Mission

Lydia looked down the stairs, garbed as Rex once more. At the foot, she could see her father and someone she wasn't prepared to see.

"Ah, Rex. There you are."

She nodded, descending the stairs as Sylla gave a curious glance. The Hero sighed to herself, her words still audible.

"Another playboy, fooling around with slutty maids."

Irked, Lydia gave a fake smile as she stood before her.

"So Rex, this girl here is the Hero. Sylla has been given the task of destroying the Demon King, and she came this way to gather allies! She only had a description, but I am sure she is here for you!"

'Did he... not here her? She insulted your daughter you jerk!'

Lydia looked to Sylla, the Hero giving her a few curious glances.

"Do you happen to have a sister? I believe-"

"No. I'm an only child."

Sylla nodded, her eyes crossing as if she couldn't understand.

"Father, what do you mean by 'she is here for me?'"

Fent smiled widely.

"Who else but you has the tenacity and resolve to aide the Hero in defeating the Demon King?!"

'Considering the one claiming to be said Demon King wants to get into my pants... ha.'

Lydia hid an awkward smile, but Sylla stepped forward.

"I am here for a rumored warrior, both ruthless and strong. Given the moniker Berserker."

Lydia sighed and rolled her eyes. Spinning on her heel, she walked off leaving Fent and Sylla alone.

"Ah... my son does not meet that description. My apologies."

A few moments later, Lydia was walking beside Scarlet, who was complaining loudly.

"You left me in there with that drunken elf! I had to fight her off when she tried to steal my clothes again! Your little girlfriend was no help, she just watched and laughed!"

Lydia was smiling awkwardly as she brought Scarlet down the stairs.

"This is Berserker. Her name is Scarlet."

Sylla nodded with approval.

"Then do you know of Reaper? The masterful assassin who aided many in dire troubles a few years-"

She stopped speaking as Lydia went back up the stairs. After a few moments, she returned with Narra. With her hair tied back up, as well as her clothing adjusted properly, you would never be able to tell she had been incredibly drunk moments prior.

"Reaper Narra. A proficient assassin that used to work with Locust, the fallen unit."

Sylla seemed to be getting excited as she looked back at Lydia.

"Then are you acquainted with the rumored mage that arrived here recently?"

Lydia shrugged and went back to get Lillia. When she returned, Lillia was hugging her arm. As she saw the Hero, her head leaned against Lydia's shoulder.

"She really is here. Send her flying again?"

Lydia smirked, but shook her head.

"This is the mage, Lillia. And why did you wish to see them all?"

Sylla spread her arms wide.

"They will become my party! We will go, at the request of his majesty, to destroy the Demon King!"

Lydia felt a little irked.

"So you came to take my family from me? Are you truly going to take them, given the fact that they may die, leaving us to grieve as they fall?"

Sylla looked between everyone, quickly realizing she was not welcome. Taking a deep breath, she glared at Lydia.

"My request to you, is at the order of the King. Should you fail to assist me, your family can and will be destroyed. You will be nothing more than-"

She went silent as Fent placed a hand on her shoulder. His smile was light, yet his words were heavy.

"May I ask if you are threatening my household? Though I may look like this, I am still a powerful man. I am more than capable of dodging the King's claims of treason for quite some time. Long after you are gone and buried."

Sylla clenched her teeth.

"It is a royal decree. I have permission to take who I wish to assist me. As the Hero, my mission is of the utmost importance."

Lydia could only scowl as she spoke.

"Then feel free to test your blade against mine. We will see who has the right to take my closest friends."

Sylla smiled.

"Good. If I win, I'll take your sluts and leave. If you win, I'll personally become your fourth slut."

Lydia began to lead the way to the training grounds, tossing a comment over her shoulder.

"You'll be left in a dark and cold corner then, as none of these women are sluts. They are my sisters, as well as this brat being something like my lover."

Her arm was wrapped around Lillia's waist, surprise crossing Lydia's face as she saw the smile on Fent's. His eyes were practically glowing as he watched his daughter proclaim where her people laid in her heart.

"Hmm. Strange. You're of noble lineage, with three beautiful women beside you. Are you not sleeping with them all?"

Sylla's question seemed innocent, yet Lydia only rolled her eyes. They exited the mansion, passed a garden and entered the training field.

"Be careful. She is the Hero, her blade will be a Holy Sword. It'll corrode your body."

Lillia was quiet as she slipped away from Lydia, who took her place on one side of the field. Fent came forward, acting as the referee of sorts.

"Now, I don't know what you've been taught. I also know what my child has been taught. I ask for no bloodshed, no severed limbs and no death. Keep it minimal, just a winner and a loser. In the end, Miss Sylla, I request you leave after this is all over. Win or lose."

His last statement had her flinch, even Lydia was shocked by her father's hostile attitude towards the Hero. Sylla took her place, her blade glowing with a divine radiance.

'Demon not required. Just kick her ass, protect my loved ones and make her-'

Lydia bit her lip as she ducked under a heavy slash from Sylla. Her small frame and large blade left Lydia astounded by her speed. Making a bit of room, she returned her focus only to throw herself further back.

"This agression is over the top, Lord Drax. We must stop them before the worst happens."

Fent had a worried look in his eyes as well. They did not move from Lydia, his posture becoming increasingly tense.

"It isn't the girl at all."

The comment brought everyone to look at Lillia.

"The sword took over, or at least, the Angel. That girl is sleeping soundly while her body is used. She is nowhere near that strong."

The tension in Scarlet and Narra only grew as they watched Lydia getting pushed back. On the field, Lydia was panting as Sylla smiled.

"What's wrong, little Demon? Shocked that I'm so much stronger now? Pretending to be a man? Hiding in this little family? I'll reveal your true self, then find your friend and kill them too!"

Lydia glared, her posture lowering. One hand was against the ground, while her blade was out behind her. Force built in her legs, launching herself towards Sylla. The wide smile annoyed Lydia, so she tapped the ground hard. Launching sideways, her blade flew through the air. Smacking against the Holy Sword, Lydia didn't even feel her attack cause Sylla to budge.

"Huh. Weak. Goodbye, Demon."

Throwing her hands over her head, Sylla brought the blade down. Lydia was too close, her breath catching as she felt the strange demonic energy rush out. Her eyes began to glow slightly as she rushed away from Sylla. Her sword was still caught, crushed into the dirt as Lydia slid across the ground. Gasping for air, Sylla came into view. Her eyes had a radiant glow as she swung down.

---

Thank you,

Anna Haig!