The Demon's Princess: Seria and a doppelganger

Tyler walked into the throne room whistling a merry tuen and smiled as he saw Seria on her throne. The princess smiled happily as he hugged her.

"Heading back to the coliseum?"

He kissed her.

"I was gonna. But ya know what? Let's take off."

"Kay!"

Mylissia just chuckled as the pair walked out.

"And there goes any chance of her doing ANY actual work."

Seria was all smiles as they headed to their chambers.

"Soooo, fool around?"

He kissed her.

"What'd the mistress think of your new trick?"

"She wants to fuck you now. See what OTHER tricks you have. I told her nope! ALL for me!"

"Ha."

They returned to their chamber and the pair stripped down for a dip in the pool. Seria snuggled right up beside him and he kissed her lovingly as they relaxed. The blue haired princess smiling happily as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Are there any heroes I should be aware of in the new wave?"

"Guy's name is Kouki and was in the really shiny armor. His proficency is hero."

"I think I saw him. His problem?"

"IS absolutely convinced of his own righteousness to the point he becomes paralyzed by ANYTHING so much as POKES at it."

He told the tale of his story and she sighed when the princess heard of Kouki's freezing.

"I see. I will make sure he does not think he has a shot. And WHY am I just finding out about your past, Tyler?"

"I found these demons off years ago. They'll rear their heads now an then but this are things I'm used to dealing with."

Seria smiled.

"You made your peace?"

"eh kinda. I got my revenge. Now it's just ghosts."

"Fair enough. I am here."

"I love you too."

"Any other potential issues?"

"Hmm. Problems? Satuski and Ryuko. They're firecrackers that LOVE getting into all out shitfights with each other."

"Ykes."

"They're good people...just REALLY freakin intense. Satuski is more intimidating then Mylissia when pissed."

"YIKES. Thorns?"

"I saw a pair a guys I'mma need to keep an eye on. Reina and Bertholt. In their world....they BETRAYED humanity. Not once....but THREE times."

"Mother will be informed."

"So will the Leaders. Sides from that? eh just some drama between more an a few o the new idiots. Some old grudges, old pissing contests, crushes on people they REALLY shouldn't be crushing on, the usual."

"I heard of Leafa."

"Kirito's younger sister."

Seria ndded.

"AND of how CRUEL you were to her when you told her off."

"I learned a lot from Rias. And Asuna had a similar problem with Kirito."

"I see. And am NOT really surprised given you're own extremes. ANY potential?"

He smiled.

"NO. a few I feel really, REALLY bad for, like Zerotwo for example. In her world, she's a pariah. EVERYONE, including the guy that says he's in love with her, is TERRIFIED of her. JUST because she's not entirely human. Even if she's one of the warmer people you could meet and one of the most TORTURED souls I have ever met."

"You REALLY feel bad for her."

"She was UTTERLY alone her ENTIRE life. I get what that's like."

Seria smirked now.

"AND Hajime?"

He smirked as well.

"HE is the guy I take after."

"Ha. Should I be interested?"

"You got no shot toots."

"WOW."

"Yeah he's already got himself a girl. Her name's Yue and is that blonde girl with the red eyes."

"She is so CUTE!"

"She's over 300 years old and a pure vampire."

"wow. still super cute."

"Wait'll you meet Myu."

Seria looked at him.

"Myu?"

"Their mermaid adopted daughter. She, and this is coming from me, is CUTER then ALL OF THE CUTIES YOU'VE MET THUS FAR including Asia, COMBINED."

"BULL. SHIT."

"I will prove it as soon as I find her."

"You freakin better!"

He kissed her ad the pact was made. Then he smiled.

"Most'll be fine. You know if more will be summoned or not?"

She shrugged.

"eh most likely. But it won't be for a while. The worlds need a chance to recover before we can open the doors again."

"Coolio."

He kissed her again and the pair snuggled in the heated section of the pool for a while before Seria yawned. Tyler smiled as he carried her to the bed and tucked her in. The blue haired princess smiled.

"I'll be there to watch."

He kissed her lovingly.

"I'll be sure to put on a show for you. My WIFE."

She giggled happily.

"I love you too, my husband."

Tyler got dressed and walked out as Jerial went in.

"She's warm and it's her time for her lessons."

"Sexy."

The Berserker headed to the coliseum and the attendant smirked as he looked at the board.

"NO bets."

He chuckled at that one as he spotted a bill for a goblin mass. 150 creatures and the payout was 90,000. He took it and the attendant chuckled.

"Try NOT to get killed in there. The payout would be astranomical."

Tyler chuckled as he walked into the arena and sure enough, Seria was in her box in a clean gown of blue. he waved and she waved back with a smile. She's either got a teleport or that's a hologram. The cages of the squealing creatures were hauled up and Tyler drew his greatsword.

"For you, Seria."

The creatures rushed him like a green flood and Tyler smirked as he met them headon. The rodent like creatures died in droves with heads and torsos flying through the air as the Berserker had his fun. Tyler had a wild smile on his face as he tore through the goblins with near impunity.

"GHOST CUT! DOUBLE SLASH!"

His sword glowed neon blue and when he spun his circle the result was whirling blades being flung from the blade that splattered the screeching things before he rushed from a foot into a uppercut slash on four. The fight ended with the last goblin being stomped to death and Tyler looked at his Status Plate.

"Halfway to 16....and a perk. I knew it."

He looked at the description as the crowds went wild for the newest victory. Monster Bane. Increases Strength, Defense, Agility, Dexterity, Vitality, and Stamina by 100. Awarded for slaying 500 monsters. I'll give the news to Asuna. He looked up into the stands and spotted his second in command easily enough with a fiar few of the rookies. Asuna smiled as he swung up.

"Sora right?"

"Yup. 500 montser kills nets you Monster bane. Increases physical attributes by 100."

"Nice. And very easy to get. I'll give the order."

Tyler swung down to the collection booth and got his 90,000. Then he returned to the board as Kirito went in with a squad of rookies for a brawl with some trolls. Tyler smiled.

"NO bets. On the BLOODOATH."

The Berserker chuckled at that as he saw a bill for a hobgoblin clan. 75 ten foot tall beasts. Payout was 50,000. he took it and the attendant nodded. So Tyler went to watch Kirito's bout with Seria. The princess smiled as he sat beside her.

"Another win for the Berserker."

He kissed her and she smiled.

"I have a teleport."

"I knew it."

She giggled at that as they looked to Kirito's fight. Tyler spotting Erwin, Makorov and a few others from Bell's friends backing him.

"This'll be over quick."

The brawl was over quick with the level 1 warriors reaching level two fro the higher level monsters. Tyler dropped to the floor for his brawl and Kirito smiled as he passed him.

"We'll take on that orc mob after. 150."

"Swap out for level ones."

"Alrrady am. ten this time. EVERY Elite is doing this."

"Sora?"

"Yup."

"Ha."

The Berserker took his place at the ready as the clan of hobgoblins came surging from their cages. Tyler rushed them with his sword arcing and every stroke cleaving one to two in half while he dashed by. He tore out of the clan and pivoted on a foot to dive back in. The fight ended when eh reemerged. The Berserker smiled as he swung the green blood off his sword and looked at his plate.

"Hm. On the cusp. One more good run and I'll level up."

He hung his sword on his back and Seria's soft voice was heard.

"Tomorrow."

He smiled at this.

"As you wish."

He returned to her side as Bell came in with his own crew and Seria rested her head on his shoulder.

"No more then four battles per day in the arena, Love. I do not want to see you hurt in there."

He held her warmly.

"Alright, Seria. I love you."

"I love you too, Tyler."

Bell and his party's opponents were some forest wolves and Tyler chuckled as the screeching raptors attacked.

"You'd think he'd be tired of fighting them things after Drikin."

The white haired kid smiled as he led his squad against the thirty claw strong pack with a clean victory in under 5 minutes. He looked at his plate.

"Nearly to 14. Alright."

His squad reached level 2 and Tyler nodded.

"Good. Once they hit level 5 they'll be allowed to do single fights without an elite present."

Seria smiled as Bell walked out and GAsper walked in with his own group of rookies.

"And we all know you'll never LET them get close to your level."

He chuckled at that distinct possibility.

"well. I won't HAND IT TO THEM, but they'll be able to catch up."

"Ha."

He kissed her and she rested her long head on his shoulder as Gasper's opponent of a group of forest ogres were seen. The fat pigs on two legs were each 10 feet tall and wielding large clubs. Tyler chuckled as he saw this.

"Atta boy, Gaspy. Show em what your fangs can do."

Gasper led his warriors to victory against the larger opponents with a fair few taking hits and serious wounds but for their healer to prove her worth. Tyler smiled as he recognized Riveria of Loki as the healer.

"Good pick for a healer, Gaspy."

Seria smirked.

"Tyler."

"Ha. I'm like 99% sure she's a lesbian."

"Good."

He kissed her.

"All better!"

He just chuckled at that cuteness as GAsper looked at his plate.

"Yes! Level TEN baby!"

Tyler clapped with a wide smile on his face.

"Atta boy, Gaspy! He just jumped two full levels there. HEY. Your crew?"

It was then revealed they had all reached level three with Riveria making four from her extra work of healing the party. Tyler smiled.

"well done, Gasper. VERY well done. Thus far? YOU have the highest level jump with the rookies."

Gasper merely smiled.

"we're not done yet."

"Good man. Get back to it."

Gasper walked out and Rias came strutting into view with 15 warriors behind her. Tyler's sharp eyes picking out Jibril, Ryu, Izo, and Elizabeth among their number and he chuckled.

"Rias is gonna make them look stupid."

The cages rose and inside them was a pack of fifteen chimeras the size of semis. Tyler whistled at this task.

"Chimeras are immune to magic as a WHOLE. She knows this. The fuck you playin at, Rias?"

The gates opened and Rias glowed red as she channeled her immense mana.

"Diaboical REBUFF."

The chimeras glowed before they all tripped from the dark confusion that also weakened their claws and mental acuteness. Tyler chuckled as her squad were awarded VERY easy kills with Rias getting a mass of experience from the debuff teamwork.

"THAT'S why. I forgot she had that ability."

Seria smiled.

"How is she?"

"Happier. We're keeping it under wraps for the time being since te new heroes would just bitch. And I want to make sure the fact they have no shot sinks in properly."

"Good. I wanna snuggle."

"Ha. she knows."

Rias waved.

"I just hit level 12."

"Ha. She's a captain for a reason. THEIR levels?"

"3. HAlfway to four."

"The cap for lone raiding is 5."

"Gotchya."

She walked out and in walked Asuna with a 20 man squad. Tyler chuckled as he saw this.

"Oh this oughta be inneresting."

Her set of cages rose from the ground and inside was a mass of undead humans. The Berserker blinked at this.

"Undead? Huh. And I don't see any holy mages in her squad. weird choice Asuna."

The 200 or so undead undead zombies shambled towards the heroes and Asuna led them on a frontal assault with their weapons dealing heart piercers left, right, and center. Tyler shrugged as the battle ended in a mere ten minutes.

"Makes sense. Asuna."

She smiled.

"I just reached level 10. All of mine hit level 2 and are on the cusp of three."

"Keep at it."

"Will do. We're doing two full circuits with the rookies before we REALLY let them off the hook."

Tyler chuckled at that one as she took her squad.

"Ha. That's why she's second in command. Girl works like a horse."

Seria smiled as they watched the hero's training bouts.

"Careful. You'll clean out their stores of opponents."

"When do they get new stock?"

"eh once a month they get a shipment of several million creatures. Bandits arrive every day."

"And the last?"

"Was last month. They're actually due for another one soon."

"Oh. Cool. Clean em out."

She chuckled at that one. The fights continued with rookies gaining levels by the bucket. Though Tyler smirked as Kouki came in with Mina's rookie squad.

"THAT'S Kouki."

Seria nodded as a mass of 200 bandits rose from the ground and Mina had only brought 10 warriors.

"This will be very interesting."

TYler nodded as he ooked at Mina and she smiled.

"She has a plan."

The cages opened and Mina led her warriors into the frey with her katana slashing everything that moved. The bandits fell like chaff to a reaper....while Kouki struggled with a mere three. The men realizing his mental quagmire and pressed the advantage. Tyler sighed as Kouki took nurmerous wounds even though he was far stronger then the bandits and yet REFUSED to so much as CUT them. Mina and her remaining warriors cut the other bandits to shreds and looked to see Kouki STILL in dire straits with the three. The crowds also saw this and the jeers and boos started nearly instantly as the boy in the shiny white armor was now just standing there as the bandits laughed at him. Tyler rose now and the crowd went silent as the Berserker took a spot by the edge of the box.

"well, Kouki? Ya gonna just stand there?"

The bandits, well aware they were not getting out alive, also started egging the coward on. Mina and her warriors surrounded the boy and his opponents in a ring and Kouki was visibly shaking as his mind was just NOT big enough to make a decision. Tyler smiled.

"We're not going anywhre Kouki until you kill them. We got nowhere better to be. You WILL get this through your head even if I have to FORCE you to. Kill them. Be a MAN for once in your easy life."

Kouki swung his sword....and the boos and jeers tripled when he stopped midswing for the standing still bandit's chest. The man laughed and slapped the kid in the face.

"Come on ya wee welp! Me heart's over here! and you're supposed to be a hero? PATHETIC."

Kouki threw up. He LITERALLY emptied his guy on the sand at the thought of killing them and he dropped to his knees as he just couldn't do it. Tyler chuckled at this as the boy buckled.

"Alright."

He swung down to the ring and the bandits chuckled.

"Nothing personal."

"Yeah we know what you're doing."

"Weird form of honoring it be, aiding in the hero's training. Go on. We already made our peace."

Tyler grabbed Kouki by the back of the neck and dragged him to his feet as he had tears of humilated RAGE on his face as he saw Tyler take his sword.....and put it in his hand.

"wait what are you doing?"

Tyler smiled as he forced Kouki to hold his sword.

"Something your previous teachers didn't have the BALLS to do. I told you. I will FORCE you to grow up."

Kouki gasped in horror as Tyler forced his body to move with well placed knees and he made his arm lift.

"What is WRONG with you? Murder is WRONG! This is WRONG! I am not a MURDERER! Lemee go! LET ME GO!"

Kouki thrashed and fought with all his strength to escape Tyler's grasp but to no avail. The Berserker then brought Kouki's arm down and slashed the first bandit's head clean off. Kouki had a new look of utter horror as the man's blood splashed on his armor.

"No. I didn't want this. I DIDN'T WANT THIS! THERE WAS A BETTER WAY!"

The second bandit came over chuckling.

"oddly enough? Me captain did the same thing to ME when i got me balls. HAppy to help."

"Ha. This is a WEIRD world mah man."

"Aww but the best!"

"No arguements here!"

The sword was forced into the man's heart with a stab and Kouki looked like he was about to faint.

"Oh. Nope. Healing Touch. You're not clocking out that easily. Sorry buddy. This one's gonna hurt."

The last bandit chuckled.

"I figured. I do not blame you, Berserker. Every boy needs to grow up some time."

The sword flashed and the man screamed louder then he needed to from the nonlethal cut and Kouki was still thrashing as the sword was swung again and again.

"Stop! Please stop! Let me go! I AM NOT A MURDERER! SOMEONE STOP HIM!"

Mina sighed as the guy was BAWLING like a CHILD now as Tyler forced him to slash the badit to ribbons until he died.

"wow. THAT guy is HELPLESS."

The bandit died of bloodloss and Tyler tossed Kouki aside like a sack of potatoes.

"Alright. Same thing tomorrow, Mina. He'll either break and do this himself, or all he'll know is the screaming. NO payment for him."

"Absolutely not. We'll hit this again."

Tyler dusted his coat off as Kouki curled into a ball trembling from the knowledge he'd been forced to kill.

"If you want the screams to stop, be a man. Otherwise enjoy your new music."

The Berserker left him in his puddle to return to Seria. The princess smiled.

"evil. Yet completely nessecary."

TYler nodded as the cleaners went to remove Kouki....

"Leave him. He is NOT permitted to leave this Arena until he kills a bandit in a fight. And anything that happens to him is ON HIM for just standing there as his comrades needed him. Begin the next fight!"

The men nodded and Kouki was left in the arena as Belfast walked in with her squad. Her squad including more people from Wendy's guild, some girls with nervous expressions and tentative grasps on their weapons and Tyler blinked as he saw their faces.

"Miho Nizihumi? Hana? Saori? MAKO? AKIYAMA? What the hell are THEY doing here? This world is WAAAAAY too dark for them!"

Seria looked at him.

"You know them?"

"Yeah. YOU would LOVE that orange haired cutie and her friends. Okay. Belfast."

The silver haired lady smiled.

"Do not fear. I have them."

"They are mere highschool girls, Belfast. They have NEVER seen TRUE danger before. EVER."

"I am aware."

Tyler nodded as he walked to the edge to keep a very close eye on this bout. Seria saw this.

"They mean something to you."

"Meet them. EASIEST way to explain. Miho has potential for being a captain in my force though. And her skills with maps is extreme. Actually. Huh."

He smiled and the 5 girls gulped.

"I know what I'll do with them. Miho wil train with Strand to become a ranger, Saori will join Yoshkia's cooks as she's good at it, Hana will join Strand due her skill with flowers, Mako....hmm. She's a good scout and so isn't Akyama. eh I'll give em to Strand. Alright. Let's see what you're up against."

The cages rose from the ground and Tyler chuckled at the sight of numerous balls of living slime inside them.

"Classic basic mob. Poke em and they pop."

The girls were then instructed by Belfast how to properly pop a mass of slime filled water balloons and they smiled with relief when it worked. Once the fight ended Tyler swung down to them and they instantly started shaking as he landed. The Berserker smiled as he walked up.

"Nice to meet the Goosefish crew."

They relaxed nearly INSTANTLY at that and Miho perked up. She was a cutie with short cut orange hair and fair skin. Her frame was slender while her bust was large in her black track jacket. Her eyes were sparkling rust colored and she had a white miniskirt and boots on. Her voice was a happy squeaky chirp.

"Nice to meet you, Sir. I'm Miho Nizihumi. You are a fan?"

He patted her with a smile...making her blush HARD.

"absolutely. Girls cute as you riding tanks for FUN? Sign me up please. I'm Tyler."

Miho smiled around her shy blush.

"Um...thanks. Sooo Ranger?"

"Yup. You'll be trained on the wilds like Strand and her sister Dryft were. Since you're so freakin good with maps, it'd be a boost for ya. What's your Proficency?"

She looked at her plate wide eyed now.

"Ummm....Navigator."

"seriously. 125 people and we didn't get a SINGLE navigator. ugh. NOW we have THREE. whatever."

He rubbed his eyes tiredly and Miho gulped.

"Is it BAD?"

"Oh no. we got stranded for a day cause a soma the thickest fog you have ever seen. Yet navigators can find their way in the DARK without A MAP. They're REALLY freakin useful."

"Phew."

He chuckled.

"cute. Oh. seria wants to meet you guys."

They gasped at the idea of meeting an actual princess and the blue haired beauty smiled.

"my fiance seems QUITE interested in you five. I would know the reason why."

One of Miho's friends giggled.

"Uh-oh! I smell a triangle Miporin!"

"HUH?!"

Tyler busted up laughing at THAT set up!

"Sorry Saori. You'll all a little TOO much kid sisters for me. appreciated though."

she smiled. OBVIOUSLY the more self-confident and outgoing member. She was half a head taller then Miho, who barely reached Tyler's chest with long lovely red hair and bright amber eyes. Her skin was fair and she was quite buxom with a large bust in her black track jacket. Her frame was slender and she had a spear on her back as she spoke in a warm and friendly tone.

"So are you a PRINCE, sir Tyler?"

"Nope. I AM the Queen's champion though."

"wow! It's like a fairytale!"

"With a horror story's main monster. You do know right?"

Saori smiled disarmingly now.

"I know. The PRINCESS is YOUR fiance! Like any good knight in a story!"

"Ha. She is going to LOVE you."

She smiled with a slight nervousness at meeting the princess before remembering something.

"Sooo I'll join the cooks?"

"Till we get you trained up properly. Yoshkia'll look after you."

"She nice?"

"Oh very. She's a level 12. So one a my elites."

"WOW. which one was she?"

Tyler thought for a moment.

"Hmmm, Miho's height in the black tanktop and tight pants, hazel eyes, slender with a large staff tipped with a diamond. and messy brown hair like she has fox ears."

Saori smiled.

"Oh I know her! She's SOOOO SWEET! And a witch right?"

"Yup. Funny enough? when she started out?"

He jabbed a thumb at Miho.

"She was just as scared as Miho!"

"Hey! wait...WHAT?"

"Yeah. You don't think people are BORN that tough do ya? ya gotta WORK at it."

They sighed with relief and the taller girl in the group smiled warmly. She was quite the elegant beauty in her own quiet right with long, slily smooth black hair that dropped to her hips and gentle brown eyes. Her frame was slender and she had warm features and a large bust in her track jacket. She spoke in a soft, yet kind voice.

"I am relieved we are not useless, Sir Tyler. We have never done anything like this before. I am Hana. A pleasure."

Tyler chuckled at the only girl of the five able to look him in the eye without tilting her head.

"Same here, Hana. NO ONE in my crew is useless, aside from Kouki. You're inexperienced and new. I get this. Which is why I'll try to keep you out of combat until you are sure of yourselves and aquire the right attitude. I'll be perfectly honest with you. ALL FIVE OF YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING HERE. You're too kind, too gentle, and FAR too nice to be thrown to wolves like this. That said? we'll look after you until you're tougher an HER."

He jabbed a thumb at a smiling warmly Belfast and the girls smiled in relief. Hana bowed a little at this.

"we will assist as best we can. And we GREATLY appreciate your help."

"I look after my own, Hana. You'll join Strand's Ranger training since your skill with flowers and plants already have you moving in the right direction. she's tough, but fair."

"we'll work hard."

He chuckled and looked at the next girl in the line that had STARS in her eyes as she looked up at him. She was a scrappy girl with brown hair in a messy perm and lively brown eyes. She was skinny with the air of a tomboy and a modest bust on her frame. Her attire was the same track jacket and miniskirt as the rest and she spoke in a firm yet friendly tone.

"Akyama reporting sir!"

"At ease Sargent oddball."

She blushed at that as her friends giggled and Tyler chuckled.

"You're gonna have fun here, Akyama."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. YOU I wanna have hang with Barkhorn. One o my enforcers. I look at YOU? and see HER before her training. And she's one the toughest chicks I know."

Akyama smiled with a new excitement.

"I'll go find her and tell her you said that sir Tyler!"

"Make SURE you mention the part about rhe toughest chick I know. Okay?"

She laughed as Belfast smiled knowingly.

"Are you perhaps attempting to FLATTER HER into NOT beating you for something?"

"More covering my ass. she's fierce!"

They laughed at that insurance s the last girl was looked at. She was a sleepy looking girl with long black hair and headband with dark grey eyes and fair skin. She was slender with a large bust and spoke in a tired rasp.

"Being awake is pain."

He chuckled and patted her.

"Healing touch."

Belfast blinked as she glowed.

"She was injured?"

"nah. Low blood pressure."

"Ah."

"Which is ODD since her grandma is a firecracker."

"Oh my."

Mako shivered as her low blood pressure was healed to peak preformance and she shivered.

"I feel weird."

"You'll get used to it, Mako."

She smiled. Then Tyler looked at Belfast.

"They'll need a moe slow yet steady progession into the horrors of this world."

She nodded.

"Unicorn was just as gentle. I have taken then as my assistants as well."

"OOOH smart. Hana's extremely neat and organized, Saori's good at direction, Akyama is the muscle, Mako floats, and Miho directs traffic. Ha. I'll be interested to see what they turn into. Alright. Seria'll most likely kidnap them later."

Belfast smiled as the group headed out and Tyler returned to Seria. The princess smiled warmly as he landed and he kissed her.

"So. THEY sure have your attention."

He chuckled as he sat on the throne beside her.

"Meet them. You'll understand why."

She smiled sweetly.

"I will have them attend me for a bath then."

"Ha. Poor Akyama has a new hero."

"She does indeed. Are you going to shut it down?"

"No need to. She's big on hero worship. Plus I could tell. She's just a fan of the new big man on campus. I'd be more worried about Miho getting crushed."

"She DOES seem the type. If she DOES?"

He sighed and sat back in the chair as the next group of warriors were walked in by Erza.

"Her, I think I'll diect to you. She's that kinda sweethearted."

"You really DO like them. Interesting."

He chuckled at her sweet tone before the Berserker looked to see Erza's crew included 30 rookies.

"Ha. UH-OH."

A set of cages rose from the arena floor and close to 150 different monsters ranging from chimeras and trolls, to a few orcs and goblins with hobgoblins to round out the mess. Tyler chuckled.

"Typical."

Seria rested her head on his shoulder as the bout started and the monsters routed by Erza's squad....then Kouki getting attacked a few times by the creatures and him displaying he DID have strength and skill by killing them without issue. Seria frowned as she saw this.

"So he DOES have strength. Yet went faced with another person he freezes."

"And it is PEOPLE we are at war with."

"exactly. His punishment is upheld."

"Ha. Cute."

She smiled proudly at this and he held her as the match ended with all but Erza leveling to 2. The fierce redhead smirked then and a SECOND round of monsters rose from the ground and her warriors all gulped. Tyler laughed at the twofer.

"There it is. I THOUGHT that was too easy for her."

This fight lasted longer then the one previous due to the heroes' exhaustion and lowering of the guard...but it still ended in a victory for Erza. Kouki seemed to regain some of his fire as he wiped his sword clean and went to leave with them....and a barrier spell prevented him from leaving. Tyler smiled.

"YOU haven't killed a bandit yet, Kouki. Until you do, you do not leave this arena."

That made him round on the Berserker in a fury.

"Is THIS how you treat those that disagree with your DICTATORSHIP!?"

"You're a soldier. Soldiers kill people. ACT LIKE IT."

"I will NEVER be like you."

"Okay. The starve in there. I think I'll use the methods of the ancient Spartans on you. Until you prove your worth by slaying our fellow man, you are denied food, shelter, DECENCY. You will be a man, or DIE a child whimpering in the dark."

The barrier glowed and solidified as Kouki ranted at this harshness. Mylissia came striding into the Princess' box and she smiled as she sat beside the Berserker.

"I see someone refuses to be of use."

Tyler nodded as Kouki was shoved aside by Kirito's second party.

"Kouki is utterly convinced of his self-righteousness and is convinced he is never wrong. I'll have to break him as a person to fix it."

The queen nodded.

"I have a few breakers you could borrow. They are quite skilled at this form of training."

"I'm sure they are. If my tricks don't break him I'll send for em."

"Fair."

The trio looked back to see Kirito's next set of opponents were another mass of bandits. 200 again. Tyler chuckled.

"Alright. I'll go back in tomorrow."

Seria smiled sweetly.

"actually, love?"

He looked at her curiously and she smiled sweeter.

"Show that self-assured idiot up close and personal WHY you are as strong as you are."

"Are you asking me to PROVE MYSELF, seria?"

"I am indeed."

"As you wish."

Tyler swung off and Kirito groaned.

"Greeeat. NOw he is going to try to KILL HIMSELF because his princess kicked sand in his face."

The black swordsman led his fighters against the mass of bandits as a group of five broke off to attack the once again frozen in place Kouki.

Tyler walked to the board and the Attendant chuckled.

"So the LAdy SERIA has asked you to prove yourself? Oh dear."

Tyler chuckled.

"what's the meanest thing you got up here?"

The lady smirked.

"We have a drakolisk not a soul dares challange. It is level 45, 75 feet tall, 150 feet long, breathes fire, b ut can't fly. The ONLY way to kill dragonkin is to stab it in the heart. And their scales are nigh impenatrable. The PAY is 2,500,000 gold and the Arena Title of CHAMPION OF THE ARENA. Boosts all stats by 250. Are you man enough, Lord Berserker?"

Tyler smiled.

"Can I HURT it?"

"Absolutely. even a LEVEL 1 can hurt a drakolisk."

"Then I can kill it. I'll take it."

She slid the poster aside from a selection of beasts behind her and Kirito walked out. Tyler walked in and the black Swordsman blinked.

"Ummmmmm. Uh-oh."

Tyler walked into the arena and the crowd went wild. Kouki was shaking violently in a puddle of juices and tattered clothes. The bandits had enjoyed violating a cowardly hero until Kirito and co got around to saving him. Now Tyler cracked his neck with a determined expression and the crowd gulped by the STEEL in his eyes.

Asuna and the rest of the entire army had finished gathering in the stands and Belfast had worry stamped on her face.

"So the Lady Seria asked him to prove himself DIRECTLY?"

Kirito nodded without taking his eyes off the warrior.

"She did to show Kouki what a REAL hero is like. Guys? I'm scared."

Rias nodded as she saw Tyler draw his sword.

"we ALL are, Kirito."

The announcer had a new tone of utter AWE as he spoke now.

"LAdies and Gentlemen. Today...Lord Berserker.....may FINALLY have met his match. This day....the Arena Champion....IGNOG THE FIRE DRAKOLISK IS IN ACTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 150 YEARS!"

The knights jumped!

"did he just say...DRAKOLISK?"

Kirito's stunned voice made Erwin look at him.

"What is this creature?"

"It's a dragon."

There as a deep, EARTHSHAKNG roar of utter fury from below the ground as a magical barrier rose to protect the crowds from the sure to be volitile battle. Seria had a look of utter shock as she heard the sound.

"I merely meant he battle more BANDITS! I DIDN'T MEAN A DRAGON!"

Mylissia nodded as she too was QUITE alarmed.

"Sweetie you asked hi to prove himself to you. and with the way that man loves you? That only means one thing. The BIGGEST MONSTER HE CAN FIND!"

Tyler had not moved from his position in the arena as the drakolisk appeared fro the ground. It's head was that of a t-rex with longer jaws and more teeth while it's 75 foot long neck swayed back and forth like a snake. The beast looking like a blown up komodo dragon with a deeper chest and bulkier body. It's tail ended in a vicious spike that left craters as it slapped the sand aggressively. Tyler locked eyes with the beast as it rose and the drakolisk roared a rattling sound that echoed for miles. The Berserker, merely smirked.

"Your head will look GREAT ON MY WIFE'S WALL! I WILL KILL YOU! FOR HER!"

The beast roared again and it swung it;s tail at him and Tyler used his grapple to swing out of the way with his sword at the ready while swinging around the immense beast. The dragonkin was blood red and as Tyler zipped by it's chest seeking a way to start taking it apart...he noticed a SLIGHT GAP between two scales on it's chest as he went....and sighed in disappointment.

"Seriously? ugh."

His sigh of disappointment made the entire area blink and the berserker dropped to the sand.

"I want a FIGHT dammit. Ugh. whatever. Frozen Wastes."

The ground was coated in ice as the drakolisk charged it's fire breath.

"firestorm."

Tyler's immensely bored casting resulted ina mass of steam that blinded the beast as it breathed flames hot enough to melt bone at him...only for the Berserker to be seen walking up to it...and stabbing it to the hilt with the greatsword in the tiny groove between the two scales. An expression of UTTER DISAPPOINTMENT on his chest. The drakolisk's fire cut off and it fell to the ground with a SLAM that set off a minor earthquake in the region as Tyler tugged his sword free.

"Seriously. If ALL dragonkin have such a fucking weakness, I could hunt them to extiniction RIGHT NOW and not take a scratch. I WANT A FIGHT DAMMIT! NOT just another execution!"

He slammed his sword on his back and swung off to the collection booth as Asuna blinked.

"He found a WEAKNESS that QUICK?"

Kirito had narrowed eyes as he ran the fight through his head.

"He soared by it's chest....and THEN groaned. A gap between scales? oh for fuck's sake. If it's THAT kinda of blaring weakness? Not even a DRAGONGOD could beat him. His ENTIRE STRATEGY is FINDING weaknesses and exploiting them. All a gap like that is to him? A blaring sign that says hi! Stab here! ugh."

Tyler sighed as he walked up to the speechless attendant.

"well that sucked. Got anything tougher?"

"Ummm. That drakolisk has killed 13,000 people that have challaged it."

"were they fucking blind? There's a GAP in the scales on it's CHEST. Some mist when it charges fire breath.....and bam. Instakill."

She just looked at him as he got his 2,500,000 gold.

"The title is bestowed by the queen."

"Ooooof course it is."

He swung off and the attendant just sat there.

"He found and exploited a dragon weakness in a 60 second fight."

Mylissia and Seria were also wearing expressions of the kind of unsure how to react as Tyler landed in the box.

"THAT was disappointing. Sorry, Seria. I was expecting something better."

She just looked at him.

"Tyler. You just killed a drakolisk in 60 seconds. WITHOUT a single ability. That's just not supposed to be possible."

"Seria there was a gap in the scales. Only the size of my swordblade....but to somebody like ME? And MY battle strategies? All you did was hand a sign that said HEY! HIT ME HERE! I could bring that thing down with an arrow and a general direction. Ugh I was EXPECTING a FIGHT. Not just another execution."

He sighed tiredly and shrugged before looking at the queen.

"So this title?"

Mylissia just sighed.

"I should let you know. Hitting a dragon weakness like that is NOT POSSIBLE for the average soldier."

"why? Just use a fog or something when it charges it's breath. Bam. Instant access."

She sighed.

"Okay. We DID live our world wrong. Very well."

The queen smiled.

"I hereby bestow the title of Arena Champion upon you, Tyler the Berserker. ALL your stats are boosted by 200 points and your payouts from fighting in the arena are doubled on a victory."

"Thanks Mylissia."

Tyler kissed Seria and she smiled happily.

"I gotta go cooridinate with my crew. KINDA made a leap."

He swung off and Asuna was waiting for him when he landed.

"Okay. YOU made that look WAY too easy."

He nodded as he sat beside her and his Leaders.

"I was EXPECTING another fight like with the forest giant. One where I had to MAKE my own weakness. NOT have it handed to me on a plate. Ugh."

Kirito chuckled as he leaned over his sword from behind him.

"A gap between scales? SERIOUSLY? That is so fucking easy."

"Yeah. NOW I'm worried ACTUAL dragons are that weak. if they have a scale gap, I can kill them all REGARDLESS of level RIGHT NOW without a scratch. Ugh. Anyway."

He looked at his Status Plate.

"I shot up 5 full levels. I'm on the cusp of level 20. I'll take a break for the time being. Let everyone catch up as I'm TOO far ahead now. I have like 300 points to place too."

Sora nodded as he joined the discussion.

"You're overpowered now and we need to hurry to catch up."

Tyler nodded.

"Alright. I'll relax for a bit and adjust to my new numbers."

Erwin looked at him.

"So your fiance asks you to proof yourself...and you pick a DRAGON?"

"Yup."

He just shook his head with a smile.

"Okay."

Tyler looked at his numbers.

"Okay. THIS is gonna be a doozy. I had 300 Strength, 388 Defense, 400 Stamina, 450 Vitality, 220 Magic, 200 Agility, 200 Dexterity, 220 Mana, 210 Magical Defense, 500 Intelligence. I got the Perk Monster Bane that added Increases Strength, Defense, Agility, Dexterity, Vitality, and Stamina by 100. So 400 Strength, 488 Defense, 500 Stamina, 550 Vitality, 320 Magic, 300 Agility, 300 Dexterity, 320 Mana, 310 MAgical Defense. Now I have the boost from the title of 150 to everything. 550 Strength, 638 Defense, 650 Stamina, 700 Vitality, 470 Magic, 450 Agility, 450 Dexterity, 470 Mana, 460 Magical defense, 650 Intelligence. Now the 300 points I have leftover. I'll slap enough into Magic, Agility, Dexterity, Mana and Magical defense for 500 across the board. So 30, 50, 50, 30, and 40. That leaves an even 50. Into Strength for 600 Strength. So I have 600 Strength, 638 Defense, 650 Stamina, 700 Vitality, 500 MAgic, 500 Agility, 500 Dexterity, 500 MAna, 500 MAgical defense, 650 Intelligence. EVERYTHING is within 100 points of everything. Good."

He hit apply and sat back as Asuna looked at him.

"NO more battles until we've closed the gap."

"Absolutely. I'll just spend some time with Seria. Right now my coin is 3,281,188. Watch. I'll upgrade my gear with the lisk...and blow all my gold."

They chuckled at that possibility and Belfast sat beside him now.

"You know what I am going to say."

He chuckled sheepishly.

"Seria asked me to proof myself. So I KINDA HAD TO."

She sighed.

"I understand. But a DRAGON? what was it's level?"

"50?"

"If you continue to take such extreme risks and engage in such stupidly suicidal escapades, Tyler, one day your luck WILL run out and you will get somebody you care about killed."

He smiled ruefully.

"I'll be more careful, Belfast."

She nodded.

"Good. And you DID make it look EXTRAORDINARLIY easy."

"I'm used to having to look for weakpoints like that. Plus it was an instant kill when I pierced the skin."

Belfast smiled at his shrug.

"I suppose you had a plan."

"I DID. But then I realized it wasn't needed. Was gonna make it dizzy from me swinging around it since it turned it's NECK, not it's BODY to look at me. Move fast enough and it'd LITERALY tangle itself. Snakes do it all the time when eating or shedding skin."

"Ah. I see."

Erwin chuckled as the eye turned to the next fight as the body of the drakolisk was removed.

"So THAT is how the council works. And he heeds their words."

Tyler chuckled at that before he noted Seria waving. The Berserker swung off t heed the call of his Princess and she smiled.

"I'm tired."

"Sure."

The pair left the arena and he carried her in his arms as he swung through the air. The pair returned to their room and she smiled as he kissed her.

"I love you too, Tyler."

He held her tightly and she had a proud smile as they stood on her balcony.

"That drakolisk made me nervous."

"Sorry."

She shook her head with a smile.

"It's okay. I've never seen it close up like that. Then when i remembered YOU were fighting I immediately thought, huh. what's his plan THIS time? I didn't think for a SECOND you'd lose. and you didn't."

He smild at her faith and held her tighter.

"I'd NEVER lose with YOU watching, Seria."

She smiled.

"I know. You'd never leave me alone like that."

His eyes flashed at her words and she squeaked as he pulled her closer with a notebook out behind her back to jot something down.

"Um."

"Had an idea."

"You're weird."

"You're marrying me. HOW normal are you?"

She sighed at that as he put the book away and kissed her.

"Fair enough. So you're taking a break?"

"WITH YOU."

"Yay!"

He kissed her and the pair hopped into the pool. There they snuggled up in the heated water enjoying the peace. Metalica appeared with Yui in tow and the two tiny ladies were quick to drop into the pool as well. Yui was in a cute little two piece made from frills while Metalica was naked and flaunting it. Tyler chuckled as Yui blushed at the sights.

"Relax Pixel. Asuna'd kill me."

The tiny pixie giggled as she sat on Seria's boob in the water. The level being perfect for her to soak up to the neck.

"Yup! So be nice!"

"extortionist."

"Yup!"

Seria giggled at the feeling of Yui on her boob.

"She's sooo CUTE!"

Tyler chuckled as he kissed her.

"She sure is. And she's got some neat tricks too. Right, Yui?"

The tiny pixie smiled proudly.

"Yup! I can control emotions like Metalica does iron!"

The iron sprite chuckled as they looked at her.

"Yui's Proficency is Harmonizer. She can touch your emotions and control like them directly. I'm teaching her how to use it and NOT be cruel or irresponsible. She's leveled up ten times already."

Tyler chuckled.

"Makes sense. Pixies and Sprites level differently."

"That and her very existence is gained experience as she flexes her power like I to my grey glow. So is a constant experience grind."

Tyler chuckled as Yui got a hand hug from Seria, making her glow. The four of them relaxed in the pool for a bit before Jerial came in with their dinner and Tyler made sure Yui cleaned uo before eating. Much to EVERYONE'S amusement. Seria smiled knowingly.

"Scares the hell out of you, eh?"

Tyler chuckled as Yui sat beside him.

"I DID learn a few tricks from my grandmother before she went."

"GOOD."

Yui grew to her small girl size and Tyler patted her fondly, making her blush with a happy giggle. Metalica was by Seria and once fed they laid in bed together. Yui snuggled RIGHT up between Tyler and Seria and sighed with a smile.

"There! Perfect!"

The pair chuckled as they looked at the epecially smug Yui. Tyler ran a soft hand over her belly....tickling the poor girl.

"Look at the stones on HER? Trying to come between me and my wife? You got some nerve little lady."

Yui was giggling helplessly before the tickle and Seria nodded with her own tickle punishment,

"She DOES seem to think she is some ENTITLED little princess! Coming between me and my HUSBAND? That is ONE bridge too far little lady. YOU will be VERY intensely punished!"

Metalica was in her human size as the lovers punished the little invader with tickles and the iron sprite watched with a fond smile.

"If that's how they treat their FRIENDS' kid? I can only imagine how they'll treat their own."

Yui had tears in her eyes from laughing and Tyler smiled as he settled beside her.

"I guess another girl DID come between us, Seria."

The princess smiled as she wrapped an arm around a now fallin asleep Yui's waist.

"I guess so. I think I can let this one go."

Tyler smiled as he pulled them close.

"She IS really freakin cute."

"And WARM too."

Metalica shrank to the same size as yui to snuggle beside her and the pixie wasted no time in grabbing the iron sprite like a sister. Tyler smiled.

"I got a photo. Night girls. I love you."

Seria smiled as she settled.

"Night, Tyler. I love you too. Night girls. I love you too."

A WELL DESERVED BREAK FOR THE BERSERKER.

DAY 52.

SUNDAY.

GOLD: 3,281,188.

BLOODOATH GOLD: 105,988,653

Tyler woke the next morning with a weight on his chest. He opened his eyes to see Yui asleep on his chest with her little arms around his neck and her face pressed into his chest. Seria had Metalica cradled to her bust like her mother and Tyler smiled as he stroked Yui's soft black hair.

"Morning Daddy."

"Morning Lil Bits."

She squeaked at TYLER'S voice greeting her sleep addled greeting and she looked up with HUGE grey eyes to see him smiling at her....as she lay on his chest.

"Hi. YOU look comfy."

She gulped and he hugged the freaking out girl.

"It's fine, Yui."

She deflated from relief and hugged him.

"You're REALLY comfy Unca Berserker!"

He chuckled at that as Seria opened a sparkling blue eye with a smile.

"So you went from DADDY, to UNCLE. And seem FINE?"

"She's not MY kid."

"Ah. Now that IS terrifying."

Metalica woke with a yawn.

"Mornin. Was kinda comfy pretendin to be a runt again."

Tyler patted her and she smiled.

"And that felt REALLY good. I think I'll keep it."

"Sure thing, Metalica."

Yui was happily nestled into his neck and Tyler held her tightly as she resembled a koala bear and him her eucypelitus tree. A sight that made Seria go

"Awwww!"

She got a photo and Yui blushed.

"Um."

"Asuna's gonna interrogate us anyway."

"Mommy's scary when pissed though!"

"Soooo don't piss her off."

"But she ALWAYS pissed!"

They laughed at that solid point and Metalica smirked.

"Just blame THAT guy."

Yui blinked.

"Oh. Yeah. I forgot he's guilty to her by default. Kay! I'll blame him for how comfy to sleep with he is!"

Tyler sighed and looked at a laughing Seria.

"And THAT was I set up for murder. By a CUTIE with a VERY tempermental redheaded mother. GREEEEEAT."

They laughed and cleaned up in the pool. Though Yui squealed as he did her hair up for her liek Seria's. which made the princess chuckle.

"Okay, Tyler. THAT is SOOOO CUTE!"

He chuckled at that as Yui's black tresses shimmered like black grass in a gentle wind. They had breakfast together and Tyler kissed his wife lovingly as Metalica and Yui shrank down to sit on his shoulders.

"I'll see you later, Seria."

"I'll be waiting."

Tyler headed to the dining hall and took his place at the middle of the head table...and Asuna appeared like magic with a smirk to sit beside him.

"So. YUI was last seen going into YOUR chest. Sweetie....WHO DID YOUR HAIR?"

Asuna finally noticed Yui's black lockes and how they shimmered. The tiny pixie blushed happily.

"Unca Berserker did! He's REALLY comfy to sleep on Mommy! should try it!"

Asuna looked at Tyler in mild awe and mild anger in equal parts and Metalica chuckled.

"They are like SUUUUUPER cute together."

She showed her a photo of the pair asleep and she had no choice but,

"awww! Oh my god that is ADORABLE! wow Tyler."

The Berserker chuckled as he patted the tiny pixie.

"She's sweet."

Yui beamed.

"HE'S warm AND comfy! New favorite bed! Oh. He's good with hair too."

Asuna chuckled at that before she smiled apologetically at the warrior in black.

"Sorry."

"I get it. even IF she finally did what NO WOMAN can say they can."

Her smile died and became a thin smirk.

"And WHAT is that?"

"Got between me and Seria."

"HA!"

She laughed at the image and his dry tone as Metalica showed her the photo.

"OOh that is too cute!"

Tyler smiled as he sipped his coffee.

"I may be scared of what our OWN kids are gonna be like, but let's not forget I was nearly GOT by a halfling that could pass for her sister."

She chuckled.

"Fair enough."

"So, any news?"

"Kouki's been in the arena all night.....and has been on the recieving end of NUMEROUS attacks. I think this one is a little beyond us."

Tyler nodded.

"Yeah i think so too. I think...this one calls for a more specialized touch."

He looked at Metalica.

"Soo I need a FAVOR."

She blinked.

"Okay. Shoot."

"Can you merge with his soul TEMPEROALLY and make him see a five sense illusion of the ones he loves MOST in the situation I have?"

She blinked.

"Easily.....OOOH."

"Yeah something's gotta give. Either he'll snap entirely an KILL his enemy...OR his mind will go and he'll relapse to infancy."

Metalica smiled.

"You can count on me boss."

"I owe you a favor."

"ONE spaday like you do Seria."

"Yeeah that's not really my call."

"fair enough. I'll ask. if NOT, then the backup is you let me see what's in that vault in the back o your soul."

He looked her dead in the eye.

"STAY. AWAY FROM THAT THING. PROMISE me you will NEVER go near it under ANY circumstances. ARE WE CLEAR?"

The iron sprite blinked at the sudden icy seriousness in his eyes, heart, and soul.

"What is inside that?"

"STAY AWAY FROM IT. TRUST ME. If yuo call yourself a friend a mine, FORGET IT EXISTS. NOW."

Metalica nodded without breaking eyecontact.

"Okay. I will NEVER go near it. it was uncovered by my forge's heat annd it's ICE COLD. It freaks me out."

"Consider for a moment what that means. There is something inside my soul, that TERRFIES you....LOCKED behind a steel vault."

The sprite did.....and shuddered before going resolute.

"I will lock that section off as best I can. Yui."

The tiny pixie looked at her.

"What? It's just a monster."

Tyler looked at her sharply and she squeaked.

"I can sense what's behind it. I can feel emotions remember?"

"Did you touch the door?"

"No. It's scary near that thing."

"GOOD. DON'T."

"I'm not."

Metalica looked at her.

"I'll move my forge. That area is not RESTRICTED."

Asuna poked him.

"BEFORE I send up a flare....WHAT is inside that vault?"

Tyler sighed and EVERYONE in the room, looked at him in mild nerves as he gripped his mug.

"MY shadow."

A mass gulp was had and Asuna nodded.

"we will let this die....so long as tell me EXACTLY what that is."

"A monster. You didn't REALLY think I could go through all I did....and NOT have ANY reaction? OR severe tramua? Okay. Imagine all the pain, hate, rage, dark thoughts, EVERYTHING EVIL that has ever gone through you contained into half of what you are and it becomes sentient."

Asuna nodded.

"Seria? Does she know?"

"NO ONE knows. That thing can never see the light of day here. with MY power and MY ability? It would LITERALLY KILL US ALL. and not even HESTIA at the HEIGHT of her power could scratch it."

He sipped his coffee.

"remember. There is a REASON I call myself a monster. And it is behind that door."

"What door, dear?"

Belfast had walked in and picked RIGHT up on the extremely tense atmosphere and Tyler's dark modd as he sought to rebury the vault door in his soul. Metalica looked at her.

"I found the vault."

Belfast blinked as she sat down.

"Which vault?"

"The vault in his soul. The EVIL one."

"Oh dear. so it DOES exist? What is on the other side."

"Let this one lay Belfast."

Tyler's voice was full of dark knowledge and unsettling knowing. She looked at him.

"If I refuse?"

"You risk setting of a monster that I have NO control over.....and would HAPPILY rape you to death and then torture everyone in this room, INCLUDING SERIA, until she died of her wounds. And it would last for YEARS. LET IT GO."

He gritted his teeth as the door rattled.

"GET back in there you sonvabitch. I WARNED you would NEVER see the light of day again. DO NOT push me."

The sheer HATEFUL DETERMINATION now POURING off the Berserker made EVERYONE jump back ten feet. Then Tyler shivered and let out a long, slow breath. with the breath the feelings of hatred and utter EVIL seeped back into his soul as the door was resecured and reburied. Then he shivered.

"Alright. I got it."

Metalica whistled.

"I will get to work on a fresh wall with all of my power. Yui, you too."

"Kay!"

The two fairies dove into his chest and Belfast nodded.

"Seria must be warned, Tyler. If it gets loose?"

"I'd slit my throat before it got CLOSE. But very well. There IS a tell for when it's gettign there."

He looked at Belfast.

"If you start to see my eyes go BLACK, instead of red, RUN. DROP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND RUN. And DO NOT look back."

She nodded without breaking eyecontact.

"Can it be cured?"

"No. Since it is literally HALF of everything I am, and a PIECE of my soul. roughly 65% of my entire being is locked away inside it. Let THAT sink in."

erwin frowned at that.

"Tyler. You CAN'T keep it sealed forever. NO ONE, not even YOU, can carry that kind of weight forever before SOMETHING breaks. What do we do?"

The Berserker sighed as he sat back.

"I don't know. I created it myself. It was SUPPOSED to protect most of who I was from the pain of my world but then it evolved from just HOW MUCH of it there was. when it came to life I killed no fewer then thirty people and had to be taken down with a tranq gun. Since my hometown is a near warzone...no one cared. It's escaped a few times. every time, it's a massecre that I have ZERO recollection of. But the piles of bodies are EASILY FIFTEEN FEET TALL."

They nodded and Hestia walked up to him now.

"I can reach it with what power I have left. I can do this much."

She pressed a hand to his chest and he shivered at the NEW warmth flooding his soul.

"wow."

"Yeah Metalica's warmth is more like molten metal. Mine's just straight warm."

"Huh. I like hers better."

Hestia chuckled as the vault was encased in her Sacred Flame for added sealing.

"There. It's residual influence is reduced as well. I were at full power I could EXTRACT IT like a tumor, still inside the vault. Then i could toss it into the void. I'll ask a friend a mine for a favor."

"Aphroria?"

"Yup! She LOVES her new name! Oh. YOU sly bastard."

"NOT a word."

She smiled knowingly.

"PERHAPS I can be persuaded."

He patted her and she went BEAT RED.

"There. ONE blush paid in full."

She turned around and walked away in the face of THAT smug arrogance. Belfast smiled wryly around her class.

"Hilarious.....and NEVER use it again."

"Sure. can't tell ya how long I been wanting to use it on someone."

The rest of the heroes walked in and they were brought up to speed on Tyler's darkside and the tell. Rias nodded.

"So THAT'S what I've been sensing. I could just feel the SLIGHTEST leak of pure evil coming from him but for the life I could not find it's source."

He shuddered then and RATHER violently too. Asuna looked at him as he started shaking.

"You good?"

He looked at his chest wide eyed.

"what the hell are those little idiots DOING in there?"

MEtalica poked her head out covered in dust and grease.

"We're WORKING. Shut up."

And she was gone. and the shaking started again. He looked at Asuna and she busted up laughing at his bemused expression. Then he swapped his coffee for some good, cold, WHISKEY.

"OOOOh I need a FUCKING drink!"

He filled a glass, mixed it with coffee and shotgunned the entire thing. His body shaking intensely as the Berserker looked at the laughing redhead.

"Soo. Metalica will see to Kouki."

asuna nodded as she refocused.

"We'll do more grinding runs. Level cap for the day is 10. Highest jump was to 6 and that was by Hajime."

"Makes sense. I'll be bopping around and watching from the stands with Seria. Once we're all within 3 levels again we'll plan the next trip."

She nodded.

"Agreed."

"Alright. Knights...BREAK."

They went to their tasks and the Berserker went to see Seria. he found his princess seated happily on her throne and she smiled.

"Silent Sphere."

He sighed and her mother lifted an eyebrow. The Seria faced him.

"The vault."

He nodded and she sighed.

"And your excuse this time?"

"I completely forgot it existed."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"I do."

Her voice was full of razors now.

"WHY?"

He sighed.

"Because I buried this demon years ago. Like I kept telling you, I fought them off years ago. It's buried ands NEVER coming back. So let it STAY buried."

She looked at him.

"IS it buried?"

He frowned at her tone now and looked her DEAD in the eye....

"YOU sneaky FUCK."

He stabbed her in the heart with a FEROCIOUS force.

"GIVE ME BACK MY WIFE!"

Seria screamed in agony....before she shattered into a thousand pieces and ANOTHER seria was dumped into his arms covered in a sticky slime. Mylissia was INSTANTLY BERSERK!

"DOPPELHUNT NOW!"

Seria coughed awake before smiling sweetly.

"Surprise! You found me!"

He smield with such relief at seeing her unharmed she had a tear fall. Then she kissed him.

"It jumped me in the hall. Don't worry. I'm okay. And it didn't do anything to me. I SWEAR."

He deflated from relief again and she smiled,

"And you figured it out in seconds. MOTHER was beside me for about an hour now....and was even suspicious. WOW MOM."

Mylissia smiled sheepishly as the city was thrown into chaos.

"Sorry, sweetie. I can't find what i'm not looking for."

Tyler chuckled at that one as the rest of the heroes came running and he looked at Rias.

"I need you to unsuppress your demonic aura. Focus it like you're flexing as HARD as you can. a doppel got Seria. She's fine."

The redhead nodded as she took in a deep breath....and a RED PULSE exploded from her body to enshroud the entire city in a red hue of her immense power. INSTANTLY a mass of two toned screaming was heard as more lesser demons realized just WHOSE territory they had pissed in uninvited. Rias smirked as her hair floated from her flex.

"I count five. 2 doppels, 1 lesser sloth, 1 lesser misery, one lesser anguish. BOW to your PRINCESS."

Mylissia just looked at Tyler in utter shock and he smirked at her.

"I told you she was the Princess of Hell. Here? If her power were restored in FULL? She'd be stronger then the strongest archdemon of pride. Like it would be a SHADOW compared to HER. Akeno is NEARLY at her level too."

Seria whistled.

"Wow. YOU'RE gushing."

"Seria. It's RIAS for fuck's sake."

"Fair enough."

A few minutes later Rias nodded and her power faded.

"They fled back to hell.....and are never coming back. Oh. I know who summoned the doppel Tyler."

He looked at her and she smirked.

"Diaxor?"

"NO surprisingly. "

"Kouki?"

"No. It;d FIT but no."

"Is it anyone I know?"

"Hmm-hm."

"Victoria?"

EVERYONE blinked and Rias shook her head wide eyed.

"Um. NO. It was that noble?"

She jabbed a thumb at one of the nobles Tyler had threatened at swordpoint when he killed Secor. he blinked.

"Oh."

Asuna looked at him quizzically.

"WHY would you suspect VICTORIA?"

"Because she would be the perfect plant?"

"Ummmm. Okay. Nope. Her."

Tyler looked at Mylissia and she smiled.

"I can handle this. YOU saved the Princess. And in so doing...EARNED A BOON."

He smiled and she chuckled.

"What is the idea?"

"A grand ball. for ALL the heroes, city nobles, QUEENDOM NOBLES, and yeah."

She blinked and he passed her a book.

"And it'll be scheduled....for AFTER we return from our latest trip."

Mylissia looked at the book and smiled widely.

"I see the puzzle is nearing completion. Very well. To be honest we kinda NEED something to celebrate."

Seria looked at Tyler...

"do you even know HOW to dance?"

He smiled and swept into a flourishing bow before her.

"Shall I demostrate, MY WIFE?"

She smiled and took his hand.

"Absolutely!"

she squeaked then as he pulled her RIGHT into the waltz and they were moving around each other like water around a curvy river. There was no music to be heard....yet they were keeping perfect time to the music of their own hearts with not a SINGLE misstep or move. seria had a happy smile as her fiance twirled her with grace and EXTREME Dexterity while he moved from motion to motion and form to form with a grace that was simply hypnotic. Belfast smiled as she saw his footwork and seria's.

"So THAT is why he put so many points into his agility and dexterity."

Rias chuckled.

"Some of his moves are VERY advanced. HE is leading HER and she is responding cleanly. Makes you wonder how long he's been planning."

Asuna whistled as Seria was lifted up, spun, and planted on back on her feet still in perfect step.

"wow. Since when the hell is HE a professional dancer?"

Tyler chuckled as he pulled Seria close.

"Would you believe me if i said I was once an actor?"

Seria blinked and so did the rest.

"really?"

"Yeah. Despite it's hellhole stand, my home town had a RATHER thriving theatrical scene. I got cast as a few roles...and found it fun. I like showing off and since my personality is ALREADY over the top it fit like a glove. I was never broadway or anything, but I was decent enough they'd throw me a leading role here an there."

Rias smiled.

"Anything we'd know?"

"Hmmm, I've done Romeo and Juliet like three times as Romeo due to fact I can like REALLY into the romantic scenes and gert SUUUPER dramaic too. I've been that guy of mice an men.....not lenny the other guy...GEORGE...I've been George like twice. Annnnnd I am most well known for my UTTERLY unsettling Sweeny Todd, murderous barber. THAT one sells out EVERY time due to just how....CREEEPY I made him out to be."

Belfast smiled.

"I do believe a prefromance is nessecary Tyler."

He chuckled as he soun Seria out of his hands.

"Alright."

He looked at her and dropped RIGHT into a knee before reciding the lines Romeo used from outside Juliet's window with a VERY longing feel and a touch of desperation. Belfast was caught COMPLETELY by surprise by his sudden drop into character before the man of many talents finished the scene and rose.

"Ta-daaah!"

Seria clapped.

"NOW i wanna see the whole thing!"

"Sure. I'll get Metalica to dig the lines and set pieces from my memory banks up."

Mylissia just shook her head.

"NEXT you'll say you can sing a bird from it's nest."

"NOO. BUT."

Rias smirked.

"ROCKSTAR?"

"Yup."

He pulled his notebook and spent a few minutes designing a few sets of instruments and passed them to a smirking Mylissia. She looked and blinked.

"I have never seen such muscial equipment before."

"Get em made to spec....and I'll blow your fucking mind. Specially that electric guitar set."

Hajime smirked.

"Hey tough guy. Gotchya covered."

Tyler looked as the other man in black tossed him a 4 foot flying V axe.

"Damn dude."

"Channel your mana into it like a spell. And SHOW me whatchya got."

"HA! Amp?"

"Built in amp and whammy bar."

Tyler flicked the string and smirked as the sound echoed in the throne room.

"Ohhh this is gonna be good."

He walked to the exact center of the throne room and smiled at an excited Seria.

"THIS song was ORIGINALLY supposed to be sung by a woman...but I think I can make it work."

He tuned the guitar...and then slammed out the bars for Innocent of D. Seria and the natives were BLOWN AWAY by the heavy sounds and slamming drums from the enchanted axe and Metalica appeared from his soul with Yui and both girls covered in soot. Metalica whistled as the sounds echoed off the stone walls in a way it was surrounding them.

"Damn dude. Rock on."

Tyler smiled as he finished the song and bowed to a WILD applause from everyone.

"Thank you, thank you. I'm rusty as hell though."

Seria squeaked.

"But that was awesome!"

"My fingers aren't used to moving like anymore."

"Ah. More please!"

"Ha. I'll do one more. THEY have to get to work."

She beamed and Tyler ran through his archives until he smiled.

"That works. I'll do a solid violin OST.....YOURS to be exact, Rias."

The redhead blinked and Seria smirked.

"WHY does she have her own song?"

"She's a character."

"OOOOH. OWWIE. Cool!"

He swapped to violin sounds and pulled a small rod from the arm and set it to his chin and the sounds of a VERY mournful yet elegant violin orchestra started to play. Rias shivered from the sad overtones and longing overture plus the way the sounds flowed around the room and set EVERYONE to shivering. Tyler had a focused smile as he moved through the notes and Rias found herself utterly captivated by the haunting melody while Seria had to wipe a tear from the the emotions it conjured in her. It felt sad, yet hopeful with an inner line of determination and willful elegance that just enhanced the entire piece. And the girl it was dedicated to personified the mournful tune perfectly as her blood red hair shimmered and her eyes sparkled. The song ended and more applause and he smiled at the shivering redhead.

"The piece's name?"

She smiled.

"What is it?"

Her imperious voice was soft and whispery in the face of the elegant sound she;d just heard.

"for me....LIVE ON."

She shuddered from the feeling in the room and Seria shivered as well.

"wow."

"Yeah hers was intense. Akeno's was pure saxophone."

The purple haired girl smirked.

"Oh now this I have to hear."

"You can later. YOU have grinding to get to."

They groaned and he laughed as he hugged Seria.

"I'll do more for you soon enough, Seria."

"Yay! You are AWESOME!"

Metalica chuckled as she floated over.

"We're not done yet. we KINDA got kicked out from just how your soul was BLAZING just then."

Her and Yui dove back into his soul and he shrugged before he looked at Mylissia. The queen smiled.

"I'll begin the planning for the ball immediately. And ready the puzzle for assembly."

"Thanks Mylissia."

Seria looked at him curiously.

"Puzzle?"

"You'll see soon enough. It's a long term surprise."

"Oh.....okay. I like surprises!"

He kissed her and she smiled happily. Then he looked at the queen.

"So the drakolisk."

She smiled.

"You'd need to order your upgrades from me directly. And pay me directly due to the high costs."

"Is Helia up for this?"

"She IS the best in the city."

"BULLSHIT."

Metalica poked her head out of his chest with a miffed tone.

"I am the best smith in the city."

Tyler smiled.

"YOU are ALREADY doing me a favor, Metalica."

She smiled.

"we're almost done. I'll make your sword, she can make your armor."

"Ugh. FINE."

She beamed smuggly....before he pressed her back into his chest with a finger.

"Back in there ya go, Metalica."

"I hate you."

Tyler then designed a custom armor set for himself and passed them over to Mylissia who nodded.

"The payment is 3,500,000."

He blinked then nodded.

"I'll give you 3.2 RIGHT NOW and be right back."

"I thought you were taking a break, Tyler."

He chuckled at Seria's iron tone.

"And NOW I need some gold. Relax. I'm out for profit."

"And when you have ENOUGH?"

"I'll give you a massage."

"YAY! ALL-LOWED!"

He just walked away chuckling at her smugness.

"I love that fucking girl."

He headed to the coliseum and chuckled as he met Belfast on her way out with Miho's crew. The silver haired Quartermaster smirked as she saw Tyler walked up.

"I see you are going back on your word about rest."

"No, I'm a few gold short for an order."

"Ah. How much?"

"About 300k. Drakolisk is EXPENSIVE to work."

"I see. And the REASON you will not just ASK for it from COMPANY coin?"

He smiled.

"Because I don't need the help when I can make the money myself. NOTHING AGAINST YOU, I just hate owing people money."

That made her chuckle.

"Now that I approve of. I will be watching."

He chuckled at that dark threat as he walked to the board and took some bills for bandits down. 200 for 240k. Then he spotted one that made him tilt his head.

"A Gorgan?"

The attendant chuckled.

"A form of undead, Lord Berserker. Think a banshee that doesn't scream."

"Huh. weird. Reward is 100k. That works."

he took it for a back to back brawl and Belfast smiled thinly.

"dear."

"what? oh come on Belfast. These are fodder. I won't even get halfway to 21."

"YOU are on the CUSP of 21."

"Okay? I go over all progress would just stop anyway. and I'm more after the gold then anything this time."

"IS that ALL?"

"I'd place bets but I kinda can't."

She sighed.

"FINE."

He chuckled and walked into the arena as the announcer also chuckled.

"Ladies and Gentlmen....LOOOOORD BERSERKER! Seems he owes some money for a new drakolisk sword.....seems SOMEONE forgot to tell him it was expensive!"

They laughed and Tyler chuckled as he cracked his neck.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up people. I'm out for money this time....DON'T BLINK."

That made them smirk and Tyler then noticed Kouki on the ground in a corner writhing as Metalica appeared behind him for his hellscape illusion. The cages for the bandits rose and the 200 were released.

"Rapid slash, tempest, double cut, double force, ghost cut, frozen wastes, magical rebuff.....BOO."

He vanished from sight for a split second before reappearing behind the pack of bandits without a drop of blood on him or his sword. The entire arena was very confused as Tyler stood tall and hung his sword un his back. when the sword clanked he snapped his fingers without looking and the bandits...all 200 of them...collasped into VERY neatly diced cubes before a RUSH of wind tore through the spot and the blood spattered all over the ground. Asuna blinked as she looked at Kirito beside her.

"The power difference is THAT EXTREME? OH MY GOD."

Tyler chuckled as he looked at the mush that been the bandit company.

"I told you. DON'T BLINK."

Kirito sighed.

"Oh come on. Let the REST us be badass too!"

The bandits were left to mush as th last opponent rose from the floor and Strand blinked at the glowing yellow eyes and snake like hair.

"A gorgan? THIS far north? How odd."

Asuna looked at her.

"Like a medusa?"

"exactly. it's gaze petrifies all they look it in the eye. why would he take such a risky fight?"

They looked as Tyler held his sword up and reflected it's gaze back into it's eyes. Asuna smiled as it petrifed itself.

"Because it's not a threat. Makes sense."

The creature crumbled to dust and Tyler walked out as the crowd were mildly disappointed by the tame battle and Tyler waved.

"I don't play when I'm on the clock."

They sighed at that valid point and he went to the collection booth.

"Alright. when you get serious....everything just turns to mush."

Tyler collected his 350k and returned to the palace where he paid Mylissia the 3,500,000 gold for his armor. She smiled.

"It'll be 6 days."

"I'll see Helia before then."

"She'll come here to present her work to the queen for verification of quality due to the extreme cost. it;s that type of deal."

"Oh cool."

Tyler kissed Seria and she pouted.

"Those fights sucked."

"Ha. I was WORKING."

"Boo. They were BORING."

"You are insanely cute when pouting."

She giggled and he patted her.

"Shall i go pick ANOTHER fight?"

"NO! WE ARE RESTING!"

"Okay okay. Jesus lady you don't need to deafen me. Come on."

She smiled sweetly as they went up to their room and Mylissia sighed with a smile.

"Those two."

Seria groaned as her fiance rubbed the muscle relaxant into her narrow back with a loving pressure as she lay naked on their bed. Tyler smiled as he rubbed her lovely body and the oils into her soft skin.

"I love you, Seria."

"I love you too, Tyler."

She sighed as he worked her over until he let her foot go.

"Roll over now."

"Kay."

She flipped and he got to work on her arms. Her boobs made her moan and he ate her out to a squeaking orgasm as he moved down her body. Then the pair laid together in the bed. Seria rested her head on his chest and he stroked her long blue hair soothingly. Metalica popped out of his chest with a smile and a tired Yui. The iron sprite was clean and so was her pixie friend as the pair rested on their naked friend's chest. Metalica smiled.

"I reworked my forge to burn the evil from the vault as fuel. It'll slowly wear it down until it LITERALY sucks it to death. So don't be alarmed if you're a little warmer then usual."

He looked at her curiously.

"And the SEAL?"

"Incorporated. I REALLY wanna make something since my forge is burning hotter then ever. I'll get the scales from the queen and go from there. Since I can see your heart directly, I know the perfect design already."

"Thanks Metalica. Why'd you need yui's help?"

"She redirected the feelings of hate and anger AWAY from my jobsite when I pierced the seal for the funnel. Don't worry she's fine. It's what she was born for."

"I thought she was a navigation pixie?"

"She is. She has two abilities."

"Oh. Okay."

Tyler shrugged at that as he relaxed with the girls.

He woke a few hours later to find he'd fallen asleep with them. Metalica and Yui were still in their fairy size and were happy cuddled together on his chest with Seria asleep on his arm. he smiled at their warmth and the feeling of Seria in his arm as he looked out a window and noted it was getting dark out. Jerial walked in with their dinn er and she smiled as Seria sat up yawning.

"Oh damn not again."

Tyler chuckled as he kissed her.

"We were comfy."

"Yeah, yeah. I mean it's nice an all but yeah."

He chuckled at that as the sleeping fairies on his chest woke as well. The group fed well on drakolisk meat and some light wine before they laid back in bed. Tyler smiled as Seria snuggled Yui between them and Metalica snuggled on her chest.

"Night, Seria. I love you."

"Night, Tyler. I love you too. Night girls!"

"Night!"