his eyes as he came to realize just how powerful Yuto was
"YOU DARE!"
Senki, a hero amongst the elves, was paralyzed in fear, his breath caught in his throat, his face pale, sweat forming on his forehead.
"I...I didn't mean.." he stammered, unable to fully form a sentence, it was still impressive that he could even speak.
["As expected of a level 350, he's strong"]
"I came here at the request of Freya who came asking for help by your order, you threw her into a world she didn't even know anything about!"
Senki nodded, his hand subtly reaching for the hidden knife strapped to his side.
"Put that hand down old man, before you lose it"
His hand froze, his fingers hovering mere inches above the blade, he withdrew his hand, letting it rest on his side.
His gaze met Yuto's, his eyes widened with fear and respect.
With each second that passed, it felt as if his breath became ragged, "I...I apologize, I spoke out of turn and-"
"YUTO"
Yuto jolted up, his killing intent disappearing, "Freya?"
"You..you took it too far," her voice was quivering, although not affected by the killing intent directly, it was terrifying to see her father afraid.
She took a step forward, positing herself between her father and him, she looked at her father with a mix of relief and shame.
"Father, I understand your concerns, but he is not trying to win me (Although he already has my heart) he came at my request to help us"
Yuto kneeled to her feet and kissed her hand, "I'm sorry, I must have scared you"