Chapter 4

Michael was not placed in one of the guild's reserve rooms this time.

He was in a jail cell. It was a clean jail cell through. One of those small one that looked like they were for people in a timeout, than being punished for a crime. Heck, he could even see the door city of the building he was in, the city guard office, so it's not like he was stuck in an isolated place.

This better not become a pattern though, or I'll have to seriously consider actually using that Intimidation Skill. He thought. He looked lock on the door and sighed. It would be just so easy to unlock it...No. Just be patient, it will work out. 

Michael thought about his situation, and considered he might have to take some time to build a good reputation in Axel, rather than just go on his own, with Aqua following along.

There is also that masochistic Crusader. Might as well actually talk to her this time.

The door to the knight's building opened and Sena passed through. All to quickly, they went to a small room with a stenographer for another interrogation.

"Hello again, Miss Sena."

"Adventurer Michael Chaser," she answered with a nod. "I have to say I never had to question someone twice in as many days."

"Yeah, I aim to...in this case I don't wanna impress." He steepled his fingers against his stomach and just leaned back in his chair.

"Understandable." Sena replied, and placed the magic bell on the table between them. "I suppose we should just clear any misunderstandings right away. Are you alive?"

"...Yes." The sheer humorless look he gave her, had Sena shuffling in place.

"I'm sorry, I know you had adventurers with Healing or Holy Magic verify your mortality and--"

"I've have no less than 32 magic users of varying occupations, cast Turn Undead, Heal, Purification, Exorcism, six threw Holy Water in my face, two tried to convert me to the Eris Cult which prompted Aqua to go into a rage--"

"Ah, so that's what the bar fight was about." Sena muttered, as the more Michael spoke the more she shrunk in on herself.

"--And one bitch cast Smite at me." Sena paled at Michael's calm smiling face.

"Um, Adventurer Michael, if you wish to press charges then--"

"Oh no," Michael's smile grew more sinister. "I'll be the bigger man and--"

Bing.

"--The second I walk out of here, I will find that smug whore's face and punch it enough times that she'll need reconstructive surgery."

The bell didn't ring.

"Uh, Ad-Adventurer Michael," if there was one thing that unnerved Sena it was how upon the bell ringing, he transitioned to saying exactly what harm he planned to bring on that one stupid Priest, without changing his expression or being bothered of the truth bell putting him on the spot. "The attempt to do harm to another adventurer would be a crime, and since you confessed to that, we...would...have to bring you in and--"

"Not if I beat the crap out of her outside of Axel." Michael said with an even tone, no longer smiling.

"...We do not have jurisdiction outside of Axel, but, well..." Sena looked away uncomfortable.

Michael sighed as she pinched the bridge of his nose, before looking at the woman just doing her job with a bit more gentleness.

"Miss Sena," she looked up, relieved to see his no longer silently angry gaze. "I am a bit pissed off, but I'm not going to kill that girl, once I calm down, likely even the want to knock her lights out would fade."

The bell did not ring. Thankfully. Sena thought while sighing in relief.

"I see. I'm glad for your self-control, Mr. Michael. I understand that it had been a difficult few days--" Bing. "--Very inconvenient and difficult two days--dammit is this thing pedantic--and I am thankful for your cooperation thus far." She bowed her head.

"Please, please, Miss Sena, raise your head." She did so to see a kind smile that set her at ease, and maybe looked a bit charming on the usually sarcastic looking Dark Paladin. "Look, this situation with my Job is obviously unusual for everyone involved, both for me and the people of Axel. So some discomfort and growing pains is expected. Once I show people that I'm like any other adventurer, just someone helping out and on their side, this whole panic around me will hopefully end."

"That's," Sena found his smile infectious. "Yes, that's a very positive attitude to have. I'm sorry once more that you had to go though this, so to finish up this questioning for good, are you an ally of the Demon King of any kind."

"No, I am a living Human without any demonic influences, and I'm not an ally of the Demon King." Said Michael, there was no ring.

"Very well," Sena let out a breath, as she could finally end this interrogation (and go back to her "secret" novels). "Then we are done. Thank you for your time, Michael Chaser."

Sena as stood up along with her co-worker to collect their things and leave, Michael spoke.

"Say Miss Sena, I hoping you could do me a favor." Michael said as he stood up, getting the prosecutor's attention again. Now that the questioning was over, what they were talking about was off the record, just something between two people, rather than a prosecutor and a suspect.

"What kind of favor?" Sena's eyes narrowed.

"The thing is, it is obvious that people will keep jumping to conclusions about me as long as they think of me as the 'Scary Dark Paladin'." Sena nodded in understanding. "So, I was wondering if there were jobs that the city guard would need help with, or thing that usually they would rather delegate." Sena widened at the unexpected request. "Yes, I know that being an adventurer on it's own help as part of the economy of the city, but I am wonder if there was something I could be helpful with to prove my goodwill."

"Ah, I see." Sena held her chin as she looked thoughtful. "There are some jobs around Axel like construction work that show you being helpful, as for the city guards, their errands tend to take them away from their patrols, so having someone do a few of them, would be helpful." She explained. "However, do note that such work tends to have little to no pay, are you sure you would want to go through with something like that."

"I can just do a kill quest early in the morning, then come help out at noon. So money isn't the issue. Also, since this town is my new home, it would make more sense to try and make it amicable to live in, no?" Michael shrugged.

Sena smiled. "That is a very good mindset to have. If only other adventurers adopted it." Her lips scowled in confusion as something occurred to her. "Um, Mr. Micheal, you do realize that finish kill quests would take a lot of time and energy, it would be better to take a day off if you decide to run errands for the city guards."

"Really?" Michael raised and eyebrow and tilted his head. "I finish a 'Kill 5 Giant Toads' quest this morning."

"...Um, what?"

"Yeah it didn't take that much time to be honest. Kinda lucky that mating season for the toads is around, because it's easy to find them, albeit my party member and I had to walk a bit outside the city, to find a group of them. But there was a lot, so we got five quickly."

Bing.

Michael gave the bell a dry look.

"I got the five, Aqua was there mostly to heal me if something happened."

"If...you don't mind me asking, and you obviously can refuse as this is a personal curiosity than anything, but may I see your Card."

"Sure." He handed it to her.

Already Level 3. He killed five easily at Level 1? The bell didn't ring, so he really didn't find it a challenge. Don't new adventurers struggle a bit the first time they fight monsters?

Sena handed the Adventurer Card back, before telling Michael that she'll meet him at the guild in a few days, to see what jobs the city guard might have for him.

She really hoped that nothing else happened in the next few days that would land Michael Chaser in jail again.

Or worse, we get to see what happens when he actually fights back.

Yeah, she was telling her colleagues to be more cordial with the Dark Paladin should he be arrested in the future, if he's not resisting. Better not have him grow resentful toward them.

"Oh, one last thing," Michael paused at the office door, half-turned to Sena. "Do you know anything about a Crusader named Darkness?"

===x===

"O' Wrathful Dark Paladin, I've come to--"

"You!" Michael sitting at his table, pointed at Darkness without turning to her, shutting her up. "Chair. Sit. Now." Pointed at the empty seat near Aqua. Darkness jumped like a trained puppy and instantly obeyed. She had a smile so joyful and wide, Michael could easily imagine a dog tail wagging behind her.

Michael and Aqua were back at the guild, sitting down having a very lascivious dinner. A dinner that Aqua used most of their funds on, and even went as far as to buy drinks for everyone. All of this happened for several reasons.

Michael massively, hilariously underestimated how irresponsibly Aqua is with money.

Once Aqua drank one mug, she drank another, and another with no one stopping her, and some even encouraging her.

So, while having a buzz and feel good, Aqua danced, used some of her Party Tricks spells, which got people up in a good cheerful mood, then Aqua added to it but paying everyone's tab for the night.

Her reason for spending so much being "it just happened", after she drank in worry about him, her decent into the mortal world, their future as adventurers, and if the food will taste good. The last worry was alleviated, since the most expensive meals usually tasted good.

On one hand, everyone in the guild was in such a good mood, that upon Michael returning, no one really minded him, and some even greeted him friendly.

On the other, they were practically penniless (well erisless), again, and it was only due to Michael chatting up guild's inn manager who was in a good mood for him and Aqua to rent a room for the night, while paying only half and the second half with extra tomorrow.

So, now the Goddess and the Dark Paladin where enjoying their meals, because after it they literally had no money to eat, or do anything. Michael was mainly just trying not to let his annoying ruin the mood, but Darkness's entrance into the situation was pushing a bit, so he might have treated her a bit rudely.

Michael nearly sighed in exasperation at how happy the Crusader was at his attitude at her.

"So!" Michael said with very loud false cheer. "You have been constantly hunting our party for a while now. How," Michael gritted his teeth, as he growled out the word, which only made Darkness squirm in excitement even more. "May we help you, Lade Crusader?"

"I am called Darkness." She said with the passionate fervor. "My calling is that of a Crusader. A defender of the weak and helpless, standing firm as a shield against wickedness and--"

"Darkness?" Michael asked, amused.

"Ye-No! I mean," she pouted, her face turning red. Michael her words were too smooth, it's likely she practiced that speech quite a lot. Naturally interrupting completely throw her off, and made her forget what she was going to say. "I w-w-wish to join your party, so I may defend this sacred Arch Priest and judge--"

"Okay, we'll have a temporarily contract for a week, which will be rejected in the case of extreme disjointedness in the party. You start tomorrow." Michael said, interrupting her again,

"With my own eyes your nature and take any--What?" Michael could admit that he was relishing how thrown off the Crusader was. "I, t-that's, what vile scheme are you planning!?"

"Well first's things first," Michael turned his gaze to Aqua, who froze mid-drink upon seeing the scowl directed at her. "Someone will be spending quite a lot of time on finance management lessons tomorrow. Can you guess who that is, Aqua?"

"...Me?" She said in a soft hamster tone as she place her mug down.

"Bravo, good girl, Aqua."

"Yaaay~"

"I'll be grading you giving you quizzes and exams, and you're not allowed any alcohol till you pass."

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

A lot of the other people in the guild, leaned away in fear from the Dark Paladin's table, but kept a more focused ear none the less.

"S-s-so it's true! You would act in insidious, vicious manner upon whoever gains your loathing. I-I-In that case I ask that you spare everyone and only--"

"Rejected."

"HMMP!" Darkness flinched back as if struck, and...honestly it looked like she was being whipped or something. In a way that she enjoyed. "Denial play--I mean to be so cruel that you would only focus on those who wronged you, treating them without mercy."

Michael sighed. "Look, Darkness?" He waited till she composed herself. "I think you're making a lot of assumptions, and jumping to many conclusions."

"Then why are you denying me my sweet, sweet happy juice?" Aqua cried out, drinking her mead slowly like it was previous ambrosia.

"Because you spend every eris we made today, that we actually can't afford anything other than sleeping in one of the stables." Some of the adventurers nearby winced, remembering the days when they were forced to do that.

"If it's about money then--" Darkness began.

"No." Only for Michael to put his foot down instantly. "Thank you for the offer, but it was only due to the luck and generosity of the inn manager that we don't have to suffer that tonight." In a way Michael said that to put the guy on the spot, but also so that people would see the manager in a better light. Depending on how the guy saw it, either way it was a win for Michael in the end. "Also with all due respect, we only just met you and we don't know you." Michael half-covered his mouth and grinned. "Thus, because we don't really know you all that well... I mean, for all I know, you want to put us in your debt and then keep placing insane interest on us, making us basically your slaves in all but name, as we struggle to work ourselves to the bone, so you don't sell our bodies for money."

"What? No! I would rather that happen to me! I mean, I wouldn't want that on anyone, but, but, but that's the type of scenario that if anyone should suffer, then, then..." As Darkness struggled to contain her imagination, Michael covered his mouth and shook, struggling to contain his laughter.

"You know, Darkness is right!" Aqua interjected. "You really do hold a grudge."

Michael gave Aqua a questioning look.

===x===

Twinkle Fai Schwanhild was a proud noble of House Twinkle. It was a house that produced many who went down the Cleric Path, and easily gain Advanced Job, or in some cases Rare Jobs.

She had been raised with great expectations upon her, ones that she gladly took up and met. Schwanhild goal in life was to be an Arch Priest, to heal the foolish weak masses, and smite all evil in the world! So that even the Demon King would be purified by her presence!

She was going to become the greatest Arch Priest of them all!

Schwanhild took her last week. She became a Priest. And she had already raised her level all the way to seven, while dragging her pitiful party members with her, so they may gain a drop of her glory by being in her presence.

She had thought her peaceful life in Axel was coming to an end. It was time to journey to other cities near the front line, and TAKE THE FIGHT TO THE DEMON KING!

Alas! The sneaky Demon King sent a Dark Paladin to infiltrate this Beginner Town. It was ingenious when she thought about it. Axel was the birth place of Adventurers. Where the future meatshields to halt the Demon King's Army are forged.

Except the Dark Paladin was stupid enough let himself be discovered. Schwanhild was sure that he would be executed once the city guards took him, tortured and interrogated. Yet...it seemed he was innocent?

He wasn't with the Demon King's Army?

Hmm, how fortune for him. Schwanhild supposed she would give the commoner mercy this once. Honestly he should have done better than to pick such a repulsive Job. No, it doesn't matter that it was the only one listed on his Adventurer Card. He should have quit and become a beggar, or whatever commoners do when they aren't adventurers.

Then news of his death and return as a Revenant started spreading, and Schwanhild readied herself for the fight of her life. The first battle that will mark the start of her Legend!

Except, he didn't fight back.

And he wasn't a Revenant.

And she really should have noticed when multiple people cast Holy Magic at him to no effect.

His glare...well, it made her consider that maybe she was being too harsh with casting Smite. After all, commoner tended to be pathetic and weak.

I mean, he was still standing after I hit him with Smite, so I probably realized his innocent and held back subconsciously. Truly, my inner self is a magnanimous genius. 

However, one of her party member, the Commoner Warrior, warned that one of the Dark Paladin's powers was to grow stronger based on the grudge that hold against their hated foes.

So that's why everyone talks about "grudges". 

But it was fine, right? The Commoner Dark Paladin was still alive, so all was well. She hadn't killed him so he should be grateful to her...r-right?

"You know, Darkness is right!" The Arch Priest said. Hers and the Dark Paladin's table was actually behind them. "You really do hold a grudge."

Thank Eris for this stroke of luck. Schwanhild thought, as she could listen to the Dark Paladin and find out how corrupt he is.

"Me? Hold a grudge? Perish the thought." He said lyingly.

"Bullshit! I know that because of Saber, till this day you hate any woman with blonde hair, blue eyes and is a knight." The Arch Priest Aqua declared.

"W-Wait," the Noble Crusader Darkness spoke, an odd inflection in her tone. "I fit that description."

"Haha, yeah, no, no." The Dark Paladin chuckled evilly. "I'm sorry haha, but you are nothing like Saber." He said, Schwanhild supposed toward the Noble Crusader. "And I don't hate her anymore. Maybe I would needle her if we met, but I won't be jumping mad trying to kill her anymore."

Needle her? That vile villain! Schwanhild can't even imagine what torture one could do with needles. But it must be dreadful.

"What a shame--I mean, it's good not to hold grudges, but it's fine it you hold a bit toward me, I'd understand."

What a noble soul. Schwanhild nearly felt herself cry at Noble Crusader Darkness's righteousness.

"Oi, you make it sound like you'd have preferred that I wasn't mentally sound."

"Wha--Of course not. ...Just if you were angry I would understand."

The Dark Paladin sighed loudly.

"Look," he began speaking. "I don't really form grudges easily. I might get angry, but just as quickly that anger would fade."

A-Ah good...because it would be bad for him to choose me as an enemy. Truly, the Dark Paladin's deposition saved him on this day.

"The only time I would form a grudge is if someone deliberately harmed me or mine in a significant way." The Dark Paladin's tone was even, but...it felt directed.

He...he isn't talking about me, is he? He better not. For his own sake obviously. 

"People who anger or annoy me, I might tease or prank."

"Wait, is that me?" Noble Crusader Darkness asked.

"However to the people who earn my rage, my grudge, well..." He ignored the Noble Crusader, but...

Who...who is he talking about...

Schwanhild...wasn't discomforted by the Dark Paladin's words...but clearly her party members were.

"To someone I would hold a grudge against, why...there is no where in the world that's safe for them."

Someone gulped. Schwanhild thought it was distracting.

"I would chase them down, I would ruin all their hopes and dreams, take away all that they build their image and self-esteem on."

That is...very, obviously evil-like. Clearly the Dark Paladin was speaking in hypotheticals, right? He wouldn't dare try anything in the guild, right?

"I would rip away all their strength, and break them with their weaknesses, faults and insecurities."

H-How vile! Good thing he didn't know I was behind him. 

Schwanhild felt the room as growing hot. They really needed the have better airing in the building.

"I would make all of their worse fears a reality."

Seriously, it's so hot, my ears are burning. Schwanhild wondered as she also noticed that her heart was beating loudly in her chest like she was running a marathon. Not that she would do such a peasant activity. The cold stone in her stomach was making her confused on whether she should drink something hot or cold.

"And when they only see death as release will I give them mercy, give them hope."

Schwanhild's heartbeat was so loud she couldn't hear the conversations around her. She drank her tea, uncaring of it's temperature. Her throat was too parched.

"And that's when I'll kill them."

Someone gulped loudly again. Schwanhild wanted to bash them for making her unable to focus on the conversation behind her. She needed to gather as much information for when she, if she...confronts this villain.

But he doesn't know it's me who hit him with the Smite spell. So my reconnaissance is fine thus far.

"By Eris." Noble Crusader Darkness was rightfully...frightened? Her voice didn't sound scared. Truly she must be one of the bravest knights in all lands. 

"Holy shit, Michael." Arch Priest Aqua called out.

"Relax, relax." The Dark Paladin spoke in his evil cheery voice.

Why was everyone staring behind me? ...Why are they staring at me?

"As I said, that's only for people who truly enraged me. You should know who someone like that is, Aqua."

Footsteps? ...There is someone behind me. Schwanhild wondered who was breathing so loudly. She finally realized it was her.

"But for almost anything else, I tend to be pretty chill, so," a hand landed on Schwanhild's shoulder. Even if it was done with the gentlest of touched, it felt like a Dragon had personally grabbed her to voice it's displeasure.

Slowly Schwanhild turned to see the calm smiling face of the Dark Paladin. "A-a-ahh..."

"That's why I wanted to say that I hold no grudge toward you, Lady Schwanhild. I understand how tense that situation was, thus just like everyone here, I won't hold your actions this morning against you. Let's have a cordial relationship, and fight the Demon King's Army together as fellow adventurers. What do you say?"

For Twinkle Fai Schwanhild the world lost focus and she knew no more.

===x===

As the Priest Schwanhild fainted, Michael eased her to lay her head on her table, and not fall to the floor.

Then he walked back and sat on his chair again.

"You--" Darkness began only for Michael to interrupt her again.

"She just fainted, I didn't use anything on her. No magic, or skill, or item or anything else. The poor kid probably was overwhelmed by my goodwill, she couldn't handle it." Michael said with an innocent smile, as he drank his mead.

"..." Darkness had no words. Actually with the way she was looking at the ceiling, Michael had a disturbing speculation on what was up with the Crusader now. A speculation he refused to follow up on.

"You are seriously scary!" Aqua however did have some words, which all present people in the guild agreed with.