Side Story - SS - Women's Meeting.

~6183 words

3RD PERSON

Julian Greyrat's house in Sharia was as serene as ever, nestled in a tranquil corner of the expansive estate. 

Amidst this idyllic setting, Zenith Greyrat, Julian's mother, and Nanahoshi, his current girlfriend, reclined gracefully on the lawn. The warmth of the spring sunlight kissed their skin, and the gentle breeze gently caressed their hair. 

As they lounged on their respective chairs, Zenith and Nanahoshi engaged in light conversation. 

Nanahoshi was regaling Zenith with the numerous benefits of sunbathing. She spoke of the vitamin D absorption, the soothing effects of natural light, and the overall sense of well-being that it brought.

"Was this a common knowledge in your world? I have been following what you said, and I can already see a lot of differences." Zenith exclaimed excitedly, marveling at the different skin care routines that she had been following on the recommendation of Nanahoshi.

"It was! Although there were a lot of others that we can't do here because of lack of technology and materials." Nanahoshi replied, mirroring Zenith's excitement. Although they knew of her being from another world, the knowledge of Julian and Rudeus being from another world was strictly prohibitied. 

"If I could, I would've loved to visit your world. It almost sounds surreal even talking about it. Kind of weird as well how you people live without magic." Zenith commented, marveling at another world. 

"Well, magic may sound cool, but I was never able to use it. And the only downside I can think of my old world was not being able to use something like magic. That kind of saturated the power and not everyone can be as influential. Although, there are a lot of other good things that overshadow this aspect." Nanahoshi explained, looking up at the azure sky. 

Zenith smiled and shifted her posture, "Are you really happy here? Do you want to go back? Or are you just bearing with my son? Don't lie. We are friends, yes?" 

Nanahoshi regarded her face for a second before laughing out loud. "I am happier here than I ever could be back there. Sure, I miss my family---my parents and siblings. But I don't think they would've ever told me to choose them over my own happiness." She spoke and brightly smiled, calming Zenith's worries about her. 

As much as she loved her son, she knew of the subtly twisted nature that was inside him. And no matter how much he tried to suppress it, there were a lot of times when it was evident. Even back then, when Rudeus and Julian almost broke into a fight, she was scared because Julian was never hesitant in doing anything. 

If he wanted, or had the power to, he would've killed both Rudeus and his own father. Empathy was something that rarely showed itself in her son. In Julian at least. The only times he showed empathy was for his mother and when Nanahoshi broke down. 

Was it out of genuine empathy that he helped Nanahoshi or was it because he needed her? The answer was obvious, yet so elusive. 

As both women talked to each other, peacefully discussing various things, their peaceful interlude, however, was interrupted by an unexpected intrusion. 

Both women turned their heads toward the small metallic door to the lawn, as it creaked open, revealing a person who appeared flustered and nervous, stepping hesitantly into the Greyrat mansion.

Nanahoshi suddenly felt alarmed. Adam wasn't here. If someone with malicious intent were to set foot inside the mansion without Orsted knowing of it, it meant that they were all doomed. It didn't matter if Adam was there or not, if someone was able to bypass Orsted, she and everyone else was done for. 

She secretly reached out for the "last-ditch" measure that Julian gave her. A scroll. 

A summoning scroll to be exact. She rolled it open, without Zenith knowing, ready to pour the mana from one of her rings into it at a moment's notice. However, looking at the stature of the figure, she felt like she had heard about someone like this. 

Not met or seen. But heard about it. 

Nanahoshi squinted her eyes, studying the unfamiliar figure. "Do you know her?"

Zenith, on the other hand, immediately recognized the newcomer. Without hesitation, she rose from her chair and rushed towards the guest. "It's Roxy!"

'Roxy...Roxy....Roxy..........ah! Roxy. Julian's teacher? What is she doing here?' 

Relaxing for a brief moment, she put the scroll away and looked closely as Zenith approached the woman, no, the girl. 

On a second thought, she identified her as a woman. It was simple logic. She thought Julian and Rudeus magic. Since even Julian was considered a man by this world standards, she was definitely a woman. However, no matter how many times she looked at her, she couldn't help but conceive her as a little girl. 

Nanahoshi had heard stories of Roxy--- Julian's magic teacher, from both Zenith and Julian himself. Although the latter didn't show any outward interest in the topic. The only reason he brought her up because she liked hearing to his childhood stories after their "therapy" sessions, even though she had heard those stories countless times before. 

Roxy Migurdia was a close friend of the Greyrat family. She had played a significant role in helping Paul on numerous occasions; in educating his kids and then in his quest in searching for Zenith. Her arrival at their residence was indeed a surprise.

As Zenith reached Roxy, she enveloped the mage in a warm embrace. "Roxy, it's been too long! We've missed you."

Roxy, though initially taken aback by the enthusiastic reception, returned Zenith's embrace with equal warmth. "I've missed you all too, Miss Zenith," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

"Oh, drop the formalities dear. You know we aren't strangers. You are our family as well. Come on in." She welcomed her, bringing a warm smile to Roxy's face. 

However, as they walked side-by-side, they arrived to where the chairs were. Roxy squinted her eyes at Nanahoshi, not recognising her at all. Sensing the unfamiliarity from Roxy, Zenith stepped in. She turned to Roxy, her voice warm and welcoming. "Ah Roxy, I'd like you to meet Shizuka. She's Julian's girlfriend."

Roxy felt a strange mix of emotions surge within her as she locked eyes with Nanahoshi. 

Her initial reaction was a subtle, involuntary frown, which she quickly concealed beneath a polite smile. Her heart ached, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the thought of Nanahoshi occupying a place in Julian's heart that she yearned for herself.

Nanahoshi, unaware of the complexity of emotions brewing within Roxy, extended a hand with a warm and genuine smile. "I am Shizuka Nanahoshi. It's a pleasure to meet you, Roxy. Julian has told me so much about you."

Roxy forced herself to return the smile, albeit with a touch of awkwardness. "Likewise, Nanahoshi... You're very lucky to be with someone as...yeah, someone as him."

Nanahoshi chuckled clumsily at the compliment. She hadn't expected any resentment or discomfort from Julian's revered teacher. "Oh, thank you. I know he's amazing! To be honest I am still amazed that he chose to be with me, ahaha."

While the pleasantries continued, Roxy couldn't shake the feeling of inner turmoil. She watched as Nanahoshi and Zenith engaged in conversation, their voices filled with warmth and affection. Roxy's hands involuntarily clenched into fists in her lap--- a tactile projection of the jealousy gnawing at her heart.

It was perplexing to Roxy. She prided herself on being a rational and composed individual, yet the sight of Nanahoshi, who had effortlessly captured Julian's heart, left her feeling vulnerable and disoriented. However, she wasn't aware that it was not "effortlessly".

She had mentored Julian from a young age, and their bond had always been special. And after he saved her from that near death situation, that special bond of friendship turned into something much more detrimental---love. 

Now, there was someone else who had become the center of his world. She already had a habit of putting herself down. These events were making her doubt herself even more. As she eyes Nanahoshi with envy, looking at her chest and exposed legs, she could only sigh. 

As Roxy continued to observe Nanahoshi, she couldn't help but notice the woman's beauty, grace, and the genuine happiness she brought to those important in Julian's life. It was a stark contrast to Roxy's own feelings of envy and insecurity.

Nanahoshi, on the other hand, had picked up on a subtle shift in Roxy's demeanor. While Roxy's smile remained, her eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort. Nanahoshi couldn't understand why Roxy seemed to be looking at her with a tinge of displeasure.

Feeling a slight tingle, she looked down at her hand, watching the Roxy's hand imprinted around her delicate hand that had never held a sword or a wand. 

"Let's go inside, everyone." Zenith ushered everyone in. 

(***)

Two days passed swiftly, like a gentle breeze. 

Roxy had initially contemplated departing from Julian's house mere hours after her arrival, but persistent entreaties from Zenith ultimately convinced her to extend her stay. With a bitter, reluctantly swallowed lump, she found herself cohabiting in the same household as Nanahoshi.

The day that Roxy arrived, there was another unexpected guest who came to stay at Julian's house. 

Someone who was being searched all over Sharia to be found and killed at first sight. 

Ariel Anemoi Asura. 

No matter where she went, she would've been hunted down. Except for Julian's house. It wasn't simply the house of someone who was kind of rich. No. The real reason it was a no-conflict zone was because of it being the house of a Rank 6 and being under 24/7 protection of a literal demi-god, Dragon God Orsted. 

Even from a distance, everyone could feel an instinctive fear from that place. 

Currently, everyone was in the main hall that had an open kitchen with the counter that had beverages facing the hall. Zenith was sitting with her feet up on one of the couches, curling up as she looked outside the window, a crestfallen look on her face. She was holding a cup of herbal tea in her hands and a piece of cloth was tied around her head. 

She was having a slight migraine. 

Norn and Aisha were sitting on the elongated chairs by the kitchen's counter, waiting for something. Aisha offered to help Nanahoshi with the cooking, but she rebuked her instead. 

----But I still want to help. 

----That isn't happening, Aisha. Take a seat. 

----I won't tell brother, promise. Let me help, just a little. I will be able to learn a few things too. 

----It's not about him knowing. I don't want you to work. As for learning, it is somewhat dangerous so learn from afar. I will write it on a paper as well. 

Such was the short-lived conversation between Aisha and Nanahoshi. 

Right now, Nanahoshi was trying to cook some cookies and pancakes. Deftly whisking the pancake batter in a stainless-steel bowl, she created a smooth and silky consistency. 

The aroma of vanilla and butter wafted through the air, filling the room with a delightful scent that seemed to awaken everyone's taste buds. The sizzling griddle awaited the next pour of batter that would result in golden, fluffy pancakes that would soon grace their plates.

Roxy watched closely. After the first day, she realised how clueless Nanahoshi was and that she had been showing animosity for no reason. She felt bad for doing so. However, she couldn't blame herself entirely as well. Love was such a thing. Despite knowing that the person you loved was with someone else, they'd still wish for them to be yours. 

And when everything seems hopeless, compromise takes root in one's heart. She was ready to share. However, even to share, she needed to make her place first. And that seemed impossible, given how Zenith and even Norn and Aisha treated Nanahoshi. 

They treated Roxy with respect as well, however, with her it was more like a much more comfortable temperament. 

Meanwhile, on other hand...

Ariel, unable to resist the tempting magnetism of the raw pancake mixture, watched as Nanahoshi expertly poured the batter onto the hot griddle. It was still in its raw state, a creamy mixture of flour, eggs, and milk. 

Unable to contain her anticipation, Ariel dipped her finger into the uncooked batter and brought it to her lips, savoring the sweet, creamy taste that danced on her taste buds.

"Mmm, I can't wait for these pancakes," Ariel exclaimed with a mischievous grin, her eyes twinkling with pure, childlike delight.

Nanahoshi glanced over at Ariel, her lips curling into a fond smile that soon morphed into an angry look. "You're worse than a kid in a candy store, Ariel," she shook her head. "At least wait for it to cook." 

"I can't...mmph--" She spoke while savouring the taste of the pancake, "...it smells so good that I feel aroused." 

"Haaah... you and Julian. Honestly, it is surprising how much of an impatient sweet tooth you two share." Nanahoshi sighed. 

"Ah, yeah, he really likes sweet food." Roxy reminisced about the past times when Julian would bring cookies made by Lilia to be eaten together with Roxy on the rooftop of their house. 

"Mhm, mhm. He seemed to be salivating when I offered him some cake when I first met him as well." Ariel rememberd.

"Strange. The first proper conversation he had with me also when I mentioned about yeast to make a proper cake." Nanahoshi recalled as well, looking up. 

All three of them looked at each other, in turns. Ariel and Roxy snickered, whereas Nanahoshi's eyebrow twitched. 

All 3 of them had the same thought. 

'Is this guy always going around, eating sweet things from women all over the world?!' 

However, none of them showed it outwardly. 

Nanahoshi flipped the first pancake onto a plate, and the satisfying sizzle filled the kitchen as it cooked to perfection, turning a golden hue. She carefully slid it onto the table and then turned to Ariel, still dipping her finger into the batter.

"At least do it in a separate bowl. You're contaminating the whole thing!" 

"Oh my~ Such harsh words. I washed my hands in case you are worried." 

"Ugh..." 

"Hehe." 

Roxy watched the two go back and forth, teasing and mocking each other. 

"Roxy! You tell her!" 

"Uh... me... uh..." Suddenly being thrown into the conversation, Roxy stammered, thrown off-guard. 

Ariel looked over Nanahoshi's shoulder, into Roxy's eyes and smirked, "She is too love-struck to talk right now." 

"EEEP--" Seeing the oil jump up in the pan, Nanahoshi panicked and turned the flame down and then looked back, "Sorry, Struck what? Struck by what?"

Roxy was sweating buckets, her mouth moving up and down, but no words came out of her mouth. Seeing her reaction, Ariel's sadistic side seemed to gain satisfaction, the awkward feelings visible on Roxy's face making her feel good. 

"Eh, nothing. You're hearing things." Ariel commented. 

"Huh!? Well, never mind. I thought she was struck my something. So, I was just worried." Nanahoshi mumbled, looking at Roxy. 

"Uh, no, I am fine. Thanks." Roxy replied, looking away from her and looked at Ariel who was still looking at her from the corner of her eyes, silently snarling at her. She had read her like a book. However, revealing Roxy wasn't her intention. She was just enjoying the reactions Roxy was giving. 

After all, she was a sadist through and through, her masochism only activating in the presence of a single individual. Which shouldn't be that much of a problem.

*ting*

A sudden voice got their attention as their head turned towards something that seemed like an oven but had actually flames inside it. "Ah, it's the timer." Nanahoshi spoke and took out a huge tray of cookies. "Adam really loved these." 

"Adam?" Roxy asked, cocking her head to the side. 

"Oh? You don't know? It's her kid." Ariel answered, crunching on carrot as she sat on the counter, instead of chair beside it, waving her feet like a little kid. 

"Eeeeeeh? Kid?!" 

"It's not like that....uh, we, uh, I mean, not me, Julian adopted it for the safety of the house. However, we don't treat him like a slave." Nanahoshi answered. 

However, Roxy's reaction wasn't a sad one that Julian had a kid. It was a surprising one that someone like him decided to be a father. However, listening to the conversation, she realised her hunch was correct. He won't become a father so quickly. 

"Shizuuuukaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Cookies please!" Norn exclaimed in a draggy way, still the glass of milk in her hand along with Aisha. They were waiting for cookies to be done so they can eat it with milk. 

"Huh? I just put them there---what the fuc--" 

The tray of cookies was gone. 

All eyes shifted to Ariel. 

She raised her hands, still the half-eaten carrot in her hand. "I am innocent." 

"Wait...what? Who? How? Where?" 

More than worried, Nanahoshi was mad. Norn and Aisha exchanged nervous glances. 

*crunch* 

"Hm?" 

*crunch* 

Nanahoshi bent down, opening the small closet that held extra utensils in the lower part of the counter. She saw a boy stuffed inside; his red eyes gleaming as he munched on something. 

"Are you flipping kidding me right now?" Nanahoshi huffed angrily as the figure came outside. 

Dressed in grey and black robes, it was the perpetrator. The thief. Day light robber. 

Adam. 

"What are you even doing here?!" She rebuked as he lowered his head. 

[Who is he?]

[The one we talked about just now. Adam.]

[Wasn't he away?]

[Who knows. All I heard he was sent somewhere. Not sure where he went and how he came back.]

Roxy and Ariel exchanged silent conversation. 

"Norn, do you know who this is?" 

"No idea." 

The sisters were bamboozled as well. They didn't even see the door opening or the whole tray disappearing. He was like a shadow.

"Was Worried. Came back. Will go back in a while." Adam replied in individual words, his sword strapped to his hip. 

"Haah. Don't scare me like that." 

"Sorry..." He lowered his head. 

"Don't be so gloomy. Take a seat. I will give you some milk as well." 

No matter how much of a silent assassin he was, he was still a little kid. Someone who wasn't even a teenager yet. The gruesome training by Julian did transform him into something that was terrifying down the very core, but that still didn't steal his innocence away. Or rather, Julian didn't let his innocence to be stolen away. 

The thing he wanted to prove on earth, he had proven it in this world already. 

"Well, let's first get acquainted." 

For 10 minutes, Nanahoshi introduced everyone to Adam and likewise. Not wanting to sit in the same level as Norn and Aisha, he picked his chair up and sat to the side, a bit far from them. Due to spending most of his time as a slave where he was thought of as disgusting, it was a natural course of action. 

However, there was only a single thought on his mind. 'So many wives...'

"Hey, hey, why is your hair grey? I never saw someone with grey hair!" Norn chirped, walking over to him. 

"Are you a demon? Forget about human, I've never even heard about demons with silver hair other than Eva!" Aisha joined the fray as well, both sisters closely examining his lustrous, silky locks. 

"Well, anyways, now that the thief is found, time to properly serve everyone." 

(***)

The night descended. Adam went back to Asura. Norn, Aisha and Zenith went to bed early. 

It was a rather windy night. 

The three girls were in the same room. Roxy and Ariel were seated on bed while Nanahoshi was sitting on the other side of the small table on a comfy chair. Between them was a small stool, with a glass on it. Inside the glass was a candle with blue flames illuminating the room. 

The blue flames were something Adam made with his phoenix summon. 

----Cold night today. Blue Flames. Hot. 

----Awww, thanks. 

This was the general overview of the conversation between Adam and Nanahoshi. 

Seeing Ariel and Roxy settle comfortably on the bed, Nanahoshi reached beneath the bed and retrieved a bottle of potent alcohol. It was a particular beverage she usually reserved for occasions with Zenith or for Saturday nights. 

However, aware of Julian's preference against alcohol, she had chosen a moment of moderation.

With a practiced ease, Nanahoshi selected a set of cups and a tray she had prepared in advance from a nearby shelf and arranged them in the center of the bed. The clinking of glassware resonated in the room.

Placing the alcohol bottle atop the bed, Nanahoshi declared, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, "Well then, let's drink!" Her words hung in the air, a toast to the evening's shared company and the promise of relaxation and connection.

Ariel and Roxy both took a glass and started drinking it. While Ariel drank it in a much more refined way that was taught to her in the royal castle, Roxy on the contrary gulped it all down in one go. 

She needed to wash the mental fatigue away. Emotional fatigue to be specific. 

"Pwah!" She finished the glass, placing it on the table, "Another." 

"Don't be so formal." Nanahoshi mumbled without looking at Ariel. 

After a few minutes, 3 bottles laid devastated, defeated on the table. 

Nanahoshi was hammered, the most of out the three. She swayed in her seat, flinging her finger here and there. "You know *hic* it is so annoying. We sleep together every day. Sometimes more than once in a single day. Still, I won't get pregnant. This is so *hic* annoying." 

"That's why I told you we can share, ehehe," Ariel was also plastered, her eyes droopy. 

"I worry for him if it's you. Man, I don't want to share him. Not with you at least!" 

"Likewise. You act like you're better than me." Ariel's composure was breaking. 

"That is because I am." 

"No, you're not." 

"Well, in some way you are but mostly not....right Roxy?" Nanahoshi averted her gaze to Roxy who was the most sober. At least among those three. 

"Uh yea---" 

"Can't you see? She is so in love with Julian that she is about to cry from hearing all your lovey dovey stories." Ariel dropped the bombshell, poking her finger in Roxy's cheek. 

"Hehe, you sense of humou---oh wait, she does look like in love..." Nanahoshi blinked a few times, looking at Roxy's flustered face. 

Suddenly her head hit the mattress. Ariel had flung Roxy on the bed, "Do you think of him as well?" 

She pressed Roxy's hands on the bed and got on top of her. Just talking about him had aroused her so much that she was seeing him in Roxy. 

*Thwack*

Hitting the back of her head with a wooden piece, Nanahoshi knocked Ariel out. 

"Ughhh...last night she attacked me and now you. What is wrong with her." Seeing Ariel Guhah, she made her sleep on the bed and prompted Roxy to leave the room with her. Once both of them were in Nanahoshi's room, Roxy casted Detoxification Spell on both of them, removing most of the alcohol effects.

Coming to their senses, they realised everything they had spew. 

"Sorry." 

"Sorry." 

Both apologised simultaneously. 

"No, I am really sorry. I will leave tomorrow." Roxy apologised, lowering her head. "I---Even though you were so good to me..." Roxy continued to speak, traces of alcohol making her confess. She confessed how after under the pretense of making him choose clothes, she had tried to kiss him, but he pulled away from her, breaking most of her hope after seeing his fidelity towards her. 

"No, wait. We need to talk." Nanahoshi stopped her, holding her from her shoulders. 

A lump formed in Nanahoshi's throat. She wanted to cry, but there were a few sacrificed to be made. Her eyes stung as tears formed in them. Sniffling, she raised her head up, not letting the tears grace her face. 

With quivering lips, she spoke...

RUDEUS GREYRAT

The Guthrow region of the Demon Continent was renowned for its harshness, standing out as one of the most treacherous areas on this malevolent landmass.

In contrast to the creatures found on other continents, the monsters dwelling on the Demon Continent were notorious for their formidable strength and sheer numbers. Nonetheless, even within the Demon Continent, there were variations. 

The Guthrow region, much like the Biegoya area teeming with Acid Wolves and Pack Coyotes, harbored creatures far more powerful than those found elsewhere.

Here, one could encounter the Basilisk, capable of unleashing a petrifying breath that turned its victims to stone. 

There was the Black Drake, soaring through the skies with its powerful jaws and venomous claws, a menace from above. 

The region also boasted the enormous Lake Slime, an entity masquerading as a pond, and the agile, White-fanged Serpent, covered in magic-resistant scales, offering agility and formidable defense. 

Moreover, there were regions plagued by toxic gases and deep valleys, cementing this area's reputation as the most perilous part of the Demon Continent.

Few towns or villages dotted the landscape, and those that did existed as secure fortresses. 

Even Adventurers seldom ventured into this hostile territory. However, it was rumored that those seeking to hone their combat skills regarded this region as their ultimate destination. 

After all, it housed Fort Necross, the stronghold once constructed by the immortal [Five Elements Demon King] Necross Lacross, recognized as the mightiest fortress on the entire Demon Continent.

Ruling over this harsh domain was Demon King Atoferatofe, the [Immortal Demon King] of the Guthrow region. 

Four centuries prior, she had been a problematic warrior in service to Laplace, engaging in countless battles against the party of the Armored Dragon King Perugius. Among martial artists, a legend circulated regarding her, one that many believed to be true:

"Those who seek power, venture forth.

Set your gaze upon the Demon Continent.

Journey through its treacherous terrain and reach Fort Necross.

Gain an audience with the Immortal Demon King Atoferatofe.

Display your might before the Demon King, and thirst for even greater power.

You shall obtain a dominance unlike any you have ever known."

Those who heeded this legend and embarked on a journey were seldom heard from again. The truth remained elusive to most, as the vast majority perished along the way, while the survivors were conscripted into Atofe's elite guard. 

Occasionally, a rare few returned, yet even if they recounted their experiences truthfully, the rumor seemed to vanish without a trace. It was widely suspected that Atofe's associate, Moore, played a sinister role in eliminating these tales, further perpetuating the cruel trap that awaited any who dared tread this perilous path.

And how did I come to possess such knowledge; you might wonder? The answer is quite simple: I have Demon Queen Atofe's brother, Badigadi, as my trusted companion and source of information.

So, in our party destined to meet Demon Queen Atofe, there were just three of us: myself, Badigadi, and Alex. The rationale behind this selection was rather straightforward – Alex was her grandson, and Badigadi, her brother.

Sounds fair, yes?

Moving on. 

Fort Necross laid approximately three hours' journey from the teleportation ruins. While the distance wasn't overly daunting, the teleportation ruins were nestled in the mountains and, to complicate matters further, within a Black Drake nesting ground.

Our expedition was mostly on foot, with us firing upon the black winged dragons, subsequently transforming the vanquished drakes into yakiniku, and crafting tamagoyaki from the eggs we discovered. 

From the relatively high elevation of the mountain, we descended, occasionally dodging attacking monsters and on other occasions prevailing over them. After a full day's journey, we finally arrived at our destination.

This was my first encounter with a teleportation ruin situated in such proximity to human habitation. Or more accurately, it was the first settlement I had visited that possessed such a dense concentration of mana.

"Well, I suppose we can take it easy here," I remarked.

"Must I come as well?" Alex asked with a trembling undertone.

Why is this kid so scared of her?

"Come on man, don't be such a scaredy cat." I spat, without looking back at him.

"Nah, nah, Rudeus... you don't know how grandma is... she is really scary when she gets serious." He trembled, gripping his own shoulders.

"Meh, you're just hyping your own grandma. I don't see a lot of problems rising up."

"You are not understanding, Rudeus."

"Huh?" 

"It's not about strength. She is an immortal. And she is the densest rock out there. She is like a bag of bricks."

"Dafu---" 

(***)

Before long, we reached the rampart. There seemed to be a rear gate, since I confirmed the existence of a large door. Since it's a black gate on a black wall, it's not visible from afar, but looking up close it's quite obvious.

"O heroes! Congratulations on reaching Fort Necross!"

It was the Demon God Language. It's been a while...

Like how you never forget how to ride a bike, learned languages aren't forgotten so easily. Rather, what did they mean by heroes?

"What admirable spirit, crossing the demon mountain!"

"Is what you seek the honor of being a champion? Or perhaps it is the Demon King's power!?"

"Whichever it is makes no difference to us!"

"If you want to pass here!"

"You will first have to defeat us, Atofe's elite guards!"

In other words, we can't enter here. It's only natural. No country would let an unknown man enter through the rear gate.

"I understand. We will circle around to the front."

"That won't be necessary. Tell Atofe, Badigadi is here to meet her." Our conversation was interrupted as Badigadi hastily broke through our ranks and towered over them. Seeing his creased forehead, they suddenly flinched. 

"Ah, yes, Badi-sama. Plase this way."

Phew. Saved me the trouble to blast these nincompoops' arses.

(***)

We found ourselves in Fort Necross's audience chamber, a place unlike any conventional royal court. 

Instead of a ceiling, an open-air arrangement greeted us. 

The chamber featured a lengthy staircase flanked by robust pillars adorned with sinister, devil-like motifs. 

At the summit of the staircase laid a vast, spacious room, its perimeter illuminated by candles emitting violet flames, each attended to by a soldier clad in ebony armor, standing with unwavering vigilance...or rather fear.

The room itself lacked walls or handrails, allowing an unobstructed view of the castle town below. 

Dominating the center of this foreboding space was a throne, ominously adorned and seemingly not intended for mere audiences. It appeared more like the kind of place where, in times of dire need, a colossal magic circle would be etched to summon an ancient devil. 

Then, the hero's party will fight the demon king to prevent it. This is that kind of place. It's not an audience chamber. It's a battleground.

Now then, sitting on the throne was a woman. She was wearing the same black armor as the others around us. Her height was around the same as Eris'. With a gleeful face, she spread her mantle. The evening sun descending over the mountain casted a profound shadow upon her.

It appears to be a very impressive and fantastic scene. It "appeared" to be.

"I am the immortal Demon King, Atoferatofe Raiba--Alex, Badi. What are you two doing here?"

She asked if she didn't listen to the guy who informed her of our presence. 

Anyways. 

"Great Immortal Demon King Atofe. I am here to ask for your allegiance in fighting an enemy." 

She glared down at me as if I was an insignificant pebble in her path, the contempt almost tangible. 

"Grandma... uhhh..." Alex stammered, hiding behind me. 

"What is the meaning of this? Explain right now. Or I am killing all of you." 

"Allow me to expl--" 

"Nahh, I will kill you first. I can ask your body later what the meaning of all this is!" With an excited glee, she jumped off the platform. 

Haaah...it's as Badi said. She is a dumb woman who only craves battle. Not that I am the one to talk. I am a dumb guy who only craves se--

*cough cough* Never mind. 

There was still some distance between us, and I could read her like a book with my demon eye, she was really fast. Alex and Badi had already stepped away from me, leaving Atofe to fight me. 

She was a battle hungry demon. Defeating her and thrashing the living daylights out of her was the only way to make her listen to me. 

"Battle Armour." I mouthed, in a badass way. 

Time to have my main character moment. 

The eerie stillness in the air began to churn away with an unstable ripple in mana. In an instant, the black shroud of my magical battle armor materialized, encasing my entire body in an almost impenetrable cocoon. 

Its obsidian hue exuded an aura of an ominous, overwhelming power, absorbing and deflecting the feeble attempts of ambient light to pierce its depths.

Every contour of my form was seamlessly enveloped, from head to toe, as the magic flowed and molded itself to my frame. 

My fingers were now sheathed in gleaming gauntlets, each finger adorned with a vicious claw-like extension. The armor tightened, accentuating my figure and granting me an aura of unwavering resolve.

Makes me feel like iron man, hehe. 

But it's the helmet that truly set it apart from Iron Man's suit. 

As it descended, it molds itself into a chilling symbol of intimidation. The T-shaped pattern emerged, the horizontal line serving as a window to my eyes, while the vertical line accommodated my mouth for a streamlined breathing room. 

In an instant, the once-static T symbol on the mask came to life, radiating an eerie, vibrant green luminescence that flickered with untamed energy, like an ancient sigil awoken from slumber---my own mana.

It had a very good mana induction property. Better than my staff. 

It was a military asset of highest caliber. A weapon made solely for killing the Dragon God. 

Orsted. 

"HAAAAAAH!" 

Atofe twisted her hip and planted her feet in the ground. Her balled fist zipped through the air, making a screeching sound as it tore through the air. 

Normally, I wouldn't have been able to react to even a saint ranked swordsman. Let alone a demon king that has hundreds, if not thousands of years of experience. However, my [Demon Eye of Foresight] had evolved. 

Well, not evolved exactly. However, I could see and managed my both eye sights by looking quite far into the future. The downside of adding more mana into my eye was that the farther I would look into the future, the more branches I would see. However, over time, I was able to filter them. 

The future that has the highest probability of succeeding was in a brighter opacity while the ones that had a lower chance had lighter opacity. And since I knew where it was going to hit me, all I had to do was think of a certain action. 

The Magic Armour was itself was able to react my neural impulses. 

I knew how to dodge it. However, my body wasn't able to react. That weakness was covered by Magic Armour. What I wasn't able to respond to was done by Magic Armour. 

Me feet shifted to the side and her punch was thrown outside the intended trajectory. I expected a follow up, but it seemed like she wasn't expecting me to dodge it. I simply raised my knee and didn't do anything else. The speed with which she was travelling was enough to knock the air out of her lungs. 

Her body collided with a metallic boom as her armoured body crashed into my armoured knee. 

"Good night, Atofe-sama." 

I smiled brightly at her and brought my palm close to her face. 

You know what it is? 

[Stone Canon]

The beginner level spell blasted her upper half away, leaving only her legs standing on the ground. 

Well, let's see what she will do now. 

...

...

...

...hm? Wait... don't tell me it is over. 

The fuc---

All that hype just for her to get one-shotted? Oh, hell nah...

"I-It seems like the hero has defeated Atofe sama... You will now be granted an audience with her majesty." One of her subordinated announced in a trembling voice. 

Yeah buddy, you better give me an audience before I blast your face off as well. 

Now I wonder how long it is going to take this minced meat to piece itself back together. Man, I miss my wives already. Finna have some fun I get back. Hehe. 

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

I know, just like me, you lot would be SO FUCKING DONE with these side stories but bear with me. I wanna cry too. Before I start the last volume that is mostly action, I want to settle a few things. Because last volume is like 70% action, 30% other stuff. That "30%" other stuff, in order to happen, needs some build-up or rather, a hint towards the build up. 

Anyways, with that, this chapter is done. Next would-be volume chapter....

I hope.... 

Leave a vote if you liked the chapter and comment your reviews. 

Join the discord form my profile for a chance to get a devastating, crippling case of chlamydia from me. 

And I will see you all next time. Peace.