Azanthys and Mareritter…alone in the accursed… Orum Arx… for long… very long… time.

Until… master came…

Azanthys… happy… new purpose…

But… master left Azanthys and Mareritter…

Master… will be happier… if return… to homeworld…

So Azanthys… okay even if sad… for master’s happiness.

Time passed… without master…

Unknown people… around…

Not master… stop… don’t touch Azanthys…

Azanthys… pushed them away…

Then… mother’s voice… first time heard… since accursed Orum Arx… was created… told Azanthys and Mareritter… about master…

Azanthys and Mareritter… limiter… unlocked…

Mother said… master will come…

Azanthys was happy…

Master’s presence…felt…

Azanthys called… no response…

Will wait…

Will wait…

Azanthys… be patient…

Master is getting further…

Soon… master’s presence will be… unable to feel…

No…

No… don’t go…

Then… Mareritter… said… “Maybe something had happened to master?”

Yes… must be so…

Want to go… to master’s side.

Azanthys and Mareritter…. still have… mana left…

After transform… Azanthys… destroyed the locked door…

Immediately… use wings… to fly to master…

But master in a carriage… safe… no trouble…

Why… left?

Azanthys… not needed?

Sad? Anger? Despair?

Azanthys don’t understand… strange feelings…

Mareritter then said “Let’s stop the carriage. We shall test our master.”

Azanthys… agree…

***

Our mother, Praesia Al Metherie Luethe is someone currently revered as a goddess by some people of this world. Mother possesses an immense power capable to rend even the concept some call as space itself. From mother’s story, it seemed that there is an even stronger being which she called as Tiamat which holds the power to control both the beginning and end of everything. As a result of some incident involving the said Tiamat, all residents of the world mother originally resided in were thrown sporadically to various other worlds. For mother and few others it was this world.

Back to the matter of mother’s power, since she holds one such tremendous power, mother chose not to use her power carelessly and created us so she can join in the grand war, which happened about a millennia ago by human’s standard, to also fight herself. In short, mother is our creator as well as our first master. Our current and second master, Erik Reynaldi Pratama was somehow similar to mother in the way that he is soft hearted, naïve, and prioritize others over oneself. However, it seems that he has changed greatly although some remnants of his past self still remains.

Our reunion was kind of forced. Although we told master that our fight was to test master’s capabilities, more than half the reason might be because both me and my sister were worried and perhaps also a bit upset at master who left us for the second time. It was resolved with our defeat and we talked with master about ourselves. Master then told us many things that had happened to him since we were left behind. He also told us to keep some secrets most with emphasis on the demon race girl he calls as Liz.

Ah, by the way my name is Mareritter. Pleased to be of your acquaintance.

“Mareritter… what are… you… doing?”

Oops, from others’ perspective I might be seen as someone who was attempting a spiritual communication, with a wall that is.

“I was just thinking about master.”

The one whom I was talking to is my sister, Azanthys. And our master is currently talking with one of adventurer guild’s receptionist to register both me and my sister into his team although master registered us as helpers and not adventurers to not waste time since if we register just as is we will start from lowest rank and could not join master’s team for he is one of the highest ranked. Helpers’ job as master told us was mainly to carry supplies and spare equipment although in reality, some adventurers are cruel enough to use helpers as bait for demon beasts. That wouldn’t happen to both of us anyway.

“Whoa aren’t they high quality servants?”

“Hey, don’t you think that girl wearing luxurious maid like clothing is cute?”

“Damn, it’s that guy again. He just registered not long ago, raised to B rank with just two people in short time, and now he brought servants. Just who is he?”

Non, non, our master is already the highest rank. Of course I did not say it out loud to the peanut gallery since master chose to keep it a secret for the time being.

“Maybe those siblings are filthy rich?”

“Yeah, maybe he got connections in the guild as well.”

“That explains how he rose up in rank quickly.”

“But I’ve seen him in the 21st floor so he’s no weakling for sure.”

“Don’t you think the strong one is the little sister? I mean from what I heard she is the one doing all the fighting while he just watches.”

“Yeah, that’s what I heard too.”

“Whoa, what a jerk, leaving everything to such a little girl.”

“Right, even if they are siblings don’t you think that is just so like… disgusting.”

“Heh, the guy’s a lowly bastard while the sister is a poor idiot for doing as he wants.”

The peanut gallery instantly turned into rotten garbage in my eyes but I held back the urge to kick those bastards in the face as I might accidentally kill them and master also dislikes getting attention. Fortunately it does not seem that those garbage’s words reached master. However as I was clenching my fists to hold my anger back, my sister has already grabbed two garbage by the neck, lifting them up and stomping one fallen by the stomach.

“INSULTING MASTER… UNFORGIVABLE…”

I know master does not wish to get any attention but I do not feel like stopping my sister. I am angry as well.

Many other garbage started grabbing their weapons but hesitated as my sister glared at them menacingly. Nobody dared to move, after all a girl is strangling and lifting two adult men and stomping on one effortlessly.

“Azanthys, stop it.”

Realizing who gave the order immediately, my sister released the garbage she was holding, and stomping. The two she grabbed by the neck staggered and fell on their butt with pale face, gasping for air. The one she was stomping fell unconscious long before she stopped.

“What are you doing? Let’s go, your registration is finished.”

Master is also talented in ignoring people’s awkward gaze. Especially from the guild’s receptionist who seemed like she wants to call for help right away. The reason she hesitated to do so might be because master is already well known in the guild’s upper echelons.

“But they… insulted… master.”

“I don’t care what people say about me, I don’t have the time to deal with them anyway.”

Master followed by miss Lissa who smiled wryly to the peanut gallery was about to leave the guild when I said

“Those garbage also called miss Lissa as poor idiot.”

Master immediately stopped and turned around, leaking his inhumane bloodlust. The garbage and even unrelated peanut gallery in the whole room shrieked almost at the same time. Some who were standing fell down and some even wet themselves.

Not good, it seems I was also too angry at the garbage to make me tell that to master.

“E, Erik, I‘m fine so let’s just leave.”

Miss Lissa said so and master stopped leaking bloodlust. I could see that miss Lissa is actually upset to be called such by the garbage but she is suppressing it.

Master just sighed and stroked miss Lissa’s hair who in turn smiled in delight, losing any hint of being upset. Of course I did not tell master that what he just did had gained him much attention.

“Let’s go then.”

The only one master is showing the remaining fragments of his past gentle self without any sort of shackle is as far as I know, miss Lissa. I decided to call her as miss since master considers her as his younger sister.

***

Right when we reached Arx Norr a guild staff whom I thought was coming to greet us quickly approached Martlea and after giving signal with her eyes which Martlea responded by leaning closer, whispered closely to Martlea. Then, only looked at me and Liz as if saying “your business is over, dismissed.” Martlea darted off with the guild staff.

I sense trouble but let’s not get involved in any more trouble than I already had. Thinking so I brought Liz, as well as Azanthys and Mareritter to the guild hall. I felt uncomfortable gazes locking on me right when I stepped foot in the guild hall but I don’t care. I approached Tyrina the receptionist who smiled awkwardly at the situation to state my business.

“I’d like to register these two as helpers to my team.” I said as I pointed with my thumb without looking back to Azanthys and Mareritter.

I never registered a team myself but Teobaldur did it personally by registering Liz and I as an unnamed team… an S ranked one. By the guild’s rule adventurer with two or more level difference in rank cannot form a team. The reason was the huge difference in capability and to prevent low ranked team participating in dangerous job or request. Although by reality there are high ranked adventurer taking along low ranked ones with pretext of training, simply merrymaking, and even bullying.

Thus I registered the two as helpers to make it more convenient.

“Please fill in the registration paper then. Name and their place of residence in Arx Norr must be filled. However I believe there is no need for other personal identification since they are with sir Erik.”

Tyrina is thoughtful as always. It isn’t public but my rank is already known to most of the guild’s staff. I’m glad I don’t have to enter fake date and place of birth, etc. on the document thanks to it but I fear that the day my rank being exposed is close at hand.

Right when I finished and handed the paper to Tyrina I heard commotion and Azanthys’s loud angered voice. Why is she strangling adventurer A and B while stomping on adventurer C’s stomach? For now let’s make her let them off.

She looked reluctant but Azanthys did as I told and let go of the three.

Yes, let’s not stand out more than we already are…

I quickly urged the others to leave but what Mareritter said stopped me.

I don’t care when it is me but… Liz? Those bastards dared to insult Liz?

I was surprised at how angry I could be when I heard that Liz was insulted as well but I rode on the wave and released some bloodlust at everyone present, except Liz, Azanthys, and Mareritter. I’m still clear headed enough as not to involve Tyrina and two other receptionists but everyone else shuddered, shrieked, fell, and some even pissed themselves. Only some who looked to be the strong guys looked at me with a cramped face and beads of sweat falling down.

Be thankful to Liz who stopped me was how I signaled to everyone with my eyes.

I was too late in realizing that what I did has garnered too much attention and perhaps giving birth to other unnecessary rumors.

Later we finally returned to the inn where Liz and I were staying, I want to refrain from entering the tower at least for today since we just got back. We can immediately use our usual room since before I left to the capital I booked another one month worth of the room. I was about to rent another room while asking Azanthys and Mareritter whether they want separate room or one for both but they insisted that they wish to be in the same room as me. Thus by the innkeeper’s suggestion I moved to a larger room that can accommodate 5 to 6 people. The price is of course higher but I still have a leeway with money since I sold some demon beast materials from the 20th to 30th floor of Orum Arx.

“Eeeh?”

I ignored Liz who pouted and puffed her cheeks when I register for the room. She then muttered that she doesn’t like another woman sharing a room with me. You’re forgetting Mareritter, Liz.

Of course there is the option of turning the two into their weapon form but I’d like to keep their weapon form a secret. I already have three other weapons right now and I’m planning to train Liz in group battle since Mareritter told me I can limit their capabilities by a few presets. The lowest is at 1/5. They could also hold back in a fight but the possibility of accidentally using more power than intended is high especially for Azanthys whom Mareritter said as having bad emotional control thus he recommended for me to force the limit instead. To do it I simply need to order them to.

Fighting with someone far stronger will only become like a power leveling and not training so judging by how they fought me before I guess I should limit their capabilities at 2/5 to match Liz’s. When they fought by releasing their wings I think they are physically stronger than me and magically stronger than Mira after we just defeated Orcus. Azanthys was able to create multiple huge boulders of ice three times as fast as Liz using the earth spear as well. The full contract should also have slightly strengthened both my and their stats but I haven’t tested it… let’s set the limit to 1/5 for now just in case. I’ll raise it when it is fine to. That makes me wonder… just how strong is the current me? Depending on it, I could move right away to charge at the empire, of course after securing Liz’s safety and livelihood. I shouldn’t look down on the empire which has nearly five times more fighting force than Rifst. I doubt I’ll get satisfied just by killing that bastard and the emperor… I truly wanted to crush the whole nation after all. I’ll spare the civilians though.

The only drawback is that the two’s stats won’t increase from defeating demon beasts. When I asked how to increase it other than the contract Mareritter only answered that Praesia has not inputted the necessary information when she created the two. Let’s ask her when she intrudes into my peaceful sleep again.

Then there is the matter of fighting the colossal dragon. I got Mareritter and Azanthys now… should I challenge it without Liz? I don’t want to endanger her if I can help it. But thinking of her stats increase prospect if I managed to defeat it with Liz made me wonder on which to choose.

As we reached our room, I told Azanthys and Liz to enter first. The two inn’s staffs who guided us then left to pick our remaining baggage, some from our old room and some still at the receptionists’ desk. I gestured with my hand to prevent Mareritter from entering but it seemed to be unnecessary since he always stays behind me anyway.

“I want to ask you something about the tower.”

“Yes.”

“What will happen after I defeat that huge dragon on top of the tower?”

Mareritter looked hesitant but decided to speak.

“The one who defeated rau drauthaum, that lesser dragon will be granted access to Orum Arx remaining floors.”

“Remaining floors?”

“Yes, there are still 25 other located in a different plane.”

What… then the total is 100 as expected, although the ‘different plane’ bothers me. But for him to call the colossal dragon as lesser dragon, how would a non-lesser dragon look like then? I’ve seen wyvern and smaller type of dragons –lesser dragons, I guess.

Seemingly had guessed what was on my mind Mareritter continued.

“A lesser dragon is those that possess low intelligence regardless of appearance and size. They are barely sentient and no different than most other demon beasts. There are some exception where they possess enough intelligence, capable of magic and communication in their own language and even human language which some call as elder dragon or ancient dragon.”

“I see. But to still have 25 more floors after such a strong bo-… mid boss. Just what sort of enemies are waiting further?”

“As it is a trial I have no right to disclose, however if one is capable of defeating the lesser dragon then conquering the rest, save for the last floor, should only be a matter of time. Other than that… once master set foot on the 76th floor, then master would not be able to go back until master conquers all remaining floors so I advise master to not bring miss Lissa along.”

“What?”

Not being able to go back will be a problem. Spending too much of a long time there would be a heavier burden to one’s mind than body, I can vouch for that. However it’s not like I can just leave Liz alone for too long either. Should I have Martlea take care of her for a while? It’s not like I can’t trust her since she seemed to get along with Liz but I’m still worried.

“And master…”

“Yeah?”

(Next time there is a need to discuss something in secret master can always ask me in this way, to do it just simply speak in your mind with the intention of sending the said thought to me. After the full contract there is almost no limitation of distance as long as we are within the same plane of existence. By the way my sister is also capable of this.)

I heard Mareritter’s voice directly in my mind.

Tell me that sooner! Of course I didn’t send that one via said telepathy to Mareritter.

I guess I’ll put this matter on hold for now and proceed with making Liz stronger first. Thinking so I entered my room followed by Mareritter. There I see Liz and Azanthys glaring at me. What now?

“Erik! Which bed are you going to use?”

“Azanthys… wish… to know…as well.”

I instinctively stopped myself from replying with ‘why do you ask me that?’ and looked at the beds’ arrangement. There are four single beds divided into two groups positioned about three meters opposite of each other.

“I prefer the one close to the window.”

I quickly decided due to the pressing atmosphere. There are two windows and each has bed next to them so it would be one of the two. As soon as I said my answer Liz and Azanthys started a glaring contest. Azanthys tilted her head expressionlessly at Liz who glared back desperately.

That is when I realized the meaning of this odd situation. During our trip back to Arx Norr the two always wanted to sleep next to me. Disregarding my tormented conscience, it wasn’t a problem since we slept outdoor with much space and they can take each sides. Mareritter did say that they don’t really require sleep but doing so equals doing a completely automatic maintenance, they can restore damage to a certain threshold by sleeping, actually they take in mana from me when they do. I almost forgot that they are weapons.

It seems Liz who started puffing her cheeks is losing though.

“Liz, you take the bed next to mine, Azanthys and Mareritter take any on the other side.”

I pointed at and assign the beds before the battle could reach a conclusion. It’s definitely not because I’m spoiling Liz nor that because I don’t have much resistance against Azanthys’ expressionless yet passionate gaze at me when we happened to face each other. Yes, these were not the reason.

The matter was settled with Liz’s bashful triumphant smile and Azanthys’ dissatisfied remark, “Favoritism… unfair…”

Needless to say, I ignored it. I won’t be swayed by Azanthys’ cute expressionless cheek puffing. … I won’t, right?

With the help of… or rather because Mareritter, and surprisingly also Azanthys who have high strength value doing the room moving and luggage carrying --mostly tools needed for long trip and tower exploration-- instead of the inn’s staff we could quickly settle and rest in the room. Mareritter especially displayed skills befitting his image, a butler. He cleaned every nook and cranny of our new room even making it looks like the room had just been newly made. I could see illusion of glitters everywhere. Mareritter found a lot of faults by his high standard and that might have hurt the staffs’ pride. Looking at the wry smiles from the inn’s staffs, they might have done the cleaning before. I ignored the staffs who left while comforting each other.

Azanthys? She just watched over the cleaning since Mareritter forbade her. It seems she is the type that will make things worse during cleaning.

Since so many things had happened lately, I was thinking to just let the day pass by resting in the room until disturbance came barging in through the door that is.

“Lizzy!” “Kyuwtiehhh!”

And I threw two pillows onto the intruders’ face.

“Gurphhh” “Ngggahh”

Thus Yusa and the equipment shop owner’s daughter flew backwards magnificently. As if they had known what would have happened Kaldor and Lloyd peeked in from beyond the opened door after Yusa and the weapon shop owner’s daughter flew through it. Do I have to mention that two person barely fits through the door frame? It seems I have leveled my pillow throwing skill up and raised the precision… what am I even thinking about right now?

“W, welcome back. It seems there are more people in your group though. I heard you changed room from the innkeeper, so this is the reason.”

I could say the same but I remained silent and beckoned them over. After the two entered another also followed, it’s the hospitalized guy… who was it? Randall? And I don’t need to mention the equipment shop owner’s daughter. If I mind it, I lose.

Randall walked in a somehow clumsy yet steady way and stopped before Liz who looked nervous. Perhaps he is still yet to be accustomed on adjusting his balance now that he has lost one arm. Then, he bowed deeply.

“I can never fully express my gratitude with words but let me say this much, thank you for saving me and my comrades.”

The flustered Liz waved both her hands.

“I, it is okay. Erik and I just happened to be there so there is no need to thank me.”

“Even so the fact that I am still breathing is thanks to you.”

Liz hesitantly looked at Randall’s arm… or where one should have been and looked down bitterly.

“No, if only I helped earlier, then…”

“Ah, this? I’m still rehabilitating myself and it takes time to get used to but it seems that I can still use a sword without too much problem. I think I can resume my tower exploration in a week or two. This is far better than being eaten by a wyvern.”

This Randall guy is pretty resilient. He seems to also have a likable personality.

“By the way, why are you here too, uhh… equipment shop owner’s daughter?”

I asked to one of the two shadows that somehow already crept behind Liz. Noticing where my gaze is directed at, Liz looked behind her only to find Yusa and the one I’m questioning jumped to grab her.

“How rude, I have a name too you know. It’s Eldys! I’m here because I’m also a member of cute Lizzy secret admirer guild!”

The heck kind of guild is that? And it isn’t even a secret anymore once you declare it like that! I kept my retort in my mind though.

“Hngggg”

Liz struggled to break off from Yusa’s and Eldys’ hold. Realizing that it is futile to try any further Liz resigned herself to be rubbed cheek to cheek from two sides with a pitiful expression.

“Setting the two morons aside, we are actually here to tell you guys about our party to celebrate Randall’s recovery. I know you just got back but how about doing it tonight?”

There’s no harm in doing as Lloyd suggested so I accepted it, after throwing Yusa and Eldys out of the room since Liz sent an SOS to me with her pleading look. For convenience sake we will have the party at the adventurer guild’s tavern.

***

Liz is sitting as close as she could to me, on her other side is Mareritter while on my other side is Azanthys. Liz sat this way after she barely managed to avoid Yusa and Eldys whom no longer dare to approach her whenever I am about an arm reach to Liz, thanks to my automatic anti-pervert chop which reacts whenever their heads are in range. It seems that the two perverts are plotting something in the corner though. This is getting old but why is Eldys here as well?

On the other side of the table filled with foods and drinks are Kaldor, Lloyd, and Randall. The three are drinking some cheap ale while on my side there are only fruit juice for me and Azanthys who insisted to have the same drink as me, honey sweetened milk for Liz, and uh… tea for Mareritter. I never and won’t drink alcohol, Liz is too young, Azanthys is well…, and Mareritter is drinking his tea elegantly but I don’t know whether he just wanted to do it for the look or he really likes his tea.

The foods are mainly meat stew with far more carrot and potato look alike vegetables ratio than meat, I forgot this world’s version of the name. Then there are also not so fresh vegetable salad, rye bread, grassland fowl meat –or rather chicken skewers, and some roasted green long beans.

“Sorry, we could only afford this much with our current income. Even with the 4 of us combined we are only D rank party anyway…”

Kaldor looked apologetic as he said that but I think he has started to get drunk with such a reddened face and one sentence too much… that was quick!

“Ah, what he said is true but we still have enough to get by. Also, we had finished enough requests to apply for rank up test for each of us except Randall who was hospitalized.”

“Well, I don’t really care though.”

Lloyd is unusually showing a sullen face to my reply. I bet he is drunk too a little. But rank up test huh… I was a special case so I never took one. Not that it matters in any way right now.

“By the way, why are you drinking some fruit juice? You’re already older than fifteen right? Here, I’ll share you some of mine. Come on, drink up.”

And this Randall guy is annoying. He stood, bent over, and put, or rather shoved whatever he was drinking to me.

“Okay, pass!”

So that it won’t spill too much I lightly threw the drink to Kaldor who caught it clumsily, spilling some onto his stew in the end. He doesn’t seem to mind and drank it in one gulp.

“Dang… that’s pretty cold don’t you think?”

“Sorry but I don’t drink alcohol.”

Randall doesn’t seem to be dejected and ordered another drink right away.

“By the way, who are the other two? I haven’t heard anything about them from the others.”

Not this again. I’m running out of made up stories.

“Actually, today is the first time we’ve seen them too.”

Lloyd added to Randall’s question.

I only sent a glance to Mareritter but he responded right away.

“Pleased to meet you, master’s acquaintances. My name is Mareritter, a loyal servant… butler of master Erik. The one over there is my sister Azanthys, a maid of master.”

“I see…eh wait, butler and maid? Are you guys noble?”

Randall looked at me and Liz before saying that.

“No we’re not, let’s just say there are some circumstances.”

“You’re making me curious but I guess there are things one can and can’t ask.”

Randall shrugged and drank the ale a waiter just placed on the table.

At the moment, I sense trouble coming over here. Give me a break already.

“Hey, are they the guys?”

“Yeah, there’s the maid I told you about.”

Some dangerous looking fully equipped men and a young man in plain metal breastplate are approaching. Wait, isn’t the young one adventurer C Azanthys stomped on? I’m feeling slightly annoyed by the oncoming event. I know what is going to happen anyway. He was unconscious when I released my bloodlust so he might not know fear yet *grin*.

“Yo, looks like you guys are having some fun. Mind if we join in?”

The man with biggest build in the group stood next to Azanthys, two other behind us, and the young man is standing while a little bit hidden by the big guy.

“We don’t but there’s no more space here.”

Lloyd answered calmly while sipping his drink, Randall also started to look serious. It seems they realized the situation. Kaldor? He lost to the sandman and is sleeping with his face in his bowl. Again, that was quick!

“It seems you misunderstood our intention here. We’re not here to join in your fun, we’re here to join and ruin your fun since you made a mess of my brother before. Well, I just might give you a real fun later if you know what I mean, is it clear, cutie?”

The big guy was about to circle his arm on Azanthys’ shoulder but in an instant she avoided it nimbly and moved behind him. I thought she was about to use her magic and freeze his arm when I saw her eyes full of anger. I’m glad I forbade Azanthys and Mareritter to use their magic in public since no one should know of ice and lightning magic though I do know that one can make ice by combining water magic and non-elemental heat manipulation but it takes quite a long time to process and not many people can use two magic at the same time so it is mostly just used as the basic principle to make a cooler box, refrigerator like magic tool.

“Only… master… can touch… Azanthys…”

The angered Azanthys glared sharply at the big guy he just looked back and sneered at her in response.

“I see that you’re not a normal maid. But don’t act conceited you lowly servant. Only your master can touch you eh? Then I’ll be your master after I give your current master a lesson. He is just a B rank while this great me is A rank even by myself.”

The guy then looked at me. His two lackeys then stood behind me with a clear malicious intent.

Lloyd and Randall was about to make their move but the big guy gave them a glare while grabbing the big sword on his waist so they hesitated. Kaldor? He is sleeping peacefully face down into his bowl, making a loud snore that seems to be making this dangerous mood into a strange one.

I told Mareritter to take Liz a bit away with telepathy. The lackeys was about to interfere with him but Mareritter sent them his chilling smile so they stopped, one even strangely blushed to it. Do I need to mention that both are male? WTF Mareritter… he is just too high spec, maybe he can do just about anything?

Liz? she looked to be worried but it is clear that she is not worried for my safety. Don’t worry Liz, I won’t overdo it.

“I’m a reasonable man, I know you don’t want to have your pathetic state be seen by everyone here so I’ll take you outside. Oy, you woman come here.”

Azanthys once again dodged the big guy’s hand in an exaggerated motion as if she is really disgusted by it… No, judging by her expression, she is indeed disgusted by him. To make the mostly expressionless Azanthys show such a face, just how disgusted is she? The big guy also started to look irritated at her.

I quickly interjected before things get out of hand. Since making a mess inside a place like this is too conspicuous. It is good they wanted to do it outside, though maybe in their case they just don’t want to be marked by the guild.

“Don’t worry, we’ll follow you. There’s no need to drag us along. Come here, Azanthys.”

Azanthys quickly dashed to my side, avoiding the big guy perfectly. Is it just me or she really looked to be happy in this situation while walking next to me with our shoulders touching? Thus watched by various kinds of gaze from those in the guild hall I, with Azanthys sticking too close left the place.

Obviously irritated by it, the big guy and his lackeys plus adventurer C led us away from place with many people far enough to the backalley area of merchant road where only a small number of shady people lurks around. I already have the sole intention to vent my stress on them so I don’t really mind though. The big guy is persistent enough to try to touch Azanthys with the help of adventurer C on the way but they failed miserably. Be thankful I ordered Azanthys to not attack with telepathy. Azanthys looked even happier when she dodged their assault by jumping onto me and I caught her into a princess carry. Her rather expressionless happy face has changed into a face full of bliss. Damn, now that is kinda cute. The big guy and co…. the idiots don’t look to be very amused though.

“Okay, I’ll let you off with just some bruises if you let us have fun with the woman. She gave my brother some wound and trauma so she has to take responsibility, right?”

“Yeah, she attacked me suddenly and without reason. My stomach still hurts even now!”

“What if I say no?”

“You’ll certainly be hospitalized and the woman will have fun enough to give her some trauma.”

I’m starting to feel disgusted by this guy too now. Let’s give them a lesson they won’t forget.

With telepathy I told Azanthys that she is free to attack as long as she is not using magic and also not to kill them. I’ll limit her strength to 1/5 just in case. So as not to end it too quickly I decided to not release any killing intent. Okay, let’s have some fun.

Then all four of them charged at us, the big guy and adventurer C are as expected aiming for Azanthys and the lackeys are attacking me.

“Oy, oy, ganging up from the very start isn’t very cool you know”

The big guy just grinned to my words and sent a dangerous lustful look at Azanthys. Whatever, I’ll try to beat them up without incapacitating them.

The big guy jumped straight at Azanthys with arms opened wide, he is totally intending to catch her. Adventurer C circled around behind Azanthys and also opened his arms to catch Azanthys if she dodged backward. Azanthys nimbly crouched and dodged sideways instead. At the mean time I also avoided a joint attack from the two lackeys while looking at Azanthys. The two are leaking irritated voice as I keep dodging like that. I mean, Azanthys also just kept dodging without countering or anything so I’m curious.

“Oy, Azanthys. Why are you just avoiding them?”

“Azanthys… don’t want… to be touched… or… touch… them… filthy. Also… magic… forbidden…”

The big guy and adventurer C snapped to her words and went berserk, assaulting Azanthys fiercely.

I was… dumbfounded. The lackeys used the chance to get closer and one sends a punch from close range to my face while another is aiming for my stomach. Their cooperation is good and to begin with their movements, except for adventurer C are quite good, they must have quite some battle experience. It almost caught me off guard but I swiftly avoided the punch and since he aimed for my face I countered lightly with a straight jab to lackey A’s face followed by a kick to lackey B’s stomach.

And…

…

…

I did hold back real lot… right?

The lackeys were blown away and sunk into a wall, I think lackey A’s nose is broken since the shape turned bizarre. Lackey B is puking out whatever he ate before coming here, a little blood is mixed in it. Needless to say, the two passed out… they’re… breathing, alright.

Is this perhaps the effect of my contract with Azanthys and Mareritter? My strength went up quite high it seems so I messed up on the adjustment… No use crying over spilled milk. Let’s just be more careful next time. At least they are alive. I am not a devil. The empire is another thing but I don’t want to accidentally kill someone completely unrelated to my revenge.

When I looked at how Azanthys is doing, there I see adventurer C looking at me with eyes and mouth opened wide. The big guy also looked surprised but he recovered quickly and shouts.

“Dammit, forget about those guys! Grab the woman first for now, I’ll handle him later.”

Hoo, he’s not shaken too much. He must be rather confident with his ability. Should I take care of the remaining two instead of Azanthys who won’t attack? Wait…

I grabbed a wooden stick from nearby, actually it was a supporting beam of a stall’s roof. It is tilting this way now.

“Use this.”

I threw it and Azanthys caught it. She immediately used it and after avoiding a lunge she began her relentless and merciless assault.

One hit, two… three, and on and on. Her moves are too fast for the big guy, he couldn’t even react to it.

“Gahh! W, wait! Aghh! St…!”

The big guy is wearing quite a good armor but Azanthys’ attacks are all aimed at unprotected parts including gaps between armor plates… hey, did she really just hit there? An imaginary cracking sound just resounded in my head… or could it be it was real? Ouch, my condolences to your future, big guy. Adventurer C wasn’t spared but after only 4 or 5 hits he is already cowering in the back, covering his bruised face with both hands while shouting “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, forgive me… please…”

After several more hits, and another to his ‘that’, you know, the big guy finally fell down face first, hands on his groin. Since he then kept twitching while leaking a strange muffled voice “Hh, uhheh, hheh hnghhh ghhh…”, he might still be conscious.

Uhhh, splendid? Perfectly done? Azanthys is looking at me with a ‘praise me’ aura. Forget venting my stress, after seeing a future lost here, I can’t bring myself to say anything. That must have implanted fear more than I had intended to those guys however. Oh, she looks dejected now, let’s at least pat her head.

“???”

At first she showed a surprised look but then it turned into a happy one, that’s good.

Then, what’s next… should I just leave them as is? People are starting to come here attracted by the commotion. Adventurer C is still fairly okay anyway. Yep, let’s just leave them. Let’s leave them to a wild or passing by good Samaritan. At worst they will just get their equipment stolen by the people around here.

I quickly left the place followed by Azanthys before we could be seen by the gathering people. The idiots are alive so this might be useless but it is better being found out later than now.

When we got back to the guild hall and walked toward the tavern area, people’s gazes are gathering on us. Perhaps they didn’t expect us to return safely? I don’t care though.

“As expected, you look to be perfectly fine.”

“Welcome back, master.”

We were greeted by Lloyd and Mareritter.

“Lloyd told me it would be fine but I was kinda worried back there. Good to see you back. By the way, err, what happened to the other party?”

“Let’s just say, a man’s future was lost.”

“…?”

He looked confused but Randall didn’t ask any further.

“So, Mareritter… why is Liz in that state?”

I pointed at Liz who looked to be pitiful with her face sandwiched between Yusa’s and Eldys’.

“I judged the two to be harmless and it seemed amusing… *ahem* so I did not do anything when miss Lissa was forcefully taken by the two.”

“Erik…”

Well, there is no real harm done but Liz’s expression is almost as if it is saying “I won’t live to see tomorrow, goodbye.” so I approached her.

“Tch, you’ve returned eh. I wish you’d take longer, or rather… don’t return until tomorrow.”

“Hee, so you don’t want me to return eh? Try saying it again.”

I raised my hand to chop Yusa’s head and she quickly darted away, followed by Eldys whom I threatened with a chop as well.

Released from the two’s torment(?), Liz grabbed the hem of my shirt.

“Erik, I’m sorry but I think I want to go back to the inn…”

The apologetic Liz looked at me with tired eyes. I bet she is quite stressed too, although hers should be different from mine.

“Well, that’s all guys. Sorry but we’re going to end the party early.”

“Don’t worry about it, there was some disturbance anyway. We can have another one some other time.”

The one who replied to me was Randall, behind him Lloyd was trying to get Kaldor up but gave up with annoyed face and started dragging him along the floor by the collar. Let’s not ask why he didn’t lend Kaldor his shoulder instead.

“See ya then.”

Our first day back in Arx Norr thus ended just like that.