No Man's Land
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.
I'm also occasionally chilling in JaxWolf4's (Author of Nah, I'd Adapt) Discord Server. It's a chaotic lobotomy mess. Not for the faint of heart.
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Disc: HrPrTeam
-Story Start-
The Northern Central Continent.
To the west - the Magic Triumvirate comprised the Kingdoms of Ranoa, Neris, and Basherant.
Further northwest is the standalone rule of the Sword Sanctum - The Holy Land Of Swords.
To the east - the lone Kingdom of Biheiril and off the eastern coastline of the aforementioned Kingdom was Ogre Island; their prized comrade and ally.
However... there exists a gigantic unclaimed territory nestled in between the eastern Biheiril Kingdom and the western Magic Triumvirate.
A land with no overarching ruler.
A collection of roads that lead between the east and west, as the south is inaccessible thanks to the Red Dragon Mountain Range - the south may only be accessed through ship or passing through the three valleys located on opposite ends of the largest mountain range in the world.
As for civilization in said no-man's land?
With the exception of independent towns and villages that have to hold their own against the risks of monsters, bandits, and the elements themselves.
Trade Route Villages - funded by the collective interest of both Biheiril and the Magic Triumvirate Kingdoms, they are spread out and few, but they serve to guard the effective and efficient trade routes between the east and west.
Our focus shifts to one such Trade Route Village.
---------------------------
The sun was shining brightly over the horizon.
On a cliff overlooking a valley of healthy trees, the snow having melted given the season and location - was a tiny town with a central road cutting through its center.
A small collection of cobbled houses and a tavern.
Travelers, adventurers, merchants, and simply those who wish to travel from the east to the west or vice versa of the northern central continent converged in this little town.
A warm place of respite for the weary and those anguished from the months-long voyages each party must take to travel in and out of the unruled land.
...
At the edge of the cliff that the town was situated on, at a higher elevation that overlooked the town and the forest below was a waterfall.
A gentle narrow stream, a trickling waterfall that washed down the cliff, coloring it... gold?
Wait a damn second, that isn't a waterfall!
"Ah... nothing beats a piss with a view." Satoru sighed with ecstasy, lifting his pants back up as he finished relieving himself.
Nodding to himself, he continued as routine - taking out a furled piece of parchment and unfurling it on the grass below him.
Taking off his shades and pocketing them, he sat down with a gaze of pure concentration as he began to draw a complicated spell.
His Six Eyes left no room for error, as his hands blurred as he sketched at a mind-boggling pace and accuracy.
Then he took out another piece of parchment.
Then another.
A few minutes later, Satoru gave his work another look-over before nodding.
Rising up, he turned around to look at his luggage settled not too far from him, his gifted sword - Phantom Edge lay adjacent to it looking as pristine, and... unused as always.
Approaching his belongings with a leisure stroll, Satoru lowered himself to take out a large Magic Stone, humming, "This'll do."
Without further delay, he went back to his drawn paper and settled the Magic Stone on the complex Magic Circle he drew; a Magic Circle comprised of multiple thin parchements stacked upon each other.
"Automatic mana drain's working." He noted with his Six Eyes as a glow began to spread through the lines of the layered Magic Circle.
His eye narrowed as a hole through the World's Barrier was struck once again, summoning something and swiftly being closed up.
Shortly, a satisfied and confident smirk formed on Satoru's face at the result of his experiment, it was...
He lifted the living creature he had managed to summon, "A chicken."
Looking it over, he immediately ran his finger down the English letters that were marked on the chicken's feathers.
Satoru's features straightened in concentration, much to the distraught chicken's dismay, "A farm animal was a good choice, but the problem is location. There are too many countries that use English." He tapped his lips in thought with his free hand.
Humming, he shrugged as he put the chicken down, watching it run for its life as soon as it could escape the white-haired menace's clutches, "I'll take it as a success for now~! Next time I'll summon a Giant Salamander!"
Note - The Japanese Giant Salamander is exclusive to Japan, obviously.
"Hmm?" Satoru hummed, noticing something rather suspicious with his Six Eyes not too far off the distance.
A group of people setting up camp further ahead of the town as if... in preparation for something.
There were many options indeed, chief of whom was:
A group of adventurers simply set up camp in a relatively safe spot before proceeding to their destination.
'Or maybe... something more exciting.' Satoru noted their equipment and Mana from afar.
Satoru cheered "Time to go~!" He grinned like a loon as he leisurely took his stuff and headed toward the town below him.
---------------------------
Within the tiny bustling town, an expensive almost royal carriage stood unmoving beside the only tavern there.
Despite the luxurious gleam of the carriage, the scars of combat decorated it.
Two mighty, yet parched steeds tied to the carriage stood with lowered heads, their faces dumped into a bowl of water held by a smiling tavern girl; the parched horses merrily drank the water with fervor.
In the interior of the noisy tavern, a conversation ensued between the Tavern's Owner and a few rather high-profile guests.
A bulky, aged woman with scars on her face addressed the two guests seated together to enjoy lunch, "It's not every day we get guests like you, your Highness." She stated with naught a bow or change of expression.
A thin line on the gruff owner's face, her only show of respect to the blond-haired beauty in front of her was the calling of her rightful title.
The 2nd Princess of the Asura Kingdom smiled in a friendly and calm manner, "I hope I am not intruding, and please, call me Ariel."
Eyeing the princess, the Tavern Owner sighed and shook her head, replying honestly, "As long as you leave soon, then I have no issue. You bring unwanted attention and unease."
She gestured at the curious adventurers, merchants, and otherwise not-so-subtly looking at the foreign royal and her aid sitting so casually to dine, the conversation audible despite the racket and sizzling of meat and the fireplace.
Even with so many eyes on them, the two ladies seemed unbothered.
Out of sympathy, however, Ariel regarded the owner with an apologetic smile, "I am sorry to hear that, I believe we won't be staying any longer than a day."
Turning to her aide, she questioned, "The borders of Biheiril are but a week on horseback, am I correct Kleene?"
Kleene nodded, "That is correct, Lady Ariel."
Tilting her head cutely and with a hint of subtle sadism, Ariel smiled to the owner, "Well there you have it... also relay my compliments to the chef, the seasoned fish-goose is quite delictable."
Taking a moment to contemplate Ariel's words, the owner huffed out of her nose, "I'd much prefer you showed at least some proper security-" She gestured to Luke flirting nonchalantly with a duo of big-breasted girls at the bar, "I can't be having no scuffle in my establishment, ya get me."
Ariel giggled, "I appreciate you worrying for my safety, but do not fret. I am confident in my own protection."
Rolling her eyes and turning around to head back to the kitchen, the Owner scoffed, "Of course, you'd be damn confident. But he isn't anywhere nearb-" Her words were cut off by the door of the tavern slamming open, almost breaking much to the Owner's dismay.
The slammed open door revealed an infamous figure all eyes gravitated towards and all recognized.
The 6th Great Power, Ariel's bodyguard and 'Loyal Ally'.
Gojo Satoru.
He called out to Ariel with a wave, "HEY, PERVERT! DID YOU GET YOUR DAILY SPANKING HERE~?"
...
The collective crowd blinked at the absurd statement that was just uttered by Satoru's lips.
Luke only facepalmed, whilst Kleene kept a steady poker face.
The subject of the matter though?
She frowned in faux sadness, playfully replying, "Unfortunately, not yet. They've been rather crass and boring, would you like to deliver it in their stead, Satoru~?"
Snorting, he waved her off as he approached, "Hard pass."
The Tavern Owner regarded the powerhouse with a look of suspicion and unease, her muscles tensed as the nonchalant Satoru passed her by, taking a seat beside Kleene and Ariel.
After a tense moment, the owner barked out to all the curious and uneasy onlookers with a warning, "WATCHA LOOKING AT? AS LONG AS YOU DON'T DO SOMETHING STUPID THEY WON'T EITHER. MIND YOUR BUSINESS! THOSE ARE THE LAWS OF NO MAN'S LAND!"
And just like that, peace and quiet returned to the Tavern; slowly the looks diverted and people actually minded their own business - most of them, at least.
Ariel regarded the distancing figure of the owner with an appreciative smile, "I like her."
Satoru leaned into his chair, his arms wrapped behind his back, "Ya gonna hire her?"
Correcting him, she lifted a finger, "Recruit not hire, and no. She appears to be a woman done with that life, not one who is running away from it." She smiled in a mix of sympathy and melancholy.
"Noble criteria." Satoru teased with a snicker.
Kleene's eyes shined, "Noble criteria indeed!" She praised.
Turning to her, Satoru gestured at Ariel mockingly, "And yet she's troubling the poor lady by having us stay here~"
Puffing out her cheeks, Ariel retorted, "It's her profession. What I am doing is simply-"
"Sure, sure... pervert." Satoru waved her off with a chuckle.
"You're not too far off." Ariel snarked back as she took in a bite of the crispy fish-goose.
Gulping her food, she regarded Satoru, "I'd have expected you to return from your research much later, did something happen?"
He hummed nonchalantly, "Nothing much, but we should get moving after you're done putting on some weight." He pointed at her belly.
Arching an eyebrow, she answered with a teasing smirk, "You should work on your insults. My shape is one of the most important details I keep a watchful eye on. It is a blessing in all aspects of my life~"
Humming, he tapped his lips, "Hmm, I don't know about that one. Those flabby arms and belly aren't very attractive. Maybe you should do some work of your own instead of leaving it to Kleene and Luke? Sitting in a carriage for a month and a half certainly doesn't do your body any favors." He nodded matter-of-factly.
Kleene began to sweat buckets once Ariel's glare finally settled on the grinning Satoru.
Once in a while, he manages to crack even Ariel's patience.
However, grace from the heavens themselves came to relieve her from the tense atmosphere she was stuck in.
"What's going on, why are you here so soon?" Luke approached with an impatient tone, making sure not to bring the two girls he was courting with him, lest he have to deal with Satoru sullying his name.
...Or ruining it again.
Satoru pouted, pointing at Luke with a sad frown, "I just came here to say 'Hi', I missed you so dearly, and yet..." He clutched his shattered heart.
"Oh cease with the nonsense, Gojo-" Luke rolled his eyes, only for his words to be cut short by Ariel's sudden rise from her chair.
Regarding Kleene with a gentle smile, "You done with the food?"
Kleene nodded with vigor, "Yes, my lady!" Rising up alongside her.
Nodding, Ariel took out a few Asura Copper Coins for the meal and placed them on the table.
Turning to Luke, she stated their course of action, "Luke, we're leaving."
Frowning for a moment, he truly wanted to protest the decision; he had two girls he was very keen on courting.
But his loyalty took precedence, "At once, Lady Ariel." He bowed as etiquette dictated.
Lowering her head to the still-sitting and uncaring Satoru, she inquired, "The horses are still weary, are you certain that we are to leave?" Her eyes gained a glint of steel and concern.
Gojo Satoru doesn't rush things without reason.
Rising up himself, he cracked his neck and replied with a light tone, "Yup, but it'll be a short travel, don't worry."
Kleene frowned as she took out a map, "The nearest town is just beyond the border of Biheiril, that is a week away."
Satoru left no room for argument, "We'll be camping those out, obviously."
Exchanging looks of concern with Ariel, the two aides besides Satoru weren't keen on leaving without finishing resupply and letting the horses rest.
Ariel suggested, "You'll be hunting our food, then?"
Blinking, Satoru arched an eyebrow, pointing an offending thumb at Luke, "Do you truly want him to be Useless?"
"Listen here you-"
"Shut it, Useless Luke!"
---------------------------
The sun was still peeking through the clouds, shining high above the blue canvas of the sky.
On one of the few but well-kept roads that cut through the land; a road leading downhill into the forest below one of the many Trade Route Villages was the resonating sound caused by the movement of wheels meeting ground harmonized with the powerful steps of the hooved steeds.
A scarred but nevertheless luxurious carriage dragged by two horses seemed quite lonely and out of place in this, almost wild environment.
It was especially lonely for the one, lone Luke holding the reigns with a thinly veiled expression of disappointment.
...He really wanted those girls.
Anyway!
The quietude of the surrounding forest was only cut through by the sounds of travel and the lively conversation ongoing inside said carriage.
...
"Are you telling me you told us to leave so soon because you didn't want Luke to court those girls?" Ariel arched an eyebrow as she leaned into her comfortable seat, her voice a mixture of dismay and amusement.
Satoru put a hand to his chest, exclaiming loudly, "I am but doing my utmost to protect their purity from being stained by such a scoundrel of a man~!" He mocked, a mischievous glint in his glimmering blue eyes.
Pinching her brows, she shook her head, "So that's your reason..." She chuckled lightly, enjoying a bit of it.
Blinking, Kleene turned her head to Satoru, "Sir Gojo. You keep calling Sir Luke a scoundrel, but I believe he is quite the noble and charming knight! I fail to imagine him doing anything to earn such an offensive title unfit of the Notos Greyrat."
...
Both Satoru and Ariel herself turned to look at Kleene with a dead, almost pitying look.
Ariel plastered a gentle smile, "Kleene, Luke is-" Only to be cut off by Satoru's palm.
He nodded to her resolutely, "Let me handle it." He stated with the utmost seriousness and determination.
...If not for the wicked grin on his face.
Kleene simply blinked sheepishly once more, not understanding their unspoken conversation.
Satoru gestured for her to lean over, so she did as prompted.
With a whisper, Satoru began telling her some of the most scandalous things Luke had done in their travels:
"So, in the border town of Ranoapeer he had..."
Kleene's expression paled, "O-Oh my!"
"Oh, and then I had to knock him out before he managed to..."
Kleene's expression turned ghastly, "H-He wouldn't!"
"Remember those three Magic Race girls?"
She gulped, "Y-Yeah, the ones who tried to court you, Sir Gojo."
Folding his arms, Satoru nodded, "Our Luke here isn't one to miss out on an opportunity, so he dragged them to the river and-"
"NO MORE! PLEASE!" Kleene pushed Satoru back, to which the latter began to cackle like a hyena.
Ariel joined him in the sadistic laughter of Kleene's annihilated perception of Luke, adding her own twist, "What you've neglected to mention, Satoru, is that in each of those times, you don't let him have his way."
Shrugging he admitted, "He needs to earn it. With me around, he's no more than a loyal little puppy or horse reigner. Besides, I can't be bothered saving pure girls from him every time." He shamelessly and cruelly stated, pointing at Luke beyond the tiny window of the carriage.
Note - So far Luke has had a 10% success rate.
Extra Note - Previously, this was a 70% success rate.
Kleene had kept quiet since her little outrage, her perception of Luke having been reconstructed, "Sir Gojo, on behalf of all the self-respecting women of the world, I thank you."
"I am great, ain't I~?" He readily agreed and accepted her gratitude.
"You didn't do it to save anyone..." Ariel shook her head in disappointment at the innocent Kleene letting go of one wrong notion and exchanging it for another.
Luke could only grit his teeth and spit blood as he overheard the entire conversation, his honor in shambles...
The atmosphere was warm and charged with lightheartedness.
But then, suddenly... Satoru rose from his seat.
"Gojo?" Ariel's voice lost its teasing edge.
There was a note of unease, her gaze sharp as she studied his sudden change in demeanor.
Satoru stood straight, his usual grin gone.
His Six Eyes had been active for hours, scanning, calculating, waiting for this exact moment.
His lips curled into a delighted smirk, "We're here~."
Ariel exchanged a glance with Kleene, the latter nodding in understanding.
Although tense, they kept calm - they trusted their security detail.
Luke, still holding the reins, tensed as he called back, "What's going on?"
Satoru's announcement raised alarm bells in his mind, 'That tone of his is never a sign of good news.' He contemplated
Satoru didn't answer.
His eyes were locked ahead, through the forest and beyond what was visible, "They weren't ready for us to move so soon." He mused aloud, his tone almost playful.
He could see it all.
Their hastened movements, the scrambling for weapons, the hurried channeling of mana.
It was a well-planned ambush, meticulously laid out.
They'd chosen the perfect spot, hidden in the dense forest, their intent clear.
But their panic, their disarray at being caught off-guard, made what was about to happen all the more entertaining for him.
Sure, the traveling Ariel Party wasn't exactly subtle in their travels.
Not at all.
But for good reason.
They didn't need to be subtle.
Satoru chuckled, his voice a low pleased hum, "It's been too long~" His muscles tightened and charged with Cursed Energy, a thick Battle Aura forming as as he sprung into action.
Jumping out of the carriage to be met with a gigantic fireball, he swung his hand to unleash a Longsword Of Light to slice it apart as it exploded midair.
The inferno enveloped the carriage and Satoru, as well as lighting the surrounding forest aflame.
Only for it to shortly dissipate as some sort of invisible force protected the carriage and the adjacent Satoru.
Out of the shadows of the unscorched trees sprung up a group of gruff-looking armed men and women.
They numbered at around thirty heads.
All of them, despite having a glint of recognition upon seeing Satoru, kept a professional calm and a purposeful gaze in their eyes as they tightened their grip on their weaponery.
Some of them even wielded a decently sized Battle Aura.
Noting their appearance with an unsurprised and menacing grin, Satoru relayed to Ariel and everyone present his conclusion on the matter.
He hummed, "Exodus Flame, an Advanced Ranked Fire Spell. The First Prince's Faction truly spared no resources." He presented the identity of the ambushers.
His tone turned cold and cruel, sending a shiver down everyone's spine:
"I'm honestly still shocked you weaklings even showed up... knowing I'm around." He tilted his head, as he threatened with an irritated tone.
To Be Continued!
-Author Note Start-
Yup yup, here we go again, another ass-whoopin (They never get old?)
On that note, Love ya and hope the chapter's been to your liking!
Appreciate your patience!
Have a good one!
Bu Bye!
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