Job Class is a Master Converter

Chapter 4 – The betrayal of a hero

Chapter 4 – The betrayal of a hero

PART 1

Kyoushiro’s blood drew cold as he witness the scene with his own eyes. Alucia had her face and body pounded with punches, the heavenly beauty she has was being smashed by soldiers wearing full body armors made of steel. Even the gauntlets they were wearing were made of said steel.

Seeing that punching wasn’t enough, they kicked Alucia on the chest, her stomach and her back. Blood spew out from her mouth as she coughed up the accumulated blood in her throat.

Alucia grew limp as time passed by. Kyoushiro immediately jumped in and removed Alucia from the hands of her executioners.

With a loud roar, Kyoushiro punched one soldier on the face then kicked the other one the gut. Although Kyoushiro was weak, a converted speed to strength was enough to send a large ogre flying in one hit.

Kyoushiro gained this much strength in the two months that he was training.

“K-Kagami-dono!?” {Janne}

As the sight of Kyoushiro sending two armed soldiers flying made Janne, the second princess and Holy Knight, stiffened in bewilderment. But that was not the only thing that caught her surprise…

“Alucia!! Damn it, Damage Conversion> Damage Reduction>!!” {Kyoushiro}

Damage Conversion> was a skill that converts damaged dealt to the user’s body into power. Being so, Kyoushiro concentrated the effects on Alucia’s body to convert the damage on her body into Kyoushiro’s mana. This in turn made Kyoushiro use Damage Reduction> a skill that which reduce the damage on one’s body; be it before or after the damage was dealt.

In this case where Kyoushiro used both skills, Alucia’s battered face and body turned back to its former beautiful state. Kyoushiro smiled widely as he saw the effects of his skill going well, then as Alucia’s crimson eyes regained its strength; Kyoushiro embraced Alucia tightly.

Tears fell as Kyoushiro realized his mistake…

“Alucia… I… I’m sorry… For this to happen to you… I… I shouldn’t have hesitated to let you go… I should have just let you leave when Shiratori-san saw us that day… I’m sorry!!” {Kyoushiro}

“Ugh… Kyoushiro?” {Alucia}

Hearing the crying voice of Kyoushiro, as well as his tears Alucia opened her eyes trembling as she still felt the pain the soldiers and Janne inflicted her. Alucia caress the cheeks of Kyoushiro as she smiled calmly towards him.

“Alucia!!” {Kyoushiro}

“I’m fine now, thank you…” {Alucia}

After hearing and seeing that Alucia was fine, Kyoushiro glared at Janne, seething with rage after he saw Alucia being beat down like some animal.

“K-Kagami-dono…I…” {Janne}

“Shut it, you guys tried to beat down my wife. If something worse even happen to her, I’ll tear you guys from limb to limb” {Kyoushiro}

“Hero-dono! What is the meaning of this!!?”

Kyoushiro drew close to Janne with slow yet sure steps. Because of his anger, he has yet to noticed that he had his Matter Conversion> that lets Kyoushiro convert matter into its three states; Solid, Liquid and gas.

His right hand glow dangerously as his anger reached its peak. Because Alucia got involve this time, there was no use in arguing with him. His dark eyes were emitting such murderous gaze that those that saw it had their legs frozen.

Janne too has frozen due to fear and although none of the people in the military neither the second princess has seen Kyoushiro used his Matter Conversion> skill, the power Kyoushiro emitting was the same one that the others were letting out when they fight.

For someone like Kyoushiro, that was impossible. Yet, for some reason, they felt that Kyoushiro was more powerful than Renji himself; and he was the strongest hero in the class 1-C group.

But, the king came in before Kyoushiro could rampage. Behind the king was his personal knight guards, wearing full-body armor made of mithril and orihalcum ores.

“Kagami-dono, cease this foolishness at once!!” {King Solomon}

Upon the king’s voice, the knight guards of the king immediately surrounded Kyoushiro with swords, bardiches and spears directed at Kyoushiro’s neck.

The hair strands that was hiding Kyoushiro’s right eye swayed and showed the scar hidden on his right face. The scar was about 4.5 inches long that went over his right eye. However that was not the thing that made everyone shudder. It was the fact that it was the first time they saw such anger swelling deep inside his heart.

For someone as calm as he was, this was the very first time that he had let his anger out.

“Forgive me your Majesty but the fact that they hurt someone close to me is something I won’t let go. If fighting these knights would make you guys rethink of harming Alucia then fine by me. I’ll turn your whole body to dust” {Kyoushiro}

Kyoushiro was prepared to fight all the knights around him singlehandedly. Even if the odds were not on his side, he was prepared to fight to the death if he has to. But the people who came from behind the followed Kyoushiro thought otherwise.

“Kyoushiro-kun!!”

Kaguya came running after Kyoushiro when he had run out from her room. While still in her transparent negligee Kaguya arrived at the scene where Kyoushiro was surrounded by 6 knights with their weapons all directed at Kyoushiro.

However, Kyoushiro too was preparing to fight. The face that had borne onto Kaguya’s memories was seething with rage as his right hand glow a misty white color.

Using his right hand, Kyoushiro held the tip of the spear one of the personal Knights of the king was holding and converted it into a gaseous state of silver and iron causing an ammonic stench to spread.

Next, he converted the stat values of Magic Resistance into Agility; making his Magic resistance stat values 0 and Agility values 150. With this, Kyoushiro moved instantly causing his whole figure to blur. However, that was not enough to make his own body completely invisible to the eyes of his enemies.

Although the earlier action Kyoushiro made the Knights and all the people in the throne room astonished, the Knights regained their focus as they saw Kyoushiro not stopping to hold a conversation with the King.

Then, as they all decided that Kyoushiro turned into a hostile individual, they act accordingly to their status as Knights and soldiers and put the safety of the king, the princess, the ministers and the heroes’ lives a priority.

“Stand down now!!”

One of the knights yelled as he held his spear with both hands as his charged at Kyoushiro. Taking a step back, Kyoushiro managed to dodge the thrust safely. Though his clothes were torn, Kyoushiro did not stop to notice such irrelevant thing and continued his fluid movement.

“Thermal Conversion>” {Kyoushiro}

As Kyoushiro reached the back of the Knight as he spun, Kyoushiro used his Thermal Conversion>skill to forcefully lower the temperature of the air and froze the Knight almost instantly with a crackle like sound in a breakneck speed.

One of the Knights was incapacitated immediately. Fortunately, the knight was merely frozen to the degree that he could still breathe till tomorrow.

“Bastard!!!”

Then the Knight who wielded a longsword made of mithril attacked Kyoushiro from behind. Noticing such attack, Kyoushiro decided to take distance first. Mithril was a material that has a property that is a great conductor for magic. Not only that, it is one of the best and strongest material in the world since it cannot be break by ordinary means.

Magic does not affect much aside from its wielder and due to it being stronger than even adamantine which the strongest steel in Eldia, Kyoushiro’s conversion skill won’t even affect it.

As such, taking appropriate distance was the correct movement.

Just that, it was a wrong move when one was being surrounded in multiple directions.

“There is still more here!!”

“Tsk!” {Kyoushiro}

Behind Kyoushiro, a knight was holding a gigantic axe and slashed Kyoushiro over his head then downwards causing a vertical s***h at Kyoushiro’s back.

Kyoushiro was unable to dodge such attack and because of such frustration, he unconsciously clicked his tongue and gritted his teeth as the dull impact on his back made him stagger on his feet.

Luckily, Kyoushiro used his Density Conversion> skill to increase the density of molecules on his skin to harden it to the degree that even steel could not cut it. Not just that, he imbued it with some of his magic power to increase his defenses.

However the weapon used against him made of Mithril as well, because of that he could not escape being cut. Blood immediately drew out from the cut on his skin, dying his back red with blood.

But because the impact made him lose his footing, Kyoushiro fell onto his knees.

“Surrender hero-dono, you are outnumbered”

One of the knights walked in front of Kyoushiro and held the tip of the halberd right in front of Kyoushiro’s face. Not only one but the others joined in as well and pointed each of their own weapons at Kyoushiro’s face, back, neck, and shoulders.

Kyoushiro knows that he was outnumbered from the start, but still he chose to fight.

Like hell I’ll just lie down and let them hurt Alucia!!!

Kyoushiro took Alucia’s safety as main priority.

“Kyoushiro… Please stand down… I don’t want to see you get hurt because of me anymore”

But the person he was trying to protect chose his safety instead.

“Alucia… what are you…” {Kyoushiro}

“It’s fine Kyoushiro. This is inevitable after all. I’m a beastmen so this is my fate” {Alucia}

There was truth in her words. The beastmen have been treated as monsters like the demon race and the dragonoids. Because their appearances were that of a mix of an animal and humans, they were seen as being that are monsters and not people.

In spite of being able to communicate verbally and physically, they were still treated lower than any living being. Beastmen treated as slaves and source of entertainment. Men were treated as laborers made to work nonstop until they die because of the typical strong body they have as half-beast. Although some pure breeds can transform into their animal forms, they were still few in numbers and the majority were just blessed with strength and agility. As for the women, they were treated as toys to cur the pleasures of men. Because female beastmen were blessed with bodies larger than average human female and their reproductive ability to give birth to children, they were turned into play things for the noblemen.

In the past, they were still allied with the humans. However, because of the treatment the humans were giving them they sided with the demons in order to get the respect they deserve as person.

And in this case where Alucia was discovered and was accused as a spy, being executed would not be enough for her punishment. With her looks there was a definite chance that she would get r***d nonstop by the knights until she breaks.

She knows this herself, yet she still chose to surrender.

This was because of her job as a spy and an Assassin, dying was already a job hazard.

Hearing Alucia say those words, Kyoushiro froze from he was sitting and twist his neck to the direction where Alucia was. The color of Kyoushiro’s face became pale instantly.

“Alucia…No!!” {Kyoushiro}

From behind the armored Knights, Kyoushiro’s voice wailed out as he called the name of the person he treats someone important to him.

“Human King, I will not fight back. Kill me or use my body, I won’t care. As long as Kyoushiro is unharmed, I will let you do as you please with me” {Alucia}

Alucia faced King Solomon straight into his eyes; bravely taking on the punishment that will be brought onto her once everything was settled.

To that simple gaze from a race lower than a human, King Solomon frowned as if he had swallowed a bug.

“You disgusting beast, how dare you spit those words at me? You who are nothing than a Halflings of domesticated creatures, you are in no place to speak to me with such tone. Know your place scum…” {King Solomon}

“I don’t care what you say, just don’t hurt Kyoushiro. Also, I have no intention of giving you information even if you discovered me. You won’t get anything from me” {Alucia}

“Humph, you are quite cocky huh? Very well, I’ll give you what you want and have you executed here…But first, I’ll have to provide entertainment to the heroes. This will be good example for them that will fight your people” {King Solomon}

King Solomon beckoned her daughter with his chin, prompting to collect her sword at once and strike down Alucia with it. Seeing such action from her father, the king no less, Janne pulled out her Holy sword from its scabbard and raised it against Alucia’s neck.

The rabbitmen spy gaze at the person who was holding the sword straight in her eyes as she prepared herself from the death imposing sentence from the orders of the king, Alucia simply gaze at the grief stricken Kyoushiro as he was being pinned down by multiple knights.

It was like she was saying her last goodbyes to him. A trickle of tear silently dripped down from her eyes over her cheeks then onto her slightly trembling hands.

Then, as the shining blade reflected Alucia’s pure white neck, Alucia braced herself from the s***h that will then take her life.

However, such attack did not happen.

“Kyoushiro…?”

Janne’s echoed in the ears of Alucia as the tip of the sword did not meet her neck. Slowly, Alucia opened her eyes.

There, what reflected on those crimson eyes were blood dripping down the blade of the sword, from there a familiar color entered her vision as it was slightly tinge with tears.

It was definitely Kyoushiro but he was supposed to have been pinned down by the personal Knights of the king that was standing imposingly on the stairs below his throne.

All of the people were stunned at the spectacle that occurred right before their eyes. Kyoushiro’s body was emitting a smoke like substance was slowly forming his legs and back. Unexpectedly, the minute his form finished being solid, the Knights who was stunned stiff from the sight of Kyoushiro vanishing and reappearing instantly near Janne finally regained their composure to react.

Immediately, they formed a circle around Kyoushiro once again while thinking the safety of the princess as well.

Shortly after, all the heroes came into the throne room as well when they heard of the news that the spy had been finally found.

But the sight where Kyoushiro was defending Alucia was the only thing reflected in their eyes.

“Janne-sama, please stand down. I don’t want to make you my enemy as well” {Kyoushiro}

“Kyoushiro… I… But…” {Janne}

“Please…” {Kyoushiro}

“…Very well” {Janne}

As Janne received Kyoushiro’s heartfelt plea, Janne immediate lowered her weapon. Kyoushiro too let go of the sword with his blood stained hands as soon as Janne showed her compliance. Kyoushiro sighed in relief to see that Janne was still reasonable to reason with.

Finally, everything calmed down…

…

As the storm within the throne room was settled, Kyoushiro stood in front of Alucia to protect her while the heroes positioned themselves next to the king with the knights were stationed at the left side of Kyoushiro and Janne as they were thawing out the frozen Knight from the previous rumble. Since the ice was made to just prevent one’s movement, the ice quickly melted and the frozen Knight was freed the frozen prison.

He was sneezing uncontrollably after being freed though…

“Now then, as this matter had been gone over our heads a while ago, I would like to hear from Kagami-dono as to why he sided with the heretic race. Also why he had hidden the fact that she is a spy sent from the Demon king’s army” {King Solomon}

Finally calmed down, King Solomon was seated on his throne had Kyoushiro explained the reasons behind his actions. To that, the heroes too nodded at the king’s request. Kaguya seemed to be sad because Kyoushiro was siding with the beautiful wife behind him.

Reigi, Ryuuji and the other male heroes were just glaring Kyoushiro because he was siding with the enemy.

“There are no reasons you’re Majesty; I just wanted to help her is all” {Kyoushiro}

“That’s… Even though you knew very well that she is from the enemy side?” {King Solomon}

“Yes” {Kyoushiro}

Kyoushiro answered with a straight face.

“Then, is that scar on your face from her? This is the first time I have seen such thing on you” {King Solomon}

Kyoushiro had a scar going over his right eye. Just as King Solomon mentioned, this was the very first time he and everyone had seen Kyoushiro’s scar besides Kaguya, who have known the story behind that scar to those she told the story to.

Even from the beginning when they were summoned, Kyoushiro’s right eye had already been covered. The class 1 – C also had this first time to see such scar on Kyoushiro’s face. Although it looked very cool in the taste of other women, if seen from the side of men, it was unsightly. However none voiced their reaction as this a serious matter.

Kyoushiro felt the right side of face and noticed that it was uncovered. Realizing his blunder, Kyoushiro gave a weak smile as he told the story of how he got the scar.

Kaguya felt happy that he still remembered what happened that day and at the same time apologetic since she has yet to thank him from that incident.

King Solomon stroked his chin as he listened to the story that Kyoushiro told.

“So you are saying that was not made from an attack in this world but from that world?” {King Solomon}

“Yes, that’s right” {Kyoushiro}

“Then you are not by all means drugged or were under a certain spell but acted on your own free will to help this unsightly beast?” {King Solomon}

“That is correct” {Kyoushiro}

“I still cannot understand why you are still siding with her though” {King Solomon}

“Would you understand if I say that I am entitled to protect my wife from anything malicious thrown at her?” {Kyoushiro}

Is it not normal to protect your wife from anything that would put her into danger? Of course it is. Any husband would do everything to protect their wife - That was what Kyoushiro was implying.

This was something that everyone understood out of their own experiences of loving someone dear to them. King Solomon also knows this since he has his own wife. The same goes with the Knights that were silently watching behind Kyoushiro.

Almost all the older men and slightly younger men understood this. They all nodded their head in silence.

“So you are saying that you will protect her as she is your wife?” King Solomon}

“Yes, I will do so even if making everyone here an enemy” {Kyoushiro}

“Come to think of it, that is something everyone has been wondering about? How come you two are married despite us not knowing? If it were once, we should have seen her in sometimes we are together since we both belong on the same party”

The one who spoke was Kagura Katagiri. Kagura belongs to the same party as Kyoushiro that consists of 2 knights and 1 healer. Kagura was a Magic Fighter class that uses martial arts and magic at the same time. Since he can fight with both magic and normal attacks, he was suited to be both a magician and a front fighter. Kyoushiro protects the rear with his conversion skills as the two made a good combination.

Incidentally, Shiori sometimes joins up with them to even up since she was a Spirit Mage.

A Spirit Mage is a class that employs the power of spirits to attack an enemy. They are different from Arch mages and Dark Mages since the two classes’ uses Systematic spells that employs the four elements and the two ethereal elements of Light and Dark.

Unlike spirit magic that uses the power of spirits to manifest the phenomenon known as magic to strike an enemy, the systematic spells use long and short chants to perfectly execute and conjure the phenomenon in order to reshape reality.

However, thanks to the power of being heroes, chant meant for long spells were shortened and spirits powered spell were made to make spirit mages to be well like by spirits.

As for Kyoushiro, the power of Conversion was just a normal skill that can either be executed with a chant or not. In his case, Kyoushiro chose the latter.

“The reason is that I did not let Alucia leave my room except for her personal businesses and perfectly hid the fact that I took her in behind you backs. I am entitled as her husband under the traditions of the rabbitmen race” {Kyoushiro}

“Tradition…?” {Reigi}

This time, Reigi asked for confirmation.

“In the tradition in my race within the black continent, those who have stayed under one roof be it lovers or not will be treated as husband wife after one week. Because us rabbitmen have good reproductive capabilities, this was to ensure that won’t do unreasonable things to female rabbitmen. My father and Mother have gone through the same thing as well in the past” {Alucia}

Alucia answered Reigi as he has no knowledge regarding the enemy races at all. The same could be said to the other heroes as well.

“So you and Kyoushiro-kun are married under the tradition of your race? “ {Kaguya}

This time, it was Kaguya. Since this concern Kyoushiro’s relationship with Alucia Kaguya wished to know everything. This is also for the sake of her own feelings that would then be directed at Kyoushiro whether he was married or not. After all, Kaguya has been in love with him for quite some time now.

“Yes” {Alucia}

“Then, does that mean that in terms of human standards, you two are not technically married?” {Kaguya}

“Y-Yes…” {Alucia}

Did Alucia waver there? Kyoushiro felt that Alucia became unsettled when Kaguya mentioned about him and her not being married in human standards.

Though as far Kyoushiro was concerned, he knows that he was married to Alucia. There was no changing that fact.

“Does this apply to other beast race as well?” {King Solomon}

“Some races like the fox race, cow race and wolf race have the same tradition. I don’t know about the others besides those three and us rabbitmen” {Alucia}

Truth be told, Fox race consider marriage when one would sleep with the opposite s*x once and that would bind them for eternity. They are a sly race that sometimes tricks men to sleep under the same roof as them with the guise of kindness so men of the beast race often avoid meeting the fox race. As for the Cow race and Wolf race, marriage would be when men would defeat the father in a duel and women would fight the mothers of men. This was because the wolf race are a prideful race like the Tiger race and the Lion race since they value strength above all else. Because the cow race has the Minotaur and the wolf race has the werewolves, the value of strength is higher than love.

Other races beastmen like cat people and dog people has the same marriage systems as humans since some of them have been living in human countries that does not discriminate demi-humans all of their lives. Though that said, races like the Lamias, Sirens, Harpies, Centaurs and Fish people have crooked marriage systems since most of them don’t leave much of their habitats or villages because they value their pure blood more than ever. That said, if ever some of the same races such as them would turn into slaves and prostitutes, it could be said that human males will die younger because the vitality of the previously mentioned beast races are terrifyingly high.

However, taste varies to everyone so no one would judge if they would like being drained to the point where being infertile would be their end.

Sadly, there are similar cases in the past but since those are irrelevant, only rumors are circulating and hardly any of those races can be seen in human countries.

Alucia’s knowledge about other races is low since most of them live in seclusion. No one would judge Alucia because it could not be helped.

“Does this mean that you, Kagami-dono, acknowledged that this here beastmen is your wife?” {King Solomon}

“I am standing here protecting her, is not proof enough?” {Kyoushiro}

“Kyoushiro…” {Alucia}

Alucia’s cheeks became flushed as she heard Kyoushiro admit that in front her. But as for Kaguya and Janne, the two girls who are madly in love with Kyoushiro wore difficult faces as they heard those words of affirmation directly from Kyoushiro himself. As for the maids that were peeking from the gaps of the door a few meters behinds, they merely cried silently. It seems that they too lover Kyoushiro as much as the princess and the hero.

“So that is what you will choose despite being summoned her by the goddess Eldia-sama? This is quite a problem even for a hero such as you, yourself hero-dono”

That voice came from no one present in the room. What came after those words were a heavy strike of magic power that made Kyoushiro fell on all fours because of the pressure. The heroes, the knights and servants, King Solomon and Second princess Janne and the ministers were just struck with only a light feeling of heaviness.

Seeing that Kyoushiro was force to kneel, everyone began to search for the source of the voice.

“Humph, the feebleness of you otherworlders is truly remarkable. With a just from a beauty from race different from yours can make you so weak despite being a hero. You are quite pitiful huh?”

Hovering above was a pale blue haired woman wearing a pure white nun habit, she has pupils with white color as if she was blind and beauty that can be said as holy that even the women were stuck in awe as they watch her slowly falling down with grace.

The glass like shoes she wore tapped the floor with grace as her long pale blue hair fluttered under nun habit. All of her clothes were pure white, with such color accompanied with the grand entrance; it could be interpreted that the woman was some goddess.

Kyoushiro raised his face in order to look at the person who made him drop on his knees with pure heaviness of gravity made out of pure pressure.

Sweat beads fell from his forehead as Kyoushiro forced himself to stand up.

“Oh my, this is a surprise. To see you standing despite receiving this Divine Presence> is quite a surprise… I see, so this is one of your skills huh?”

“What…!?” {Kyoushiro}

Just who is this woman? How come I didn’t felt her coming here? These were the thoughts of Kyoushiro as he was withstanding the pressure with his Conversion> skill to convert the weight of the pressure from heavy to light. However, because there was a difference in power between him and the woman, the woman won the war of attrition and completely made Kyoushiro kneel before her.

The frail looking hands of the woman held Kyoushiro’s cheeks as if she was holding a delicate skull as she gaze into Kyoushiro’s dark colored eyes. Seeing his own reflection in those colorless pupils made Kyoushiro trembled. She was his complete opposite in color.

The dark eyed Kyoushiro and the mysterious white eyed woman; it was like seeing the forces of darkness and light facing against and the darkness was losing.

“Kh… Who are you…?” {Kyoushiro}

“I am Minerva an apostle sent by the Goddess Eldia-sama to train the young heroes… That was my mission but for one of her warriors to side with the enemy, this is quite a problem. For you, a hero, to betray the expectations of Eldia-sama this is truly betrayal of a hero” {Minerva}

Minerva’s face was expressionless. It gave the feeling of seeing a doll talking and made Kyoushiro tremble even more. Alucia, who was behind him all this time, simply held Kyoushiro’s back from behind as she glared at Minerva; sadly Minerva did not even looked at her once and simply looked into Kyoushiro’s eyes which were in different contrast than her white eyes.

“Ugh!! If… that’s… how you… see it… then what… will you…kh… do?” {Kyoushiro}

Kyoushiro spoke despite the pressure was slowly increasing. It seems that talking right in front of Minerva’s face was a very bad move.

“What you ask? I will kill you… Is what I want to say but unfortunately I cannot do that” {Minerva}

Kyoushiro felt relieved that he won’t be killed in the least. But the next words made him froze in an instant…

“I cannot kill you but I am not saying that I cannot torture you” {Minerva}

“Argh!!!” {Kyoushiro}

The pressure suddenly increased and Kyoushiro suddenly fell on the floor. The floor caved in made cob web like appearance. Kyoushiro was groaning under the intense pressure his body was receiving.

Ominous sounds of bones cracking made the watchers aware of the true identity of the mysterious visitor.

“Impossible… Are you the 12th apostle, Minerva Alseraphim-sama?” {King Solomon}

12th apostle Minerva Alseraphim, one of the 12 apostles of the goddess Eldia that was said to have the power to travel between the human realm and god realm in any point of given time. In the stories that pertains her existence, Minerva was the harbinger of death to the heretics that dare to soil the lands made by the Goddess Eldia. However, because of her position as an apostle she cannot interfere with the conflicts between the demon king and inhabitants of this world as well as the heroes. However, because of the fact Kyoushiro sided with Alucia, he has been considered as traitor amongst the heroes so she can now punish Kyoushiro as much as she wants. But she still cannot kill him as he is a person from earth.

For whatever reasons, she can only execute him under Eldia’s orders.

To king Solomon’s unbelieving question, Minerva rose from her feet and hovered slowly as she went in front of him and the heroes.

“You are correct; I am the 12th apostle Minerva Alseraphim, human king’s King Solomon Aravel” {Minerva}

Minerva bowed courteously towards him and the heroes as she introduced herself.

Part 2

The heroes were shocked at the sight of an apostle sent by the Goddess Eldia when she came out of nowhere and made Kyoushiro kiss the ground with her intense pressure from the Divine Presence> skill.

This skill can only be acquired by certain individuals when they reach the pinnacle of holiness. Job classes like Priests and Archbishops can obtain the derivation of that skill called Holy presence> a skill that shows own the aura made from pure white holy being.

There is also the lower derivation skill of Divine presence> called Pressure>. In this case, the skill Pressure> only gives the targets slight intimidating fear. This skill is mostly found in the monsters that are high level.

Just damn it!!

Under the intense pressure of Divine Presence> Kyoushiro was stuck on the ground, face down. He accidentally bit his lower lip because of the heaviness that was striking his body. Kyoushiro was converting the weight of his body into something like body as his magic power was short, he could only do that for a short time.

Despite such low level of skill, Kyoushiro obtained the skill Gravity Conversion> due to his tenacity of never giving up.

Because of the skill Gravity Conversion> Kyoushiro was able to somehow lessen the weight and stand up even when the gravity over his body was well over 500 already.

“Kyoushiro are you alright?” {Alucia}

Alucia asked worriedly as she sees the pained expression Kyoushiro has as he negates the gravity made by Minerva’s Divine Pressure> skill. Kyoushiro glanced back at Alucia then gave her a smile to make her feel relieved.

However, because of the weight constantly weighing down his body, Kyoushiro’s bones were creaking. The situation was way more dangerous than facing a horde of goblins alone in the forest.

But despite the pain, Kyoushiro still endured and walked slowly towards Minerva.

“K-Kyoushiro-kun?! Stop this already!! Your body is bleeding!!”

Kaguya, who saw Kyoushiro walking slowly towards Minerva’s back, yelled worriedly as she saw the blood drenching his clothes in front. It seems that some of his ribs broke and stabbed through his chest. Kyoushiro looked like an undead walking to devour its prey.

But to that shout, Kyoushiro simply ignored it and continued. Alucia’s voice can be heard from behind as well but that too was ignored.

“Oh? You can still walk even in that kind of state? Your tenacity is befitting of a hero but the fact you are a traitor is something that cannot be erased” {Minerva}

Minerva turned her body with a simple twirl that the hem of her nun’s outfit fluttered elegantly. The divinity of her aura was truly exquisite, a being akin only for the beings of the god realm above.

The poker faced Minerva faced Kyoushiro in a very uninterested tone, though her face would not show it no matter how many emotions she let out.

“Apostle or… Not…! I won’t step down… from a fight… that involves the people important to me!!” {Kyoushiro}

“That disposition is remarkable, I admit that. Sadly, there are no seats in the god realm that can be given to traitors like you” {Minerva}

“Haha… I don’t need that kind of privilege… what’s important to me is… my wife’s safety…” {Kyoushiro}

Kyoushiro stopped in a millimeter of a distance Minerva. Kyoushiro’s imposing height was higher than Minerva’s, making her look up as she was only 5 centimeters shorter than Kyoushiro.

A black knight against a white apostle, a combination that only stories would tell to have faced each other.

“I won’t yield to any god I don’t know the face of” {Kyoushiro}

Did the weight lessen? Kyoushiro was now standing upright and composed. He was glaring down on Minerva with a daring smile. But, even when those were visible, Kyoushiro’s eyes have already lost their focus and were merely staring at empty air.

Minerva’s thin eyebrows twitched as she received such words from the unconscious Kyoushiro.

For some odd reason, there was a short beat within her chest in that instant; though that beat only lasted for 1 second.

“Not only a traitor but a heretic as well huh? Very well, I shall bestow upon judgement upon you and that unsightly beast you call your wife” {Minerva}

Saying so, Minerva’s hand swayed as if flowing along with wind before placing it over on Kyoushiro’s left cheek. But, before she activated her godly powers, she was stopped by Kaguya, Janne and Alucia.

Kaguya held Minerva’s right shoulder while Janne went and held Minerva’s left shoulder and Alucia went behind Kyoushiro and placed her arms around his waist. Feeling the weight Kyoushiro had been enduring, Alucia fell down on her back.

Ugh… This… This is too much!!

“Minerva-sama please dispel your skill already, Kyoushiro-sama have already lost consciousness” {Janne}

Seeing Kyoushiro’s eyes close and rugged breathing, he seemed to have lost his conscious when he forced himself to stand in front of Minerva. Though she felt relieved that Kyoushiro seemed fine despite his ribs poking out of his chest, the sight of Alucia embracing him from behind made her feel envious so she made Minerva deactivate her Divine Presence>.

“Don’t you dare try and hurt Kyoushiro-kun any more than this” {Kaguya}

Kaguya’s threatening voice entered Minerva’s right ear. Immediately after, she moved to heal Kyoushiro’s hurt body.

“Please lay him on the floor” {Kaguya}

“Understood” {Alucia}

As Alucia quickly understood what Kaguya was about to do, she laid Kyoushiro on the floor so that Kaguya could heal Kyoushiro properly with her skill.

Then, seeing that Kyoushiro was properly laid flat on the floor, she placed both of her hands above his chest and executes the skill Heavenly Cure>. It is a skill that grants fast recovery for wounds, diseases and curse. Furthermore, it makes the recovery time instantaneous so fast that the wound itself won’t even leave a scar behind.

A bright light covered Kyoushiro’s chest, making the bones that had poked out from his chest recede back inside his body and reconstruct it completely.

Slowly, the light dissipates and the blood bones that stuck out from Kyoushiro’s body finally disappeared leaving only the blood stains on his clothes.

“Kyoushiro!!” {Alucia}

Seeing that Kyoushiro was already fine, Alucia called out his name in joy. Shortly after, Kyoushiro opened his eyes.

After seeing that Kyoushiro was already fine, Kaguya went to confront Minerva once again as Janne was still restraining her. The King, heroes, knights and ministers were dumbfounded at the spectacle of three women protecting on man.

And the enemy was an apostle no less…

“I won’t let you hurt Kyoushiro-kun no matter what, but this does not mean that I am siding with that woman next to him” {Kaguya}

As expected, women change when it comes to the person they love… All the heroes thought of this as they saw Kaguya bravely confronting Minerva an apostle of the goddess Eldia.

“You are a hero re you not? Also, you human princess Janne should not protect a traitor like him. This goes over the principles you bare as a Holy Knight chosen by Eldia-sama” {Minerva}

“Things like does not concern me if Kyoushiro-sama is involve. Make sure to remember that” {Janne}

Even Janne was no different from Kaguya. King Solomon was showing his displeasure at the attitude his daughter was showing to an important guest Like Minerva.

Immediately, King Solomon forcefully changed the topic since they won’t be able to move on.

“Ahem… Then, what might be the reason a great apostle such as yourself doing in this humble abode of mine? Though this might concern the fate of that hero there, I wish to know your mission of being here Minerva-sama” {King Solomon}

“I was sent here by Eldia-sama to oversee the growth of the heroes she had called. However, it seems that I have arrived at a time when one hero chose to betray the others for one mere female. This is an action that must be corrected by all cost. Furthermore, I was tasked to judge the worth of each hero. This was to see if they have the will to protect the human race against the Demon king” {Minerva}

That was the job she was supposed to do but after seeing one hero siding with the enemy, Minerva thought otherwise. Won’t one hero change the thoughts of the other heroes with one simple action? If this is enough to shake their will to fight the enemy then it would be better to just leave them be.

They are indeed heroes but if they were to betray the person that called them out to this world, then what was the use of being a hero? Minerva was an apostle that was tasked to help them grow but with the situation as it is, one hero could break that task she has.

Of course, Kyoushiro was only one hero. But be it one or many that does not change the fact that a hero betrayed the ones he supposed to protect.

Minerva looked back to where Kyoushiro was and there he saw him glaring towards her direction. He seemed fine but he was still exhausted. There was no use if he still wished to fight so he was not moving from his position.

Kyoushiro was being nursed by Alucia…

“Then if just that, then we are enough. Kyoushiro isn’t even suited for fighting so there is nothing he could contribute to us. We can prove to you that we don’t need someone like him in order to fight the Demon king” {Reigi}

Reigi stared at Kyoushiro once before looking at Kaguya then back to Minerva. There was a tinge of sadness in his eyes but Reigi made sure that it won’t show to anyone else.

Reigi then continued…

“If it’s just us 24 then that is enough. Our power alone is already strong enough to fight demon generals and we are already strong enough to face one right now” {Reigi}

What Reigi spoke of were true. In this 2 months, almost all the heroes were at the level where even A rank adventurers were useless against them Their strength were already in a monstrous level so even if they fight the army of the Demon king right now, they could annihilate at least 100 soldiers per each hero.

Reigi’s level right now was 250 with his stat values at 300+ with magic equipment along. Even he could be on par with Janne right now thanks to the training he had done until now.

If he were to fight single-handedly, he could at least decimate above 250 soldiers and monsters at most.

That was how strong he is right now. And if they include that strength to 23 other heroes, who knows how much damage the army of the Demon king could incurred after the war.

So even if Kyoushiro doesn’t fight, they would still win. That was how confident Reigi was in his words.

To that, Minerva narrowed her eyes as if to contemplate what Reigi just said.

“Hmm… Very well, I shall test your strengths to see if you are indeed ready to fight the Demon King’s army”

Minerva said as she suddenly turned back and faced Kyoushiro. Then she continued…

“I shall see your strength in the Undead King’s Catacombs, There I shall judge if you all are indeed ready to fight. Tomorrow, I shall await the heroes’ arrival at the very end of its floors” {Minerva}

Then in that moment, Minerva’s body turned into a bright light before ascending onto the ceiling before disappearing completely.

King Solomon then finally felt relieved that the esteemed apostle of the goddess finally left.

“Now then, it is decided that all heroes will go into the Undead King’s Catacombs and show the 12th apostle Minerva-sama the strength you have acquired this passing two months. That includes you as well Kyoushiro-dono. I will postpone my judgement on that beast beside you. Until this test is done make sure to keep her close to you before anything happens to her while in this castle” {King Solomon}

Until then, make sure to keep your guard up… Those words were left as a warning to Kyoushiro now that everyone knew that his wife is a beastmen in disguise as a human. Because her identity was now exposed, there was no telling how much people know the secret now. With her life in danger until tomorrow, he has to make sure Alucia would stay safe until then. If not she may die.

That was what King Solomon was saying in his warning before he left the throne room in pure anger.

“Kyoushiro… I…” {Alucia}

Then, as the figure of King Solomon had disappeared from the throne room, Alucia called out to Kyoushiro, who was sitting beside her, wearing a strained face.

“Don’t worry…” {Kyoushiro}

Kyoushiro muttered so as he slowly looked into Alucia’s crimson eyes then placing his hand over her head, caressing it softly and caringly.

“I will protect you no matter what” {Kyoushiro}

“Kyoushiro… Yes… I understand” {Alucia}

Satisfied with Kyoushiro’s answer for now, Alucia smiled as she leaned on Kyoushiro’s chest and entrusting her tired body to him. Kyoushiro caught the fainted Alucia then stood up and carried her in his arms like a princess.

Then, before leaving he directed his gaze at Reigi, who was looking as if he forced himself to say those words earlier and smiled lightly.

“Thanks for the help Kagemori I owe you one” {Kyoushiro}

Thus, Kyoushiro left with his fainted princess as well.

…

After Kyoushiro left, the heroes gathered and went to a room where there would be no one to eavesdrop. Together with Janne and Eluviana, they arrived at the secret room where most the meeting of the King with the other nations were done and there they discussed what just happened this afternoon.

Inside a dimly lit room where only candle light was giving the dark room its light, there was 26 individuals seated near the round table.

There was no other furniture beside that round table and chairs. There were neither windows nor curtains as well, only a large map drawn on the surface of the round table with very precise markings.

Mountains, plains and seas; there were some colored parts were other continents were drawn and marked with flag as well and on the center of it was large dark space that had spike like hills on its surface.

It was the Black Continent where the Demon king lives…

“So? What opinions you have regarding Kyoushiro’s attitude had earlier?”

Seated at the north section of the round table, Ren begun the discussion with the outmost ridiculous question of all. However, there was no one in the room that argued with that question of his.

Ryuuji raised his hand to offer his own opinion.

“I know that it’s already obvious but, why are we doing this again? {Ryuuji}

But it seems that he truly does not like the way this meeting was going.

“Onodera, we just want to know what kind of thoughts you have on the things that Kyoushiro did this afternoon. It was his fault that something even happened right? I mean, he hid the fact that a spy sneaked in the castle after all”

Hashiba Yuusuke answered Ryuuji’s question with a rough tone. It seems that he was affected about the fact that Kaguya protected Kyoushiro when the apostle Minerva was about to finish off Kyoushiro.

Yuusuke was one of the many suitors of Kaguya. Because Kaguya showed how serious she was in her feelings for Kyoushiro, he felt offended and would like to vent his anger on him. But as the fact Kaguya was indeed in love with Kyoushiro, he held back his anger somewhat and gave an honest and calm answer.

Reigi was of the same opinion but he still remained quiet on his seat.

“This is a very delicate situation where one of us could very well defect to the other side. It’s important that we discuss this right now” {Yuusuke}

“Kyoushiro-kun would never do that…” {Kaguya}

“I am of the same opinion as Kaguya-sama” {Janne}

But Kaguya and Princess Janne contradicted Yuusuke’s words as they believed that Kyoushiro would never betray them. After all, despite how much he disliked being with them there was no reason for him to turn into their enemy when he knew he was that weak in the first place.

Kyoushiro was a cunning man yet wise enough to see what was right from wrong. It was just that this time became a situation hard for him to choose of who he will protect.

In the end, he chose Alucia because he was her husband in the traditions of the rabbitmen.

“We know that he won’t turn into our enemy but with how its stands, he is an enemy in the eyes of that Minerva person. We can very well see that crossing over the line would be dangerous for us even if we are heroes” {Kagura}

Kagura joined in and placed his own insight on the table.

“That’s right isn’t it? I mean he went and even threatened that apostle because he wanted to protect Alucia. There is no saying that he won’t become an enemy if we or the country hurt her. That guy loves her to the point he even tried to fight an apostle for goodness sake”

Ayano Honda sees that Kyoushiro was willing to protect his wife to the degree of fighting heaven itself and going through hell with it as well. There was also the fact that his love for his wife could trigger a certain switch in him that could very well turn him into an ally with the demons.

Although it was romantic that he was willing to go that far for Alucia, it was still over the top if seen in the other person’s point of view.

“But the question is that, if Janne-sama and Shiratori-san could endure Kyoushiro’s strong feelings for his wife. It was evident that these two like him as well. Well I like Kagami as well but even I know where my place is when to comes to that kind of situation”

Nanase Kirishima, the class representative of class 1 – C also gave her opinion. Her feelings for Kyoushiro were light and could be said on the level of ‘friendliness’ rather than ‘affectionate’ because there was hardly any interaction between the two of them.

The only time she would talk to him is when she would get the assignments of her classmates when the teachers want to collect them. As for their closeness, there was nothing that could be said that could see them as ‘close’ to each other.

Though, the fact that she said that she likes Kyoushiro made Kaguya and Janne looked at her direction with a glare.

“Well, anyways… Since we know that Kyoushiro won’t fight us since we are too strong for him we don’t have anything to discuss right?” {Nanase}

“No, there is still we need to discuss”

This time, Reigi became the mediator of the discussion and spoke before Nanase could leave her seat.

“And? What is it?” {Nanase}

“That is… what we will do in the Undead King’s Catacombs since that is the place that the apostle will test our strength as a hero” {Reigi}

The Undead King’s Catacomb is located in the deepest part of the forest of misery. Because of the catacomb made for the former dictator of a fallen country, the miasma coming out from that place had contaminated the forest and transformed the creatures there into monsters. Gradually through the hundreds of years, the catacomb itself turned into a dungeon where vicious undead monsters lurk inside it.

It was said that the catacomb itself turned the remains of the people there into monsters because they were buried unpurified.

Inside of it were monsters ranking from 2 – 7 undead monsters. Ghouls, zombies and skeleton soldiers roams the upper floors while the zombie hounds, sludge slimes, poison golems and tomb guardians were spread within the lower floors and at the deepest floor where the Undead King lies along with its former subordinates.

Undead Knights, Specter Horse, Cerberus and the Undead Queen are all kept at the same room of the undead king’s burial tomb. It might have because he does not like to part with his beloved people or it was just his selfish wish to enshrine them at the same tomb as him, but due to the malice created by their past grudges, they have yet to ascend to the next life.

Of course going there was the easiest part however the monsters in the Forest of Misery were all rank 5 - 6 and not were lower than rank 4.

Even the veteran adventurers were having trouble in going in and out of there in order to subjugate some monsters. Sadly, hardly some of them live to go back to retrieve their rewards.

Well, for the class 1 – C heroes, going there was just a piece of cake. The only problem was…

“Whether it is required for all of us to go or not, we need Kyoushiro’s cooperation. He is… the only person I’ve known to have gone in there and before” {Reigi}

There was once time when Kyoushiro gone on a power level streak in order to get stronger. He entered the Forest of Misery alone with no weapons for three days and three nights. He only brought some food and luggage with him and there he stayed.

In that three days and nights, Kyoushiro came back a changed man for some reason. His aura had changed and was practically a new person. Reigi witness the things Kyoushiro did in order to get stronger by himself.

Although it was reckless for someone like him to do that, he still managed to get strong in a very short time. Reigi once saw a fight between him and a Rank 3 Killer ogre, the fight didn’t even last for ten seconds and the whole body of the Killer ogre turned into dust.

It was a sight that even he could never forget and something so similar happened back at the throne room.

Kyoushiro turned a spear into dust with just one touch.

“He probably knows the layout of that place so it’s better to make him come with us” {Reigi}

“Can’t we just hire some adventurer to guide us there?” {Ren}

“Shikimi-dono, it would be best to not involve other people in our problem. If the populace got a whiff of an apostle being on this world, it would cause uproar. The apostles symbolizes the end of times in this world after all and the one that appeared was the 12th apostle Minerva-sama no less” {Janne}

Naturally, a being that could be said a harbinger of death just came down from the heavens to instruct the heroes in their training, such thing would strike fear to the normal people of Eldia.

Janne wants to keep Minerva’s appearance in the human world as secret as possible. If it was known then the world would plunge into panic and chaos would only increase the things that are needed to be protected.

There was no way they could hire some adventurer and have them guide them through the Forest of Misery. It would only increase the problem if some guy were to appear suddenly and cause mayhem in the hero group.

Princess Janne, the only Holy Knight in Eldia aside from Reigi, was sure of this.

“If it’s convincing him, I’ll do that myself. After all, aside from what Janne-sama almost did to Alucia-san, I am the perfect person for the job” {Kaguya}

Because of the ruckus made by Janne by discovering Alucia’s identity and beating her to the point that her face was unrecognizable there was no way Kyoushiro would speak to her. Aside from Kaguya who was with him right before the uproar, there was no better candidate than him.

The others were somewhat in a distant relationship than Kyoushiro even from the start so she can’t rely on their help. Even more so when Nanase declared that she liked Kyoushiro, though it was that of a friend like affection.

“Anyways, we will head to the entrance of the Forest of Misery in the morning so make sure to rest up and prepare for a long fight in the catacombs” {Reigi}

With his words as mark for the end of the meeting, the others stood up from their seats and left the secret meeting room.

…

“Hey, do we even need to go that far?”

These words were filled with anxiety and fear as he asked that question to the person whom brought the meeting of the 25 individuals earlier where the discussion of tomorrow’s mission just ended.

Still seated in his seat, Ren Shikimi looked at Takamine Suguo, who was trembling in nervousness as he could not take the fact that Ren just issued the meeting in order to get rid of Kyoushiro for good.

The plan was that to make the others hate him for siding with the enemy. Furthermore, it was also to make Kaguya and Janne look at Kyoushiro differently.

Sadly, their plan failed when Reigi stepped in as the leader of the discussion.

“Like I care but that bastard, to make two gorgeous women fall for him with just his looks really annoying!! I mean, we got good looks too right? It would be normal if Janne-sama were at least fall for us!” {Ren}

Even Kaguya-san favors him too strongly!! Just what’s up with that guy and he is too likeable by women!?

Although some would agree with Ren’s envy towards Kyoushiro’s charisma to entice women to like him however, the only reason why he was so likable was that he was too conscious of his surroundings. He helps others if he needs it and advice those who were having problems in their lives. But the true reason why Kyoushiro attracts women was how he never get too familiar with some he first met; especially women.

Unlike the group of Ren’s that would immediately jumped the gun whenever they receive kindness from women and misunderstood their intentions for affections.

Naturally, the three were good looking but their perverse personalities always make women ran away from them. Moreover, Kyoushiro would just lend a hand if need and doesn’t really care what their other party’s intentions afterwards.

If you were to choose of who was better suited to be like, would you choose Kyoushiro or Ren’s group? Sadly, the answer would remain a mystery as the three continued their own meeting under the nose of the other heroes.

“Well, it’s not like I can’t understand what you’re feeling but… Thinking of murdering Kyoushiro is too far dude. Even I won’t think of something like that even if I do hate the guy” {Toru}

Next to Suguo was Toru. Because he too was included in the plan, he stayed when the others left earlier.

“Of course I feel jealous but, we can just look for someone else to like right? It’s not like those two are the only women in this world…” {Toru}

“Toru you i***t… it is because there are no other than those two that I feel jealous. With those two beauties in each hand, moreover on each side of the bed is just too amazing!! Would it kill you guys to at least dream to marry someone as beautiful as them and spend a lifetime of doing naughty things under the sheets every day until you both grow old? Seriously, you two don’t have brains for this…” {Ren}

“And that’s why we don’t want to agree with you. Killing Kyoushiro and steal his wife and Shiratori-san and Janne-sama, only stupid people would think about that. If you don’t got better to discuss besides that then I’m leaving” {Toru}

Seriously, killing Kyoushiro… just what is wrong with you – Toru left Ren and Suguo those words as he exited the secret meeting room. Ren and Suguo looked at the wooden door closing slowing before shutting close completely.

What Toru thought was true, killing Kyoushiro just because of the women around him was just plain stupid and insane. There was no way that his wife or Kaguya and even Janne would look at them even if they do kill Kyoushiro.

In a sane person’s point of view, Ren was really going too far. Even if they were best of friends, there was absolutely no way that they would kill a person.

Naturally, Toru would disagree and so does Suguo…

“I’m with Toru here, Ren. I am nor turning into some criminal just because of some selfish wish of yours” {Suguo}

Right after Toru left, Suguo also left Rena as he does not want to be part of Ren’s evil plans. His reasons were indeed natural for a normal person. There could be no i***t that would stoop so low as to consider murder just because they were jealous of someone’s popularity with women.

Even if the person asking help was his best friend, there was no way he would go along with it. Of course Suguo was envious of Kyoushiro as well but there was no way he would murder him just because Ren told him so.

Ren frowned sourly as he watched Suguo leave the room, not hesitating to not look back at Ren.

Silence came after the door was closed shut. Ren leaned back on his chair as he placed his elbows on the table and held his head with his hands.

“Haah… Like I told you not even those two won’t agree with this plan of yours” {Ren}

Suddenly, Ren spoke as if he was talking with someone in the room despite nothing could be seen other than him was there. The chairs were empty and the corners of the room were being lightened by the candle lights placed in candle holders. There was absolutely nothing there that could be seen as a person that Ren was talking to. However, an unknown voice came out of nowhere and replied to Ren’s words.

“That doesn’t matter is it? What matter is that you get to kill him and get the women you like from him, right? Even if your friends doesn’t agree with you as long as you do as you were told, you’ll get what you want later on”

The voice was a groggy and hoarse voice. It felt that as if it was something inhumane best suited for some kind of monster. Ren spoke once more as the enticement the voice gave him drove him to agree with the plan of killing Kyoushiro.

“Yeah… What those two think doesn’t matter. I want Kaguya and Janne to be mine and only mine… I’ll trust that you will take care of the things after the deed is done?” {Ren}

“Ushishishishishi… Rest assured hero, the women will be yours once that man’s life has ended. I already prepared the things needed for that after all”

The mysterious voice laughed in a creepy manner as if it was some kind of small being. After seeing Ren’s face filled with unhesitating emotions, it even felt even more elated.

Likewise, an insane looking smile appeared on Ren’s face as he heard the last words the mysterious voice said to him.

“But, to think an apostle would appear so suddenly. It was a good thing that you didn’t appear in the throne room” {Ren}

“That was also an unexpected event but considering that this was well timed, it seems that luck is upon us”

“Is that so…” {Ren}

“Be cautious of that person hero-sama, that being can interfere with our plans”

“I know” {Ren}

Finishing the conversation with that, Ren stood up as he felt that staying in the staying room as that being would bring out problems.

However, before leaving, Ren look back and said confidently and threateningly…

“Make sure that you’ll uphold your end of the bargain, if not I’ll kill you” {Ren}

And so, Ren left the secret meeting room after he left those words to the mysterious voice. Silence filled the room once more but it was broken by the demonic whisper of the mysterious being that was the source of the creepy voice.

“Don’t get too cocky human…”

Like that, the presence of the voice disappeared completely from the room and al the lights were suddenly blown off by some kind of wind. A cold and empty wind settled in as darkness instantly filled the secret meeting room…

…

“Kyoushiro…” {Alucia}

Back in Kyoushiro’s, Alucia called out Kyoushiro’s name sweetly in a whisper as she embraced Kyoushiro from behind as he was sitting on the edge of the bed, writhing in embarrassment as he recall the things he had said back in the throne room.

It seems that it was only now that he realized how embarrassing those words he said right in front of many people as he was swept up by the moment when he saw Alucia got beaten up.

Alucia was consoling him with an embrace since she was glad that Kyoushiro feels strongly towards her. After seeing the spectacle that he fought off the knights just for her made her heart jump and realizes how much Kyoushiro care for her so much.

Just that, the man himself regretted how he looked like an i***t when he charged right into the fray, fought the knights, faced the king and threatened him then begged Janne to lower her weapon with a pitiful face.

In the end, he was only writhing in agony over those trivial things…

“Ugh… I want to hide in a hole right now…” {Kyoushiro}

Saying so, Kyoushiro sunk in deep in regret as he remembered how stupid he was when he those embarrassing lines one after the other…

“You don’t have to mind what happened earlier Kyoushiro, what matter is that you saved me and made me realize just how much I love you too” {Alucia}

Alucia tightened her embrace as she said those words close to Kyoushiro’s ears. To that, Kyoushiro’s cheeks became red and hid his face with his hands.

“Kh… D-Don’t say things like that….” {Kyoushiro}

“Ufufu~ Like what? Like ‘I love you Kyoushiro’?” {Alucia}

DAMN IT!!! Kyoushiro yelled deeply in his mind as he had his heart struck by Alucia’s sincere words of love; although there were only meant to tease him.

Actually, Kyoushiro had already thought that this would happen when he introduced Alucia as his wife to everyone a couple of days ago. He had taken everything into consideration and even thought of a plan that would then smoothly avoid all confrontation.

However, because Kaguya had roused up his mind with her transparent negligee, Kyoushiro had lost all reason and dashed out of the room when he heard that Alucia was caught by Janne and beat her up along with other knights.

With the blood going straight to his head at that time, his judgement became clouded and before he knew it he was already beaten up by some weird woman that appeared out of nowhere.

Kyoushiro experienced his ribs poke out of his chest and the intense pain that came along with it. He lost consciousness half-way so he doesn’t remember what happened after he had blackout.

The only thing he remembers was how Alucia brought him to his room and nursed him there. After he had Alucia explain the things that happened, his memories came back and all the things he said back at the throne room suddenly flashed back to him, making him realized how embarrassing those lines were.

Then, after that, Alucia was fawning over him and teasing him like a normal lover.

“P-Please… Stop torturing me with those words…” {Kyoushiro}

“I won’t… That is until you say you love me too” {Alucia}

Do I really have to say that? Kyoushiro grieved over the things Alucia was forcing him to do.

Currently, Alucia was in her true form as a rabbitmen beastman. Her fluffy rabbit ears were swaying shyly as she leaned in even close to Kyoushiro and let her large chest pressed against him. It seems that Kyoushiro’s reactions to her actions were cute and wished to see more of that.

“F-Fine!! I… I l-lo-love you… Alucia…” {Kyoushiro}

“Uuu!! I love you so much Kyoushiro!!” {Alucia}

Feeling unexpectedly happy from the bottom of her heart, Alucia jumped on Kyoushiro’s back and embraced him tightly while giving him kisses on his cheeks at the same time.

The two were enjoying their sweet time, albeit indifferently, nonetheless, they still enjoyed each other’s company.

That said, there was a slight chance that Kyoushiro’s heart just tilted in favor of Alucia. The young man however, was unable to notice that.

But then, someone knocked on the door. Making Kyoushiro and Alucia’s sweet time interrupted.

“I wonder who that could be.” {Alucia}

“Wait, I’ll check it out myself” {Kyoushiro}

After what happened this afternoon, there was no way that Kyoushiro would let the people in the castle get near Alucia again. Thinking that the person behind the door was the previous patrol guard that often checks his room around a month ago, Kyoushiro instructed Alucia via sign language to wear back the Shapeshift ring and cover her own self with the bed sheet.

Then, after seeing that Alucia was now disguised as if she was asleep, Kyoushiro opened the door. However, when he did so, the person behind the door was not he had expected.

“Shiratori-san…?” {Kyoushiro}

Hair as black as Kyoushiro’s and was naturally long that stretches down to her thighs, the person Kyoushiro visited quite a while ago was standing behind his room’s door with a troubled expression. Kaguya looked upward in order to look Kyoushiro straight in the eye.

“K-Kyoushiro-kun, can I speak with you?” {Kaguya}

“Eh? O-Oh sure, come on in…” {Kyoushiro}

Although he was flustered at the point that Kaguya’s insistent gaze made him feels awkward for some reason, Kyoushiro was able to let her in his room.

Once Kaguya reached the bed where Alucia was pretending to sleep, she stared at the figure of Alucia while bitterly biting her lower lip. It seems that the Kaguya felt pained at the fact Alucia was sleeping soundly on Kyoushiro’s bed. Did they do it? Was the question Kaguya tried to avoid asking herself; as she knows it will only cause her more pain than necessary. Just looking at Kyoushiro’s face was enough to calm her raging jealous heart.

Anyways, Kaguya brushed off all the unnecessary thoughts and turned back to face Kyoushiro once again after he came back from locking the door.

“So? What made you visit this late Shiratori-san? It’s already night and I expected that the incident this afternoon has been resolve already” {Kyoushiro}

Currently, the sky was already dark and the bright full moon outside with the stars surrounding the heavens was lighting up the darkened city. The populaces were already asleep as there were no lights in the city anymore.

But the fact that Kaguya came and visit him was rather shocking considering that what happened back at the throne room was temporarily been settled.

Kyoushiro stared down at Kaguya while waiting for her answer.

“Kyoushiro-kun, you’ve entered the Forest of Misery before right?” {Kaguya}

“Oh… that place…” {Kyoushiro}

Remembering the familiar forest that he went in some days ago to train his skills made him sighed as he looked outside the window.

Come to think of it, that Minerva person something right?

“I shall see your strength in the Undead King’s Catacombs, There I shall judge if you all are indeed ready to fight. Tomorrow, I shall await the heroes’ arrival at the very end of its floors”

Recalling what Minerva said before she left, Kyoushiro quickly realized Kaguya’s intention for visiting so late at night. Then, with a nod, Kyoushiro turned back his head to Kaguya.

“If it’s for the undead king’s Catacombs inside the Forest of Misery then I’ll agree to guide you all there. Since that crazy woman will be waiting at the bottom of the catacomb’s floor, I’ll be going too. There is a score I want to settle even if I am in this kind of state” {Kyoushiro}

After Kyoushiro experienced the bone crushing gravity of her presence, Kyoushiro wants to even up the score by making her experience the very same pain. Kyoushiro’s face cramped up as he recalled the sight of his own ribs poking out of his chest.

“It will be good to level up as well” {Kyoushiro}

Considering the EXP given by killing various strong monsters and slaying the Undead king, Kyoushiro smiled satisfactorily.

“Then… You’ll be guiding us tomorrow? “{Kaguya}

“Yeah, I’ll do that for you. You did help me protect Alucia after all. Just say anything you want and I’ll do my best to grant them” {Kyoushiro}

Although it was vague, Kyoushiro still recalled how Kaguya healed up Alucia secretly from a distance. It seems that she used some kind of long range healing skill just to heal up Alucia’s battered face that Kyoushiro’s own skill could not return back to normal.

Kyoushiro felt grateful for that so intends to return the favour.

“T-Then…” {Kaguya}

But Kaguya’s answer took his brains of out of his skull…

“C-Can I s-sleep here t-too? I… I want to sleep next to you…” {Kaguya}

With her head lowered and her body fidgeting, Kaguya uttered the words that came from the deepest part of her heart. It seems that the desire to monopolize Kyoushiro and the jealousy she felt when she saw Alucia sleeping on Kyoushiro’s bed mixed together and made her unable to control her desires anymore and made her spout those words.

Seeing the bright red face Kaguya has, Kyoushiro unconsciously stepped back and looked at Alucia. Her eyes were opened and were looking at Kyoushiro warmly. It seems that she doesn’t mind letting Kaguya sleep on the same bed as her and Kyoushiro.

Kyoushiro received the gaze with a complicated feeling but as Alucia did not really mind it, Kyoushiro gave in and let Kaguya sleep next to him.

“F-Fine, just for tonight alright? Those guys will be noisy if they know this happened” {Kyoushiro}

And so, the tiring day came to an end. With Alucia sleeping on his right while Kaguya on his left, the two girls slept on his arms as they used them as their pillows while embracing him on both sides.

The night continued with Kyoushiro feeling restless as two soft mounds on both of his sides were pressing against him.

As tomorrow will the day of their farewell…