Act Eight - The Grand Tournament

> Ellie PoV

“I think that went rather well, all things considered!” (Kira)

Kira said so pleasantly while staring at the large number of corpses in front of us.

“That’s one way of putting it, Red. I almost felt bad for these Spider-Bears.” (Kelly)

They’re called Spider-Bears because they’re brown bears with eight long legs.

None of them swung on webs though, which was disappointing.

I suppose it would be impossible since they’re about two times larger than your average bear.

“You say that, but you really ran wild back there.” (Ellie)

She was particularly vicious today, she has no right to say that sort of thing.

I think she was just over-excited to have Scrappy back in working order.

“This one agrees with the Mistress. Milady Darkhand did not hold back at all.” (Ariel)

“Only when spoken to, pigeon-fart!” (Kira)

“Hnnnng!” (Ariel)

“I really wish she’d stop calling me that, though. It’s too long!” (Kelly)

“Ariel, make sure you call her Kelly in the future. This is an order.” (Kira)

“Hahn! Yes, Mistress!” (Ariel)

“There, done.” (Kira)

“That was easy.” (Kelly)

“Yeah… if only that worked for me…” (Kira)

Ariel likes to call me and Kira as ‘Mistress.’

I don’t particularly mind since she doesn’t mean anything bad.

Even so, Kira seems to dislike it.

She tried to order Ariel to call her something else.

Ariel tried many things, but somehow none were pleasing to Kira.

She tried Milady, My Liege, Princess, Queen, Empress, Dame and a few others.

I think they’re all fitting for Kira in their own way.

Especially Overlord, it has an excellent sort of appeal to it.

Unfortunately they were all rejected.

And Ariel seriously does not want to call Kira by her name.

Says such a thing is something she is unworthy of.

Well, she can’t refuse it if we order it, but something tells me we should avoid that.

It might create a feedback loop and make her explode.

Just like a poorly maintained PLR-45 Sidearm.

“By the way, are Ariel and Nano getting along okay?” (Kira)

{No problems. It seems she’s thinking that I’m her superior as a senior servant or something along those lines.}

“Is this one’s assumption not correct, Master Nano?” (Ariel)

{No, no, you’re technically right. I’m just here to support Ellie and Kira after all.}

“So in the end she’s at the very bottom in this little flying perch we have going, huh?” (Kelly)

“That is more or less what she wants, though…” (Kira)

{Ah, the girls want to come out and greet you all.}

“No! Keep them inside! I’m going to go keep them company, you three sort these out, we’re almost back the capital!” (Kira)

“Okay Kira!” (Ellie)

“Yes, Mistress!” (Ariel)

“Sure, let me just get out of Scrappy.” (Kelly)

Kira heads inside the tower while the three of us start dismantling the pile of corpses.

Truthfully, Kira gets squeamish when it comes to this type of thing.

Beheading that Elder Dragon made her lose her appetite for a few days.

I’m used to carving flesh and blood gushing out so it’s no big deal for me.

Kelly and Ariel, on the other hand, are experienced at dismantling monsters for parts.

We brought 40 of the Spider-Bear carcasses onto our flying front lawn.

That’s as many as four tens!

And that’s terrible!

If Sophie or Lara were to see them, that is.

There were about 90 corpses in total, but we only brought along those in decent condition.

Since their bits and pieces are expensive materials when properly taken apart.

The fur in particular is really soft!

I wonder if Nano can make some stuffed toys for the girls with it?

The meat, I’m not so sure about - it looks stringy and tough to chew.

The really precious materials are in the head.

Eyes, teeth and brains are in high demand as alchemical ingredients.

Monster materials like this are the real reward for subjugating a Monster Hole!

Ah, this time it was an actual hole in the ground, which meant Ariel couldn’t fly around.

But she did show off the offensive power of her enchanted voice.

Apparently, it's a special trait common along her people.

It seems she can even choose her targets when using that sort of magic.

Even though the sound is traveling in all directions.

The result was that we were unharmed while several Spider-Bears had their heads exploded after several seconds!

It seems that her magic voice echoed inside the cave and was amplified!

As expected, her Rank A wasn’t just for show!

Kira had to scold her thoroughly for that display, however.

You can’t collect the valuable things if the heads are turned to paste, you see.

Just like how you can’t salvage electronics from security bots melted by a PLR-45 Sidearm.

Huh.

“Nano, do we have any PLR-45 Sidearms lying around?” (Ellie)

I started feeling a bit nostalgic since that was the first gun I ever got.

{You know, I was thinking the same thing earlier. Unfortunately no, we don’t.}

Shame, I think it would really suit someone like Ariel.

{We do have fifty PLR-76 Rifles, though! I should be able to jury-rig one together!}

“Good! Let’s do that!” (Ellie)

{You got it! I’ll let you know how it turns out!}

Rifles are no good, they’re too big, especially the PLR-70 series.

Those were made for species with superior muscle mass that could withstand the recoil.

Or those who have undergone strength-enhancing gene therapy.

Mine is the agility-enhancing type, so I can’t use them either.

Even though Nano boosts my strength, it's not quite enough.

“Ellie, what sort of drink is this Pee Ale Arr? Is it tasty?” (Kelly)

“It’s a weapon, not a drink.” (Ellie)

“Bah, how come you didn’t bring any alcohol from that fancy world of yours!?” (Kelly)

Technically it’s parallel universe, but it’s a weird concept for the people here, so we just call it a 'world.'

{We did, though the bottles were all smashed up in the cra-, I mean, landing.}

“Shame.” (Kelly)

* * *

“Good day Ellie!” (Clara)

“Good day Clara. I’m here to report our successful subjugation of the Spider-Bear Monster Hole.” (Ellie)

“Already!? This is the fourth Rank A commission this week!” (Clara)

“I’m part of an excellent team.” (Ellie)

Also, our flying home is really convenient.

It lets us travel in comfort to and from our destination!

It’s much faster than walking and we can carry almost all the spoils back on it!

But most important of all - our daughters are both safe and nearby!

This is a way better use of the Flight Badge than what we originally planned!

“And are those things behind you the proof of subjugation?” (Clara)

She points to the trolley behind me.

It’s loaded with various jars.

“That’s right. Where should I drop them off?” (Ellie)

“Just leave them there, I’ll call someone to take care of it. One moment, please.” (Clara)

She goes off to the back room somewhere.

Hmm, while I’m here I might as well check on the request board.

It’s near the counter anyway, so I’m within earshot if she needs me.

Let’s see…

That guy’s still looking for a swordsmanship tutor for his son.

Northern mountain range pathfinding expedition, that’s a bit odd.

Oh, it’s posted on behalf of Goldrim, must be related to the dwarven country.

Well, we more or less stopped interacting with those two.

Since they were accepted into the Royal Palace as guests of honor, we don’t have much to do with them anymore.

There’s no other monster hole subjugation requests, huh?

Well, it’s not like those things pop up all the time around the capital.

Would be different in Runetap, though.

‘Explore the mysterious underwater cave at the bottom of the Mirelian Ocean’ seems interesting.

“Nano, we don’t have any underwater exploration gear, right?” (Ellie)

{That’s a fair point, it might be useful in the future. I’ll check with the others if there’s some magic tool already available for that sort of thing.}

“Yeah! Good idea!” (Ellie)

Kira, Ariel and Kelly have the combined magical knowledge of three excellent adventurers!

Sorry, two adventurers and one mercenary.

Kelly still refuses to register with the guild, but it’s not that big a deal anyway.

According to Ariel, there are some City States to the east that outright hate the guild.

Having someone like Kelly along would be useful in case we end up going there.

Oh, right, the underwater exploration request!

It’s Rank B so the reward isn’t terrible, but the request seems rather sketchy.

As in, rather than an actual map or directions, there’s a rough sketch of the area that needs to be investigated.

A sketch of the ocean doesn’t really provide a lot of information...

Ah, Clara’s back with another clerk.

“Ellie, this is Powell. He will be taking care of the verification.” (Clara)

“Good day, Mrs Quasse.” (Powell)

“Good day.” (Ellie)

“Are these the Spider-Bear components?” (Powell)

Powell looks to be a young man around 20 years old.

I don’t think we’ve met before.

“That’s right. Forty sets in total. Please confirm them.” (Ellie)

“Forty you say! Dismantling this many must have been a grizzly scene!” (Powell)

“Ugh…” (Clara)

Oh, I see how it is.

“That’s right. My partner actually finds that sort of work really unbearable.” (Ellie)

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to pry. It must be something quite embearrasing for an adventurer to admit.” (Powell)

“Grrrr…” (Clara)

“It’s okay. I don’t mind working with my bear hands, so I take care of it in her stead.” (Ellie)

“That must be quite fortunate for her. Now, could you bear with me while I ask you some questions?” (Powell)

“Uuuugh!” (Clara)

“The usual ones for the record, yes? I’ve already prebeared for them, so go ahead.” (Ellie)

“Then, can you pawsibly tell me how many you dispatched in total” (Powell)

“There were close to 90 of them inside the den, abearantly.” (Ellie)

“That’s a bit less than expected, but very well. Were there any abearations you noticed?” (Powell)

“Nothing major. The only thing that stands out is that the den seems much deeper than we thought. It was hard keeping our bearings in there.” (Ellie)

“Beary good, Mrs Quasse. That will be all. I will return shortly with the compensation.” (Powell)

“I understand. I will wait patiently fur your return.” (Ellie)

He drags the trolley off into the back with a satisfied smile on his face.

I’m making one too, it’s rare to find a worthy oppunent in this country!

Hmm?

Clara seems to have retreated back to her counter in the middle of that exchange.

Well, her part in the conversation was more or less over with the introduction.

Now then, back to the request board.

‘Escort our caravan to the-’

“Ack! It’s you!” (Cat-folk Adventurer)

“Hmm?” (Ellie)

There’s a group of five men standing at the entrance to the guild.

Three humans, one dwarf and one cat-folk.

The one in front, the cat-man, is pointing at me with an angry face.

I think I’ve seen him before, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

I’ve met several cat-folk adventurers before.

Well, more like ‘educated’ rather than ‘met.’

But black fur like his is rather common, so I have trouble recognizing him.

It’s really hard for me to tell them apart by their face.

It may be a bit racist, but they all sort of look the same to me.

“Who’s this, boss?” (Human Swordsman)

“This is her! One of those people that cost me that big score half a year ago!” (Cat-folk Adventurer)

Half a year ago?

Oh, he turned to face his comrade, so I can see his profile!

“If it isn’t Flatface!? Fancy meeting you here!” (Ellie)

I forgot his real name though.

I think it started with a G?

“Guh! I told you to stop calling me that!” (Flatface)

“But it fits so well…” (Ellie)

“Oh no you don’t! I’m onto you! I’m not falling for your cheap provocations!” (Flatface)

I’m not trying to provoke him though.

Not this time anyway.

“It was my bad. I’m sorry for being rude just now.” (Ellie)

Clara, who’s watching at us from behind the counter, seems rather disappointed.

I do want to show off a bit since a fan is watching, but antagonizing him without good reason is pointless.

“So what’s a lowly Rank B like yourself doing here?” (Flatface)

Rank A is important to Kira so she would definitely correct him here.

But since she’s not here, I will do it in her stead.

Since I’m the wife.

“We’re Rank A now though.” (Ellie)

“Hah! As if a coward like yourself could ever be-” (Flatface)

I hold up my Adventurer’s Card so they can clearly see it.

He shuts up immediately when he sees the gold border.

I guess this sort of situation is why they look different from regular cards, huh?

“Oh! A new Rank A? Congratulations, girlie!” (Dwarf Adventurer)

“And you chose Enforcer, huh? That’s rather noble of you to help out the guards like that!” (Human Swordsman)

“Dragonbane? Don’t tell me you’re part of the rumored team that took down that Elder Dragon!” (Human Mage)

“Ellie of [Black Flame]?! My sister’s a big fan! Could you give me your autograph for her?” (Human Shieldbearer)

“Sure, I don’t mind! Clara?” (Ellie)

“Of course, Ellie! Here you go!” (Clara)

I put away my card and accept the paper and pen from Clara.

She always seems prepared for impromptu autographs sessions like this.

Well, usually it’s for one of Clara's friends, though.

“Ah, her name’s Firea!” (Human Shieldbearer)

‘To Firea - All the best and be more mindful of your big brother. ’

I write that out, add my signature and hand it to him.

“Ah! Thank you very much!” (Human Shieldbearer)

That second bit is something he was too embarrassed to request, but I added it anyway.

Flatface is just staring at this happening, still unable to think properly.

Maybe he broke?

“Mrs Quasse, I have your compensation ready.” (Powell)

Ah, that clerk is back with a sizable coin purse.

I gratefully accept it from him and tie it to my belt.

“Hey Powell! Where’s that Spider-Bear subjugation request?” (Human Mage)

“Ah, that one was completed just recently.” (Powell)

“But it was right here yesterday!” (Human Mage)

“Yes, the team that completed it did so in one day.” (Powell)

I see, he can’t really say it was us since that would be giving away personal information.

“Look, you know I’m a Seeker of Knowledge, so just tell me who did it! I’m curious to know how they made that trip so quickly!” (Human Mage)

Oh right, these guys were Rank A and also have their own Perks.

Well, it’s fine, it’s not that big a deal anyway.

“Very well, if you insist. It was actually Mrs Quasse and her team.” (Powell)

They stare at me in surprise, so I nod back to them.

This seems to snap Flatface out of his stupor.

He seems to have decided I stole his request somehow.

Misdirected anger much?

He should be more like his teammates.

“Wow, as expected huh?” (Human Shieldbearer)

“Well, they do have that flying fortress that’s looming over the city, it’s not that big a surprise.” (Dwarf Adventurer)

“There’s gaps like this even within the same Rank, huh?” (Human Swordsman)

{“Ellie, we're done at the castle, so come meet up with us!"} (Kira)

“Excuse me, but I have to run. Bye Clara.” (Ellie)

“Bye Ellie!” (Clara)

As I start to leave, I walk past the 5-man team, but Flatface has a silly idea.

He has decided to steal the coin purse off me in some misguided revenge plan.

So I effortlessly grab his hand that has a small blade in it, just before it cuts the string connecting the purse to my belt.

“You, you just tried to rob me, right?” (Ellie)

I glare at him while he struggles in vain to free his hand.

“Guh!” (Flatface)

“Boss?” (Human Swordsman)

I was going to ignore him at first, but this is something Kira and me worked to obtain.

“You should already know I’m an Enforcer, right?” (Ellie)

He wanted to take what belongs to Kira.

“Uhm! Uhh!” (Flatface)

“Then whatever happens next… is what you deserve, right?” (Ellie)

“Please don’t break my arm.” (Flatface)

“Okay.” (Ellie)

“R-really?” (Flatface)

*SNAP*

“GYAAAAA!” (Flatface)

I broke his leg instead.

“Brilliant Enforcing, Ellie!” (Clara)

Huhuhu, picking this perk was a good choice!