Chapter 7

"I am honestly, truly sorry, Miss Darkness."

"No, you have absolutely no~thing to apologize for. In fact today's quest just showed me how much I want to be in this party. Mr. Michael, I could have never even imagined someone could use my body in such a way. You have opened my eyes to possibilities beyond imagination. To think this body of mine could be used in such way to protect the innocent," Darkness paused to pant as she reveled in her feelings of joy and pleasure. "It's magnificent."

Michael kept his head down on the table, doing his best not to cry.

The party were back at the guild, having completed the second and final kill quest, earning and dividing a nice bit of money that should last them a few days.

Michael had began saving up so eventually he could move from the guild's inn, so his own house.

Aqua got an extravagant meal as a reward for her efforts today. Standing with one leg on the table declaring for the adventurers to celebrate their life and achievements of the day. Something a lot of adventurers answered with a heart cheer.

A deadpan look from Michael had Aqua pause, try to whistle and avoid meeting his eyes, before put a small amount of money away, and using the rest to party.

"Still," Michael sighed as he sat up. I've been doing that a lot lately. I felt never this 'done with everything' when I was with Chaldea. ...Then again Olga was usually the responsible one that had to reign me and the others in. ...Oh dear god, I'm becoming Olga!

"Mr. Michael, is something the matter?" Darkness asked upon seeing Michael's thousand yard stare.

"I'm fine," he shook the feeling off, and decided to get move on. This was his new life now, he'll just treat it like he did when he was a Master at Chaldea...while also taking care to be responsible, and not go on crazy antics as there's no one to hold him back, and his allies are likely to encourage him. Good god in heaven, I have finally become an adult."Just realizing that with maturity comes responsibility." He rested his cheek against his hand while looking away.

"Huh?"

"Don't worry about it." Michael chuckled. "Anyways, please call me Michael. We already worked and fought together--"

"Yes, fighting together...truly was great!" Darkness beamed. "And please call me Darkness as well."

"Well, Darkness, please stop being so suggestive with your wording." Michael said in a dry tone, yet keeping up smiling.

"Hmmmph, that sharp gaze." Darkness hugged herself.

"Back to the topic," Michael sighed. "About your membership..." Darkness sat at attention like someone about to get a verdict. "Look, your capabilities are good in any defensive fight, and if you manage to grab an opponent you're guaranteed to crush them, but--"

"I know that I'm not an ideal Crusader," Darkness interrupted. The vulnerability and earnestness now in her voice, had Michael wait and listen. "I am aware of my flaws, but I still strive to be someone that can protect their allies with all they have." Her words were actually moving. "And if, if, hah hah, if I end up suffering for it after a horrible failure so bit it." And then she ruined it. "But still!," Darkness quickly recovered. "This party feels like home, like a place were I belong, so I implore you to give me another chance if you found me wanting."

"Michael, Michael," Aqua pulled on the otherworlder's sleeve to get his attention.

"Yes, Aqua?" He looked to the side at her.

"You know, as a Crusader she did her job really well, also we all come out alive in the end. So, so," Aqua was beaming with excitement. "Why not accept her as a full time member?"

"Lady Aqua," Darkness looked at Aqua in gratitude.

"Not yet," Michael shut down the building camaraderie, his flat tone slamming the mood down like a hammer. "Darkness," he saw her stiffen at his look and tone. "Look, I take the safety of my comrades very seriously. The idea that I would sacrifice one of them, let alone haphazardly, repulses me on a fundamental level." Darkness blinked in surprise and this time didn't comment, seeing how serious Michael was. "I don't mind any of your flaws as you call them, as your strengths are noteworthy as well. However, I want to know if you are someone who would try to better themselves or not."

"Of course I would! What Crusader--What person dares not to strive to be something more, and reach grander heights." Darkness answered honestly.

"Then if I were to offer you a method that would improve your swordsmanship and accuracy, would you accept it?" Michael nodded and said.

"...It would not involve Skill Points?" Darkness asked meekly.

"No. You will try and improve through the method everyone uses that doesn't involve a Card. Training." Michael smiled.

"Training? You would train me, Michael?" Darkness asked...actually she was beginning to be excited again, likely imaging all the scenarios of the Dark Paladin wailing on her in the name of "training".

"No," He instantly cut down her hopes.

"Rejection so fast," which was just pleasurable to her in another way.

"Rather, I'll make you an enchanted sword that should help you train, and learn at least the basic moves and stances so you can hit your targets." Michael explained.

"You're a smith?" Darkness looked at Michael in new light. "I thought you were a warrior before you became an adventurer?"

"I dabbled in a lot of fields," Michael shrugged. "I had a point in my life where I had a lot of free time, so I studies a few things from multiple disciplines."

"Oh, oh! Michael, Michael!"

"Yes, Aqua?"

Aqua smiled a bit at getting his attention. "You studied under Wayland, right? Can you make me a magic item? An accessory to add to my power? Like a bracelet that widens the range of my divine presence? Or something that can make my Party Tricks ten times awesome?"

"First, calm down," Michael smiled at how Aqua was almost bouncing in her seat. "'Studied' is a very strong term. It's more like I watched him enough to pick up a few things. As a blacksmith I am very middle of the road. I can do enough to get by, but that's it."

"So, what you're saying is that you can make high-class items but nothing legendary?" Aqua asked with a finger on her chin.

"I did not say that at all, in fact the opposite."

"Yeah, but as someone that fought next to heroes, aren't your standards a bit skewed?"

"That...is surprisingly insightful of you?" Michael leaned away from Aqua in awed worry. He hoped being his wise won't overcook her brain before she gets used to it.

"Hey!"

"Wait, you fought next to Heroes, Michael?" Darkness asked, her mouth left open in awe.

"Not exactly," at the Crusader's look of curiosity, Michael waved her off. "A story for another time maybe. Now, about your training." Darkness was back to look professional (if only it could last). "I will make you a sword that should help you in improving your stance, and get your attacks right. While I will show you some moves, and give you some advice, I'll leave the training schedule up to you."

"I see, very well." Darkness nodded.

"After the period of your temporary contract ends, I'll test you," Darkness perked up. "Not in a fight," Darkness pouted. "But in seeing you do a sequence of sword moves. Based on how you improve, I'll make my final decision on your place in this party. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes! Thank you for giving me this opportunity." Darkness smiled.

"Great. One question, do you have enough funding for residence and food for the next few days?"

"Ah, yes. My family has been aiding me by paying for my stay in the inn, but I don't wish to accept more from them then needed, and plan to cut off their stipend once I join a party." She explained.

"Okay then," Michael held his hand out. "Then give me your earnings from today's kill quests, I'll use it to forge the sword, and give back anything left. The enchanted training sword will be yours, as it can be useful later on, even after you join the party."

"Aaah! To be extorted on the first day. Dark Paladins really are the best." Darkness went back to shivering and moaning.

"Oi! I'm doing this for your sake. It's not like the money is gonna be used for me."

"Aaah yes, that's the dialogue I always envisioned as someone starts taking advantage of me. You really know how to say the right thing, Michael."

Said Dark Paladin couldn't help but notice, the looks people around were giving him.

"Would you please stop making me sound like a scumbag!" Michael hopelessly pleaded.

===x===

It took two days for Michael to forge the Training Enchanted Sword: Masochist Edition.

Forging the blade and enchanting it had been easy. Convincing a blacksmith to let rent him his forge for a day or two, wasn't a big deal as Michael provided to pay upfront. It was when said blacksmith had learned who Michael really was after asking around, that forging took so long.

Working on something like forging a sword, something that required, time, sweat and focus, was difficult enough on it's own. It became uncomfortable when the blacksmith was hovering over the Dark Paladin, to make sure he wasn't creating "unholy equipment of abominations". The constant questions of "what spell was that?", "what's the point of this?", "do you need some pointers on how to make a blade, sonny boy?" that really tested Michael's patience.

Aqua's presence, and cheerful demeanor, along with her use of Blessing to ensure his success in making the sword, help Michael get through that grueling experience. Aqua even helped him the voice acting needed for the magic part of the sword's function.

In the end, while it took longer than he though, the blade was made without problems.

"Now, then," Michael had brought Aqua and Darkness to a training field next to the walls outside the city, so they won't be bothered, and so that Darkness could have some privacy for what's to come. "Here's how the sword works. Watch carefully, Darkness." Michael made a lazy swing with the blade.

"...Um, I don't get it. Nothing happened." Darkness looked on confused.

"Exactly," Michael grinned. "I made a sloppy slash, without form, stance, or even all that much force. Now watch what happens, when I actually do it correctly." Michael took on a standard swordsman pose, brought the blade up, took a step forward, and slash downward, all in one breath and smooth motion.

[Pathetic]

"Hmmph!" Darkness instantly shivered at harsh tone that sounded exactly like Michael's. "What, hah, what was that?" She asked, excitement shining in her eyes.

"Hmm, let's try again." Michael brought the blade to the side, moved forward, and slash horizontally.

[Worthless]

"Hmmph!" Darkness hugged herself.

"Now, what do you think this blade does, Darkness?" Michael asked as he relaxed his pose, placing the sword on his shoulder.

"It, it..." The Crusader almost couldn't believe it. "It...rebukes, the user when..."

"That's right. This is a sword that talks. When you make a sloppy move, or an incorrect attack, it stays silent. But when you use a sword move correctly, it scolds you." Michael smiled. "And when you improve in your stances and moves."

Michael took his first stance, lifted the sword above his head and slashed downward again.

[Is that meant to be a slash? Worthless hack!]

"Hmmmph!" Darkness hugged and rubbed her sides more. "It...it gets worse?" Darkness's face was red, as her joy rose higher.

"Yep. I made this sword specifically for you. So the more you improve, the worse, and more elaborate the insults are." Michael explained, amused by how happy Darkness was with his creation. "It's not sentient by the way, it just has some prerecorded phrases, that randomly pop up when you make a correct move." Michael scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, that it's in my voice. But trying to make the voice be someone random, a neutral, or synthesized voice, would have taken more time and energy, and I wanted you to start training as soon as possible." Michael then sighed. "There were so many phrases and combinations of them, that I had to write them down."

"Don't worry, Michael!" Aqua gave a thumbs up. "I recorded all the phrases you forgot to add."

"You did what?" Michael looked at Aqua confused for a moment.

"No, this is perfect! I am really, really thankful. No one has ever been this thoughtful to me!" Darkness's drooling face seriously contrasted with the gratitude in her voice. "N-Now let me have it. I wish to start training right away!--"" Darkness moved to take the sword, only to be stopped by Michael, who raised an eyebrow at how Darkness nearly started to growl and then pout at him.

"Woah, woah, I'm glad for the enthusiasm, but I need to show you what moves to actually practice, or were you hoping to swing the sword around until it spoke?"

"Aaah, right." Darkness turned into a blushing maiden, at her over-enthusiasm. Adorable.

"Okay then," Michael stabbed the training sword into the ground next to him. "I'll show you the full sequence of three different sword styles, so you'll have an idea of what you'll work toward eventually. Then I'll show you three basic moves from each style carefully so you can memorize them. The styles are pretty basic in their design, but effect. One is for attacks, one for defense, and one focused on counterattacks."

Michael then projected another sword (which Darkness took as his summoning one from his inventory), and he started his demonstration. He went from one move to the next, segueing into each sequence so naturally that it seemed like one continuous motion.

Darkness and Aqua found themselves enamored by the dance and movement of body and sword.

Eventually, Michael's show came to an end, and then he started training Darkness to do the nine moves he wanted her to master by the end of their temporary contract. He had her do them with the Training Enchanted Sword, so when the blade insulted her, she could get a feel for what the correct sword move was like.

After that Michael and Aqua left Darkness to her training.

"Michael, Michael!"

"Yes, Aqua."

Aqua smiled, then spoke. "You know, while I am a Goddess of Water, I'm also a Muse of the Arts. Your swordplay was really beautiful to look at."

"Heh," Michael gave a small smile. "Thanks. Do you want me to teach you?"

"Hmm, wielding a sword really doesn't suit me." Aqua had a deep thinking pose, clutching her eyes shut and all, as she thought on whether she should learn swordsmanship, if only for the beautiful dance moves or not.

"How about Martial Arts?" Michael suggested. "Some of them do involve movements just for show, or dance moves are incorporated in them, but ultimately, it can also be seen as an expression through body movement."

"That's a great idea," Aqua perked up with a wide smile. "I can be like Bruce Lee!" Her eyes shined with imagining the possibility. Seeing herself taking down a group of thugs, while looking elegant and saying a cool one-liner. She even started shadow boxing mimicking some moves from her mind. "Pow, pow, paow!" Aqua made sound effects for her punches. 

"Let's take it easy there, Little Phoenix." Michael gestured with his hands for her to chill a bit. "How about to start small and work our way up?"

"What do you mean 'Little Phoenix'?" Aqua rounded on him. "Phoenix, phoenixi, phoenixes--whatever. The fire birds are related to fire. If you'll give me a nickname, then it should be related to water!"

"And that's what you focus on." Michael sighed, yet found himself chuckling at Aqua antics.

"Of course!"

The goddess and reincarnator talked for a while about nicknames and martial arts, both real and fake.

"By the way," Michael suddenly remembered. "What did you mean by you 'recorded all the lines I forgot' in the sword, back there?"

"I found you notebook with the lines and phrases that you wanted to add to the sword." Aqua explained, as she knew how the sword would work, as Michael told her what he was making for Darkness. "You had a check mark next to those you recorded, but left a lot empty. So I recorded all the phrases with a blank space next to them." Aqua grinned, proud of her work. "See how helpful I am! You should praise me for aiding you when you got forgetful like that. How about buying all the drinks I want for the next week?" Aqua gave a smug smile.

"...Aqua, the phrases with the check marks were the ones I chose to record, the rest I wasn't going to add because I thought they were too much." Michael explained with growing dread.

"Eh?"

"I mean, the only moves left that needed phrases recorded to them, are the ones at the high end of the styles, near mastery."

"Umm, is, is that bad?" Aqua started feeling nervous.

"Well..." Michael scratched his head. "I mean, even if Darkness improves, there is no way she will reach the point of mastery in three styles, let alone would have remembered everything I showed her. Also each style has something like 30~40 moves each. So it...should be fine?" Michael asked.

Aqua just shrugged with an "I dunno" pout.

Thus the duo continued on their way.

"Wait," Michael snapped up. "If you recorded the phrases, Darkness probably find the voice difference really, when she eventually get to those levels." Michael frown. "Aqua, I'm gonna have to rework and record all the lines again, because of you."

"Are you sure about that?" Aqua replied with Michael's own voice.

"What the shit!?" The Dark Paladin jumped back in shock, which left the Water Goddess guffawing.

===x===

6. DAYS. LATER.

​

Chris found herself summoned to the guild with an urgent quest, addressed specifically for her.

She entered to find Michael and Aqua sitting at their table with their heads bowed, their faces obscured by their hair. There was a heavy aura surrounding them, and other adventurers gave them a wide berth, while glancing nervously at them.

"Yo~ Michael, Miss Aqua, why the gloomy face?" When they didn't respond to her greeting, even Lady Aqua, Chris started to get worried. "Soooooo," Chris took her seat in front of her...clients? "What did you guys need that you would make an urgent request from the guild to get me for you. I mean, you have to pay for those you know?" She tried to lighten the mood, but it seemed to fall on death ears.

"It made fun of me." Chris nearly jumped at how quick and sudden Aqua's voice was. "An inanimate object...A stupid sword made insulted me...he...he...he..."

"Uuuummm, Michael?" Chris leaned away from her senpai's direction. "What's going on...with the Arch Priest?" She slowly pointed at the blue haired goddess.

"This is stupid...this is really stupid...I can't believe she handed my ass to me...no, I just was completely surprised...because it shouldn't have reached that point...he...he...he..."

"Oooooookaaaaay." Chris looked around and noticed someone missing. "Actually where's Darkness?"

At the mention of the Crusader's name, both adventurers flinched. Chris stared utterly confused.

"Chris," Michael looked up, his face one of pure resolve. "I need your help, on a most dangerous mission." He interlaced his fingers in front of him, taking a Gendo Pose, showing only his face to convey the seriousness of the situation.

"Yes," Aqua copied Michael. "Your expertise as a thief and as Darkness's friend are what's most needed for this quest."

"Eeeeeh, what?"

"We need you, Chris the Thief," Michael continued. "To save Darkness, by robbing her blind of what she now treasures most."

"Hmm, hmm." Aqua nodded aggressively.

"EEEEH!? WHAT? PLEASE START FROM THE BEGINNING!!"

AN: [Cursed Ultra Heavy Great Club/Shield: Darkness]

-Atk: Darkness' Weight x Strength

-Durability: Yes

-Effects: Releases an ear-piercing screech of pleasure that momentarily stuns foes. 

-Curse Effect: Greatly increase the likelihood of getting arrested due to public indecency and violation of 'human' rights. 

-Description: Once a noble that decided to enter the life of an adventurer to sate her secret masochism. Choosing to become a Crusader, but dumping all of her stats into defense, this weapon boasts the highest durability in the world, with only divine weapons outclassing it in terms of durability. Put your faith into this weapon adventurer, for this is the only weapon you will ever need.