Zara is used to Mizuki's teleportation at this point, so she is unfazed as the scenery around her suddenly changes. Arriving at Nina's nest, Zara hears confused cries break out from some in Levi's party, and Mizuki is peppered with questions.
"Mizuki, what the hell! Was this your doing!?" (Sylvia)
"Uhm…can someone tell me where we are?" (Rikard)
"Interesting…so, I was right about how your party appeared in the council room suddenly. This is some sort of teleportation, right?" (Leo)
However, Zara ignores the sounds of their voices and walks into the forest clearing. Rather than be amused by their frantic states, she feels this time is better used to prepare. She's no fool…Zara knows how difficult this fight is about to be for her.
She'll need to hold nothing in reserve, use deception and surprise attacks, target specific party members, and even then, it may not be enough to secure victory. Still, she's eager to see how far her combat potential has come. Despite her best efforts, her wolf-kin blood forces a giddy smile onto her face.
She's also looking forward to the opportunity to earn another of the things Mizuki calls a spell ring…Zara absolutely adores her current one. Mizuki isn't aware, but Zara knows he's a huge softie. She believes that he'd have probably given her a second spell ring if she'd just asked. However, Zara has another reason for trying to earn it this way.
As much as it frustrates Zara, her wolf-kin pride won't allow her to just accept power that she hasn't earned. More importantly, Zara feels that accepting spell rings too quickly would limit her potential. She wants to be forced to hone her existing capabilities to overcome challenges. If she simply gains a new ability to overcome adversity, she feels she'll never truly master any of her skills.
That is why Zara pushed for this combat opportunity. Truthfully, she couldn't care less whether the one called Sylvia gets to fight Mizuki…that had been a ruse. All along, she'd desired this outcome. While fighting the others in Mizuki's party is instructive, she is so sorely outmatched in ability that Nina and Mizuki don't need to be particularly creative with their combat. Zara feels that limits her training.
Sparring with Alto was better, and Zara is grateful for the lessons she learned about fighting talented mage-style combatants. However, that gap in ability is quickly increasing as well…Zara hasn't won a single match against Alto since she also learned how to turn invisible. If Alto learns how to silence herself and magically track presences like Mizuki…it won't even be a fight anymore.
By contrast, Levi's party is the perfect opponent to help Zara grow as a warrior. Individually, they're capable enough to resist Zara for a while, but they must fight tactically and with everything they have. Working together against her, Zara is riddled with anticipation over the group tactics and skills they'll utilize, and how much she'll need to rise to meet the challenge.
As Zara progresses into the clearing, she returns her attention to Levi's party of four A-rank adventurers. They are still distracted by Mizuki's teleportation and aren't focused on her. That gives her time to consider a plan of action.
Zara already knows that Levi is an assassin type with an invisibility spell. Assessing their personalities and equipment, she is convinced that Sylvia is a physical enhancer and Leo is a mage. Rikard is hard to categorize – his large, muscular frame and candor suggest he's a physical enhancer, but he's also too polite and only carries daggers. She shouldn't rule out the possibility that he's a mage as well.
Zara is sure they'll all assume that she can only do physical enhancement, like other wolf-kin. That gives her a huge advantage. If she maximizes her body enhancement and turns invisible immediately, she can probably take out any one person except Sylvia with an initial surprise attack. She wonders who the best candidate to dispose of quickly would be.
Levi is an obvious choice. His invisibility spell is troublesome, and he's the only human Zara has ever met with sharp enough instincts to know how dangerous Mizuki is. He's also the leader of the party, and her getting rid of him immediately might disrupt their coordination in a way that works to Zara's advantage.
On the other hand, Zara is troubled by Leo. He seems perceptive, and she'd guess he's talented as a tactician. More importantly, fighting Alto has given Zara an appreciation for just how troublesome an A-rank mage can be. If they're clever, their ranged and area-of-effect attacks can mitigate her invisibility advantage by probing the environment. If Rikard is also a mage…two of them would be disastrous.
Zara nods to herself…Leo needs to be taken out as quickly as possible. She'll direct her opening assault at him. If possible, she'll prioritize taking out Levi after that, but it will all depend on how they regroup.
At this time, Levi's party seems to come to terms with Mizuki's teleportation antics, and they begin walking towards Zara. They stop about twenty meters away and brandish their weapons in defensive stances. She draws her sword as well, then quickly mutters an incantation for body enhancement under her breath.
Wolf-kin have hearing and smell that is far superior to humans, so much that Zara can hear everything Levi's party whispers across the clearing. She hears Sylvia mutter a similar incantation, and she hears Leo address the group.
"Most likely, she'll try using her wolf-kin speed and strength to reduce our numbers with an opening assault. At this distance, an alteration class can probably reach us in a couple of seconds. I'd guess she'll target Levi first since she knows about his special ability. Levi, if you stay visible for a few moments to lure her in, we can use the knowledge of where she'll be to converge on her." (Leo)
Zara feels a surge of confidence that targeting Leo first is the right choice. The only reason Leo guessed wrong is because he doesn't know about her extra invisibility skill. If he did…she'd be in trouble.
Her thoughts are interrupted by Mizuki's voice in her head.
[Okay, it looks like you're all in position. As a final reminder…no lethal attacks or maiming that can't be healed. Now, does anyone need a moment to prepare? If not, I'll signal the start of the match soon.] (Mizuki)
Zara is silent…she's ready. Nobody from Levi's party speaks out or signals to Mizuki either…they're ready. Eventually, Mizuki's voice echoes again.
[In that case...on your marks...get set...BEGIN!] (Mizuki)
Zara looks at Levi's party for a couple of seconds, and they stare back at her expectantly. Nobody moves, and she sees Leo's face contort in confusion…that's her opportunity.
Zara flashes a wicked smile towards their party, then activates her invisibility.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
[...BEGIN!] (Mizuki)
Levi hears Mizuki's words echo in his head, and he tenses with anticipation. He agrees with Leo's assessment of the situation…the wolf-kin girl, Zara, is likely to start with an all-out attack to make use of her alteration class.
Levi has fought several wolf-kin on missions for the Empire, and he's familiar with their culture and fighting style. They're direct and like to rely on their own strength. Levi feels that Zara's earlier comments about Sylvia not being worthy to fight Mizuki were quite typical for an adolescent wolf-kin.
Despite that, there's something about the wolf-kin girl that Levi finds unsettling. Part of it is the sword she carries…it's unheard of for wolf-kin to use weapons. As the match's start is signaled by Mizuki, Zara doesn't move, and Levi's unease increases at the distinctly un-wolf-kin behavior.
After a moment, however, she flashes a smile full of bravado, and Levi feels relief briefly. That is…until she disappears entirely. Levi feels himself stiffen from the shock, and he doesn't seem to be the only one that's surprised.
"Invisibility, are you kidding me!? She's wolf-kin, and she carries a sword!" (Sylvia)
"Tch…dark class was unexpected, but that just means we have a bit more time before she can reach us. Let's close ranks so that we can counterattack when she makes a move on one of us!" (Leo)
Levi feels his gut churn at Leo's words. Unlike the rest of them, Levi was there when Zara took her magic assessment...he knows that she can use physical enhancement.
"Leo, no! She-" (Levi)
Levi doesn't get a chance to warn Leo about his miscalculation. Zara materializes in front of Leo, moving at blistering speed, and her knee is driven deep into Leo's gut. In the span of a second, Leo goes flying backwards from the blow and ragdolls across the ground before coming to a stop...he's unconscious.
As Zara lands nimbly on the ground, she immediately pivots towards Levi and turns invisible again. Before she disappears, however, Levi catches her gaze. Zara isn't wearing the frenzied smile he's used to from battle-crazed wolf-kin…her face is serene, and her eyes are cold and calculating.
In that moment, Levi's instincts kick in, and he fully appreciates his opponent for the first time. As Zara exits his field of view, Levi sharpens his resolve and activates his own invisibility spell. Then, he jumps to the side…he intends to evade the attack that it looked like Zara was directing at him.
"GAHH!"
Levi quickly looks towards the source of the pained cry, and notices Sylvia doubled over, as though something was swung into her gut. Levi realizes that Zara must have made herself briefly visible to feign an attack towards him. That way, he wouldn't be able to easily counter her attack on Sylvia. He feels begrudging admiration for Zara.
Fortunately, Sylvia is still conscious and standing after the apparent blow, and she quickly pulls her sword up in front of her. As she does, the clang of metal-on-metal rings out over the battlefield – Sylvia must have blocked a follow-up sword strike from Zara.
Right after Sylvia blocks the invisible sword, a fearsome gale-force wind rips through the area right in front of her. A startled grunt can be heard shortly after, and dust is kicked up as though something is being forcefully dragged through the dirt in the direction away from Sylvia. When the dust clears, a battered Zara can be seen climbing shakily to her feet in the distance.
Levi looks back towards the source of the wind to see Rikard with his hands raised towards Zara's position – he must have cast one of his wind spells. Rikard is an elemental class with wind and fire attributes, and while he's not as talented a mage as Leo, he's worked quite hard to close that skill gap through training.
Sylvia nods towards Rikard gratefully.
"Thanks, Rikard…you really saved me there. Her strength and speed…the invisibility…I had no idea that tiny wolf-kin girl was such a monster. I'd hate to admit it, but…Mizuki was right. I'd have stood zero chance against her alone. If it weren't for my years of sword experience telling me to prepare for that second blow just now, I'd already be knocked out." (Sylvia)
Rikard smiles back, then looks towards Zara seriously.
"No problem, Sylvia. I just did like Leo suggested before…when she exposed her location by attacking you, I took the opportunity to counter. Also, you shouldn't feel bad about not being able to beat her alone. In all honesty, I don't think anyone in our party could." (Rikard)
Unfortunately, Levi agrees with Rikard's assessment. More importantly, if a wolf-kin like Zara was so comfortable announcing herself as the weakest in Mizuki's party, that elf must be horrendously capable. Paired with Nina, an Elder Dragon, and Mizuki, whose power Levi doesn't even want to contemplate…it's no wonder they're not concerned about the Empire.
Levi notices that Zara is rising from the ground after Rikard's vicious blow, so he drops his invisibility spell and rejoins his party – they need a plan to deal with Zara. Seeing him approach, relief is evident on Rikard's and Sylvia's faces. There's no time to waste on pleasantries, though.
"Alright you two, we don't have much time. Here's what we need to do…" (Levi)
Levi briefly outlines his plan to Sylvia and Rikard, and they both nod their agreement without hesitation. As Levi finishes, Sylvia looks off towards Zara and makes an exasperated whining noise.
Following Sylvia's gaze, he sees that the wounds on Zara's skin are healing.
"That's just ridiculous! She can use physical enhancement, invisibility, and now healing!?" (Sylvia)
Levi watches as Zara's healing finishes, and he notices that a deeper gash on her leg doesn't close all the way.
"Actually, I think the healing must be an enchantment on her armor. She didn't use an incantation, and she only performed minor healing." (Levi)
Levi just assumed that Zara had plain armor, or enchanted armor that channels magic into strengthening itself. For alteration class warriors with enough magic power, that virtually ensures that only other alteration class warriors can deal sufficiently damaging blows to them. If she has healing armor…that might be something he can exploit later.
"Tch…how annoying. So, you're another mage after all." (Zara)
Levi's thoughts are interrupted by the sound of Zara muttering bitterly. She seems to have recovered and is advancing towards them.
"Okay! Rikard, Sylvia, time to move!" (Levi)
Levi quickly signals his party to enact the plan they discussed, and they nod their acknowledgement. Rikard takes up position and begins muttering an incantation.
After a moment, wind begins to swirl around Levi's party, becoming more ferocious until they are standing in the center of a practical tornado. The tornado picks up dirt from its surroundings and creates the appearance of them being enclosed by swirling brown walls.
"Nice job, Rikard! Sylvia, get ready to meet her head on as soon as you see an opening in the spell's boundaries! I'll be in position nearby to assist you." (Levi)
Sylvia nods, and Levi quickly activates his invisibility spell.
He hopes this will limit Zara's perception of them until the moment she attacks. Similarly, a parting in the tornado's boundary should give them just enough notice to intercept her. If Sylvia can block and pin her for even a second or two, Levi can ambush Zara with his daggers.
Feeling confident in their plan, they all watch and wait. After a few moments, a break appears in the tornado wall. Unfortunately…
"What the hell!?" (Sylvia)
…the break appears at least five meters up the side of the tornado, but Zara is nowhere to be seen. Then, another break appears almost as high on the other side of the tornado shortly after. Levi feels his gut wrench…there's no time for doubt.
"That was just her checking our locations from above…she must be targeting Rikard! Sylvia, quick!" (Levi)
Without hesitation, Sylvia moves towards the area between Rikard and the tornado's nearest boundary, right as a break appears from that direction. This time, Zara can be clearly seen rocketing towards Rikard with her sword raised over her head for a downward slash.
Zara notices Sylvia moving towards her and grimaces in annoyance. Seeing his opportunity approaching, Levi rushes towards Zara to ambush her.
"Hah! Not on my watch little wolf!" (Sylvia)
Sylvia makes it just in the nick of time to intercept Zara's attack, and their swords clash with tremendous force right next to Rikard. Levi is already closing in for the finishing strike.
Levi notices Zara smile as her sword begins glowing a deep blue, however, and his instincts scream that he's in danger. At the last moment, Levi abandons the strike and throws himself away from Zara as hard as he can, just as lightning pours out from the sword.
An arc of the lightning burns Levi's arm as he dives away, and he watches in horror as it completely envelops Sylvia and Rikard.
"Ahhhhh!"
"GAHHH!"
Levi hits the ground as their screams ring out. Then, they both fall silent and crumple to the ground, unconscious and covered in burns.
As the tornado spell around them dissipates, Zara turns to face the still invisible Levi with a determined expression on her face.
"I may not be able to track you like Mizuki, but you also can't completely hide your presence from a wolf-kin's senses." (Zara)
Levi rises to his feet as he drops his invisibility spell, then he directs an amused look at Zara.
"I've fought wolf-kin before, so I'm pretty confident that your senses are sharper than most. Still, I'm not about to roll over and lose." (Levi)
A rare smile appears on Zara's face briefly, then she points her sword towards him.
"I'm glad to hear it…let's finish this then." (Zara)
Without another word, they both reactivate their invisibility spells, and Levi resolves himself. He knows what he has to do, and it's risky, but it's the only chance he stands of beating Zara.
They can both turn invisible, but she has the advantage in terms of physical prowess, weapon reach, and perception of her opponent's movements. Levi knows that either a fair or prolonged fight is hopeless for him. However, he's a former assassin…he has no intention of facing her head on.
For this one moment, this first assault, he knows where she's starting and where she's going. If he can get her to reveal her exact location for just a second, he can close in for a finishing strike. This all runs through Levi's mind as Zara disappears from his sight.
Without another thought, Levi takes off sprinting towards Zara's last location. At the same time, he moves one of his magic daggers into a throwing position while infusing it with as much magic for self-enhancement as he can. Visualizing the path that she's most likely to have taken to reach him, he throws the dagger as forcefully as he can towards her center of mass.
As the dagger speeds forward, losing the effect of Levi's invisibility spell, it materializes a couple meters in front of him. Shortly after, a pained groan erupts from in front of Levi, and Zara reappears in front of him with a dagger sticking out of her shoulder.
There! Levi notes an exposed critical point, which should incapacitate her without being immediately lethal.
He lunges towards her with his remaining dagger outstretched, infusing it with magic for reinforcement along the way, then thrusts his dagger towards her exposed side.
As Levi feels the blade sinking into Zara's flesh, he sees her face contort in pain and her knees buckle slightly...but her expression is devoid of surprise, there's only resolve.
"Gotcha." (Zara)
As Zara's words squeak out through gritted teeth, Levi feels an iron grip on his wrist that stops the dagger's progress in its tracks. His instincts scream at him of the danger he's in, but it's too late…he can't escape Zara's strength.
Without delay, Levi is violently whipped through the air over Zara's head and slammed into the nearby ground. He feels the air forced from his lungs as he's crushed against the earth, then his vision fades to black.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
"Oooooh…that one looked like it hurt." (Mizuki)
I grimace secondhand while watching Levi's last moments as a conscious man. Zara falls to her knees holding her side for a moment, then stands back up and starts limping towards us. She's in rough shape, but she'll make it.
"Fufufu…yes, but I think the other two had it much worse. That lightning from Zara's sword is quite nasty." (Nina)
"Tch…nothing is as painful as losing consciousness before the fight even starts. At least they got to see part of it." (Leo)
A bitter Leo is sitting on the ground next to me. I've been teleporting Levi's party members to safety and healing them as they were incapacitated, and he woke up a couple of minutes ago.
I teleport the unconscious Levi over to us, and I begin healing him as I give Leo a reassuring smile.
"Hey, take it as a compliment! She considered you such a threat that she expended her only surprise attack on you." (Mizuki)
Leo sighs deeply in response, but he doesn't say anything. As I finish healing Levi, Zara arrives in front of me.
She's covered in her own blood and sweat, has multiple gashes that are still partially bleeding, and she looks like she's so tired that she can barely stand. She gives me a weak smile, then pulls the remaining dagger out of her side with a pained groan and collapses into a seated position on the ground.
I sit down beside her and begin healing her injuries. After a couple of minutes, she's physically fine but still seems exhausted. I infuse her with some of my own magic like I did to Alara once upon a time, and that seems to perk her up. She nods gratefully to me.
"Thank you, Mizuki, that feels much better. Levi's party…they were remarkably strong. I barely managed that one. Honestly, if I had to do it again with them knowing all my abilities...I doubt I'd win." (Zara)
Leo snorts and shakes his head in exasperation.
"We're the strongest adventuring party in Elmesia and possibly the world – not counting the obvious farce that is Mizuki's party. The fact that we were overpowered by a single fifteen-year-old wolf-kin girl is beyond embarrassing. Us probably being able to beat you once we've fully prepared for all your skills and abilities…that's hardly a consolation." (Leo)
What does he mean, farce?
"Actually, I'm sixteen." (Zara)
Leo stares back at Zara blankly, like he's waiting for her to crack a smile over a joke. However, she just maintains eye contact seriously. He obviously doesn't know how to respond to her treating that like it's a relevant difference.
Before they can continue their discussion, Sylvia starts to groan and stir, then Rikard follows closely behind. As Sylvia sits up and takes in her surroundings, she glances at Levi lying unconscious on the floor, then the alert and conscious Zara, and she sighs dejectedly.
"Tch… Levi's involuntary nap must mean that our entire party was defeated by a wolf-kin child. Zara, was it? I can't even begin to tell you how unfair it is that you can use physical enhancement, invisibility, minor healing, and even lightning. Your sword skills are first rate, too. Honestly, it's hard to feel bad about losing to such a monster. You're not seriously the weakest party member, are you? I'm hoping that was a joke." (Sylvia)
"Sylvia, don't call her such names! She's still a young lady! Zara, I'm sorry, please don't take that personally. I thought you fought quite admirably, and while your abilities are certainly unfair, it's obvious that wasn't the only reason you beat us. You clearly put in many hours honing your skills to a masterful level. Uhm…I must say though, I also want to know if you being the weakest party member was a joke." (Rikard)
I suppress my urge to laugh at Rikard…he's obviously a total teddy bear. Zara just finished beating the absolute stuffing out of him and his friends, rather ruthlessly, and he's worried about her being treated like a young lady.
I notice Levi regaining consciousness next to me, but I seem to be the only one.
"Fufufu…I am not offended. Thank you both for your kind words. Truthfully, I learned a lot from this fight with adventurers as skilled as yourselves. I'm grateful I got this opportunity to see your experience firsthand. As for your question…yes, it's true. That is not a joke I would make. I am now incapable of besting Alto in our sparring matches, and the gap in our abilities only continues to widen sadly." (Zara)
"HAHAHAHA! Dear friends, since we're joining Mizuki's party now, I suppose that makes us the weakest party members! How shameful...we must strive to improve." (Rikard)
While Rikard continues laughing good naturedly, Sylvia's staring at me nervously.
"Zara…what you're saying…can I assume that Alto, who you can't even beat, is still the second weakest in your party?" (Sylvia)
Zara nods matter-of-factly, and Alto backs her up.
"Your inference is correct, Sylvia. I stand zero chance of besting Nina or Mizuki in a fight." (Alto)
Sylvia goes pale and falls silent. However, Leo nods confidently.
"So, it's as I suspected after all. Other than Nina, Mizuki is the strongest member of your party by a decent margin. Elder Dragons are viewed as gods by some races like the fey and spirits, so it's no surprise that Nina's mate would be strong. Plus, I've never even heard of most of Mizuki's spells, and he does them without incantations, just like Elder Dragons." (Leo)
Zara gives her characteristic snicker over the misunderstanding, and Leo turns to her in confusion. I'm about to send her a thought message to just play along, but another voice cuts me off.
"You're wrong, Leo. Nina may be an Elder Dragon, but I'm certain…Mizuki is easily the strongest member of their party. My instincts have been telling me so since I first met them, and me learning Nina's identity hasn't changed that. I suspect that is the reason Zara is laughing at you." (Levi)
A now conscious Levi is sitting up, rubbing his head gingerly. However, he's also staring at me with an expression that's a mix of fear and curiosity. Hearing Levi's remark, Leo looks to Zara incredulously, like 'that true?'.
Zara just smirks and turns towards me with a questioning gaze. After a moment, I sigh and nod. If they're really joining our party and putting themselves in danger to help us, they might as well know the truth.
Zara turns back towards an expectant Leo and grins viciously.
"Fufufu…Levi is correct. He has very impressive instincts for a human." (Zara)
Leo, Sylvia, and Rikard stare at Zara dumbfounded, then glance at me in unison. I nod my acknowledgement, and they frantically turn to Nina.
"If you're expecting me to deny it, I must disappoint you. Fufufu…my mate is someone that even Elder Dragons shouldn't dare antagonize. That emperor was truly foolish to threaten Mizuki's friends – they're lucky that he didn't crush the whole country." (Nina)
At that comment, even Levi turns to me in shock.
"Mizuki, you could really do that!?" (Levi)
Levi directs the question at me with a borderline hysterical tone. I sigh deeply.
"I would never engage in such indiscriminate violence, Levi. Please don't look at me like that." (Mizuki)
Levi seems to calm down, but only slightly. However, Leo begins laughing maniacally. I turn to him in shock…I didn't know he could show emotion like that.
"Fufufufu…hey Sylvia! I bet you feel like a real moron for insulting Mizuki so aggressively in the council room earlier, huh? You should see your face right now!" (Leo)
Leo begins laughing again, and Sylvia looks at him like he's insane. Honestly…fair.
"Leo, have you completely lost it? How are you not terrified by this information!?" (Sylvia)
Leo stops laughing abruptly, and stares at Sylvia in complete confusion.
"Why would I be? When you think about it, Nina can also decimate a country, and she basically goes along with Mizuki's wishes. Did you not notice that Nina wanted to snap you in half for your rude comments towards Mizuki earlier today? If anything, Mizuki seems to be the more patient of the two, so learning that he's stronger should be reassuring. That said…" (Leo)
Leo turns to look at me thoughtfully, like he's studying a lab specimen. That's…creepy.
"…it's quite interesting how a human could be so strong. I have no shortage of questions about his abilities, origins, nature, and many other things. So, I'd say this revelation has increased my curiosity more than my anxiety." (Leo)
Rikard nods along at Leo's comments, then turns to me with a good-natured smile.
"If Leo says it's fine, I don't think we have anything to worry about! I look forward to working with you, Mizuki." (Rikard)
Oh, what the hell…might as well lean into the madness. I give Rikard a blistering grin.
"Thanks, Rikard, likewise!" (Mizuki)
I turn to Sylvia and smirk.
"Although, I'm sorry to say that your party stipulated a condition to joining my party, which I have yet to fulfill. Sylvia, you wanted to fight me alone, right? What do you say…want to have that match now?" (Mizuki)
All the color drains from Sylvia's face. Eventually, she recovers enough to speak.
"N-No, that's okay! Zara beat us fair and square, so you can consider that stipulation retracted! We're happy to be included, right Levi?" (Sylvia)
Sylvia turns to Levi with a pleading expression, and it's enough to break the remaining tension on his face. He lets out a lighthearted laugh briefly before responding.
"Fufufufu…yeah, thanks for welcoming us aboard, Mizuki. We promise to keep the true extent of your power a secret, and I think that's for the best anyway. So, now that everyone has recovered from Zara's beating, should we head back to the guild and make this official?" (Levi)
I look at each of the people around me in turn, meeting the gazes of everyone in my and Levi's parties, and they all communicate their support. I guess we're doing this then.
I turn back to Levi with a huge smile and nod approvingly.
"Sounds good to me! Well then, let's go invite some chaos into our lives." (Mizuki)
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
As we approach the guild, it becomes increasingly apparent that Gerard has already spread the word about our situation as I asked him to. Some expressions are fearful, some hostile, and some even grateful, but almost everyone stares.
"It seems that word of our meeting with the council has spread…we should prepare for a tense welcome at the guild." (Alto)
That's a serious understatement, but I nod my agreement.
When we finally enter the guild, the raucous laughter dies abruptly, and dozens of stares fixate on us. Yup…we're totally not leaving here conflict-free. I sigh deeply, and we make our way over to reception.
Melanie takes in my arrival with a nervous expression. Come on now, Melanie, don't tell me you're surprised that I survived you selling me out. I direct a smirk at her.
"What's the matter, Melanie? You worried about your little stunt with Gerard?" (Mizuki)
Her face goes pale.
"W-Wait a second, Mizuki, I was just doing my job! There's no need to take that personally. Gerard told me that you sorted things out, and that I'm to assist you with whatever you request!" (Melanie)
I make a placating gesture and smile, and Melanie seems to relax.
"No worries, Melanie, I'm not upset with you. I just couldn't resist teasing you a little. Speaking of requests, Levi here and his party members have decided to join my party. Also, Alto and Zara have completed the job requirements for A-rank, and just need to take their exam with Gerard. Can you assist us with both matters?" (Mizuki)
Melanie makes an annoyed face at the mention of me teasing her, but she quickly becomes shocked by my requests. I hear several whispers emerge behind me as well.
"Uhm…well, regarding Zara and Alto, Gerard left instructions earlier to promote them to S-rank once the job requirements were met for A-rank. He said something about seeing enough of you for a lifetime, and the private exam being pointless. As for the other matter…Levi, is what Mizuki says true?" (Melanie)
Damn, Gerard, do you just not give a shit anymore?
Levi steps forward and nods politely at Melanie.
"Yes, Melanie, that's correct. We'd like to join Mizuki's party officially. However, we'd like to keep our A-rank status for now…we're not in a hurry to garner the same notoriety that Mizuki has by advancing to S-rank." (Levi)
Well, I want to be offended that he just implied everyone hates me, but...yeah. Melanie's eyes widen in surprise at Levi's confirmation, and the whispers behind me intensify.
"Okay, I understand. Mizuki, that will bring your party total to eight, which is the guild's maximum allowance. Are you okay with that?" (Melanie)
"Yes, that's fine. Thank you, Melanie. Zara and Alto, please hand over your guild cards so she can officialize your rank up!" (Mizuki)
They nod and comply, and Melanie smiles as she takes their cards and disappears into the back of the guild. After she disappears, I detect something behind me with magic sense. I quickly slow time and turn around to inspect the magic signature.
To my surprise, there's a man flying towards me in slow motion with a dagger aimed at my neck. I recognize him…it's that hothead from Kent's party that accosted me last time and got his wrists temporarily broken.
He's clearly trying to kill me, even after I let him off with a warning the first time. I sigh deeply. I can't afford to let it slide…there has to be a proportionate response from me.
In one smooth motion, I step forward and grab his neck and the wrist of his dagger hand, then I drop the time spell. He immediately begins struggling while making a choking noise. At this point, my party and others in the guild start to register what happened.
"Alright, all of you listen up…I'm only going to say this once! It seems that this man had enough of an issue with me or my party to try and murder a fellow adventurer. If that also applies to any of you, you should know something…" (Mizuki)
I squeeze and flick my wrist on the man's neck, and I feel a sharp snap before he goes limp. There are a few cries of surprise from within the guild.
One man jumps up, but he's quickly grabbed on the shoulder and pushed back into his seat by another man – the now dead attacker's companion from last time. The pair are watching me carefully.
I set the poor man that attacked me down against a nearby wall, and I shut his eyes. Then, I turn back towards the guild and stare at them evenly for a moment. The guild hall falls eerily silent.
"…while I don't like it, people who try to take my life or the lives of my party members will die – no exceptions, and no second chances. I'm sure Gerard has told you all the situation by now. So, if you want me out of the picture because you're afraid of the Empire, or just because you hate me…step forward. I'll fight you in single combat, to the death, with no help from my party." (Mizuki)
I glance around the guild hall, looking for any potential threats. After a few moments, nobody moves or speaks up. However, the two guys that almost made a move are still looking at me murderously. I lock eyes with them.
"Your hostile stares aren't going unnoticed." (Mizuki)
After a moment, the guy that tried to stand up before, does so again, and he forcefully slaps the other guy's hand off his shoulder. He directs a venomous glare at me.
"I'll gladly take you on."
I nod at him and look to the other guy.
"Care to join your friend for support?" (Mizuki)
The one I'm addressing clenches his jaw and shakes his head. Huh…smarter than I thought.
I turn back to the guy that wants to kill me.
"Okay. Before we do this, I think you owe everyone here an explanation. Adventuring is a dangerous enough job without us turning on each other. This man here…" (Mizuki)
I gesture towards the fresh corpse against the wall, and the other adventurers become clearly uncomfortable.
"…I killed in self-defense. So, what about you? What is your justification for wanting me dead?" (Mizuki)
I direct the final questions towards the man who has agreed to my deathmatch. His face twists into a scowl.
"Don't play dumb…I know that your party killed Kent, and two more of our fellow adventurers as well."
Intense whispering breaks out among the adventurers, and many of them are staring at me expectantly. Well, it's about time we finally bring that whole situation to light. After all, Elmesia has bigger issues.
"That's a serious accusation…why would we do something like that?" (Mizuki)
The man looks confused then angered by the question, but his companion grimaces.
"I…who cares why you did it! We all know you're guilty…everyone here has heard about what you did!"
The man gestures towards the other adventurers in the room, and there's a round of quiet confirmations.
"You say that everyone has heard about it, but from who? What evidence did they provide to make you all so convinced? I'm very curious about the source of your certainty." (Mizuki)
The adventurers all begin whispering and looking between one another. They grow louder for a while, but as they quiet down, most of them seem to be staring at one person – the man's companion. The companion meets my gaze with a frustrated expression.
"Well then, it seems like you're the one that everyone heard these rumors from. Would you like to tell us all why you're so sure that I killed Kent, and why I would do such a thing?" (Mizuki)
The man turns to his companion expectantly.
"Lewis, tell them what you told me! We can finally get this guy for what he did!"
Lewis looks at me hesitantly. Oh yeah…Lewis spread some BS about why Kent was killed.
"That's right, Lewis, tell everyone what happened. After all, your friend here has obviously been misinformed to be so angry with me. Knowing that, are you really about to let him fight me to the death?" (Mizuki)
Lewis grimaces, but the man interjects first.
"Shut your mouth! Are you just going to lie and pretend you people didn't kill Kent!?"
"Not at all. After Nina was registered with my party, and Kent failed to recruit her, he and those other two tried to ambush and kill me in the woods. They thought Nina would join them if I was dead. Apparently, Kent wasn't above killing fellow adventurers to get his way. So, I killed Kent and the other two, just like I killed that poor man leaned against the wall over there – in self-defense. If you think I'm lying, why don't you ask Lewis?" (Mizuki)
The adventurers begin whispering again, but this time it seems that they're conflicted.
"Do you think that could be true!?"
"No way, you've met Kent, he was a good guy."
"I don't know…this isn't the first time I've heard rumors about him bullying new adventurers."
"Now that you mention it, Mizuki and Nina have never gone out of their way to hurt someone…them killing him for no reason seems strange."
Hearing the tone of the crowd, the man turns to Lewis expectantly. However, Lewis can't look him in the eye. After a moment…
"Don't fight him, Tate." (Lewis)
Tate's eyes go wide in surprise as he glances between Lewis and me. And the whispering in the guild intensifies.
"Lewis…what are you…" (Tate)
Tate keeps staring at Lewis, but Lewis seems to have said all he's willing to. I see Tate's expression of anger towards me break for the first time…then it's directed at Lewis.
"Lewis, how could you keep that from us!? Lark…he's dead because he thought…" (Tate)
Lewis's face grows more shameful at the mention of who I assume is the corpse I created. He quickly rises from the table and pushes past Tate, then exits the guild. After, the guild erupts in angry discussion.
Levi catches my gaze and looks at me questioningly and hopefully…like he's asking for me to trust him. I'm a little hesitant at first, but I nod my approval eventually.
Levi steps forward and clears his throat. The guild begins to quiet down as he prepares to speak. I just watch him curiously.
"Everyone…please listen to me. I know they aren't the only ones who take issue with Mizuki. Some of you think he doesn't deserve his ranking. Others of you probably think that, regardless of what Gerard said, the Empire would have left us alone if it wasn't for Mizuki. Am I right?" (Levi)
Almost a third of the adventurers either nod or grunt their assent, though they look embarrassed doing it. Levi nods back empathetically.
"I understand, I do…you've heard that he can't use magic, and the Empire left Elmesia alone for centuries before Mizuki's party massacred their Emperor. You're thinking…how could he possibly have earned an S-rank when he's so weak? How could he not be responsible if the Empire suddenly invades? Why would Levi and the others join the party of someone like that?" (Levi)
This time more adventurers voice their assent confidently…almost half. Levi nods thoughtfully.
"Well, let me tell you…we joined his party because we know the truth. First, Mizuki's not weak. If you're not convinced by what he did to a B-rank in front of you just now, then ask my party. That wolf-kin girl, Zara, beat us all at once today singlehandedly, and she insists that she's the weakest member of Mizuki's group." (Levi)
Murmurs of disbelief circulate among the adventurers. After a moment, Sylvia steps forward slightly, and they quiet down.
"I think you all know that I call things how I see them, and I'm not the most patient person." (Sylvia)
That solicits a round of tense laughter and sarcastic comments from the other adventurers.
"Yeah, yeah, shut up you morons. The point is, you should know that I mean it when I tell you…Levi's not messing around. Everyone in Mizuki's party, including the man himself, is the real deal. Since Mizuki's weakest party member just beat my ass today, the next time I hear any of you say he doesn't deserve his ranking, I'll assume you think you can take me one-on-one." (Sylvia)
I see a lot of wide eyes following Sylvia's statement, and it's clear her words carry a lot of weight with the other adventurers. In this regard, at least, she's perhaps even more trusted than Levi.
A contemplative silence falls over the guild, and Levi capitalizes on the less tense atmosphere.
"The second thing I can assure you is…the Empire was coming for this place eventually with or without Mizuki. If you're wondering how I could know that…it's because…" (Levi)
Levi seems to hesitate, and he looks about as nervous as I've ever seen him. What the hell is going on?
The other adventurers notice his strange behavior as well and seem to listen more intently. Sylvia steps forward and places a hand on Levi's shoulder comfortingly, and nods at him to continue. Levi gives her a light smile.
"…it's because…I'm a soldier that defected from the Empire years ago. I was part of an elite squad for reconnaissance and assassinations that reported directly to Belmod's father. Spying on Elmesia, talk of invading it…these were all common. Belmod was especially reputed for such things. I'm certain that he would have invaded this place within the next few years, even without Mizuki's intervention." (Levi)
Holy shit…Levi's apprehension about anything involving the Empire makes more sense now. They don't seem the type to treat defecting lightly.
Also, didn't Belmod mention something about a spy with an invisibility spell affinity going missing while investigating the Elven Kingdom? That had to have been Levi…what are the odds of two invisible men going missing from the Empire around the same time? Plus, I always thought it was strange that someone with that skill could be caught by the elves. I wonder why he abandoned his mission…
The other adventurers seem to share my surprise at Levi's story, even Leo and Rikard, and they all begin whispering intently. Levi's face seems to grow more apprehensive. I direct a thought message to him and all the other members of our parties.
[Levi…I think I can guess some of what happened, assuming you're the spy that was sent to investigate the elves. I respect that you didn't sell them out. I also appreciate you sharing your history just to help me. To be clear, I won't let the Empire or anyone else harm people in my party – that includes your group.] (Mizuki)
All the members of my new party look to me in surprise, and I see Levi smile gratefully. Alto seems to draw some inferences from my comment and looks at Levi curiously. I guess she's increasing her opinion of him, since he protected her people without even asking for a thank you.
I turn my attention back to the adventurers in the guild and step forward to gather their attention. They all look to me expectantly. Thankfully, while several of them seem nervous and conflicted, I don't see any more hostility towards me…that's a good start.
"Levi and his party have done their best to put your minds at ease, so let me follow their example. It's beyond unfortunate that this man Lark lost his life today. However, while his motivations were tragic, he still tried to kill me without warning – I won't apologize for or regret how I handled that. My only hope is that we can avoid unnecessary violence or distrust between one another going forward. To that end, if anyone has issues with or concerns regarding my party, let's address them now." (Mizuki)
The room is silent for several moments, as the adventurers look between one another nervously. Eventually, one adventurer stands up calmly and looks me directly in the eye.
"I've always felt that adventurers need to look out for one another, so I can accept that Kent and the other three brought their fate on themselves. My only question is this…is your party really willing to take on the Empire's army if it comes to that?"
I don't flinch from his gaze.
"My face will be the very first one they see, I assure you." (Mizuki)
As the man studies my face, gauging my sincerity, another man stands up.
"Yah really think we can drive the Empire's army back if they come for us?"
I turn towards him and smile viciously.
"Fufufu…you should know that Belmod had sixty-eight guards, all of which were alteration class with power levels around three. While they're dead, my party left without a scratch. So, understand that I don't pick fights I can't win…that's why Gerard and the rest of the council sided with us." (Mizuki)
The guild hall grows morbidly silent for several minutes. I decide to press on.
"Well, it seems like we've said our piece…all that's left is for you all to decide. I'm not asking you to be our friends, or even to like us. I just want us to have enough professional courtesy that the only violence Elmesia's adventurers face is from monsters or the Empire. What do you say?" (Mizuki)
The room is quiet at first, then…
"Justified or not…I'll never forget what you just did to Lark, and I'm not sure I can forgive you either. Still, I won't be coming after you or your party…I can at least agree that there's been enough violence." (Tate)
The man who watched me kill his friend earlier, Tate, stares at me with a bitter but resigned expression. Then, he goes to retrieve Lark's body and leaves the guild quietly. I know it's insensitive to wonder, but…can he just take that dude's corpse like he owns it, no questions asked?
"Well, if Tate can put the past behind him, I don't think the rest of us have any right to hold a grudge."
My thoughts are interrupted by another adventurer's comment, and a chorus of assent follows his statement. I bow to them briefly.
"Thank you all…I'm glad to know we won't be at odds going forward. Please let me or another of my party know if you hear anything about the Empire, and we'll make sure to keep our promise." (Mizuki)
There are several nods of acknowledgements around the room, then a tense silence ensues. I turn to face my party, and they all stare back at me expectantly. I sense sympathy from Nina.
I smile at them all softly.
"This day turned far more serious than I was expecting, but I'm glad that everything seems to have worked out. I appreciate everyone's support, especially you two, Levi and Sylvia. There's still more we need to do, I'm sure, but…for now, let's call it a day." (Mizuki)
My new collection of party members nods briefly in sequence, and I breathe a sigh of relief. The next couple weeks are going to hold many challenges, so I'm thankful to have friends that I can count on.
I'm ready to go home and spend time with them.