Chapter 6:

[9:13AM]

Staring down on the frail dirt covered girl, Dulan motions over to his guards; when he does, they take her by the arms and pull Ayumi south along the Dalhurst main road. Traveling a large distance by foot, the guards push her into a room and close the door. Still waking up, Ayumi stood up and stretched while releasing a relaxing yawn.

“You two could have been softer with me you know!” (Ayumi shouts out at the doorway.)

Nothing but silence in return. A little confused; she bends over peeking under the door.

{{Where did they go, hm…}}(Ayumi thought)

Taking a moment, she looks around the new room. It was a cheerless single room in a pub’s third floor. A small bed with tattered covers; although it had a mattress. A bedside table with candle on saucer, and a tea table with chair packed tightly near the end of the bed.

“Not so bad?”(Ayumi sighed.)

{{There must be something…I need to be on time.}}(Ayumi thought.)

Light poured into the room through a small window that faced outward off the back of the building. Looking down from the window she was at a loss; Below was nothing but hard ground. Listening to the voices that came from both the nearby customers and passerbyers on the ground outside, Ayumi learned of the stage’s construction plans having reached completion early.

{{Tomorrow huh? Time to continue my mission.}}(Ayumi thought)

*cough*, *cough*.. *cough* (Ayumi stutters about for a moment.)

Looking at her hands, small drops of blood had settled; her condition was worsening. However looking around the room in a sense of urgency; she came up with her means to escape.

“THAT’S IT!”(She yelled out; quickly realizing her volume, once again covering her mouth)

[20 minutes later]

A bedsheet rope ladder, cut using a broken saucer was lowered down from the back window, on the other end; a chair propped against the wall using the tension. Angled at just the right position, so that the rope would slip off when the tension is lost. Ayumi, smirks in anticipation of her “contraption” and after watching for witnesses outside, she quickly scales the outside of the building. Making it quickly and safely to the ground, she whips the remaining rope along the wall, releasing the tension. The end of the bedsheet comes falling from the window. Collecting the sheet, and folding it several times, she fashions a sling that goes over her shoulder and also mostly covers her collar.

“That should do it.”(Ayumi muttered to herself)

Peeking around the building into the busy street, She notices the two lizardmen guards who had taken her, stationed outside the pub’s exit. Avoiding their gaze, she follows the crowds back into the northern market district.

[30 minutes later]

After some unwise window shopping, and several chances at being spotted; Ayumi arrived at the marketplace fountain, where a gorgeous quartz and stone stage had been constructed.

“Wow….”(Ayumi said in reflex)

{{Yesterday this was still mostly framework. And It’s finished already.}}(Ayumi thought)

~~ ~~

South-East Dalhurst - Noble’s district.

“Are the preparations complete?” (Dulan)

Seated at his desk in his personal study; Dulan who was incharge of the resistance to Kinzo, was about to unleash his plot, and as a result was congratulating himself early with a luxurious cup of hard liquor. Two of his attendants stood at attention:

“Yes Sir! The girl has been afflicted with the curse and contained to an undisclosed room.”(Attendant one)

“The plaza’s construction has been altered to your instruction, Dulan-sama”(Attendant two)

A wry smile covers Dulan’s face as his gulps down his remaining drink.

“Then, tomorrow morning before dawn, we will commence the operation as planned.”(Dulan said looking wise)

[10:45AM]

Kinzo’s Apartment:

Back at homebase, the two had finished breakfast and were having a leisurely morning. Kinzo had finally ceased his experimentation and had fallen into Akari’s routine of lazing around the TV. Mostly because he believed that if he really needed anything in the future, he could suddenly make something on the spot to save him. The two of them sat on the couch together. Akari had changed a lot since her first meeting with Kinzo. Although it has been only a short time; she had adopted a possessive behavior around Kinzo and was currently resting her head on his lap. Kinzo had no problem with this; other than the fact that when doing so, her wings would obscure one of his eyes from the tv. Putting his hand on her head, you could see the reaction from her feathers, they ruffled up and poke at Kinzo’s face.

{{She’s just like a pet.}}(Kinzo thought)

“So, Kinzo-sama are you all ready for your big day tomorrow?”(Akari asked)

“As much as I can be I think. Now all that’s left, is to wait for the best moment. It would be kind of awkward to arrive off que.”(Kinzo said)

Akari giggled at the thought of the two of them arriving bluntly without introductions. Then she strongly shook her head.

“That won’t do! Last time you were almost mugged.”(Akari said strongly)

{{Well she’s right about that…}}(Kinzo thought)

“I’m sure even if, I am mugged I’ll be fine.”(Kinzo responds.)

“Kinzo-sama, I am more worried about protecting them from you.”(Akari)

A little bewildered by the conversation; Kinzo breaks out into laughter and strokes her hair a few more times before signalling to get up.

“Alright, It’s about time we figure out what we are going to appear when we go down there. Any Ideas?” (Kinzo inquired.)

“Oo, oo I got an idea!” (Akari states in an excited tone)

Whispering into Kinzo’s ear, a large sly grin spreads across his face as Akari unravels her master scheme. Quickly agreeing, the two of them got to work practicing what they had in mind. With only 8-9 Hours remaining before they sleep, they reproduced the idea over and over until dark.

~~ ~~

[1:15pm]

Imperial Country

Royal Capital of The Briniel Empire - Royal Throne room

“Your Highness, the preparations have been completed. “(Royal Steward Wallace)

“Well done, Wallace. We will hold the ritual once Elise returns.” (King Bradley Azaroth)

~~

Imperial Country -- Tacanque (Small farming village outside of the Capital)

“Elise-sama, we have more wounded over here!”(Tacanian Nurse)

Darting around from person to person; a beautiful, dark brown haired woman, in a black cloak, with silver accents. Casting recovery magic at an amazing pace, her smile comforted those who were being treated, and her words of assurance gave hope to the medical staff. Bending over to a heavily disheveled soldier who’s leg had been severed she said:

“Everything will be okay. I’m here now just close your eyes.”(Elise)

Slowly and painfully clenching his eyes together he found himself resigning to the end.

“Greater Restoration.”(Elise recited placing her hands above the missing limb)

For about a minute, bone and flesh grew from the end of the once severed leg and produced a new ankle and foot. All the while the man whose eyes were closed screamed in agony. Until the very last moment where the skin was completed. The man releases a large gasp, followed by slow and calculated breathing.

“The pain seems to have subsided.”(Elise)

“Ah yes.. Thank you Elise-sama.” (The soldier spoke before resting his head back, tear filled.)

Most of the soldiers were now healed, and the few were left with small injuries were left to the medical staff.

“All Soldiers, We will be departing for the capital in a few hours to regroup. Wounded will remain here and get transport from carriages send by the away party. I have been summoned by his Highness, and thus you will now be on your own!” (Elise yells over the squad.)

Since there were no losses on their last mission due to her presence, they sent her off with a resounding cheer displaying the soldiers’ moral, Elise took to her horse with a group of 15 others, traveled to the palace.

~~

[3:25pm]

Imperial Country

Royal Capital of The Briniel Empire - Royal Throne room

“Your Highness. My apologies for my lateness, I was assisting to the injuries of the last dungeon conquest.”(Elise states)

Waving his hand dismissively, King Bradley adopted a kind and respectful tone.

“Elise-sama, You are one of my close aids, there is no need for you to go so far. I’m glad that you bad it back in time.”(King Bradley)

“Your, Highness. You honor me with your words, I’m pleased to say all the preparations are complete for tonight’s ritual.”(Elise)

“That’s great news! Then I will meet with you in a few hours.”(King Bradley)

“Pardon my forwardness, but do not be late your Sire. Such a ritual can only be done every hundred years. It would be best to be on time.” (Elise smiles, while peering over Wallace.)

“Not to worry Elise-sama, I will make sure that his Highness will be there right on time”(Wallace concluded with a bow)

~~

[5:10PM]

Elise took her leave from the throne room and began her preparations in a separately prepared chamber. The room, circular in shape was about 30 meters in diameter. Using limestone as the basis of most of its construction, although several locations were furnished with decorative wood and granite. At the center of the room Elise was preparing a large magic circle using salt. Guards from the royal army were posted on the perimeter of the room surrounding the symbol.

*Phew*

“Almost done” (Elise whispered to herself)

Looking down on the near completed magic circle a feeling of nervousness came over Elise. Such a ritual was handed down over a century ago, would she be able to reproduce it? And what would happen to her if she fails? None of this she wanted to consider. Continuing from memory she reconstructed everything to the last detail.

{{That's it right?}}(Elise asked herself)

{{This is no time to mess up, look over it again and again.}}(Elise)

This perfectionist behavior of Elise’s continued until the time of the ritual. The King, as well as his steward Wallace, his daughter princess Riza; entered the chamber.

[9:50PM]

“Looks like everything is in order Elise, great work!”(Riza cheerfully approaches Elise clasping her hands)

Elise and Riza are childhood friends, Riza is slightly younger than Elise, although they were both forced to attend a magic theory school in their youth. Elise was an excellent student and during this time, they became good friends, which lead to Elise’s position as the royal court wizard of Briniel. Riza has somewhat of a cheeky mentor/protege relation with her.

“I’m just glad it’s about over.”(Elise said with a big sigh to Riza)

Looking over the magic circle the King seemed quite enamoured by it’s complexity as well as its sheer size. Although after a short investigation, he took his place with Riza on thrones placed on one side of the room.

[10:00PM]

“You may proceed.”(King Bradley Commanded)

~~

North Dalhurst - Market district

Night had reached Dalhurst, and Ayumi who was skulking around the newly constructed stage in the round-about had found herself a nice hiding spot inside. A small passage that could fit only a child, lead to a secret hatch underneath the stage. This is where Ayumi found a bag of black powder and rope fuse. Pulling the two together, she realized the fuse had lead all the way out of the passage under the dirt. Astounded by her find she took out the broken saucer she had picked up from the pub.

“I better get rid of this, I don’t wanna get blown up or anything.”(Ayumi whispers to herself as she cuts the fuse)

Rolling half of the total length into a manageable bundle, she sticks both the bag of powder and 3 meter fuse into her sling. The remaining section of fuse left on the floor, she curled up into a ball and fell asleep once more awaiting for the fated tomorrow.

~~

[11:00PM]

South-East Dalhurst - Noble’s district.

“What!!? She’s gone?” (Dulan shouts at his attendants)

Nodding in response his attendant quickly opened the door; one of the lizardman guards responsible for taking watch was pulled into the room. His face filled with dread and confusion.

“So, why don’t you tell me what happened?”(Dulan said in an accusatory tone.)

*Gulp*

“Well, we had brought her directly to a room on the third floor of a local building. A pub with no backdoor, and many people inside. We stood watch outside the pub’s exit, although when we returned to her room, She had disappeared.”(Lizardman Guard)

“Hm.. That is quite vexing… It seems you DID take all the proper precautions, and what of the room afterward?”(Dulan asks)

“Well not much was out of the normal, The only thing we had noticed was a tipped over chair and an open window. We were 3 floors above the ground, if she had jumped she would have died. It seems like she had flown away.” (Lizardman)

“Is that all?” (Dulan asks)

The lizardman nodded in silence.

*cough*

“I guess it can’t be helped!”(Dulan said, gesturing towards the attendants)

Laughing at the silliness of a flying human, the two attendants excuse the lizardman in a threatening manner. Forced quickly to leave the room, he was left with a small pouch of silver coins for their work.

“This is not good… We must find that slave. The enchantment we casted onto her is far too troublesome to deal with if it is not in our grasp.”(Dulan)

“Dulan-sama, what exactly did you enchant her with?”(Attendant one asks)

“Overload…”(Dulan mutters)

*Huh?*(Attendants)

“It is an enchantment that will allow for increased explosive power of an object in exchange for durability. When used the object will explode from the rebound. And with a person the same will happen, with hundreds of times more force.”(Dulan explains)

Horrified by the news the attendants brainstorm of possible solutions.

“We will have to search for her all night, Deploy our squads and inspect every inch of this city. If she’s left the city she’s no longer our problem. Although it’s a tad wasteful to our plan; It’d be better if she just blew up somewhere else anyway.”(Dulan)

The three of them split up and each captained a squad as they combed Dalhurst for the Green haired human girl. They had met many people who had seen her during their afternoon, but none of which could tell them about her current location.

~~ ~~

[11:30PM]

Kinzo’s Apartment

*Phew*(Kinzo)

“I think that’s more than enough for today. Anything else you want to add?”(Kinzo asks)

“Ummmm.. I think that’s good!”(Akari said enthusiastically.)

The two of them had been practicing their performance for many hours now. But what surprised Kinzo the most was that unlike Akari; he never felt tired, nor dizzy from using too much magic. Looking over his body once more, he realized just how much he had changed when he first came to this dimension. Or perhaps how much he has been changing ever since he came. Either way, Kinzo was now far healthier than he was in his previous life, and was feeling quite refreshed.

“This is kind of unfair. I have to keep taking a break every hour and you can just keep going non-stop... I guess that’s a given when you are the “great creator””(Akari grumbles)

Kinzo chuckles at Akari’s honesty and shrugs. Although he was quite aware that he was using spirit-energy and not classical mana.

“Well how about this?”(Kinzo)

Placing his hand on Akari’s head, mana quickly fills Akari to a concentration she had never felt before. Her wings looked full and gave off a magnificent glow. Each feather more defined, with what looked like rivers running down the veins.

“Whoops, that may have been a bit too much..?”(Kinzo stuttered.)

Closing her eyes, Akari wrapped her arms and wings around herself, in a warm embrace.

“I’ve never felt like this before… I feel like there’s been something missing all this time, and I didn’t even realize…”(Akari praises.)

{{Uh, Did I do something bad again?}} (Kinzo)

“Akari, What do you mean by that?”(Kinzo)

“As I said, It feels like things I’ve never experienced. Like… like… I may really get hooked on this feeling.”(Akari said blushing furiously)

“Uhhhhh… Isn’t that a bit much?”(Kinzo said awkwardly.)

Frustrated by his misunderstanding Akari shows him in detail. Lifting her hand up, she manifests first fire, then water then earth, then a small breeze. Eagerly watching Kinzo is waiting for the punchline, although this just left Akari more upset.

“DON’T YOU GET IT?! I can use all the Elements!”(Akari shouts at Kinzo)

A little confused, Kinzo tilts his head to the side and stares at Akari.

“Is that strange?”(Kinzo)

“Well no duh! I usually can only use Light, air and water magic. But look now, I can even use dark magic.”(Akari)

Holding her hand out; she makes a dark spot of miasma on her palm. Kinzo finally understood what she had meant. Apparently whenever he shares his mana to others, they can also use the vast array of elements produced by Spirit-energy. After playing around with unfamiliar elements for about 10 minutes, Akari’s feather’s returned to their normal color, and her abnormal abilities disappeared.

“Alright, time for bed. We got a long day tomorrow.”(Kinzo)

“Yes Sir...”(Akari said in a disappointed military tone.)

~~ ~~

[12:10AM]

Imperial Country

Royal Capital of The Briniel Empire

The ritual has been underway for over an hour, the sheer number of verses and pronunciation is very impressive. Elise who has been leading the team has been completely focused on the chant, although other novice magicians have started to fray. While several more fall to the ground, having depleted all of their mana; Elise stood strong until the end. When the ritual had ended she had been the only one left chanting, Leaving her with the final verse:

“Spacial-Magic, Hero Summoning”(Elise recited sending the room into a bright glow)

The light flashes, and a figure of a teenage boy dressed in unusual clothes appeared in the center of the circle. His appearance was not special in any respect; his hair was brown, and he was not very handsome. Looking up from the magic circle the highschool student was met with the joyful face of the princess. She was a beauty and due to such had the student infatuated in mere moments.

“Welcome, Hero! Might I ask you for your name?”(Princess Riza said taking the boys hand.)

“Uh, Hello… Watanabe Kaito.. Where am I..?”(highschool student asks Riza)

Poking her fingers together, she speaks in a nervous manner:

“Well, Hero-sama...”(Riza)

“Hero, this. Hero, that. Is there a demon lord or something?”(Kaito replied quickly, cutting her off)

Amazed; the King gasps for a moment, and speaks over the two of them.

“You there, Kaito-dono was it. What do you know of the Demon lord?”(King Bradley)

{{Jackpot… I’m actually in a fantasy game world!!}}(Kaito)

“Well I know a lot of course, There are many types of Demon lords, and many ways to defeat them. It was what I would specialize in, during my free time back on my world”(Kaito stretches the truth)

In awe, the King stood up and issued everyone to prepare for a banquet tomorrow for the Hero’s arrival. But that's when Kaito spotted a cloaked girl, about 3 years older than himself collapsed on the ground.

“So what about her?”(Kaito asked.)

Without realizing it, Elise had passed out due to the summoning and was left as a heap on the ground. Riza quickly ran to her, and sat her up onto her lap. Checking for a pulse she was relieved to see her breathing.

“Guards, Take Elise to her resting chambers immediately, also send in the medical team and servant staff as her attendants.”(Riza instructs two guards)

“Hero, follow me. We will head to a meeting room and further speak of your future here.”(King Bradley.)

King Bradley, Wallace, and Kaito leave to another room and converse. Mostly about the country they lived in, and about the difficulties of the human race. They spoke for a short time before Kaito was escorted to an empty guest room for the night. Kaito who was in the world of his dreams, found himself immersed and could care less about returning home. Instead during his time alone he rolled around in bed, relishing the thought of a fantasy harem for himself; thinking little of the actual "Demon Lord".

~~ ~~

[The Next day]

[4:00AM]

North Dalhurst - Market district

Under the cover of the night sky the resistance had taken their first moves against the Dalhurst festival. Placing explosives at specific points in the city allowed them to chase Kinzo into any road; Also serving as distractions to disrupt the attention of the crowds. Finally Dulan stationed six archers on surrounding buildings to attack once the distraction was underway. With all of this completed he was satisfied and called together his two attendants once more.

“Things look to be progressing well. How much longer until all the charges are placed?”(Dulan)

“It will be another 35 minutes or so Dulan-sama. There are three more locations and we have already sent the squad to take care of them.”(Attendant one)

“Good, good.”(Dulan said lacing his fingers together)

“Our plan will begin once the supposed “God” makes his entrance to Dalhurst along any of the main roads. Once he makes it to the central plaza, we will set off the fuses.”(Dulan)

“Yes Sir!”(The two attendants respond.)

~~ ~~

[6:30AM]

A few hours had passed and the fountain plaza was now filled with all sorts of beings. Elves of various kinds had marched in from Hythe and stood in a display of allegiance. Lizardmen, Dwarves, Human merchants and many more unusual races had gathered in audience of this great occasion. Most of which have found a seat that faces inwards to the newly build stage.

“Ichki-sama, all the preparations for the stage have been completed, and reviewed.”(Construction manager)

“Then all that’s left is for us to gather the council and start the ceremony.”(Ichki)

“Do we know when he will arrive?”(Construction manager)

Ichki shakes his head and gives off a big sigh.

“No clue. All we can do is provide him with a worthy introduction.”(Ichki)

~~ ~~

Back at Kinzo’s Apartment

Kinzo has woken up earlier than expected, and was itching to get the day started. His motivation was quite clear when the smell of bacon and scrambled eggs filled the apartment. Standing in his kitchen he was manually cooking on his stovetop. The smell was enough to wake Akari who was sound asleep a few meters away.

“Mmmm.. What’s... that smell?”(Akari asks in a daze)

“Bacon, Do you want to try some?”(Kinzo asks; taking a sip of his coffee.)

Walking over to Akari who was still laying down, Kinzo hangs a piece of bacon infront of her face. Her eyes open and the piece disappears in two bites. Her face seems to be both enjoying the new taste and confused at where she has tasted it before.

“Kinzo-sama, What kind of animal is this bacon?”(Akari asks)

“Ah well that’s pork, Or a pig.”(Kinzo states)

“A Pig?”(Akari asks)

*Ohhh*(Kinzo slaps himself softly)

“It’s a boar, but one that people have raised for many lifetimes on a farm.”(Kinzo)

“Ahhhhh! That’s what it reminds me of! Wild boar! But this has a lot lighter taste.”(Akari)

“Do you not have a lot of domesticated animals in Dalhurst?” (Kinzo asks)

“Only a few. When it comes to meat, we usually just hunt. ”(Akari)

“So what do you do about dairy and egg products?”(Kinzo)

“Oh my! Kinzo-sama, What do you take us for? Of course we have dairy and egg products. How else would we make baked goods? Although many of the beasts that we use for meat are strictly hunted due to their population. ”(Akari)

“I see… Well let’s take a look at the situation in the plaza. I’m sure they’ll be starting soon.”(Kinzo)

Pulling the heart of the universe towards himself, Kinzo refocuses it’s image to that of the Dalhurst plaza. Several rows of offerings line up facing the stage. Food, gold, heirlooms, and even:

“Slaves? What’s the meaning of this Akari?”(Kinzo asked)

“They are offerings to Kinzo-sama.”(Akari notes)

“I get that, but they aren’t going to start a blood sacrifice or something right?”(Kinzo asked in an annoyed tone)

Looking at Kinzo’s face Akari couldn’t help but cower silently for a second or two. She walks towards the orb and looks inside.

“I don’t think so. It seems they have been lined up with food. I doubt they are meant to be killed. Even so the elders would never try to do something so disorderly in the middle of the city.”(Akari)

*Sigh*

“As long as that’s the case... Well here’s your breakfast, We can eat while we watch them start the ceremony.”(Kinzo)

Handing Akari her plate; the two of them watched as the world prepared for their arrival.

~~

[7:30AM]

North Dalhurst - Market district

The construction crew having finished their work, retrieved their tools and scaffolding. At the same time the council of Dalhurst was gathered and seated 3 on either side of the stage. In the center of the stage was a redwood podium, with a silky finish. The crowds that were once bustling around the square, fell silent and attentive to the display, with no more than the occasional cough. Ichki stood at the podium.

“Welcome! All of you, to the event of a lifetime! I’m aware that we are all quite eager for the main event, Although let us start with our first presentation, a demonstration from the graduating musical academy orchestra!”(Ichki announces in a booming voice)

A group of 25 students who appeared no older than sixteen line up with chairs; each carrying their own instrument. Mostly woodwinds and stringed instruments the group played quite the array of songs. Enjoyed thoroughly by Kinzo and Akari who had a front row view through the orb.

~~

Several performances were prepared, one from each school within Dalhurst. The most interesting to Kinzo was the magic school’s findings and the airborne duel prepared by the valkyries. Akari watching her friends; would point out who she knew as the acts went on.

“Looks like it’s about time for us to execute our plan”(Kinzo said looking at Akari)

“Yea.. Just about time, Just give me the signal Kami-sama”(Akari said playfully)

Kinzo stands up stretches and exhales loudly.

“Start Operation: Decent”(Kinzo)

CHAPTER END