Ch 66 - Ultear Cross (Part 2)

"Ah, those were truly wonderful days," my mother sighed nostalgically.

From what I gather, the ascension ritual is a rather torturous affair, courtesy of Mother Nature's peculiar sense of sadism. If I intend to grow, I'll eventually need to come to terms with its harshness.

"But how did you and Dad meet?" I inquired just before taking a bite of my food.

A radiant smile illuminated my mother's countenance, "You won't believe this, but I used to be a regular customer at your father's shop. Back then, he had a modest establishment, not filled with all this antique paraphernalia."

My father managed a slightly wry smile, "Now, now, don't belittle my collection, my dear."

"Anyway," my mother continued, "our first encounter was when I went to buy some bomb cartridges for a project I was working on."

I halted mid-bite, suddenly intrigued.

"Ah, I remember it so clearly," my father chimed in, "You marched into my shop demanding those cartridges at a price that would hardly buy a loaf of bread. Negotiating with your mother was a battle in itself."

My curiosity piqued, and I looked at my mother with an incredulous expression. "Bomb cartridges? You used to make bombs?"

My mother turned towards me, about to explain, "Well, you see the thing is that my flames are—"

Abruptly, her voice trailed off and she appeared to be staring behind me, her expression shifting to one of shock, almost as if beads of sweat were forming.

I took a bite of my food, chewing thoughtfully, and then turned around to glance over my shoulder. To my astonishment, there stood a pair of imposing thighs, encased in long knee socks and a garter belt.

Startled, I coughed on my food, my father quickly asked, "You alright, Benji? Have some water."

I snatched the glass and took a hurried sip, my eyes settling on the unexpected sight behind me.

Remarkably, my father didn't appear the least bit surprised by this apparition.

A refined and distinctly feminine voice sounded behind me, "I had to scour the entire city just to locate you. And here you are, stuffing yourself with food without a care."

Turning again, I was met with the gaze of a mysterious woman. She towered with an imposing height, her beauty undeniable even as she seemed to be addressing someone else entirely. Oddly, her eyes were concealed beneath a blindfold, adding an air of intrigue to her presence. Her attire was equally unconventional, a combination of long knee socks paired with a garter belt, a mini skirt, and a black tank top with pronounced sleeves. Atop her head rested a headdress reminiscent of that worn by church nuns, while on her back she bore an enigmatic metallic cross adorned with an array of gemstones.

One thing was abundantly clear: she was far from ordinary, and it was evident that provoking her would be inadvisable.

At this juncture, she tilted her head downward, her gaze fixed upon me. "Um, were you talking to us?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"In point of fact, I was. You must be the renowned candidate Benjamin Almond, am I correct?" Her voice held an air of stern authority.

"Ah, yes, that's me," I replied with a swift nod.

"Very well. Pack your belongings." With a brisk motion, she handed me a letter. "This is the formal letter of invitation from the Grandmaster. You are directed to make your way to Celestia's Mercy with utmost haste."

"Madam Ultear?" my mother interjected, a note of recognition in her voice.

"Well, isn't this surprising," she turned to my mother. "So, have you heard of me?"

There was a momentary flicker of surprise in her expression before she continued, "Greetings, Bethariana Boldigrio, fourth daughter of Viscount Malquerida. Your presence here is quite unexpected, especially considering you were presumed dead after a mishap during your adventures. A funeral was even held in your honor."

My mother sighed and replied, "Haha, it's good to see you too, Madam Ultear," her tone not refuting any of the claims.

"Well, there's much to catch up on, but that will have to wait." Ultear's attention shifted back to me. "And this young man must be your son, correct?"

Under her towering presence, I felt a bit pressured. Her blindfolded gaze seemed to bore into me, suffocating in its intensity. I couldn't help but wonder if that black cloth held some sort of mana-enhanced sight behind it.

Refusing to be intimidated, I met her gaze steadily.

"Allow me to properly introduce you," my mother intervened. "This is Ultear Cross, a truly renowned mage and a mentor who guided me in my youth."

Both my father and I exchanged surprised glances at this revelation.

"And this," my mother continued, "is my husband, Arthur." My father offered a polite greeting, to which Ultear replied in kind.

"Now, meet my son, Benjamin Almond." My mother turned toward me, prompting me to offer a small wave and a tentative, "Uh, hello."

"The pleasure is mine," Ultear responded before turning back to my mother. "You've truly settled down, Beth. I'm genuinely happy for you."

My mother's smile held a touch of solemnity as she stood up. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Bethenny Almond, a retired adventurer and now a commoner mother. The girl you mentioned, Betherina, has indeed departed from this world."

Ultear nodded in understanding, exhaling audibly. With a regal posture, she continued, "That should clarify the current circumstances."

Confusion knitted my mother's brow. "Circumstances?"

"Just a minor alteration of plans. We're relocating, and we need to do so promptly," she declared in a commanding tone.

"Is there an issue?" my concerned mother inquired.

Ultear simply placed her hands on her hips, her tone unwavering. "Nothing you need to concern yourselves with. Let's just get moving."

With quick efficiency, we settled the bill and left the tavern. Ultear took the lead, and we followed in close pursuit.

As I glanced at the sealed letter in my hand, it struck me that Ultear's words might indeed hold validity. Still, it was a peculiar sight to see a woman like her. The image I had of Celestia's Mercy students was quite different – docile girls with healing abilities. The blindfolded figure with the large metallic cross on her back was certainly out of the ordinary.

Throughout our time at the tavern, the patrons had gazed at Ultear. Some of the men seemed captivated, not by their food, but by her presence.

Ultear swung open the tavern doors, and we filed out behind her.

Suddenly, she halted and extended her arm, a signal for us to stop. We obeyed and stood behind her, sensing an unusual tension in the air. The streets were eerily empty, and a sense of foreboding hung over the scene.

Then, she directed her gaze upward. "Listen up!" Her voice was commanding. "The Almond Family is now under the protection of Ultear Cross, Lieutenant of the Midgard Guild."

Glancing around, I saw nothing unusual. The street remained vacant, devoid of any sign of life.

Was she speaking to the wind? Or perhaps she was communicating with someone invisible?

Ultear set down her massive metallic cross, its gemstones shimmering with an otherworldly light. "If you even attempt to lay a finger on them, I will decimate you and your pitiful guild, the hounds of Viper Fangs. Your guild would be the next on the chopping block."

Though I was perplexed, one thing was clear – my family and I were in danger, and Ultear had been dispatched by Celestia's Mercy to safeguard us.

My mother held me close in her arms, a protective gesture that communicated her unease. My father enveloped us both from behind, heightening our sense of security.

Yet, where were the adversaries? What could Ultear perceive that we could not?

Ultear's grip on the cross tightened, and the colossal weapon began to emit an ethereal glow. Gemstones embedded in it began to radiate, and a gust of wind seemed to emanate from its direction. She was charging her weapon, preparing for an attack.

"You truly are testing my patience," Ultear muttered, her voice brimming with frustration.

Abruptly, a figure materialized out of thin air, poised on the rooftops across the street. Cloaked in shadow and wearing a mask and hood, the mysterious figure wielded twin swords.

But that was not all.

Numerous figures emerged, almost ghost-like, all perched on the rooftops. Dozens of them, dressed in a similar manner. They had been invisible moments ago, appearing only when Ultear prepared to strike.

Judging by their actions, it was clear that they weren't a friendly bunch.